Saturday 5th January 1808

Dear Diary,
I rose early and led Python into Cobbler's Bottom. I felt he needed another shoe. How cruel fate can be for when I arrived I discovered that the splendid Sam, he of the tousled hair and rippling flesh, was otherwise engaged and his replacement was less than satisfactory. By the looks of him he was more related to the beasts he has shod than any man I have known. I stood outside, in need of air, while he performed the task and returned home. I am to Manchesterford today for some amusement. May Fortune be kind. I shall return anon.
Adieu.