A message from our friends tells us that they still have drainage problems. We arrange to call in and see them briefly even if it is not convenient to stay. The blocked plumbing is driving them loopy, but by lunchtime they have arranged for a technician to call tomorrow, and, in a better frame of mind, decide that it would be good if we stayed after all.

We look around their new house then Ali and Mandy walk into town to get a few things for our evening meal. It's great to be in each other's company again and we sit out eating and drinking and chatting until well past darkness.