Definitely Dreich 3-4 tonight. After a clear sunny day a thick mist has arrived sitting between the trees and reaching cold fingers under the street lamps. Son-in-law is taking daughter to Glasgow airport to catch an early morming flight. I don't envy them the journey.

The good news is that we resurrected the old wardrobe today, having dissected it yesterday. Forensic carpentry is a dying art, but a useful one, and a salutary lesson in the lost skills of our predecessors. Anyone who has tried, with the assistance of modern DIY power tools, to make a piece of wooden furniture, quickly learns to appreciate the limitations of accuracy achievable. Taking apart old furniture originally cut and assembled by hand demonstrates the incredible precision of those who made it and the skill they must have had. The wardrobe in question was probably made circa 1920 (Lebus), and done so with the precision of a good watch. We didn't find any lions or witches, but at least we have the wardrobe.

Later today is the funeral of Alison, a lady of great charm and courage who was until recently neighbour of my daughter's. A year ago she was playing and singing folk songs at a party there and now she will sing no more. Motor Neurone Disease is the culprit, a cruel but thenkfully rare condition, but one which is basically untreateable. We will remember her with great affection and our sympathy goes out to her family and to all those she touched with her magic. It will be a much sadder and greyer world without her.