THE GREAT DICTATOR

I'd better apologize in advance in case the content becomes even more erratic than usual over the next fortnight. As I've already mentioned, Mrs D is away in India, making radio programmes, and I've been left in charge of the three boys, the cat and the household. It's similar to what happens when San Serriffe's prime minister takes a foreign holiday: an ambitious general seizes control, free speech is suspended, a curfew is introduced, and I get to choose what we watch on TV. Having to cook every day has been the hardest part so far, but at least I'm receiving lots of guidance by e-mail from Delhi. So, if there are long gaps between posts, you'll know I'm either grappling with rioting mobs or soggy pasta.