Well, I settled down late afternoon with the puzzle and reached that point where I was stuck on the one remaining letter, so had a quick read-through of the comments and started pondering on Novalis' hint which I didn't immediately understand. At which point the door bell rang. I had completely forgotten a dinner invitation.
Later tonight, after a good meal there I was rocking in one of those chairs that hang suspended from the ceiling, a glass of good Portuguese red in my hand, and my hostess gently strumming a guitar. when suddenly light dawned. Just got in, went straight to the big red book and all was revealed - so thanks Novalis, I got there in the end.