Saturday

Friday was hard work - but good. I was able to catch the same train into london as the client I'm working with in Hastings - and we continued to work on the train -she was presenting a big project that we have been working on to a difficult client, and I was on my way to Eddie's funeral - oddly enough - she wore a black dress, so we matched. In the morning, I'd been to a cashpoint and a woman said to me, laughing, "ohh - look at you - you look like you are going to a funeral" - It was the hottest day of the year. I was wearing a great 1960's tailored wool suit by Daks and a lovely old 50's black tie with a dark green stripe.

I'm actually quite pleased that we were on the train together - I'd not slept all night and it would have been far too easy for me to fall asleep - something I hate. We actually did some really good work - and provided much entertainment for the rest of the carriage - who might have though we were a bit mad " no - try it in blue - I mean pink - no, a different font - I mean strapline, I mean colour"

The funeral was in Falconwood - way out in South East London - London itself was very busy - but really well managed by the transport people and easy to manage. The cemetery was lovely - the actual hall was a very smart 1930's Georgian/Deco building, like a folly - with smart gardens. I walked through the burial ground and passed the place where they discard dead floral tributes  - there was a giant funeral display in daffodils, made from letters that read 'BINGO-DADDY!" I don't even want to speculate about that one.

The funeral was really well attended - people I hasn't seen for years. It was a Humanist affair - and the coffin was made from woven bamboo - it was lovely.  It got quite intense and emotion at parts - but was essentially a celebration - so that was good.

Afterwards we had a reception at Eltham Pallace - which is beautiful - and has lovely gardens. The art deco rooms are often used for film sets. The weather was glorious.

There were lots of Eddies old sketchbooks on display - and were were all given 3 of his big silkscreens each, a lovely gesture. One girl had flown over from Rome for 2 hours during the middle of a family holiday and had the cab outside to take her back to the airport - and someone else had driven from Spain that morning without stopping. It was a bit upsetting, and most people agreed that he was a remarkable man and very special - we really will not see his like again.

I left and travelled back to London Bridge - and met up with my client and our copywriter and had a drink at the All Bar One that is literally at the foot of The Shard - very surreal. before traveling home and getting some sleep.

Today - I woke up, walked the dogs, and went back to bed. At noon I decided that I'd had enough sleep, and on a whim - cycled to Eastbourne - took about 90 mins, using the back roads and coastal paths - the weather was wonderful and the countryside glorious - it's about 25 miles. At Eastbourne - it was the first day of the international Airshow - so there were about 100,000 other people there. I watched the only remaining airworthy Vulcan Bomber fly low overhead - something I thought I'd never see ( it's very loud ) and a Spitfire and Lancaster. Had a walk around the charity shops ( bought a livid 1960's check tie ) and then cycled back - took much longer because I was getting tired and the wind was against me. Only had to shout at 2 stupid drivers. Within about 20 yards of my house I witness a small child run into the road and come within a couple of inches of death - I doubt the driver of that car will sleep tonight - he was very quick on the brakes, thank God.

Very tired now - a bit achey, but feel better and glad I've done something physical rather than mental - bit of 'life balance'.

The house resembles the flat in Withnail and I - mostly the kitchen. have not spoken to anyone since yesterday. Bliss.