After wearing my dad’s old hiking stuff all year, I finally bought my own a while back: a padded sleeveless jerkin (dark green, of course), also good for working in my cold studio; a gortex parka (not dark green but bright blue so they don’t mistake me for a grouse or pheasant when I walk across the moors): and gortex trainers (my serious hiking boots have been here for a while – my dad’s were too big…); and of course a waxed cloth hat (dark green). I’m turning into a country bumpkin, it’s pretty much all I ever wear anymore… I must remember not to pack them to nyc… altho’ I gather it’s frightfully fashionable… my other major expenditures have been train and plane tickets, and petrol… saw Robin Williamson play for 40 people in the Barnard Castle church hall, such a wonderful bard… saw part of Fairport Convention’s 45th anniversary concert on the Beeb and have a new instrument lusting – does anyone have a mandola I can buy?… nervous about leaving mum, but needs must… safe travels, and bless this house, keep them safe until my return…