When it rains; it pours

Today is a proof of all that.

I overslept – I was running very late.

I was stuck in traffic; the bus was not moving. I arrived in the place and friend cannot make it.

Because I was late I skipped breakfast so I thought I will grab a green tea and some scones – I gave up the idea when I saw the queue.

I queued instead for a bottle of water and a bag of crisps in a nearby stall. I found a seat ready to have my brunch. Well, the bottle water has this contraption where you pull a nozzle so water will come out. I pulled and pulled nothing happened. I had to unscrew the whole top so I could get to the water.

I should have stayed in bed.

I phoned for back up (i.e. Dennis) and asked him nicely if he could pick me up.

When we arrived home I opened the boot of the car. Then I heard a crash. When I looked down I saw my Duralex bowl broken into smithereens. Dennis dropped the rice pudding I cooked for my mother in law before picking me up and Dennis placed the clean bowl in the boot of the car.

Silent scream. Deep breathes.

Then my mobile rang. My driving instructor was on his way to the office to pick me up. Oh.My.God. “Tim, please find the next roundabout. I am not at work. I go back to work on Monday, 5 January. I am really sorry for the mixed-up.”

Yes, I should have stayed in bed and enjoy a lie in.

Choice

It is Boxing Day and there is nothing on the telly. You have already watched Mama Mia twice (just today) and a James Patterson novel is not really fitting for Christmas. And you are to choose to enjoy one from the left. Which one will you choose?

Oh Yes - Finally

At 10.00 am yesterday the office received the much awaited email - Yes.. we can go home at 12.00. Knowing me I was ready at 11.00. The telephone voicemail and email auto reply changed to see you next year type of message!!

The Christmas food was collected. The queue was horrendous - I promise you - but in keeping with the reason for the season I remained calm and chilled.

My 60th driving lesson was done and dusted. Driving around town at 5.00 pm on the 23rd December was not a very good idea but I managed. Tim was impressed I think.

We attended the last church service for advent last night. It was a solemn celebration but peppered with a bit of comedy though. When Dennis was given the blood of Christ the following conversation occured:

John: The blood of Christ. Then whispered: I have your memory stick with me.

Dennis: Amen. Okay see you after church.

What are they like?

£900 Christmas card

Dennis and I receive today the most expensive Christmas card - come to think of it we even paid for this. We receive today a card from our district council.

Ward 3

Bummer. Okay it is December. It is very cold and it is very chilly. Therefore the cold virus is let lose. I am very careful not to get colds because I do not want to ‘infect’ Dennis. The bana’s immune system is very fragile that if ever a deadly bug as a form of weapon of mass destruction is released in the atmosphere he will be the first one to catch it.

So why am I writing this? Because our office feels like Ward 3. There is a plague. One has this very sore throat; claimed cannot even speak. One cannot stop sneezing and I think the coughing stage had started. The heating is on (again because it is very cold and very chilly) and I feel that the air I am breathing is swimming with these little fellows ready to cause havoc in my system.

Okay I could be a wee bit dramatic or could be a tad obsessive but I lost the will to live when a friend texted me that she has colds, headache and sore throat but she is still going out with us tonight for the meal arranged last week. I love her to bits but I was so tempted to text back and say: “Be a good girl, stay at home and drink plenty of lemon drink”.

So wait for next week if I did get it!!

Reason for the Season

This is my reason for the season? What are yours?

Crunch Time

Credit crunch... recession... shops trying desperately to lure shoppers to up sale this Christmas.

Before I Forget..

It is true that things come in three’s. On our way to work we stopped in three traffic lights and each time because a dog walker was crossing the road.

I noticed and observed that in church no one sits next to me and Dennis. Well, they do when all other pews are occupied. Our theory which could be unfounded but we find funny: that I am a Filipino and Dennis is a convert!

Going out from the shop a mother asked her son: “Do you have your balls with you?” To my horror Dennis replied: “Yes, I have.” I am so pleased that the mother did not hear Dennis or chose to ignore him. I told Dennis that if the mother had slapped him I would have joined in.

I have discovered Facebook and I have Facebook envy. I only have 14 friends and most of my Facebook friends have more than 50!!

Early snow

Snow came far too early this year. Too cold to sweep the front; too cold to go to church.. I just want to switch on the heating and then close the curtains!! Goodnight everyone!!

The Neigbours across the road

The Poor little flowers

The car got it

The Fallen

Present Danger

Lunch break and I found myself in my usual bookshop haunt. I cannot afford a book at the moment but I thought I will have a browse and hoping really hard that I will not spend my 'overdraft'.

Anyway, I saw this book and I know that this will be a good Christmas present for the Bana!! I cannot afford a book (again) but I bought it and risk to be in the Red!

Break it down

I took some days off and I am loving it. The bana had a mild panic because me being off will cramp his style (joking ;-).

I met up with girlfriends and we had a fish feast: from paksiw to sinigang; fried to ginataan. Then to the disgust of Benjie, my friend's cat we had some Karaoke. Hmm, I belted the songs of Debbie Gibson. Yes, I am so 80's.

I had so much sleep and power naps(!!). I was still in bed when my driving instructor sent me a text that he is moving the lesson from 12.00 noon to 12.30.

Dennis and I had a lazy breakfast and a lazier lunch (after my driving lessons). More power naps.

Back to work tomorrow. Come to think of it I do look forward to it.

The one that got away

When its kind outside had either withered and died this one continues to grow and glow. Much to our delight.

Go

Glow

Grow

and more - definitely the envy of its cousins outside.

Mass Exodus

Several people are living. Not really good for morale. The weather outside is not helping. It is dull, grey, murky, misty and wet.

It is Friday though – the weekend is here! Looking forward to what the new week brings.

TGIF

I am a good person (J) but there are times that these thoughts come to mind when I am at work.

“Why don't you slip into something more comfortable? Like a coma.”

“You are as pretty as a picture; I'd really like to hang you.”

Lost in Translation Part 2

We have several international students in the course this term: three from Hong Kong; one from Taiwan; one from Brazil; one from Vietnam.

They are settling in well and seem to cope magnificently with the chilly British weather. One even wishes for snow in December.

In one of the students tutorial sessions they raised the issue of not understanding acronyms used in correspondence (like ED for Education or RE for registered and EN for enrolled) and some academic terms like MLD for Moderate Learning Disabilities or NC for National Curriculum).

I have to admit that I too struggle with acronyms lately:

• DLSR Digital Single Lens Reflect
• LCD Liquid Crystal Display
• HD High Definition
• PDA Personal Data Assistant /Public Display of Affection(?)
• HHWW Holding Hand While Walking!!
• FFS Bleep, bleep, bleep

But I do understand WTF!! Not quite the lady you think I am at times.

Fall Back

Nights are drawing in, leaves on trees have turned their colours and wind had picked up – and clocks will go back this weekend. Summer is definitely over – I must have blinked.

We are all ready for winter hibernation. Dennis feels that he is – he had his flu jab and tooth filled. After all these essential maintenance he broke a toenail. I felt giddy because Dennis just pulled the nail out.

That was gross but wait when I told my friend R about the incident over the phone; R almost fainted because she thought a nail (that goes with hammer) was stuck on Dennis foot!! That will be a different story.

My list of things to do before winter is growing. Mild panic is rising.

Well full blown panic yesterday. I turned the shower and no water!! I called on Dennis who turned and twisted all knobs – nothing. I could either call in sick or use the balde and tabo to wash myself. The former was so tempting but I opted for the latter.

Lunch time my phone rang, it was Dennis. He ordered a new shower and it will arrive Friday. Then he thought of checking the shower again and found out that I did NOT pull the main switch. DUH! That was an indeed a very expensive DUH moment.

Back to the list I am really sad (i.e. obsessive) because I give myself a deadline normally before December to complete tasks/jobs around the house: from sweeping the leaves outside to taking down hanging baskets; from ordering food for Christmas to changing duvets to the winter ones. The list goes on and on and on…

Age is a state of mind

I was talking to my mother in law and I cannot remember the topic of conversation but these are some of her statements.

Mother in Law: I am not going to wear long skirts. People might think I am an old granny!

Mother in Law: I don't think I am going back to that place Marla. It is full of old folks.

PS Just to remind everyone that my mother in law is 83 years old.

The Meaning of Life

I am now 42 and apparently this is the answer to the Meaning of Life. How come? I do not know but there you go.

So what happened last Thursday?

I was working but I receive a package from the University Central Admissions. Surprise! They even glossed up my title. I am now called Registration coordinator (i.e. tig distribute, tig record and tig file).

Loving this title

Then the Bana took me to a pub meal after work. Fuss and hassle free meal making it so comforting and so satisfying. Lamat jod Babes sa surprises!!

It is compulsory to drool.

Salamat jod sa family and friends sa greetings: texts, emails, cards, multiply and friendster postings, lovely poem from J and company of girlfriends having fun - and that is the meaning of life.

Big minds

The students Bulletin Board is full of announcements regarding lectures and forums. Here are some of them.

What do you think?

Classical Liberalism’s Elitist Response

Potential Barriers to understanding Deep Time

Politics of Vulnerability

Energy for Transport

Personally, I would rather stay home and knit than attend any of these lectures ;-).

Home Maker

The car was scheduled to be in the garage for repair for three days. Dennis had to stay at home and do ‘home’ things. This was the list on the first day.

1. Wash and dry clothes
2. Iron clothes
3. Do the tea

The first two he did brilliantly. Dennis is an expert when it comes to sorting items of clothing before it goes into the washing machine. Two categories for him: a) sure of this b) I am not sure of this so I put them back in the laundry bin.

Then here is the tea part.

Around 4.00 pm Dennis phoned: “Where is the tin opener Babes?”

Hmm, that was a good start.

I made sure that all the ingredients were on the kitchen counter. One thing I missed to mention was the amount of cooked rice, the amount of mushroom and onions to use. You guess it right – we could have fed the whole street with the savoury rice.

Thank God there was no second day list. The garage phoned that the car will be ready lunch time the next day.

Weheyy!!

Catching Up

Not that I do not have anything to do because I have plenty to do. I feel that these things to do can wait for a bit as I catch up with DVD viewing.

R and T thought The Untouchables starring Kevin Costner and Sean Connery was really good. The DVD had been sitting next to the telly for almost two weeks now. Bana and I enjoyed this one. Although we just can't bear to watch Sean Connery dying.

Then C from work lent me She's the One with Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz. It is not bad and the Bana watched the whole movie with me!!

Well I did not stop there I then watched The Last of the Mohicans for the nth time now and had a good cry. I fall in love with Daniel Day Lewis all over again.

Thursday night Bana quote

I said: “I can hardly open my eyes!”

Bana replied: “Such a shame it does not apply to your mouth!”

Kablaamm!!

Only time will tell

and yes it does literally in our house.

My mother in law gave us a clock. It is the type that makes a chiming sound every quarter of an hour and on the hour gives you a Big Ben like countdown. I have to admit I like the clock the chime does not bother me at all. Only if I am watching something on the telly and I miss the most important punch lines because it is 9.00 pm!!

The clock is a reminder on how time obsessed I am. This time keeping compulsion drives the bana mad at times. Whenever we go on holiday we are in the airport too early that probably we can squeeze another holiday before check in.

Anyway, time for bed.

Postcards from friends

This week I receive two postcards. In an age of texts, emails, YM's and Skype; it is still a pleasure to receive old fashioned greetings.

F & J visited Rome for a week and their postcard says: having an enjoyable but footsore time in Rome. Have walked for miles visiting Colosseum, Vatican, Pantheon and Pompeii have the highlight up to now... Weather very hot and sunny and food is first class.

P went to Dordogne (France) with C and their postcard says: ...you will love this region - great cave sites, castles and churches. It's off season so it's also calm, the landscapes uncluttered and roads almost empty with excited tourists. ...It has been great travelling in time. Only the food's there to distract you ;-)!!

Doom and Gloom Until Wednesday

A Large Hadron Collider somewhere in the French/Alps border will be switched on this Wednesday. The activation of this machine will apparently create a black hole and swallow up the planet – oh dear the end of the world.

So all our concerns and worry about credit crunch, severe weather warnings, expensive food and utility bills, terrorist attacks and ( Newcastle United Football club having no manager) will end on Wednesday.

Is this the relief we need in this troubled times?

Wrestling with Machines

When I started work in this department I made sure that I familiarise myself with ‘intimidating’ machines in the office. I thought I had become an expert – today proves that I have not mastered the use of these simple and straightforward devices.

So. First the photocopier needs a toner. The screen showed step by step process how to change the toner. Almost covered with black muck I gave up and shouted for help.

So. Then the paper shredder jammed. The instruction definitely say I can shred 10 pages in one go. Well it did not! And I have to spend 30 minutes of University time to untangle the mess.

So. I thought I need a treat after that stressful 30 minutes. I went down to the vending machine. I placed my .50 pence for Seabrook Potato Crisps (Canadian Ham Flavour). This is the Twort luck the crisp stuck. Again I shouted for help – the caretaker kindly shook the whole machine to let go of the bag of crisp.

So what is next? the fax?

Life continues…

Dennis did the weekly food shopping for his mother and his mother’s neighbour. He also did a bit of a small shop for us. I panic when I cannot find bread in the freezer or in the bread bin.

Dennis harvested five cherry tomatoes from my lone tomato pot. Sweet and crunchy – my mother in law said.

I had another driving lesson last night. After manoeuvring two round about(s): small one on third gear and bigger one on second gear my driving instructor jokingly commented if I have Irish blood (cheeky monkey!). I love the Irish – my Religious Education teachers were Irish; my Spiritual Director was Irish and my bosses in college were Irish missionaries. Although…J

Today Dennis will visit Consett market. And probably buy stuff that he thinks he might need after the holocaust. Never mind if that takes out his mind from biscuits that is absolutely fine.

At work J sent an email that cakes are available in her office and if we fancy one we can just help ourselves. J is pregnant and she said eating for two is not an option. Better grab a piece before I go to that training.

My 'Bank Holiday'

What are the things one has to do on a Bank Holiday? I did the following:

• Politely say No to invites
• Switch off mobile phone
• Compulsory to wake up late.
• Watch whatever rubbish on television. The movie Cool Runnings was on. I don't consider that rubbish.
• Watch Veronica Mars, General Hospital and a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode on You Tube.
• Wash hair and let it dry naturally and watch hair really grow big as it dries.
• Make a list of thing you should have done and get depressed for not doing them.
• Pester husband to take photos of yourself (see photos below)

Flaming Nora!!!

This is just to echo Lin's tribute to Michael Phelps. Lin is my online buddy in Multiply. Okay all together now drool ;-)

Weekender Quote

We grabbed a cup of green tea after grabbing books at Borders. I was reading this magazine and this quote grabbed my attention:

"Better to keep one's mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt"

I rest my case.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Men: I paid for their services

D (My Hairdresser)

Married and with one child. He is a towering, orange very well dressed metro sexual specimen. He even admitted that he has Botox every six months. I normally take a two hour lunch break for a hair cut thinking that two hours is long enough. No- not with D – he loves to talk and talk he does. I move my appointments now to Saturdays and D can talk for England without me worrying if the office had sent out a search party.

A (My Dentist)

He is the boy next door type: very good looking in his designer stubble; distressed jeans and embellished t-shirts. First time I met my dentist I asked myself should I trust him? He is too good looking to be a dentist (no offence meant). He should be modelling a certain brand of men’s under things.

I still dread dentist appointments although I find it amusing every time he says: “Right Mrs Twort would you like to lie down and open up please?”

T (My Driving Instructor)

He is married with three children. He is a keen gardener and a passionate golfer. A golfer.. hmm is that the reason why he teams his jeans and nubuck loafer shoes with pastel coloured (pink has not made an appearance yet) polo shirts.? Not bad though.

His patient understanding and good humour certainly help me go through my silly and OTT oh my God we are going to die type of experience while doing my lessons.

These men are costly. They get a substantial chunk out from my take home pay.

I see A twice a year; D every two months and T – once a week for almost a year now.

On Learning to be Filipino

Saturday was a wash out (yes again) and Dennis and I decided to have a very late breakfast (brunch as the posh term). I opened the blinds in the sitting room window and we sat and sipped cups and cups of green tea. We watched Team GB got it first gold.

Then talk went from glad I have done the washing and only the ironing to do; oh this is nice just staying in and chilling to what should we have for dinner and then to this is like a weather in the Philippines and I am sure UK will be growing Palm trees come spring.

Hmm, so I asked Dennis you are now living with a Filipina for almost ten years. Have you learned how to be Filipino? After a long pause (Dennis has now learned that he has to pause and ponder before giving a reply straightaway)

Dennis learns that:

• Not all that stinks in the fridge is off
• Never throw anything away
• A hungry Filipina is an angry Filipina
• You marry a Filipina you marry the family (not literally though Babes so stop ogling my sister!)
• Washing dishes is a long-winded (but hygienic I may say) affair (scrape left over, rinse, soap and then rinse again)
• Talking and eating go hand in hand and sometimes choking too
• Saying goodbyes in parties may take another hour or so
• Travelling is never light (for me anyway)
• I could talk to family for an hour over the phone and when he asked any news? I say uh, Nothing

Not an exhaustive list and it may not sound very flattering but hey Dennis is married to this Filipina!!

By the way for the life of me I cannot remember what we had for dinner last Saturday!!!

8/08/08

What did you do on the eight day of the eight month of the eight year of the millenium?

Nothing special really.

• I was on my own in the office. There are six of us in the section and all of them are off for some reason or the other. So I think I am lucky in a way ;-).
• Dennis took me out for tea and hey we occupied Table 8.
• I watched the replay of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing (the ceremony even started at 8.00 pm China time)
• I loaded the washing machine.
• I tidied the week's mess around the house.
• I read a bit.
• Now I am typing this blog.

Brief Encounter

Last year I reconnected with a long lost friend. I was very pleased to have the communication lines re opened.

Then nothing.

Do we reconnect to disconnect? Or we disconnect to look forward to being reconnected?

Backyard Poetry

This was a surprise the other day. Flower from nowhere in full bloom just outside the shed. What comes to mind? Philosophical stuff like: grow where you are planted; beauty amidst adversity blah, blah, blah...

Flower in the crannied wall,

I pluck you out of the crannies,

Hold you here, root and all, in my hand,

Little flower – but if I could understand

What you are, root and all, and all in all,

I should know what God and man is.

ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON

101 Years of Experience... Between Us

Ha ha ha - not sure what I contribute to the partnership but I know there is stability, communication and plenty of fun. Happy 60th Babes - go on sort out paperwork for that heating allowance and bus pass.

Me Eavesdropping

We were having a meal at Tweedie's restaurant in Grasmere, Lake District and a non British couple was in the table next to ours. They ordered a glass of white wine and each time they said cheers - they both got up and gave each other a smack in the lips and then told each other I love you. Ahh, that was so sweet.

Then they ordered a bottle of red wine and they did the kiss and i love you ritual again. With a bottle in front of them just imagine the number of kisses and i love you's being exchanged.

Anyway, the couple placed their order and the wife asked the lady serving. Excuse me I noticed that you have a different accent from the people around here may I know where you come from? The lady said she comes from Australia and she is in the UK to study and thought serving tables will be a good part time job.

Their order came and then the wife asked the lady serving. Excuse me why did you smear the garlic sauce on top of the steak? I would rather have the sauce served on the side. But the wife assure the lady serving that not to worry I can scrape the sauce from the meat. She sliced the meat and exclaimed - did I order mine to be well done? This is unbelievably rare. Oh and can I have a steak knife please.

Yes Dennis and I thorougly enjoyed our meal and the entertainment on the side? It was just a classic!!

Domestic Failure

To prove that indeed I am not a Nigella or a Delia!!! The before and after seemed to look just the same...dark and shrivelled. The bana liked it though :-)

BEFORE

AFTER

Queuing and Making Decisions

I visited the University main office for some errands. Afterwards I thought I will drop in at the Picnic Basket (popular sandwich shop) which is just around the corner. Being popular the queue in this place is always long so I thought I will have plenty of time to decide what type of sandwich I will order.

To my surprise there was no queue --- I was on my own and two ladies behind the counter were ready to make my order. Oh dear I was lost, where is the ever trusted queue I need time to decide.

The lady asked: what type of filling do I have in mind? In my panic I chose the first one on the list - Pate and Bacon (to myself I said what?!?). And then she also asked what type of bread? White? Brown? Seeded and what type of seed? Plain? Do you wish to have butter or margarine or without? Ahhhh, I do not need this information overload. I just need to eat.

Anyway, I went out with Pate and Bacon in a Plain buttered bun.

See queues help in making decisions.

Uncomfortable Viewing Part 2

Nadal and Federer met again in the Wimbledon finals yesterday.

Nadal got the first two sets. Federer fought back and got the second two sets after a nail biting tie break in the 4th set. After two rain delays they played the final set.

Nadal's defence was remarkable - Federer's shots seemed not working.

After almost 5 hours of play Nadal equalled Borg's record of winning the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year.

I was devastated. I want Federer to win like really

Bana Strikes (a pose) again

Critically midlife.... what can I say? What does she have that I do not have Babes?

Human doing

It is Saturday and to be honest I have not stopped. The whole week was so hectic both at home and at work. I need to relax I need to slow down i need to breathe i need to focus I need to be bored (i never thought i will ever say that).

I am all over the place doing things that are not necessarily necessary: after work I cook dinner, i take my dinner and while having dinner i think what will I do after dinner. I then watch telly but I still cannot sit still either i read a book (with the telly in the background) or dust and hoover and yes with the telly in the background.

I am going to a Filipino festival today. I know this experience will help shift my focus and will help calm down frenzied energy.

Fat Face Incident

I saw some interesting items in the Sale . I took them to the fitting room. Then a male shop assistant knocked on the fitting room door asking if I was okay.

I replied: ‘I am okay, thanks’

I went out and the male assistant was there asking if I was okay which I said yes, thanks.

I tried on some trainers and the same male shop assistant approached me and asked again are you okay?

And I replied: ‘Your personalised service is very impressive but to tell you the truth you are now scaring me. And Yes I am okay’.

He apologised and backed off.

I am not sure if the OTT approach is what Fat Face means by their philosophy of Life is out there, make the most of it.

I went to the till and paid for a nice sweatshirt.

Cheesed Off

Irritated and annoyed; fuming and livid --- someone who should remain unnamed..

THAT IS IT REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!

“Pain…

is only beautiful when one can rise from it's depressing power.”

Happy birthday daddy. That 'beauty' is still elusive.

The pain is still piercing and cutting. The shed tears are still fresh but I promise to let go and I promise to move on. But I can’t promise it will be soon.

Uncomfortable Viewing

French Open 2008 - everything went horribly wrong for Federer - so many errors. Nadal is relentless and unstoppable. Just an hour and 48 minutes Nadal is serving for match point. That is it really. 6-1; 6-3; 6-0.

I can't believe what I've just seen. Nadal demolished Federer. Nadal went from strength to strength. Crushing defeat for Federer!!!

Guilty Pleasure/s

I discovered some of the books I read when I first arrived in the UK. Hmm, romances – my guilty pleasures I suppose. Someone wrote that these materials are like chocolates – dark, indulgent and easy. I agree. These books had served their purpose then – so let me leaf through them again.

Telephone Marathon

The office has not heard confirmation from 23 students regarding their transfer. The deadline is looming. We need numbers. We need students. Desperate measures for desperate times.

So what is the desperate measure – ring the students.

I dread this. I really do. I dread the 20 seconds wait when the phone starts ringing – will I be talking to a messaging service or will the person pick the phone? Either way the dread stays.

In my mind I rehearse what to say and how to say it. This does not work all the time though. I freeze and I start hearing myself saying blah, blah, and blah. Memories when I did a temping stint at the conference and tourism office of the University came rushing back. I was manning (‘womaning’ if you insist) the phone. It was my baptism of fire

This has to be done.

I spoke to 12 machines and 11 people (students are people :-).

And after 2 agonising hours it was done.

Oh What A Day

Dazed and lost I switched off my alarm. Stared in space. Went down. Opened curtains. Switched on kettle and debated whether to have a green tea or coffee (I should have taken coffee to perk me up). Ignored morning television. Watered plants. Showered and changed and debated whether to layer clothes (cold outside) or to wear summer clothes (sun coming out). I should have layered my clothes.

Arrived office. Cheery good mornings and hellos. Switched on computer and checked emails and phone messages. Replied emails, typed and filed and worked and laboured and get bored.

And it is only 11.40.

Housewifery

I was literally spinning as I go down my task list. A long weekend ahead but is it long enough?

The weekly food shop was put away. The Bana and I will be skinnier and wealthier if we forego food for a month.

The recycling bag will be collected so paper, plastic, glass and tins were washed (the council requested this to be done to avoid food contamination) and sorted.

Windows and doors desperately need a good clean. The summer sun (oh yes) cannot hide the winter grime any longer.

Twort household population is two and why do we have so much crumbs on the floor? I whined as I hoovered.

Washing machine was loaded with bedclothes and towels and curtains. Have to make use of the sunny weather. I think naturally dried linens always have that freshly washed scent (thinking of a detergent advert now). Most of my girlfriends don’t iron towels and bedclothes – sadly I still do. They say I am mad. They are right.

So, that’s my duty to God, Me and Planet fulfilled for now.