Wednesday 29th October 2025

Despite nothing to get up for, I was awake at half four, so soon after Jools got up at five, I did too.

This would mean the day would drag, but there was the final instalment of The Book of Dust to read.

Outside it would rain most of the day, and heavily in the afternoon. So, we wouldn't be going far.

Jools went to a class at ten to eight, leaving me here. So I make breakfast, eat that, empty the bins and wash up, so that by the time Craig came at half eight, we'd not disturb him.

Today, there would be more filling in or holes and trenches, then the electricians would arrive to wire the under-counter lighting. This would take all day, and into early evening.

At midday, after testing Scully for the third time, as her sugars were so low, we drove to Walmer for lunch at the Corner Café.

I found a place to park outside, parallel parking in a rush, but done without jiggling, then dashing inside, where the only free table was behind the counter, and shelving, in what was called "the naughty corner".

Jools has fish finger sandwiches, while I had a cheese toastie. We both then followed that by a cream tea: that is a scone, butter, strawberry jam and clotted cream.

I made two pots of tea vanish over the two courses.

The scones were wonderful, and very filling. So much so we had no dinner, tea or supper.

Back home as the rain began to really hammer it down, turning the early afternoon into a premature evening, needing the lights on to do anything.

In the kitchen, Craig and the electricians carry on working, working until the task is done, then cleaning up the mess they made.

They were done by half five, by which time it was night outside, dark, and a filthy night with rain pouring down, against the side of the house.

We have peanuts and snacks for supper, before I watch Liverpool lose again, to Palace again, 3-0 in the League Cup.