I just feel like moaning today. My chair’s broken again – a fault with the drive/push switch, I think – and I decided to go for a walk earlier, which was a mistake. My back and ribs hurt like hell now. So, one way or another, I’m not having a very good day.

I am, however, pleased with myself for what I did yesterday. I plucked up the courage to buy train tickets to go to Lyn’s. it’s her birthday party a week on Saturday, and I don’t intend to miss it. I have never been on the train alone before, so it feels like an adventure. When you think about it, though, it’s nothing really special: it’ll simply be a case of rolling on at Crewe and off at Euston. I’ve arranged for the appropriate assistance, and Lyn will meet me her end. Piece of cake! Plus, my friends have done much more than getting on a train: summers in Ibiza, teaching in china, etc. still, this is my first attempt, so I’m nervous.

I hope my chairs fixed in time, but there are still ways around it if she isn’t. you know, writing this has cheered me up.