Umbrella blew inside out in a force 8 gust that suddenly blew up, and the double hinges twisted.

Said a half goodbye to a friend who is moving hundreds of miles. Arranged to meet once more, to say last, full goodbye. Received email shortly after, she couldn't remember the day we are meeting.

Left café without paying for scone and coffee. Remembered and returned later. Café staff weren't in the least bit phased.

Afternoon

Arrived in hotel bar shivering with cold and rain. Where has Summer gone? Nattered animatedly over hot drinks. From the corner of my eye, saw senior waitress throwing dirty looks in our direction. I wonder if companion noticed too. We can be perverse enough to challenge. Realised bar was filling up and the sniff of fish and chips was strong. Eventually realised we should have been long gone.

It was really warm and comfortable and peaceful, out of the madding noise of media. It'll be another couple or three months before we meet up again I expect.