Oxford, Sniffles and Doom

On Sunday, bateleur's mother came over to babysit. This meant that I was free to escape for the day (having finally updated Scary, bateleur programmed). Escape meant climbing into the car and driving to Oxford. Alone. It has been many, many years since I drove a car with just me in it. It meant that filling the car with petrol was exceptionally amusing, 'cos I really haven't had to do it for some years.

( But everyone knows how to fill a car up with petrol... )

I arrived in Oxford a mere half-hour late. triskellian kindly ignored my tardiness and we set off for lunch at Cafe Coco with smiorgan. Cafe Coco have changed their menu since I last ate there and, sadly, the stuffed vine leaves are gone. However they do a reasonable range of pizzas, so it was still a good lunch.

The afternoon was spent with triskellian, Rhi and Jon. We talked about writing (mine and Rhi's), books and meeting authors. We all agreed (well, Jon hadn't read it; but anyway) that The Amber Spyglass had been a disappointment and that the first two of Pullman's trilogy were much better. We also discussed how some authors really can't end a series when they are supposed to. I whinged about Wurts' Mistwraith saga (supposed to be five books - currently likely estimate is twelve). Then, of course, there is the Wheel of Time library which, fortunately, none of us had been sucked into. All in all, it was a very pleasant afternoon and included tea, ginger cake and Shadow and Ghost (both smaller than Emily).

The evening involved a return to Feltham to collect bateleur. Then going back out to the local Chinese (Swans in Ashford) and ordering their "You Choose" feast. Meaning that the chef gives us whatever he feels like cooking. This turned out to be mixed starter, duck, then the main course (sweet chilli prawns, chicken and asparagus and sizzling beef), with glazed toffee fruit and ice cream to finish. But, best of all, no babies were around.

The twins still have their colds. Ryan is mostly recovered now, but Bea is a day or two behind him. Much misery, coughing and runny noses. I can see why people find ill children exhausting. The worst part is not being able to do anything for them. I can't even tell them that it is a cold and they will get over it.

My remaining spare time has been spent planning the plot of book two and playing Doom. It's impressive how playable that game still is given how old it is. I have just finished the last of the three sections on Hurt me plenty. Next stop Doom 2. Perhaps, one day, I'll try to accomplish ao_lai's impressive feat of finishing both on Ultra Violence. Perhaps not.