I must be quick, this morning. This is just to assure you that all's well.

I've dispatched Rachel and Ed towards London with a good Scottish breakfast under their belts. Next, quite soon, I'll nip round the corner to Kathy's Knits, my LYS, where a workshop is being held with Ysolda Teague as the final event of a Knitting Tour led by Amy Detjen. Two of us are members.

When this was first set up, months ago, we hoped to have lunch together after the workshop – not the whole group, I mean; rather, me and the blog-readers. I never thought then that my husband would still be in hospital on September 23. I want to go see him as usual at midday, with my sister who is now here and in time to overlap with Alexander who is coming over for a visit. He has to get back to Glasgow promptly for kickoff at 2 – Scotland v. Japan.

But half an hour has been allowed for milling around before the workshop, so there'll be time for at least a bit of nattering. Amy Detjen was partly in charge of Camp Stitches '99 which I attended, on the shores of Lake George. A very happy memory. I doubt if she'll remember me.

The knitting news is that I've got the madtosh worsted weight from Loop at last, for the Dunfallandy blankie. It's beyond wonderful. The colour is called “Tart” but reminds me more of a rich red wine. I hope I'll cast on the first square today.

I knit a bit more sleeveless vest yesterday. It has occurred to me – I told you I wasn't keen on thinking – that all I have to do at the moment is decide on the final width for the shoulders. I will divide at the underarms and knit back and forth thereafter. The more delicate question of placing the v-neck and timing the decreases for it can be postponed until the back is finished.

A friend installed our new television. John Lewis would have charged £50. It is connected to the internet. What use am I to make of that?