h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Unexpected(ish) day off - that is, my boss reminded me yesterday that we were both owed a day off in lieu of the Open Day on Saturday a couple of weeks ago, and we decided we'd better take it now before we get too busy with the next admissions round.

The day started off slightly misty but bright, and I decided to hit the shops, in the hope that they would be less crowded than at the weekend. Took my umbrella, because rain was forecast for later, and sure enough there was a brief shower before I'd even made it to the city centre.

Left the house at 8.30 and had breakfast (with The Guardian) on the way. Enjoyed checking out Heffer's Art Materials shop for stuff for my calligraphy class. The first class was last Tuesday - we hope it's going to continue despite rather low numbers - and I've got to get a board/table easel for next week. I'll have a look at Staples tomorrow too.

Next stop Borders to look at calligraphy books - saw a nice one with lots of different scripts in, which I might get my sister to give me for Christmas, if I'm still interested by then.

Was passing Pachamama, which has wonderful thick-knit jumpers and cardigans from Ecuador and Nepal, and saw they had a few sale items left. Found a lovely zip-front jacket, purple, deep pink and black stripes, for £20!

Then it started to rain again and from this point on the day went wrong. I sorted out my autumn/winter clothes the other day and decided I urgently need a couple of pairs of trousers for work. Well today I tried on *seven* pairs of trousers in various shops, and not one fitted properly! I don't think my shape is that weird - no more so than many other traditionally pear-shaped British women!

Took shelter in a cafe and had a cup of tea, waiting for the rain to stop. It slackened off a bit and I started for home - and trod on a broken paving stone, soaking my foot (I was wearing sandals)!

Needless to say the rain then started again, it rained steadily all the way home, and as soon as I got in the door it stopped and the sun is now shining!

Oh well, all this is nothing in the greater scheme of things - my nephew (RAF) leaves on Monday for his second tour of duty in Iraq - four and a half months. Thankfully my sister is on holiday in Greece, so I hope she is not following the news from Basra.

PS: Forgot to mention something else that happened in the good part of the day!

Went to the 'Cambridge Illuminations' exhibition at the Fitzwilliam - it's brilliant, and best of all, free! A fantastic collection of illuminated manuscripts, some belonging to the Museum itself and many others from the University Library and the College libraries (two from Newnham, I was proud to note!).

There are some highlights on the Museum website at: http://www.cambridgeilluminations.org/