Almost there

Well, still no internet connection, but it is at least within sight. In the meantime I have been busy buying furniture, but you don't want to know that - you only want the important stuff:

• I had toast for breakfast again, but I did nip out for a sausage sandwich and a cup of tea at about 10:30
• I saw Opera North's production of Verdi's Macbeth which was, as expected, rather fine. I don't wish to give the plot away, but that Lady Macbeth - she's a wrong'un.

• I also caught Fairport Convention who I hadn't seen since the winter of 75/76. As one might guess the set had changed somewhat over the years (as had the band), but the highlights were still 'Matty Groves', 'Meet on the Ledge' and a magnificent 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes' featuring support act Edwina Hayes.
• I went to see Ed Miliband speak and was rather impressed. I know politicians get a lot of stick for 'spin', but he answered questions in a way that would have been alien to his predecessors. I can remember seeing, for example, Michael Foot and Dennis Healey speak and fine orators though they were they didn't do a lot of interaction. I also saw Enoch Powell once and although he happily answered questions, he was so completely bonkers that it didn't add much to the sum of human knowledge.

Anyway, you probably can't stand much more excitement at that level so I will quit while I'm ahead. I will just mention that the Punic Wars campaign continues and that I am certainly not ahead there.