Free The Night Following by Morag Joss

silence. Been busy. Getting myself organized you’ll be pleased to hear! You’re not hearing, of course, but Carole says I shouldn’t dwell on that if writing these letters is to be at all useful.

So the upturn in the weather put me in the mood for leafing through the cruise and Australia paperwork. I turned up the brochure and itinerary and that inspired me to check what date we’re at today. I lose track of the days, sleep through them when I can. I get more done at night, without the interruptions.

Which is why I know we’d be in Madeira, jewel of the Mediterranean. You always wanted to go.

You were keen to see the mimosa for which Madeira is famed throughout the world. So here’s some photos of it from the brochure, sorry they’re a bit ragged, I couldn’t put my hand on the scissors so I tore them out. Butterflies, too, according to the literature, a feature of the place, some species thought to be unique to the island.

I was looking forward more to the bird spotting, I admit—I had them in the luggage, binoculars, reliable field guide of Mediterranean species, and RSPB spotters’notebook. My motto—never leave home without a notebook! Does that sound familiar or does that sound familiar!?

This notebook still blank, needless to say.

Was walking around most of the night with it in my hands, plus remains of cruise brochure. It’s ruined now, but I won’t need it again.

Also found this to go with photos. Came across the tape so I’m sticking it all in.
     
     
     

MADEIRA: JEWEL
OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
     
     
Two carefree days of sampling the delights of seafaring life aboard the
Belle Aurore Atlantis
and then “Land Ho!”What a wonderful land is your first port of call—Madeira, beautiful isle of pure blue skies, warm seas, and floral abundance.

From your very first step on the soil of Madeira the delighted visitor understands why it is known as the Garden Island, as the place is simply awash with color.

Day 1: Stroll at your leisure through the large and colorful flower markets that are one of the most arresting features of Funchal, Madeira’s capital. Relax over lunch at one of the quaint bodegas, and while you’re at it, why not sample some of the famous Madeira wine? In the afternoon, rendezvous dockside to travel by luxury air-conditioned coach to Camacha to marvel at the local wicker furniture weavers at work, and then on to the island’s blissful Botanical Gardens for a breathtaking display of subtropical plants and flowers, most strikingly the luscious golden yellow of the famous mimosa groves.

Day 2: Morning free for shopping in the famous lace-and tapestry-making quarter. After a lunch of traditional Mediterranean fare using the finest local ingredients, we again rendezvous dockside to travel by luxury air-conditioned coach to the enchanting fishing village of Camara de Lobos, where Churchill went to paint. Continue on to the celebrated Levada walks, part of the island’s ancient irrigation system, before returning to Funchal for a sumptuous afternoon tea at the worldfamous Reid’s Hotel.

Can you imagine it? I can’t

Arthur

PS Am unearthing all kinds of things. Seems to me you got a bit carried away with that writing group of yours. Poetry that doesn’t rhyme and stories that don’t begin or end properly. OK as a hobby I suppose, but the more I try to sort through it all the more there is. I’m tripping over loose pages, folders in every cupboard and drawer I open. I can’t make head nor tail. There’s reams of it.

PPS Whenever did you find the time? There’s
REAMS…
     
    Jeremy telephoned. He said, reading sturdily from a list, that he would be grateful if I would forward his mail using the labels specially printed with his new address that he would send me in a day or two. He proposed to close our bank account but would pay, into my personal account in monthly installments, more than enough money for my purposes. His call had awakened me and when I tried to speak, my