It's been a gloriously sunny day. We've had nearly a week of it so far - could it be that Summer has arrived!

Sat by the river at the Cock pub this morning, as I had gone to get more herculite, but the shop has gone and is now a mechanics place. Spent most of the afternoon shifting a flower bed to a new position and making a little seating area that will catch some afternoon sun. Guess I'll get some flowering annuals soon for the beds and hanging baskets. Felt good to get dirty and exert some energy. I need physical exercise!

Sold the painting I made for Santana Morning, and the Gaea figurines are still selling on E-bay - will soon have my positive feedback rating of 10, though I don't know what difference it makes. Another Gaea is going to the US, which is good as I tend to make a little more on those because of p+p.

Took the design for Bi's into Brambles and they loved it and are going to show it to their rep. I've tweaked it a bit more since then so will take the new one in soon, and will get it together to make the 'old dyke' one soon too - may use mother as the model, but will have to see how she reacts to the idea, or try to resist telling her what it's for.

Saw Mara yesterday and got the bus out to her place in Aylsham - God it was gruelling. She doesn't know what she's doing and is attracting the worst kind of people. The sort of tossers that offer her 2CB, 2CI or some other hideous drug that will fuck your head permanently. She is just too easily lead. It's such a shame as she has a heart of pure gold and would do absolutely anything for absolutely anyone without exception. The world doesn't deserve her!

Was going to go to Allen Ashley's 50th birthday bash in Islington this coming Saturday but have decided to give it a miss after all. I want to go to places with less people not more. Don't think I'd enjoy London right now.

Appointment for contact lens trial tomorrow.

Finally got that train to the coast today. Went to Cromer and just looked at the sea and walked along the beach - did about 10 miles or so! Took a load of pictures, had a bite to eat and as I walked back to get the train it was pulling into the station - perfect timing! Got back into Norwich around eight-ish and went for a pint in my local and got chips on the way home. Totally fucking exhausted but thankful. Spoke to Mum and Clair on the phone for a bit and now gonna watch some tv before bed.

Off to Allen Ashley's 50th birthday bash in London next Saturday. They going to be having poetry reading and music and all sorts. Will do me good to get away again. It's being held between the very respectful times of 2pm to 7pm - how civilised. Was prompted in an email today to RSVP by his wife, Sarah, who I haven't met, and I thought that was really nice of her and helped me make the decision to go.

Went to the gallery preview last night which was okay, but I did go off for a bit to have a drink in an old drinking haunt- which used to be rough as fuck but which they are trying to raise the tone of, unsuccessfully in my opinion. Thank God!

Voted for the Green Party yesterday and discovered that my very old and close friend, Martine was the candidate. They got in! Shit!

Last night's Norwich premiere of Mister Lonely at Cinema City was excellent. Melita had really gone for it and when I arrived all the pretty people were getting their pictures taken with the actress. It was nice to meet her - she's a real honey and very sweet. The film is quirky and off the wall and while it's very slow I enjoyed it thoroughly. It has a great cast. Some of the audience needed a smack upside the head - rude and unappreciative of the event, or maybe just young. Didn't feel like hanging around after so just headed home.

Will probably go to Horace Blue's tonight as there is a private view of work by Simon Carter and Emily Cole. Hopefully I'll be in more of a mood for it, and it's another excuse to wear the new jacket I bought.

Am profoundly unmotivated as far as painting goes at the moment - I think the need to get away is getting beyond of the point of necessity!

Missed my appointment for a trial with contacts lenses this morning. Re-booked it for next Thursday.

Kalli's 21st birthday party, Saturday just gone, was even better than I was expecting. Made contact with some old friends, didn't get completely hammered and left at midnight before it all went downhill, well for me anyways. Kalli loved her present, a sparkly, dangley, purse thing for a mobile, and her card, which made my day. There's nothing better than impressing nieces and nephews. Got drunk enough to inhale helium though!

Got my VIP tickets for Melita Morgan's movie premiere tomorrow night, so had to go into town today to find something to wear. Thought of hiring a DJ but found a jacket in the end in the local reject shop. It's a cashmere Pringle that should've been £400 and which I got for £70. Sorted! Was dreading trying to find something, as it's not what I'm used to doing given that I've never spent more than a tenner of a pair of jeans and have spent decades getting most of my clothes from charity shops and out of skips, and by telling friends to never throw anything out until I've had first refusal. May go and get shoes tomorrow.

Got new glasses a couple of days ago - it was a revelation! Trial for contacts this Thursday.

Should have Soother's Boy finished this week. Am now painting in the middle room, but the light is crap in every room!

For the past several days I have felt really quite wired, as though someone spiked my coffee with speed! It can't just be the coffee can it? Something's going on!

Went into town today and picked up two books from Andrew. Santana Morning looks good - better than the actual painting! Got a cheque for £100, which felt great. Andrew Humphrey was there as well which made the meeting doubly good. While in town I bumped into John Abbott who was about to go for his driving test. Bumped into Darren Hare too, who I haven't seen for months. And met up with Jake and Jo too, who I also haven't seen for ages - it was great to see them; Nathanael and Felix are currently in Saudi Arabia. Will go out and see Jo at the boat near Ely soon.

Took some pictures of the cathedral and actually walked the labyrinth at last! Which is actually only a two dimensional maze, but still good. I'm pretty sure that other people seeing me do it made them do it too. I've never seen anyone walking before. Came home exhausted from all the walking and talking and the general feeling of being wired.

Heard of another audition, this time for The Buddy Holly Story, which will tour Ireland. Did CV and photos but haven't posted them yet. I mean, what if they call me?!

Going to see James and Lee later tonight - hope it doesn't rain! And it's Kalli's 21st tomorrow night.

Can I stop now? How do people with jobs and children do it? No, really, how?

The city was full of the most beautiful women everywhere I looked. I could shag them all. Or probably none. Hey-ho.

Didn't need to make a fire yesterday - feels like it's been months since that was the case. Spent some time in the back yard and made flapjacks in the afternoon. Ate way too many! Spent this morning getting out the garden furniture and clearing and potting etc. Nearly got a train to the coast but decided against it for today, so just went to the post office, to post a couple of Gaeas, and took some pictures in the local church-yard. The Gaea figurines actually made a reasonable profit this time. Someone from the U.S. bought one!

Heard from Melita on MySpace and the premiere is going ahead at Norwich's Cinema City, so that's something to look forward to. Am making some good friends on MySpace and have actually started to make contact with old friends and family too.

Will make some more casts this afternoon. Really better get on with Soother's Boy. Really, really, really!

Went into town today and got birthday cards for Iain and Kalli. Kalli will be 21 this Friday - I remember the night she was born and taking care of her when she was little. How the time passes! I got her a dyke specific card and in the process discovered that Brambles didn't have any bi specific cards, so may have a go at designing one, probably making a play on the word 'bi'. Can't help thinking that the line 'you can't teach an old dyke new licks' could be used somehow in a design, maybe an old woman sticking her tongue out with a cherry stalk tied in a knot on it. Then the line could be 'and they say you can't.... etc.

Have been casting green men and gaeas this afternoon and still not finishing the Soother's Boy painting.

Had thoughts of wanting to move out of the city again this weekend. I love this flat, just not where it is. Or so I think, and then I change my mind completely. I want the isolation of the country with all the convenience of the city.

Ordered new glasses last week £150! And booked an appointment for a go with contacts this Thursday. I hate the deterioration of my sight, though try to be accepting of it. It's just that I notice it more and more, almost daily, and hate the thought that it could impact on my work at some point. Best not to worry I guess.

There have been a lot of birthdays this month - about eight at a guess, and yet other months don't seem to have any. Weird!

Just before Christmas I got an abscess. Couldn't get a dentist and after a week of pain killers I booked an appointment at an emergency dentists. Was given a few options and went for having it pulled. I could've got myself some Merc. Sol which I am sure would've cleared it up straight away but it never even entered my head. So on some level I wanted this mutilation and now my tongue won't let me forget just how dumb I can be.

Have watched the dramas produced by the BBC and based on the lives of Tony Hancock, Kenneth Williams, Steptoe and Son, and Franky Howard. I thought they were all brilliant, particularly the Hancock and Williams ones. Such tragic figures - very moving.

Tried selling on ebay some casts of the Gaia figurine I made. The first one made a loss of 84 pence, the second made a profit of a bout a fiver, and the third didn't sell at all. Will see if I can develop anything from this and maybe sell some drawings there too if I can.

Have been avoiding working on Soother's Boy very successfully. The deadline has been and gone but it just needs a couple more days work.

Bought a new camera last week for £350! I think that might be the most I have ever spent on myself.

The weather is improving and today was glorious except for the downpour I got caught in. And then some complete cunt soaked me head to foot by driving through a puddle. I fuckin' hate cars! Except when I want a lift somewhere, of course. Grrrr!

Mum had a bit of a gathering at hers last Saturday and it was fun even though I wasn't particularly in the mood for it. Sometimes I wish I wanted to join in more, and sometimes I think I've forgotten how to enjoy myself. Life throws some funny old shit at ya. Iain was there and he actually spoke to me - in a nice way. He was in a good mood and drunk, but hey, whatever it takes.

Spent some of today taking pictures of myself that I can send out with CV's when applying for auditions. Saw a great opportunity the other day to be in a play that would be on at the Roundhouse in London and then go to Edinburgh for the festival. If I'm serious I would have to get a move on. It's a new version of an old play: Foreskins Lament. God it would be fun! It requires nude scenes - hoorah!

Have dabbed at the painting today and hope to get some more done by tonight. Popped out for a bit of shopping and bumped into Phill in Sainsbury's. He has turned being a loveable rogue into an art form - it was great to see him. He is currently doing up Russell and Sue's house, so they can sell it as they have decided to stay in New Zealand. I wonder when Rory's coming back?

Having a big get together at Mum's this Saturday - all the family will be there. And Kalli is having her 21st in a couple of weeks.

The weather is being as schizophrenic as ever.

Between hail showers, it's a gloriously sunny day. Popped to Sainsbury's and to Clair's on the way there and back. Clair has started an eight week, one to one course in professional make-up. I really hope this works out for her as she's had enough of being an orthodontist's assistant for some time. It was inspiring to hear that she's doing this and, as she reminded me, she's sticking at her driving tests too. Something I so should do! Thought of going to see Mum too but came straight home instead and gave her a call. She's retired now, so I can go see her anytime! She seems to be taking to it quite well.

I've been thinking more and more about acting over the past year or so, and have now started to apply for auditions and get some kind of CV together. It's been a long time and I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing, but in many ways this year, I feel the need for a fundamental change in who I am, or at least how I am. Is this a healthy sign? I hope so.

The painting for Soother's Boy is going ok but I'm taking too long about it as usual. The rest of the design for it is nice too - using some of the pictures I took at the cathedral a week or so ago. Keep meaning to start another painting that I've an idea for: nude self portrait with ridiculously long penis, say about forty feet or so, that snakes all around the picture making swirls and patterns etc. Really have got to do it!

Am going a little stir crazy again. Have been in for days, or even weeks, with little more than the occasional trip to the local shops. Had a quiet Easter at home working on the design for Soother's Boy, which is going quite well. Am working on an acrylic painting of a boy's hand resting against fur, which will be the main image in the foreground, but have some decisions to make about what to put around it. It is already giving me a taste for painting again, which is a good sign. And acrylics are so much easier to work with than oils, especially in a confined area.

Have upgraded the computer's RAM which should make the design work easier. Treated myself to a new wireless mouse and keyboard too, neither or which work perfectly but are a slight improvement.

Saw Felix and Martin last week but other than that it's been pretty quiet. Have seen Lee a couple of times over the past couple of weeks but not James, who I shall visit soon I think.

Beautiful sunny day today and I was itching to get out in it but couldn't think of anywhere to wander really so just did some sawing and chopping in the back yard. Spring is definitely in the air and has been for a while, even though we've just had snow! Only lasted a couple of days though, thank God!

At the ripe old age of 41 years I discovered pillows! I've never used them before, not since I was a small child anyway, but it's been nearly two weeks and I think I've slept better every night! Maybe it will help with my headaches - we'll see.

Last night I got a proper haircut, which is the first time in about 25 years; usually I just get the beard trimmers out every 18 months or so. Felt like a real treat getting it cut by Claire Hare, and feels nice today to have short, neat hair instead of the usual birds nest that rests on top of my head.

Must, must, must come up with something for Soother's Boy soon!

Went into town today and took some pictures at the cathedral (the old one). Took pencils and paper too but didn't do any sketching. They've done quite a bit of work to the old place, adding a very modern looking café and shop. Will go back to sketch soon.

Kieran is 14 today, so went round to Clair's tonight and had dinner with them, which was unplanned so extra nice. Got Kieran a Diablo and he seemed really pleased with it and that made my day.

Saw James and Lee too, earlier.

On my way into town I saw Jane. I reckon most people think me and Jane would be well suited, not least of all, me and Jane! There is such an attraction there but neither of us appear to be prepared to do anything about it. What a fool I am!

Ten minutes later I saw Stu and Sophie. Two of my closest friends who have hurt me somewhat by their lack of effort, as far as staying in touch goes. They had their new baby with them and said they were hoping to go back to Portugal next week. Maybe I'll go and see them there in a few months. Could combine this trip with a visit to Maria, a delightful woman I talk to on MySpace. And I'm hoping to visit Michelle in Oregon, another MySpace friend, and maybe even Ada in Iceland would be up for a visit too.

Have decided that I may well go round the world this year. And about bloody time! At the end of such a trip I would be somewhere, both literally and metaphorically, that is inconceivable at the beginning, and that's what appeals.

Well I was going to go sketching in the cathedral but it's a blustery old day, so might leave it for a day or two unless it looks like it's not going to chuck it down later.

Mind me, I do have to get something for my Nephew's birthday today. Hmmm, maybe I'll have to brave the outside!

Had a great night at the theatre weekend before last. Went to see Hobson's Choice with Mum, Dru and Anne. We had a meal in the new restaurant first and order drinks for the interval, which meant no clammering for the bar to rush something down the neck. Hadn't met Anne before and was quite impressed with her attitude to life - she's nearly 80 years old and embraces life as much as she can. She's off to Nepal in a week or two, and from what I can gather is always off to somewhere new or fun or exotic. She makes a good example of how to live.

Could've gone to the book launch of Andrew Humphrey's book at Jeurnet's afterwards but we decided it was maybe too late to be worth turning up, so we all went to our homes.

Mum officially retired on the same night!

Finished reading Soother's Boy yesterday, so must get on with some ideas for the cover now, before the deadline gets even closer than it is already! Only got the first 14 chapters which has definitely got me hooked, but I'll have to wait, I guess, for it to be printed before I can find out what happens next, although I might ask Andrew Hook if he's got any more I can read. Better just get on with it though.

So, in the middle of the night, there was this rumbling sound and the house shuddered slightly. I thought it sounded a bit loud and felt a bit strong for the trains that I occasionally notice shunting off from a few hundred meters away. But I merely grumbled in my state of semi-conciousness, rolled over and went back to sleep. The event passed by almost unnoticed.

Now I thought that this happened the night before last, which would've been Monday night / Tuesday morning, but all the reports seem to suggest that it was last night? So either I've lost or gained a day somewhere - this often happens when I smoke a joint.

It's been a good week. Got my flat back to how it should be and can start working again. Had a random occurrence when a woman came round to do a survey, at the end of which she said she wanted to buy one of my pictures (the sketch of Melita Morgan I did a few days ago) and she wanted to help me sell them too. She phoned back a couple of days later to talk about it more. Hopefully this could lead to another outlet for my artwork, and couldn't have come at a better time.

Had a nice evening at Mum's on Thursday, Clair was there too. And we all met up in town on Friday along with Tina and Kalli and Clare Hare too. Me and Sis shared a pot of mussels, which were delicious, and we all had yet more wine - I've had rather a lot this week, including a bottle to myself last night that I mulled with juice and spices.

Have been chatting away with Michelle in Oregon and may even go for a visit later this year!

Ah, James just rang, so I'm off out!

The sheer delight that my home is mine again is indescribable!

After a long and constructive day I have had a fun evening talking to Michelle in Oregon. And listening to her playlist. The bottle of wine didn't go amiss either.

The day started well. -- Felix went off to his yard where his bus is and is gone for a few days. Got him to confirm that he will be moved out by the end of the week. Have almost finished getting the room back to how it was - a fully working studio and work-room. Am delighted!

Went into town to meet Mara, who also had her young daughter Tuca with her. She was very stressed, which for Mara is saying something! She never relaxes at the best of times. While waiting for her I saw Jane who is just delicious and had a nice chat -- she didn't have Livvy with her, who is her amazing 8 year old daughter and one of the most beautiful people I have ever met - wise beyond her years. Immediately after that I saw my dear friend John Abbott - one of those rare people. He has more love for mankind that anyone, real, fictional, virtual, or imagined that I have come across. I should make more effort to see him more often. He's working hard and has a girlfriend -- he hasn't had a girlfriend for decades and so deserves to be in love.

A little after that I saw my Niece, Kalli and am looking forward to seeing her again this Thursday, the day that Mum gives up the retirement home that she has spent the last 25 years building and running. No doubt there'll be some tears but I'm sure we can make it a good night too.

Saw one or two other people and then came home to continue getting the work-room back in order. Fabienne came round and we booked her tickets for a trip to France for the weekend.

Am quite knackered!

Drawing has been going well. Spent yesterday afternoon sketching Melita Morgan and am happy with the result.