Saturday 16th February, 2013             1700

Zhu Ana’s (Joanna‘s) birthday today. And a lovely day indeed, just a pity the main reason for going downtown was fruitless. I still had to put long john bottoms, gloves and my coat on for the bike but it really was - and still is - a lovely day - although the clouds are gathering for the drenching and very low temperatures to come over the next few days.

My first port of call was for the rest of my cigars. Mayo. Oh terrific. By dint of the shopkeeper showing me his delivery date list it appears they will be in on the 28th. I have enough to last until the 21st. He was made aware of my feelings regarding nicotine deprivation.

Right, well at least I could go to Ke Bi Wang for sweet pork? Nope. Not only was it absolutely mobbed but there was none in sight so rather than take a seat (if I could find one) and wait God knows how long for the next batch to be brought out I cluttered off. Outside I pondered on what to do. I wanted to be back for three as the local supermarket is still shutting early but I recalled Kevin taking me to another KBW near the vets. Couldn’t for the life of me remember exactly where it was but after two attempts located it and had my lunch. Lottemart for some pet meat and straight back in plenty of time.

I took Pepsi to the fish village for an hour and it was warm enough to drape my coat over the bike and just sit on it enjoying an ale, watching again the myriad animals foraging. I really must start keeping the bread I normally throw away so I can take it for the fowl.

Sunday 17th      1900

The anticipated rain has been here all day so the only time I have ventured out was to pop to the shop with the dog. On the way back I saw a large group of people clustered under the shelter under the south gate. By the look of things they were students seeing as there were a lot of suitcases. As they don’t need to return until a week tomorrow they are either keen or their folks have slung them out! The shops on campus won’t reopen until Sunday, the library is locked and so unless they want to take their chances that one of the canteens has actually been opening thrice a day for an hour (and I have seen no sign of it or anyone leaving there with bags of food) then they will be bussing to town to get fed or patronising the two cafes within walking distance of here, neither of which I have ever used because I have no idea what dishes they serve! I did note though that one of the dormitories in the boys block opposite me is lit tonight.

I haven’t “spoken” to Qing for a few days now, in fact since she had toothache, so I left a message on Skype for her yesterday, only to see her status has now been changed from “happy new year” to “I’m sick ((“. I have sent a text but had no reply so I hope the reason for that is that she has switched her phone off.

I had every intention of making a chilli chicken stew today. I can borrow some of Kevin’s plastic containers and some of his freezer space but somehow I just never got round to defrosting the chicken! I will decide later whether to have cheese or baked beans on toast - probably beans because the bread is three days old and home baked for me doesn’t stay fresh for very long. But then even with bought bread I have never liked using it except on the day it was made. If it is fine tomorrow I will need to toss a coin as to whether to stay here and cook or get a bus. The forecast is dry but just above freezing so the bike will not be a preferred option.

Before I go, has anyone seen the article on the BBC website about the latest in mobile phones? Somewhat reminiscent of (I think) Clarks shoes which in my youth you could buy with a built in compass in the heel, some firm is now incorporating a mobile phone into the soles of shoes, boots and Wellingtons! What a terrific idea! You are walking down the street, tread in some dogshit, your foot vibrates with an incoming call and you simply take the shoe off and hold it to your ear! It’s amazing what they can do these days.