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

Went to see Strictly on tour yesterday - we booked at Christmas, so have been looking forward to it for some time. I got a train to Letchworth, my sis and her partner picked me up there and we drove to the NEC Birmingham, where we met my nephew and his wife, when they finally got there (having missed the exit on the M6).

We were in an audience of around 7,000. Really enjoyed seeing the dancing not through a camera lens, even though we were a long way back. I'm sure a lot of the jokes must have been scripted, but everyone - celebs, pro dancers and judges - managed to deliver them without looking bored stiff! Unfortunately Rachel & Vincent won the audience vote, despite Julian Clary claiming to be a native of Lozells!

We'd had a sandwich and a drink before the (afternoon) show, so didn't hang around afterwards. Were not impressed by the facilities at the NEC - basically a choice between Subway (yeuch!) or Wetherspoon's. Anyway, we got back to sis's at about 6.30, and had spag bol cooked by BiL, followed by American brownie cake, courtesy of M&S.

BiL was teaching a sailing course today, so had to leave at 6am to drive down to Southampton. Sis got up earlyish and went for a swim - I got up about 8.30, didn't realise she'd gone out, and made two cups of tea: took them to her room, found the bed empty, so went back to bed and drank them both myself. She was working on a training project for her work today, so she gave me a lift to the station late morning, and I was back in time for the Sunday 'lunch club' at the pub.