So, half way through my fortnight’s leave and what have I done? Well…not a lot. My garden looks lovely and I’ve spent four days decorating the attic (the first couple of which were principally dismantling the built-in wardrobe and bed). I had a delightful time in Staines on Wednesday whilst YD and her chum Laura spent nine hours (!) in Thorpe Park. I have now drunk in every coffee house the shopping centre has to offer as I got my blue pen out and, nearly two years after Cambridge University Press told me it was a pile of crap, attacked my PhD thesis with renewed vigour in one last bid to make it publishable. Been downloading shed loads of albums by 70s rock acts (Matching Mole, Wishbone Ash, Celeste, Return to Forever, Focus, Steve Howe), and have finally set about refurbishing my old Barraclough bass guitar (re-spray, new pick-ups and control panel). Hope to have it ready for my next gig (Saturday 28^th April). And for the week ahead? Well finish decorating, visit my father in Brighton, work on the bass, and maybe a day out somewhere too. I know; exciting eh!