Others went for a fell walk with some of J and Bs friends. A and I had a stroll to the Lakes then met up for lovely lunch. Weather lovely after weeks of rain. Evening do most enjoyable in marquee in the paddock.

Trip up to Ambleside for J and Bs 40th Anniversary. R A C and J to stay for the w/e so will be a very sociable time.

Very very busy. Loads of towelling rags to be washed and dried. Child care and cooking. C and A pulled out with work. Will be good in the end but hard work now.

Flash floods in Newcastle last night were 2nd story on the National news with videos of lightening striking the Tyne Bridge and cars underwater. Rail lines closed after landslide and Tyne tunnel closed. C and A will be very busy I think. Arrived safely but plenty of evidence of the flash floods. Business pulled out of the place with referrals. I500 lightening strikes in 1 hour during the storm. Sadly C's cleaning lady's hunter was struck and killed. Ian enroll...

Long journey as Satnav cleverly diverted us from the queues that we heard of on the traffic news. More miles but quick journey really. 4.5 h. Having lovely meal at the Alistair Sawday place. The Bugle on the quai at Hamble. We are half an hour from the ferry. Hope the gale last night has not persisted in the Channel!! Air calm enough here anyway!