The sky over Lake Monger today was a riot of light and a mess of colour. Clouds upon clouds, lining up but jostling for space, rainbows peeking out, then hiding again, and all this through gently smattering rain. Running was a joy. The birds, of course, were out in force.

It has been a mad week, lots of work, a little disillusionment, a lot of positive energy, especially towards the end of the week. And the good news is, little Krampusz might go back to his original owners (and become known as Weston again), so that aspect of our break is solved as well.

And now, while I prepare dinner, here is Phillip Adams to keep me company. And speaking of PA, a couple of nights ago, his guest was Ariel Dorfman, a Chilean exiled author and human rights activist who spoke with such gentle wisdom and generosity. They were a great pairing, chatting for an hour. Balm for the gratings of the day.