Let's get the sports stuff out of the way. Another appalling round yesterday, and I had to choose between playing through it or having a rest. So I tried again today, and I now realise that my powers of concentration are to blame. I really have to think about the shot - I can't just walk up to the ball and give it a clout. Right, that's one problem solved.
The Lions played today. Several of the South Africans are six foot by four. There was one such called Human. Somebody was having a laugh when he got his name. But the Lions won again, unconvincingly.
I have just realised that by going away I will miss the First Test against the Springboks, the whole of the US Open golf, and much of the 20/20 cricket later stages. There will probably be an Irish bar in Montecatini Terme showing sport, but if not, too bad.
And the usual media hysteria about Wimbledon has transferred from Henman to Murray. I avoid the nonsense by not reading the articles, which shows what a well balanced person I am.
The 20/20 cricket has turned out to be very interesting. And the old British Empire thing still lingers. Immigrants, whether temporary or permanent, from the old empire (Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Windies, Aussies, Kiwis, South Africans and the rest) are filling the cricket grounds for the competition as they might not anywhere else, because here is where they are.
And the format is looking better. Ireland lost to Sri Lanka by only nine runs. England beat India by only three runs. And I treasure the look on Ponting's face when the young Sri Lankan spinner Mendes clean-bowled him.
I am busy packing for my trip. This can be quite a laborious process, and I have to keep saying DON'T PANIC. And it's only for a week.
Now to other matters, some more interesting than others. Euan attended the Mairie de Paris to receive a medal for his community contribution (to do with his school, Rick says). Julia is off in Britanny on a sailing course. She just missed qualifying for the Championnats de France.
Our Glorious Queen's pad, which has a 39 acre garden, got a big mention in the Observer because they are planting vegetables in a 10x4m plot. What bullshit. And there is a 20-year waiting list for allotments in London.
There seems to be an enquiry behind closed doors into the decision to go into Iraq. But don't worry, Mr Brown assures us that we will all be told everything except the bits that he thinks should be kept secret. The slimebag Blair must be sniggering up his sleeve. Surely he can be brought to book.
Yesterday evening, as the cricket was proceeding nicely at the Oval, there was a terrific thunderstorm. At one stage, I was at the centre, where the flash and the bang were simultaneous. Torrential rain fell for about 20 minutes, and it all got absorbed somehow.
Right. Must complete packing. Pisa here I come.
