And here is.....

Alvar Lidell with news of fresh disasters. (Hands up those who understand that, then.) I'm afraid that it really is. I had so hoped that my next blog post would be everything more or less back to normal, spinning and knitting progressing satisfactorily, the sun shining, life in general looking good. Well,it is kinda sorta. I'm working a little bit, today at least the sun has shone (although it remains unseasonably cold.) And there is a lot that is good. But - and I hate, hate, hate having to type this. My little Ruby-girl is missing, and we fear the worst. We fell in to the habit of letting cats out in the early hours of the morning - being crepuscular, they have all loved this, and we always felt that this was a safe time of day. And until now - no problems. But last Wednesday, the DSM let Barni and Ruby out at 5am, went to feed them at 7am - and only Barni appeared, no Madam R. And we haven't seen her since, nor has anyone else. I have had this happen before, losing two cats within a few days of one another, I mean, and until it happens to you, you can't imagine the crushing effect of the double whammy. Yes, only animals, but part of the fabric of our lives. Yes, she might come back, we hear all sorts of encouraging stories from people. But I can't believe it. We set off for Cornwall/Somerset tomorrow. We shall leave the cat flap open (poor old B will be in prison) and water and dried food down just in case. And if she is not back by the time that we get back, I shall pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again. Sorry about further moans. And thanks so much to those various of you who have sent me good thoughts. So appreciated. That's all, folks - back in a week with sea pictures. (If this is still appearing without paragraphs - not my fault! I have put them in, Blogger has ignored all that. Or maybe it will be sorted, and you will think what the blue blazes is she on about now....)