Wednesday 29th April

Isn't it odd how so many of life's little wrinkles, which we all now accept as part of the daily churn, have only come into existence since the advent of the internet? I have done two pieces of business on-line today and neither could be completed without lifting the 'phone and talking to a real person who, on each occasion, turned out to be cheerful, willing to help and ready to share a chuckle.

So, that's Soph and Phez entered for one of the show pony classes at The Great Yorkshire Show in July and four tickets bought for the Rhinos game the following day. The first will be stressful for Soph, who winds herself up to bursting before an event but invariably becomes magnificently composed and focused as soon she nudges her mount into the ring. The rugby is another kettle of testosterone altogether and I suspect her motives (and those of the friend she is bringing with her) are born not out of love for the game but more for the magnificent specimens that take part.

Back to the internet, and the only thing I have left to do is to book Phill's ticket to visit Deb in St Louis in October. Late last night there was an unexpected and pleasant exchange of email with Deb, when the dates were confirmed once and for all.

It'll be a late dinner this evening: Soph and Phill won't get back from the stables until seven-thirty, so with a bit of luck I'll have everything ready by then. There might even be time afterwards to listen to the second half of the Arsenal game - on the internet, of course!