It was a little overcast when I set out on my bicycle this morning, there was even a shower as I closed the gates (electronically!) on my new abode; of course, it was nothing like the weather they have been having in England ever since I left (Chris told me yesterday that the spume from the recent – bigger than ever – waves, aided by ninety mile an hour winds, have been hitting our bay windows, approximately one hundred feet above sea level!). As for me, I just got a bit damp from a short cloudburst – no need for me to turn back – and I was dry by the time I reached my destination.

Actually, it would have been of no consequence to me whether or not I was wet or dry because my journey’s end was a swimming pool. The owners, daughters of my old friend Roland, were at work…

“Just let yourself in by the side gate, any time,” they had invited.

I hope they really meant it because that is exactly what I did. Their house is not far from their Aunty and Uncle’s (my place!), but it is at the top of the only hill to speak of around here, so I was hot upon arrival and eager to melt into the pool. A cursory check of the doors informed me that nobody was at home and the pool was to be for my pleasure alone – perfect. No neighbours were in evidence and the sun came out for me – bliss! Well, what can you expect of a mermaid?