END OF SEASON LETHARGY

Why is it that you always feel more tired when you are not doing anything than when you are busy? I should be off the blocks at the end of the season sitting down to write the blockbuster I feel sure is in me, well a book that might make a few pennies, even pounds, but I am struck with lethargy. I am up in the mornings, at seven instead of six (well sevenish, seven is when the alarm goes, I make it our of bed by Thought for the Day at a quarter to eight). I am not spending time in the pub, never watch telly or read novels during the day and do not take afternoon naps. I have a weakness for Radio Four and matinees, when you can get a cheaper theatre or cinema ticket, and have no trouble filling up the day, but I am not actually doing anything constructive, apart from going to a few talks and tours at the National Gallery - I think that, as a London guide, I really should be able to do a tour of our major art gallery, although I am not likely to be offered one.

Tourism is fifteen per cent down from the USA, mainly because of the weak dollar, and there is little work around although I have got a winter tour at the end of November, so I am technically between jobs rather than unemployed (see last posting). It just takes me a while to get into winter mode when I sit at the computer for most of the day and do some proper writing rather than blog doodling. Half term is my excuse (daughter Julia arrives next week and I do not want to get too wrapped up in anything while she is around) as is the need to look after this old house after I have been away all summer. I have spent a few hours doing an autumn clean - I always think that the low sun at this time of year exposes a million faults. Housework can be curiously comforting when you have been living out of a suitcase for months on end.

Still I did summon up the energy to email some agents and got a coupleof expressions of interest. But it friday night now so that will have to wait until Monday. Talk about procrastination. Still, at least the house looks nice...