Bloody hell. I do try. The rain had stopped, so although it was dark, I decided to take the dog for a walk.

We got to the end of the road and turned round as usual. Fine. Then as we were starting to go down the hill, a jeep full of shouting people roared past. Next thing there was a loud explosion – either the jeep backfiring, or somebody letting off a banger – the car was out of sight by now. Alfie and I had synchronized heart attacks; we turned back and headed for home – he ran, his ears flat with fear, and I followed his lead – though obviously without the ear-flattening.

We had barely reached the gate, when there was a very bright flash of lightning followed by thunder. Exhausting – and that was without much walk…