Nothing like an old jumper.

I have just been updating my web site - adding my latest FT column - after packing a few things for a short holiday in Madeira. I thought long and hard about taking some fishing gear and decided against it. Well Gill did. She was holding me in an armlock at the time.

I looked on the web and found that there is some deep sea fishing there. My only previous big game fishing outing on a boat - in Antigua last year (catch pictured) - was not a great success. I was seasick most of the time. It's not the season for marlin or any of the big stuff in January so I think we shall spend more time bird watching and walking.

Besides, it's costly and it's not really my kind of thing, relying as it does on the expertise of the skipper. I thought I would seek out one of the local skippers for a chat all the same. Working on the web site has brought back tearful memories of my favourite jumper pictured here and with the blog.

Shapeless, well worn and full of holes it may have been, but you will understand what I mean when I say it was "just right." Then Gill stuck it in the spin drier. Now it's a skinny fit - ruined. I have a favourite shirt too - a faded tartan check with a threadbare collar. It's taken years to reach this stage. We visited a ghost town called Bodie in California once where the buildings were maintained in "arrested decay." I wish I could do that with my favourite clothes.

I like clothes and kit that is bedded in. My Snowbee waders (bought before they introduced a posh range) are held together by Aquasure but they still do the business. Nevertheless I really do need a new pair. I'm thinking of a pair of Simms G3s (should have bought a pair in the US last summer) but they're a lot of money. There is a Snowbee clearance sale in February so I will be looking out for the notice that comes with the catalogue. It's been a good source of bargains in the past.