Bin a long time, bin a long lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely time... why I hate winter in Sydney

Sitting next to bar heater in small, cramped poorly-lit room, eating cheddar cheese Sakatas from the packet (feel sick) and drinking cheap red wine while marking students' exam papers and trying to block out bad vibes from lounge room where Spanner is attempting a miracle - to convince our daughter Miss Hissy (aka The Hiss) of the value of the square root in everyday life.

Seriously, the real square root is the one you have with your partner of 16 years, but you can't explain the truth of the matter to a 15 year old who would be, understandably, grossed out.

There's not enough MSG cheesy flavour on the crackers. I will write a letter of complaint to Sakata first thing tomorrow.

I have made a really nice stewy braised beef with tomatoes, which is in the oven and needs no interference for another hour. But Spanner can't help himself. He's already poking and prodding it.

Brings me back to square roots.

I hate winter in Sydney.