The sale of my house took a great step forward yesterday. Mr Surveyor examined the property in the morning and Mr Purchaser made an offer in the afternoon, which Mr Vendor rejected on my behalf. A second offer was made within an hour, so either he or Mrs Purchaser is very keen. Mr Vendor will make another attempt to increase the offer, although (whisper it) I'd settle for the second price.

The imminence of a sale inspired a flurry of tidying and reorganisation at The Rural Retreat where space for my extensive book and music collection has to be found. Both will have to be thinned out. Apart from that, there's little else I wish to transfer – a car boot sale or eBay bonanza may take place soon. Moving house is a great way of discovering what you really value.

Bess, not impressed by the activity, made her displeasure plain by crouching in the garden, in the rain, and staring at the door. Cats are able to summon up an expression of long-suffering self-pity with ease.

Naturally, such upheavals led Matchgirl to thoughts of redecorating and refurnishing the Retreat. After all, I will soon be a man with money to spend.

This, however, may require the services of ACAS to help us reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. Male logic demands that we carry out the redecoration then find furniture; Matchgirl wishes to buy the furniture first then find paint to complement it. Tricky. I'm sure we'll find a middle way.

Literary Update: My bid to become one of the lucky 5,000 to be published for free by youwriteon.com has been successful. After examining this gift horse thoroughly, and from all angles, I've concluded that the scheme is kosher and the website reputable, as is its publishing partner, Legend Press.

I'm now re-reading my chosen novel, Maggie, before I email the manuscript. When my Word document has been turned into crisp new paperbacks I'll post a link to the site where you can buy it. You will, won't you? It's very good. Honest.

A burned-out war reporter returns to her home town to make peace with her mother and end the nightmares – hopes thrown into turmoil by an unexpected face from the past...

How can you resist?

Wedding Update: Matchgirl and I have been sent a slide show of wedding photos, made by my IT-adept mum, backed by the unexpected soundtrack of the full ten-minute ceremony which she'd recorded secretly. A teary moment was had by both of us as we listened. What a wonderful souvenir. Thanks, Mum.