Hasn't the weather been dreadful? I do hate rain in the summer, especially the sort of constant stuff we've been getting.

The dog has missed some of his walks because even I refuse to go out at 6am in a torrential downpour. I don't think he's been too bothered as he's not a great fan of rainy weather. He has also been very sad all week as daughter is still away with her grandparents, on holiday in Yorkshire.

Poor old Sam sits on his favourite chair every night making big eyes and pathetic doggy whimpering sounds, looking as lonely as he can. He obviously misses his proper owner dreadfully. She'll be back in a few days, so he'll be happier then.

It's been very quiet at home all week without daughter, which I must admit has been quite nice for a change. Her dad and I have been able to have turns lying on the sofa.

Daughter has telephoned us each night to keep us informed of her progress. As she is famous for her monosyllabic manner on the telephone, getting any information out of her is impossible. I usually ask to speak to her nan to find out what they have actually been doing. It seems to be mostly shopping so far.

Daughter became quite animated about the new 'bluey purple' nail varnish she had bought. This is obviously to go with the other 20 'bluey purple' nail varnishes she already owns but she assures me this one is different.

As long as we don't have a repeat of the spare room carpet incident, I don't mind. The man came last weekend to put the new one down. We had a couple of days where all the spare room furniture was piled up in our bedroom, so it is nice to go to bed without climbing over bookshelves and chests of drawers. Daughter, of course, has been spending her nights in flash hotels and was not inconvenienced at all. I may make her walk the dog in the rain when she gets back.