Today

...has been a strange day for several reasons. Not least, because Robyn set off on her Big Adventure, boarding a plane to Thailand and thence by foot, train, goat, catfish and tuktuk through Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and then on eastwards. She will not be back until the days are long, the sun strong and the BBQ sizzling. Safe journey snazzy daughter - I love you.

John Mortimer has died. Another person who graces my office wall - a newspaper clipping picture showing him working behind his desk at the family home has been an inspiration over the years when I've been stuck for words. Looking at that now, and remembering when I saw him in Norwich, of all places, about 10 years ago, it seems strange that these memories and the wonderful Rumpole and Brideshead will be all I have left. I fear that I shall miss him more than I care to admit to this evening.