1 Sixteen lengths, and a bike-ride. Well done. And just an elderly man for company in the pool. The contrast between the facilities - which will have been advertised, with a photograph, in the brochure - and the usage. So perhaps in the remaining week, you can make up for the first week. Thus, when you return, you will have to be careful not to knock your head into the end of the CP pool.

1.1 Coming into the world this morning was a pleasure. The collection had been accomplished. That had been done yesterday. It was possible to lie in bed, in the dark; it was even possible to lie in bed, with a cup of tea, in the dark. And still there was time to be in the pool by 0730 for half-an-hour's swim. Forty lengths, the equivalent of your 16. Let's keep it up.

1.2 Not only that but, being shaved, I have just eaten a grilled-bacon-on-bread. Remember the packet of bacon - well, three rashers - you left? Well, it came to me - grill them and enjoy bacon-and-bread. And it's just 9 o'clock. Time to go to the post office with the first inpayment, £195. All in bags. Time to read something of the paper before the credit union will call me. And a funeral at Whittington College chapel.

1.3 One thought leads to another. Yesterday, in the ASDA café, I had a coffee and a shared muffin with the wife of one of the RBL chums. Whilst I had seen her now and then, I had never spoken to her. The collection provided the opportunity. A companionable conversation at a window table. Later, she and I were two of six around a table. All chatting. George Hillman made of particular point of saying how enjoyable the collection had been. He had travelled to Crawley on the bus, collected, returned with me, and counted the takings. In company.

1.4 He served in the First Army (as opposed to the Eigth) in North Africa. There are five members of the First Army Association in Crawley and East Grinstead. They meet once a month. George produces a newsletter. A good egg.

2 Remember to have a look at Timesonline.co.uk (and corresponding websites) for news about Thailand, news about events in Bangkok in particular.

3 Giles has been in touch with Helen. As I understand it, he (and others) are working long days. Over-stretched, I recall, is the word.

4 Do give some time to China. And the gall stone? And an English bookshop in the city?

See you soon.

Stayathome