Tan and Geoff arived back from op North; and James and Louise came for the day.

Basically, it’s a mug’s game, shovelling your money in the direction of the bookies. Betting on rank outsiders at long odds means your horse runs out of steam early on in the race and the result is less interesting than backing a favourite and being in with a chance right up to the nail.

I placed four bets, all of whom came last or failed to finish. Mama saved the day with a classy choice in the last but one race that left us only a few quid down overall.

Biting cold wind; but all in all, a great day at the races.

Sensational lunch and tea.

There were four of us. Jacques and I played together first. It was dire. We kept missing the shuttlecock completely, and lurched around the court in a daze. We lost 15-2! I’m sure Tom and Liv, who were electric by comparison, thought their evening was made. Then, midway through the second game, we got out collective eye in and won, just. The third game we won relatively easily. Then, we switched partners and Liv and I trounced Jacques and Tom. Liv was surprisingly good. I got about six winners off the wood of my antique racquet, justifying it as my weapon of choice.

Chicken curry … rather dry … tough as boot … only fourteen pieces … blah, blah …

I believe it’s getting close to that time of year when sowing tomato seeds becomes necessary. Visiting the vegetable garden yesterday, I was astonished to find no broad bean seedlings have yet emerged. Gratifyingly, the sugarloaf continues to crop well, though.

Carotte is back. We collected her from Heathrow. Much excitement. I baked a chocolate cake in her honour.

Having intraday separation seems unnecesary to me. How come the login button isn’t easier to find, though?