Training

Good morning, good morning

1  To Haulcon yesterday evening.  All was well there.  I settled myself on the settee: shoes off, feet under the heavy cushions, shawl over my length. Watched a programme about sacred places in Britain.  Just up my street. Lost some of the programme (of course).  But I can look at it again.  The following programme was about the war (of course): a programme about an British-led convoy to Archangel.  That programme too was well done.  Back to the Hall.

2  No early-morning swimming.  Instead, there will be a turbo-session.  (More later)  The session began at 1130 and lasted the usual hour.  My trainer, my mentor, stood by my side.  He kept me to the task: no slackening of the cadence.  However, he also supplied the water and the towel.  Having completed 50 minutes of sustained cycling, I then continued with a ten-minute warm-down, as I have done before.  As a result there was no stiffening of the legs.  After a bowl of soup, David and I walked into town.  No ill effects.

2.1  And I met a young Humphrey.  A couple passed with the young dog.  I offered a cheerful comment, rubbed the dog's head, and, immediately, I was his friend.  Good old Humphreys.

3  I have also spoken to Ray.  He will join us at Hever.  We talked about a subsequent game or two.  To be held in the morning, a bowl of soup, and then we all get on with the rest of the day.  Liam?  We'll see.

4  Ah, I have remembered what I wanted to say.  First,Coriolanus.  I would like to see the NT production in Uckfield.  I take it you'd like to see it?  Let me know and I'll book the tickets.  (ii) Peter Mansfield-Clark will be retiring at the end of the month.  Please join me at the celebration to mark his retirement on Friday 31 January in the Civic Hall.

Lots of love, good lady, from the Ancient.  I may have another evening off, before I return to the books tomorrow. I gave news of you to David; he may be in touch with you by e-mail.

Thinking of you

The Ancient

Swimming tomorrow.