Another birthday, another night off. Typical. Not to worry, though, because I know the person in question has had a great day, and to round it off with doughnuts has been a further treat - for which I must render many thanks. Mr Porter was acting as chief dispenser, and I know he will have executed his duties with distinction, as always.

I can't believe it's Friday tomorrow: where do the weeks go? It'll be CE trials before we know it -or rather, until the candidates know it, and there's still so much to get through. Still, as with so much at SF, we've been through it all before, so I'm sure everything will be fine.

The great Thursday biscuit upgrade has outdone itself this week, as on offer this morning were the most deliciously scrumptious flapjacks, along with an assortment of 'normal biscuits', and the coffee was superb, too. There's always a lovely atmosphere down in the HM's drawing room (known here as the HMDR) at Thursday Break: everyone goes, not through being compelled to go, but because we want to - and of course, the view from there (notwithstanding a few miles of barricading atm) is wonderful, too.

The astro is coming on apace, and will be a tremendous facility when it's completed. Not long to go now. Well, half a term, but if the next half goes as quickly as this one's gone, it will be no time at all.

That's it for tonight, then; and other than to send fond greetings to our Followers in Oman, it's time for me to bid you goodnight.

Goodnight.