10st 2, time wasted phoning Bridget 37 minutes, fantasy grandchildren 3 (triplets).

07.30 a.m. Woke up feeling full of beans, wonderful night’s sleep. No sign of Colin. Found him asleep in the spare bed, complaining of bad dreams brought on by new multi-coloured underpants. Said he didn’t want to disturb me so crept down to spare room, then promptly fell back asleep.

10.30 a.m. Astonishing, supermarkets all empty first thing in the morning. Must get up early more often.

11.00 a.m. Colin didn’t want coffee as breakfasted so late. Lunch organised. Dinner ditto. What on earth shall I do next? I know, will phone Bridget in line with New Year’s Resolution.

11.17 a.m. Bridget apparently never at desk – tried three times. Each time phone answered by charming girl Perpetua. Parents live in Surrey, father retired but still dabbles when not playing golf, P. has flat in Pimlico with boyfriend who is IFA (wonder what that is) but they are moving upmarket. Very interested in my thoughts on curtains, and clearly thinks the world of Bridget, wanted to know all about her A levels and how she got on at uni.

16.50 Still no sign of Bridget at her desk, they are working her too hard, suggested to Perpetua perhaps she could share the load – I think she took it to heart.