Lewes would not be the same without Bills.

Rain and wind have gone. Sun at last this morning. Eldest son returned from Amsterdam a few days ago and was this morning getting his things together before going to Bray to complete a photo shoot which has been going on longer than he would have wished. There is usually something obscure that he needs, invariably at the last moment, and this time it was an adaptor to convert European electric plugs to UK format.

Yesterday evening at HBC turned out reasonably well - thanks to my patient partner. One or two mistakes which cost us the chance of a top position. However we finished third and earned some points. Onwards and upwards. Still its a little galling that the odd lapse cost us two places.

Despite the sun this morning I had no motivation to get into the garden and sort out the rockery. Its a rockery that was designed/built in about 1985 - long before we arrived - and looks it. If I had any gardening courage I would get a digger in and level the area but the thought of the mess that would be generated puts me off.

On a whim Helen and I decided to go to Bills in Lewes. First went to Bills last summer. Its a lovely mix of Italian Mama and Papa New York deli , plus a hint of Partridges from the Kings Road, softened by being situated in a quiet market town, by the river and across the road from Harveys brewery. Vegetables and fruit piled high in baskets. You eat on long wooden communal tables - almost club like - which when we arrived were filled with office workers, visitors, students and recovering shoppers. I had -scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and a glass of wine followed by a coffee - just watching the world go by. Bills just has that happy buzz. Comfortable style, good simply food, colour and young staff who could not be more helpful.