The visit of the cult has really made me question the wisdom of planning an open day. A couple of things have helped me to at least think sensibly about it though.

The most important was a phone call from Kel. Just hearing his voice warmed me and steadied me. I always tell him he is my anchor. I wish he was closer, but his route at the moment is quite far from the Harbour and I don’t want him to skimp his work there just to come back for me.

Oddly enough, the other thing that helped was actually meant to unsettle me. Along with the post on Monday morning was a bunch of St John’s Wort. As well as being very useful medicinally, this also offers protection against witches (at least so Nemle taught me). I put it in water on my desk to show anyone interested that I am not the slightest bit disturbed by it.

I’m trying to think clearly and sensibly about the open day.

The main argument for holding it is that our neighbours might have a chance to get to know us, and of course we might get to know them too.

Another possibility is that it might lead to additional income if people become aware of the opportunity to rent a room or use the front lawn for playing games.

On the other hand it may also open us to the kind of abuse the cult used to frighten me. Susan came during the week and told me of rumblings she had heard about the witch at the Harbour.

What I need to remember is that there is always a cost. The important thing is to recognise the price and decide whether the gain is worth it.

In this case I have to think it is.