The Mask

This is a Gurula Raksha mask, from Ambalangoda on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka. Traditionally, it hangs on the outside of the house to ward off the evil spirits; we've got it keeping an eye on the computer in the study .

K and I bought it after an exhilarating two-week tour of the island in 1991, visiting the remains of the ancient city of Anuradhapura, tea and rubber plantations in the Highlands and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy . We were married the day after, at Beruwela, arranged by our guide Lucien da Silva. The mask was just one of the mementoes we brought back; another far more precious gift from Buddhas Island was 21 last year.

And so to today, 22 years later, another flat, grey day. K has my car again so confined to barracks to get on with diy for the morning. Needless to say spent some time online after my mid-day meditation and listening to the Radio through iPlayer . Making the most of the quiet period - it'll soon be a distant memory.