Another idle day – a day wasted, because it was a beautiful one. I must at least carry water out to my poor plants this evening. I’ve got a little bunch of sweet peas in a jam jar on the kitchen table, and am looking forward to a small dish of strawberries before I leave for the Western Isles. Something to show for my toil.

I’m all set for the armhole-division on Alexander’s Calcutta Cup sweater. I think I’ll try to get that done this evening, too. I need another ball of dark grey from Jamieson & Smith, and have at last (at least) ordered that today.

I am in something of a panic about getting away. (But, goodness, if I could leave for Sicily on the 1^st of January, anything should be possible.) I meant to start packing today, but didn’t. Tomorrow. I did write out a Care Plan for Cats. I’m in something of a panic about them, too. Responsibility is divided between Archie and a dear friend – Helen is heading off to Mt Pelion – and I am afraid they will fall between the cracks.