More talk than action

I started out with a walk this morning, which included a twenty minute chat with an acquaintance, who lives in the next village.

I demonstrated perfect timing, as I arrived home just as our preferred painter and decorator; Jonathan turned in to the driveway. I then spent the next thirty minutes showing him the scope of the work we would like him to take on ... 30% has decided that he should decorate the entire ground floor.*

After discussing the job with him, it became clear that I would need to address a few DIY jobs before he arrives. There are light switches to be changed, a window board to be replaced and some plaster to be stripped off, the wall sealed and a sand and cement render applied. I am certain that this list will grow, and some of these tasks are not five minute jobs!

Once Jonathan had left, I wandered out to the tomato greenhouse and spent the time before lunch ensuring that the bamboo canes were up to the job of supporting the 2026 tomato crop.  I am well aware that the vines can become quite heavy and I have my doubts about the thin wire holding the canes in place.

After lunch I managed a short snooze, before I joined a video call with our Financial Advisor. This wasn't overly taxing.** and my requested pension draw down will be progressed in the next few days.  We also had a brief discussion about inheritance tax avoidance options, but that needs a lot more thought and investigation.

I then got the R1250R booked in for a service, before I settled in the lounge and lit the fire.  It is the middle of May and the weather is bloody freezing. I did turn the central heating off, but the warmth of a fire was extremely welcome as the temperature outside is barely in to double digits.

I must admit that I was reluctant to leave the warm fire and head out for this evening's Tai Chi class.

Reviewing this Journal entry, I can see that I got quite a bit done, but, at the time, I felt that I spent a lot of time talking and not much time doing!

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* I have no objection to this, but her "natural enthusiasm" did need to be curbed, somewhat.  Her initial plan was that Jonathan should come in and decorate the entire ground floor in one go. I pointed out that we had four dogs, quite a lot of furniture to move around, and we needed somewhere to live too. It was also likely that Jonathan wouldn't be available until the late Autumn.  30% took this onboard and agreed that we should give Jonathan the option of doing the job in stages.

** No pun intended

 

Chat with FA

Bike bike in fur service

Tai Chi 

Lit fire bloody cold