It has been an action packed few days. Edinburgh is in the clutches of the legionnaire’s virus, and on Monday when John and I were shopping in Asda we were probably about a metre or two from the hot spot of air droplets. So far so good, we both seem to be fighting fit. There were some people going about in masks, which reminded me of the SARS outbreak in Hanoi back in 2003.

Yoga was good, though my bendy teacher is determined that we spend most of our time upside down, and I feel all the better for it (I think). I lie there with my legs over my shoulders and touching the floor, counting the minutes until coffee time. Don’t think I have learnt to be on another ‘plane’ yet. Too much pain.

In the meantime John has completely relayed the paving slabs and even found an old scaffolding pole which he cut up to make a base for my rotary, so now the washing can hang out in the droplet-infected air. Hmmm. That’s when it’s not pouring.

I went out to an art exhibition on Wednesday night in aid of the St Columba’s hospice. The only paintings I liked were by Chris Bushe. I loved the subjects, the texture, the atmosphere… but they were sold and I’m glad, as I couldn’t afford the price tag anyway. Ho hum.

Ballet was brilliant; slowly my feet are learning what to do, and although I feel more like a penguin than a swan, I do love it. Some of the ladies take it very seriously and turn up in all the tights and wrap-arounds and baggy socks and so on, reminiscent of REAL dancers. I am squeezed into my Lycra and have eyes only for Vincent and the lady beside me on the barre. She is very good and has been going for ages. What must Vincent think of us all? He is very kind.

John and I walked along the Water of Leith to Stockbridge on Saturday and the sun was shining, and all was well with the world. And I got a new bike! It is a Trek, and is powder blue and is now leaning beside me in the sitting room. No way is it going out in the shed before its maiden trip to Balerno! Today is dreich and horrible. I am more of a fair-weather rider.

And yesterday! Well, I took the train to Linlithgow to attend a patchwork and quilting workshop.

The patchwork class was great. I struggled with my cutting and piecing and sewing and at the end my tummy was in knots of stress. I had to unpick twice. BUT, the cushion is done and I am as proud as punch! AND my ancient Singer did the job, and I have loads of material left to make another and probably another!