braved the minimal crowds at ikea this afternoon before going on to see my gramps. spent a hour (and lots more dosh) and sorted a few people out for xmas. i do like ikea (i know that's terribly middle class.. but they are cheap and very designer cheerful). glad to see my northern friend is back, slimmer and trimmer and virtually teetotal go girl!

met the bouncing muppeteer at the security barrier on the way into work as she was heading for the other campus - a few snatched words but it put a smile on my face - ive resisted texting since friday (go me!) and am keeping this whole thing under control at last (whatdidyoudotoday take note) not sure what film to suggest this week but hope she still wants to go out.

spent an hour or so with my grandad who is 91 and recovering from a stroke and back home at last after about 8 months in hospital and halfway place. he really is amazing - he was complaining that his brain wasn't working as well as before (not moaning just commenting) but he had managed to write computer programmes to improve the manufacture of transformers at his factory. he set the factory up in the 1960s i think and still takes a close interest even though his son and grandson (not me..) run it. we talked about that, my work and women. he is really good to talk to about women because he understands love and desire and friendship better than anyone i know. he likes the sound of the muppeteer and understands my 'fatal attraction' to SheWho. he never advises, just listens and wishes me luck. he is slowing down and wont live much longer (which seems to concern him because he still has 'things to do' not because he is scared by it) which makes me sad. i promised to send him my ripper book when ive written the housing and transport bits (he loves trains and trams) and to bring the object of my affection round if she moves from being 'potential' to 'reality'.