Took the sewing machine up to Caroline's today so it can be picked up to be serviced. Poor thing has not seen a technician since it left the factory and has been running a bit rough for some time (mainly due to me using the wrong thread which has clogged up the works). The man charges $100 so it seemed a good way to spend a recent gift from a very good friend. Also spent some time cutting out templates for this block of the month class i am doing. Not much point really as I can not progress on that one till the machine comes back. Still, at least I will be ready to rock and roll when it does. The weather today was simply glorious - still temperate and blue. Made a nice change from the last few days and lifts the spirits no end. Fired off a few emails and letters to sort out the mess in the UK and am now settling in for the evening to watch the fire and eat some more oxtail stew.