A busy and mostly wet day.

I was after these water-droplets on the pansies and I think it's worked reasonably well. There were plenty of water-droplets to work on today. We actually had several of those downpours when the rain-drops bounce off the pavements. The camera is more than happy with greens and blues, bless it! Some people think I ought to have a more sophisticated camera, but then I wouldn't be able to keep it in my shirt-pocket. So, I'm not swapping.

It was Yvonne's usual day at Burton Joyce today and, with the children being off school they had really looked foreward to Yvonne going. They went on bicycles, and to the Library which they love and Miles got some more Dinosaur books. I think he understands that the Dinosaurs had gone by the time people came along. But book-illustrations showing dinosaurs looking into cars full of people don't help. Quite frightening when you are 4.

I had quite an eventful day starting with an eBay problem yesterday, when I spotted a quite expensive Photo Imaging programme going for a few pounds and I won the auction with a bid of £8. At my age I should have had more sense and it turned out that the seller was a 'scammer' who specialised in offering such bargains! My own fault - greed . My dad always used to say "You can't cheat an honest man". Thinking that according to eBay rules I would have to send a cheque and complain later, I went on the eBay beginner's forum and members very kindly advised me what to do. It ended with a very nice letter from eBay advising me NOT to continue with the transaction because the seller was no longer a registered trader. Problem solved but as Ray says "Ebay is a minefield" and a phrase about "barge poles" sprang to mind.

After dropping Yvonne at the tram I called in at Sass and bought a webcam because Steve is really keen to do the video-call bit. I researched for a webcam system suitable for Google Talk and found a plug-in called Festoon (security cleared) which I downloaded and sent a link to Steve. This evening we got it working! What fun! Grandma was able to see and say goodnight to the children. A few teething-problems with lighting, and lip-sync, but nothing unsurmountable.

Had a nice email from John. They have returned safely from their French 'jaunt' and have had a super time. They saw and went over the bridge designed by our Norman Foster. Apparently it is stupendous. I would love to see it.