Took the dog out without a coat because there was a bit of blue sky. An experienced Irish woman, forty years at it. Within ten minutes the wind was coming straight through my jumper and my fingers were too stiff to open the bag for him. Once we got moving properly I warmed up, though. The heavy feeling in my legs eased and I went the longer way past the school, which surprised the dog nearly as much as me. Home to tea with both hands round the mug. Himself had the heating on and was sitting in his T-shirt. Grand for some. My face is still warm now and the rest of me has finally caught up.

The young lad came into the kitchen to tell me something about a game and I made a smart remark before he'd got the whole thing out. Nothing vicious, just my usual carry-on. He said never mind and went upstairs. I'm annoyed with myself because I'd been waiting all evening for him to come out of the room and then managed to send him straight back. Knocked later with a plate and asked what he'd been saying. He told me, but quicker this time, standing in the doorway. I was glad he did. Still feel rotten about the way his face changed earlier. He's twelve. I don't need to win every conversation in the kitchen.

Looked up a few holidays after the dinner. Only looking, before anyone starts packing. Every price seems reasonable until you add bags, transfers and actually being allowed to sit beside the person you're going with. I put the totals on the back of an electricity envelope and then started working out who would mind the dog. The children are already arguing over somewhere we haven't booked. I'd quite like a week with a pool and nothing organised, but I keep checking how far it is to a supermarket as if I'm relocating the family permanently. Himself says just pick one. Lovely system. He's picked precisely none.