A very happy Monday to all.

I nearly missed the fact that the blog celebrated its 30th birthday a couple of days ago, so I mustn't let that landmark pass unnoticed! Thank you, one and all, for your terrific following and your appreciative - and appreciated - words.

Other exciting news is that the blog has gone global, with readers having contacted me from around the world: New York and Durban to name but two areas in which our antics are being followed with eager anticipation.

Newton was preceded by a French cabaret act in Macmillan last night. It was all very bizarre, so let me tell you about it.

I can only describe what went on as a selection of people babbling on incomprehensibly, running around manically, singing strange, unusual melodies and making other peculiar noises, with activities ranging from tearing up paper and throwing it around, to dropping things on other people's heads, from adorning themselves with most unusual items, to daubing one another's faces with some kind of unpleasant goo. There seemed to be some kind of cohesion to what was going on, but it was not easy to ascertain exactly what it was, and when the lights went out at the end of the festivities, everyone collapsed into a heap and appeared to have gone to sleep.

The French cabaret was even more bizarre. (!)

Nearly Long Leave - and I don't doubt that the residents' excitement rating will escalate this week ..... ! Watch this space - and thank you for reading.