So there I was as usual, at sparrow-fart, wrapped in warm stuff (mainly the Aran sweater that Danny knitted for me about thirty years ago), only to find that the golf course was closed. Rats! I went home and wondered what to do. So I went to the garden centre to get some stuff, mainly seed potatoes, which I am now chitting (no, it's OK, it's what you do before planting them), and in theory I should have some proper new spuds in a few months' time.

Then I got out the electronic chess board that Rick bought many years ago, and which I haven't switched on in years. My tentative e4 opening was met by a Sicilian, and I didn't have a clue. But (and the machine must have been set at the lowest level) it wasn't long before I was a piece up, and the thing wouldn't resign even when I took its queen as well. The time taken by the computer was 2min 52 secs. I used up 1hour 28 min, but that includes dealing with email, getting another beer, looking at the crossword, checking tomorrow's weather, getting another beer, none of which the computer had to do.

Friday was Australia Day, but our designated course was closed. But by using our organisational skills, three of us turned up at High Elms and had a typically excellent match in a tolerable temperature. While we were having a cuppasomething afterwards, the rain came down. Very satisfactory, even though I had to drive home in the wet dark, which I thought I had given up doing.

Domestics today. As I explained to the chaps, I sometimes wash my bed linen even if it doesn't need it. Sport on the telly, of course. One of the monster fatuities of our time is the construction of golf courses in the desert. The grass reverts to sand in a couple of days if you don't pour lots of water on it. And where does the water come from, you may ask. From recycled loo flushes, I am told. They must pee a lot in Doha.

It is warming up a little, and the forecast for next week suggests that there will be lots of outdoor activity. I have a few small jobs to do in the garden, but nothing too strenuous. Helen will drop in on Sunday, and I will surely find her something to do.

I must get rid of some leftovers before they get green mould on them, so it's beef stew tonight.