Pub quiz the second today! But first, a more immediate matter: my epic quest to socialise with Thelma.

I awoke to the becoming-usual sight of her clinging to the bars of her cage, watching me intently with her ruby eyes. I decided we'd have a session immediately, while she was so active.

We socialised for about half an hour, twenty minutes of which she was in my hands, down my top (she seems to like it in there...) or, at one point, on my shoulder.

I'm really happy with how she's coming along. I'm starting to feel a lot more confident about picking her up, and about letting her explore - though I still feel a little awkward when she gets to the edge of my bed, in case she disappears under it and never comes out. I'll need to think of a foolproof way of preventing this.

As for Thelma herself, she's a lot more confident now. She doesn't freak out as much when I scoop her up and it takes her a lot less time to pluck the courage up to leave her cage in the first place. When I hold her she uses me as a climbing frame, going up and down my sleeves, all over my chest and back - it stings because of her claws but it's so worth it to see her be a little more outgoing.

She's still very skittish but I think (and hope) that in coming weeks she'll settle down. Same goes for me - she may be small but she's not daft; I think I need to unwind and let her explore my room a little more. If I can trust her, then she'll be able to trust me.

I've only had three Magners - three! - and I'm quite sozzled. Perhaps not so much next time unless I want to wipe my memory entirely clean. Already I feel the night's events drifting off into an ocean (or, in my case, a puddle) of cider. To be young and Irish!

Thus my haste in getting it all down while I still can. Must not forget the good times. I really ought to just have a cup of tea next time round.

Anyway, the events of the night. I went out to the bus at around half seven this time to catch the 8:07 - which would have been fine, had I been wearing a coat and proper shoes. I stood there trembling for about half an hour until the bus finally came.

When I arrived at the Running Horses, a horrific experience - I couldn't find Jason, or Lee, or indeed any of the people who'd been there last time. I texted Jason, who confirmed that they were still on their way, and then went to wait outside - the place was full and there was nowhere to sit. I entertained myself much as I had while waiting for the bus - by reading Wodehouse's 'Carry On, Jeeves' to pass the time.

( I really ought to refrain from reading in public... )