Busy dog, tester and it's now.

1. On the lower cricket ground a biscuit-coloured terrier is running back and forth, circling, sniffing, running again.

2. In the chemist, I spray a perfume tester on to my wrists. I don't particularly like the scent, but all day it reminds me that it's there.

3. I've been waiting all day to go out and now I'm hurrying up the hill to meet a friend for a glass of wine and some comedy.

More red fruit, housework and tired.

1. This week, we received even more final raspberries of the year, and they are also delicious, eaten at the end of supper with the last of the meringues.

2. After supper, I've got time to tidy quickly and without thinking too hard.

3. I am so tired at bedtime that I fall asleep almost straight away.

Syrup, spa afternoon and revision.

1. I didn't realise it until now, but there's a syrup jug on the table with a clever pouring spout to prevent drips. I lace the last of my pancakes freely.

2. 'We're having a spa afternoon,' we say to explain our footbath and towels when Alec and his friend tumble through the front door.

3. At the end of the day, to sit and help my eldest revise for a vocab test.

Planner, feathering and not winning.

1. Marking up a new page on my planner -- I can now see how the week will go.

2. With a certain amount of pride, he shows us the feathered chocolate on his millionaire's shortbread.

3. I get dragged into a game of fairy tales top trumps. The deck must be badly balanced, because no one seems to be able to win. In the end, I concede to Bettany's greater will and accept that I have been defeated.