What was 3.37 a.m. is now 3.11 a.m. with Sue Perkins

Nothing like starting with cross references.

Firstly, although I am still waking during the grim grey of morning, it has now moved 26 minutes earlier, irrespective of whether – Sunday to Thursday – I go to bed at 10.00 p.m. for a read, or whether – Friday and Saturday – I stretch the evening till 11.30 p.m. or midnight.

This in itself is strange, and I am starting to suspect there is an alarm somewhere that I cannot hear but is waking me at the same time for the amusement of some sadist – or a Brexitier.

However, what is does mean is that, joy of blissfulness, I now get more time for my brain to go into overdrive, rehashing and re-mashing anything and everything that has passed through my consciousness previously.

This usually entails a rising wave of anger about Brexit / Trump / Tory bullshit / corporate insensitivity and greed / everything else.

However, last night there was a welcome respite from the anger – almost – because of an evening spent in the company of one awesome woman, and in the audience of another.

Last night I sat in the Colston Hall and was taken through the full gamut of emotions by one of the brightest, smartest and funniest women around, although in need of a new pair of jeans!

Sue Perkins turned everyday family reminiscences into hilarity and drama through the simple expediency of honesty. Warmth, love, razor-sharp wit and human tragedy skipped about on the stage.

And she drew real tears from us two softies, and a good many others. And she raised a tidal wave of cheering for her defense of the NHS and those who work tirelessly to hold it up against the odds.

So, on the day before International Women’s Day, my soul was lifted, tickled mercilessly and then hit in the tear ducts.

And today I am happier in the knowledge that there are women like her, and my companion, who are not quiet about what is wrong, but are loud, and clear, and funny and heartbreaking.

With these women there will, always be hope, there will always be a light.

Just one thing. Would it be okay if I think about them at a time other than 3.11 a.m.? Every day!