30 09 2026

 Complex time away. Catastrophic falling house made it to Private Eye - what is happening beggars belief - but still no sign of being allowed to live there. Only news is that the council are rendering a home that the insurance company has called 'without damage' into a building site that we must pay for. The insurers wont.

So, hotels and friends took the brunt of me.

Conference was a huge success, a sell-out, and a hot thang of ideas and info. Very proud to have been involved.

Came home to a rat infestation which Bob has niftily avoided by going to London!! 

Only show I saw was the amazing Anish Kapur and so glad I saw it, however disturbing and uncomfortable it was - and it was, indeed.

Here's a mysterious sign...

08 09 2026

 Off to assess the damage to the London house tomorrow - v frightening - thence to a birthday conference for my dads 100th., Manchester Uni.

I was asked to bring books to flog and of course can't, luggage being luggage - even if I could afford it I haven't the strength to carry it. And non of the conferees will be able to carry books in their return luggage. Allenna suggested a flyer - she's so clever - 

AI did it because I hadn't a clue, and it does the job. 

Conferees can go home and choose books at their leisure. 

And no trees are abused as its print on demand. 

Can't help thinking Stafford would be OK with that.

Been cleaning brushes and the like, ready to hit the ground running when I get back. 

(Watch this space, hahahahaha.)

06 09 2026

 Been restoring an old pic dated 1983. It was Ians, I gave it to him; he died under it. 

Then it started to grow mould.

Washed, scrubbed, sprayed with vinegar - oil paint is fantastic, lasts forever. Even when it homes monocellular fungi. 

Beastly hot (fires locally, three nights of fire fighting) Spent a chunk of today in the bath, reading.

05 09 2026

 The ink is rather good, slightly viscous and nicely transparent. Gave half to Bieke. 

Otherwise, Im dibbling at ongoing things, some of which have been ongoing for a very long time. 

Trying to keep travel panic under control. London house still sealed up, not allowed in- getting a sofa hopping agenda organised and worried that I'II fall apart. Or it might all be terrific fun :)

Took this snap of a geckko last night and this morning when I opened the balcony door, it fell on my head. 

02 09 2026

 Bieke was kind enough to bring me some walnuts in shells, so Ive been mostly turning them into ink. Quite nice therapy.

Getting worried about the London trip now, the house there is still closed as a dangerous structure and though a friendly artist has offered his spare room I'm concerned that my energy wont hold up to the inevitable rigours. 

Dentist this morning, replacing fallen filling. He often clarifies things.