Wednesday, November 3/2010

Oddly enough, the day begins, technically, with last night's dinner, so to speak. That is, it's past midnight Tuesday when we board and are served our meal. The extra money from this year's fair increase has clearly not been spent on the food - a bland, overcooked penne with chicken and a strange salad involving peas and bits of what looks, but doesn't really taste, like peach. The Cabernet is quite all right, though.

We arrive to mild weather (we wear jackets only because it's easier than carrying them) - and a partial tube strike. But not much hassle with the revised route. Rates at the Welby have risen, though, a hefty 16%. We are supposedly getting an upgraded room, but it looks reasonaably basic - though extremely clean. Full stove, though; not just two burners with a mini oven.

Down to Sainsbury's for a few basics - and the pleasure of a huge range of cheeses. We pick a Stilton, an extra-old cheddar and one identified as Parlick Fell sheep's cheese, lucky to have similar tastes. Also olives, yoghurt, bananas, peanut butter and seeded bread.

The leaves have turned orange and bronze, and we're shuffling through them, but there are plenty of flowers still blooming, including beautifully scented roses.