From 1904 - 2010

I've had to sneak in here very quietly you understand because strictly speaking I had promised faithfully not to linger anywhere that wasn't productive.  So I haven't been anywhere near Twitter, Facebook or Skype nor have I been tempted by the old fashioned contraption known fondly as the telephone, or rather I've only visited them briefly which doesn't count.

Four full days stretch before me sans His Lordship.  I confidently leave the airport humming a little tune and its some time before I realise I've taken the the wrong direction on the motorway, how can that be ? I also make a couple of other small errors which are hardly worth mentioning because they are so trivial but of course they will show up on the bank statement like some glaring red angry pimple, automatic ticket machines on the motorway give no leeway for a momentary lapse in concentration.  Some great big hairy Spanish truck driver decides to blast his horn as I fumble with my guilty secret, he then proceeds to stick his thumbs up which throws me somewhat into even more disarray. 


I'm exhausted by the time I arrive home and decide a glass of wine is in order along with a long soak in the bath.  Neatly laid out in the kitchen is a row of freshly washed paintbrushes alongside a whopping tin of paint.  I ignore them and proceed to the bathroom.  Standing inconveniently slap bang next to the bath is newly erected scaffolding presumably so I can reach the bits of paper I missed stripping on the ceiling.  Further investigation leads to a completely clear bedroom and the machine (don't ask me what its called) poised for action to take the layer of concrete off the floor to reveal the original tiling.  Then there's the polisher ready to take off the surplus concrete afterwards, I can't investigate the house any further I'm too scared.  


But if we are talking man hours then I'm the first to admit that woman hours are lagging somewhat behind here and the next four days are my chance to prove that I can diligent, hardworking and single minded too, and prove it I will.


Meanwhile I'll leave you with a little pencil sketch I found up in the attic, circa 1904,depicting a couple of ladies as they take the air looking like they are strolling amiably along together deep in conversation and seemingly without a care in the world.