Neither of

my parents were particularly obsessive or compulsive as far as I remember. I think I have found the ideal ink, which is the magnificent Noodler's Bulletproof Black. (Their Polar Black feathers too much, and Heart of Darkness seems to me to be a very dark grey). 

Where did this obsession come from? Boarding school, like prison, can have its effects. I did ten years inside as a child, and was firmly taught that ballpoint pens are just not the thing. I did another fourteen as a trusty adult. I think I have enough ink, and spare pens (there are more than I have shown here) to keep my daily journal for another ten at least. 

My Lenten project is to make my own postcards to send to friends and relations. I shall get my paintbox out at teatime.