1. The chaff seems essential context but once it’s stripped away, the wheat that’s left seems so much stronger.

2. Next door’s silky kitten visits me at the chickens and their other cat, the fluffy tux is waiting when I return to the top patio. It’s only after stroking her for a few moments that I realise Strange is nearby and the two ladies are fighting. Every now and then Strange emits a low growl and the other cat echoes with a hiss — but her heart isn’t it in: she makes the noise but her eyes, her tail, her attention remain happily on me.

2b. Tilda stands on the back of my office chair. When she jumps off, Kaufman on the seat spins a good 90degrees.

3. I can’t find a film to watch – I just want something nice and calm, with interesting characters and a dearth of contrived antics. A David Sedaris audio book ends up fitting the bill perfectly.