AFTER a leisurely breakfast at Alastair and Karen’s we jump in the car to Glasgow, stopping at a Yodel pick-up point in Helensburgh to drop off a couple of DrinkMate cylinders for pickup.

Next stop Ikea where I wanna find monitor stand to raise the monitor in the studio a bit. Needless to say Margaret picks up a few extra bits and bobs.

Then onto Costco – where we have a snack after picking up some supplies – and Tesco. We have pals from the ‘States coming to stay tomorrow (Sunday).

It’s later than we expect when we get home. I prepare a pork loin with a rub and a bacon weave ready for the smoker tomorrow then spend a little time in the studio, then the office before I spot a message from our US pals.

Their travel pains are scuppered as they didn’t realise the trains they need to get here don’t run on Sundays…so they’re not coming. We rearrange their visit for a couple weeks’ time.

Back in the house I make some fresh pasta and follow up later by using it for a simple cherry tomato, garlic and basil pasta dish.

I’ve made it a couple times before, but this is the best yet, partly due to me making the pasta a little thicker and more al dente.