I'm back

It's been a few days since I last jotted down a Journal entry, so here's a quick catch up on recent events.

Saturday, 17th January

Saturday was mostly filled with domestic activities. The coffee maker was descaled, the rodent traps in the store room were reset, the motorcycle trickle chargers were checked and so forth.

The exciting news was that we have bought a rather splendid Iranian rug from the auction and we also acquired a lovely wooden sledge too.

Now we don't get much snow in these parts, and I am way too large for a children's sledge, so why did we buy it?  

When I said I wanted it, 30% steadfastly refused to even engage the thought of bidding on it. I then played the trump card of, "it'll be perfect for when we have grandchildren."  As if by magic, she is bidding like a maniac and the sledge is ours.

I now have the perfect method of getting her to agree to anything I want. Next on my list is a pet camel to live up in the orchard.

Sunday, 18th January

Yesterday evening 30% shut the chickens up for the night. This is a key point, take note.

This morning I headed up the orchard to let them out and I noticed that two bedraggled and somewhat annoyed hens were wandering around the run. They were not happy and were wittering on about, "reckless endangerment." 

As I fed them and refreshed their water it transpired that 30% had callously left them outside all night. Even worse, a prowling fox had visited and scratched at the bottom of the run. They were most distressed and were demanding restitution. The hens in the coop were making similar demands, based on the fact that they had been separated from their flock mates, and had been emotionally damaged by the enforced and involuntary isolation.

I reassured my little flock that I was the chief judiciary, responsible for this serious matter and would ensure that their case was considered and dealt with appropriately ...  Later in the day 30% was found on her knees making sure that the hens had a lovely clean coop to sleep in this evening.

The only other news was that we were required to collect TP from Birmingham Airport, on his return from  his adventure in Vietnam.

Monday, 19th January

Obviously there were many conversations covering TP's tour of Vietnam today. It sounds like he had a splendid time, and I am certain that more will come to light over the next few weeks.

This morning 30% and I headed over to Littleton and collected the sledge and rug. A large part of this afternoon was spent shifting furniture, vacuuming, and getting the rug laid in the smug. It looks beautiful, and is the perfect size for the room. 

We have subsequently learnt that it appears to come from the Tabriz region of North West Iran, based on a Google Image translation of the Arabic text woven in to the border of the rug.

Tuesday, 20th January

This morning TP and I headed off for a walk with the dogs down the lane.  It was great to have a chat and hear about some potential plans for a slight change in career trajectory.  It will be interesting to see how this pans out. 

It was also nice to be able to walk at a decent pace, as 30%'s mobility issues mean that most of our walks are short, and have frequent halts for her to catch up. I don't mind, but, for me, they are a wander rather than a walk.

TP headed off back to Cardiff after lunch.  30% and I then hitched the trailer to the car, and finally took the broken dishwasher to the tip, along with a few other accumulated items.

Wednesday, 21st January

The weather was vile this morning. Rain was pouring from a leaden sky, and the forecast suggested that it was likely to stay that way for most of the day.

Unfortunately the heavy rain meant that the drain across the drive at the entrance to the property needed attention.  I spent a fun hour lifting the grating, clearing the accumulated debris, and rodding the clay pipes that lead on to the ditch.

I then did my best to stay inside for the rest of the day, although a trip was required to collect logs from Rose Cottage.

A massive hypoglycaemic event meant that much of the afternoon was spent on the sofa, although I managed to summon sufficient energy for this evening's Tai Chi session. A new member joined us this evening, a driving force in the local men in sheds group.*

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* Make of that what you will!