2011 — 25 September: Sunday

These pesky midnights keep on sneaking up on me1 and before you know it, it's time for the next batch of sleep. And me with just two episodes of "Firefly" left. Still, at least the two trees are now off the "things to worry about" list for the next couple of years.

G'night.

Autumn...

... is definitely on its relentless way in. It's cool — a mere 12C on the front porch — moist, and you just know that if you go out for a walk right now you'll see lots of cobwebs covered in dew. I'll settle for a wake-me-up cuppa, thanks, Mrs Landingham. It's 07:48 and the lass on BBC Radio 3 tells me my dilemma tonight is the choice between 'Spooks' and 'Downton Abbey'. I don't think so :-)

Relatively speaking

I have until Wednesday to do some cleaning and tidying hereabouts ahead of the arrival of that rara avis, niece #4. My sister-in-law sent me a photo of her in her RNZAF uniform, back in May 2009. That same photo is on display in dear Mama's room at the care home though she shows no sign of recognising her youngest granddaughter. Well she'll get a chance to refresh her non-existent memory, as Heather will be here with her beau, her brand new engagement ring, and doubtless her NZ-accented brand of bonhomie. They intend to call on the venerable 'gran' as well as the not-quite-so venerable uncle.

Indeed, they should have landed by now. Big Bro told me on Friday "We farewelled them at the airport this evening" on the same day that they were shown said ring. Smart girl, Heather: flash the ring and then immediately head for the far side of the planet just in case there's a poor reaction. Of course, there wasn't, and I'm (almost) sure that wouldn't have been her plan. Still a good one, though :-)

The wonderful...

... Cerys just played a Roxy Music archive recording from a John Peel session in January 1972. Amazing.

But my afternoon listening to this chilling piece on robotic killing reminds me, equally chillingly, of "Ender's Game".

It's now 18:26 and, while my intended evening meal readies itself in the kitchen I've just been out to inspect, and re-spray, the wasps' nest. It more closely resembles a ghost town, I'm pleased to say, though I didn't linger overlong.

What's next...

... Mrs Landingham? I mean, I've just finished "Firefly".

Well, you'd better watch "Serenity" then, hadn't you? Or make another cuppa. It's only 21:48, after all. [Pause] Oops. Side-tracked by the dishes, the plum stewing, and some file editing. And now I'm getting tired. It's 23:44 and I'm calling it a night for the night. G'night.

  

Footnote

1  Here's the next one, already receding into the past.