Up the wooden hill

Well didn't the weekend just fly by?

We had a rather traumatic trip to hospital on Saturday to see father-in-law WithaY who has had a very nasty fall and is in a pretty bad way. At least he has been moved to a slightly nearer hospital today so we can get there more easily.

Went to the party on Saturday night which was lovely, met lots of people for the first time, including a terrifyingly keen chap who had brought many, many musical instruments. He spotted my case, and was demanding that I get my guitar out this instant, despite me having literally just walked in out of the rain, dripping water all over the hall floor. Still, we played a few songs* which was fun.

Such a shame about the weather, but it was warm enough to stand under the marquee in comfort and admire the fire and the twinkly lights. All very atmospheric.

Sunday was spent in a blur of domestic activity** and eating a fine roast duck Sunday Dinner.

I am away for a few days now, about to head off to a friend's house for dinner and a bed, then driving to Bedford at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning. Pray for me. The M25 will be hell.


*Later. After I'd taken my coat off and been handed a drink.
**Ironing. Gah.

Cat fire

For no particular reason I just remembered the story of my Youngest Sister's cat at Christmas.

Elvis (the cat) is quite old now, and likes to snooze on top of the TV where it's warm and comfy and there is a reduced risk of children standing on him.

There were several small candles on top of the TV that the children had brought home from the church service on Christmas Eve. The cat, either through age and failing eyesight or just feline defiance, ignored the candles and made his way to his usual snooze spot.

The candles were alight, by the way.

Sure enough, after a few minutes, there was a smell of burning fur. Youngest Sis was in the kitchen making tea for all, the children were sitting watching a Christmas film on TV, my Mum was sitting on the sofa holding the baby. And the cat was on fire on top of the TV.

Apparently everyone just sat looking at the cat, sleek black fur blazing cheerfully, still snoozing, till Mum panicked, calling to my sister "The cat's on fire! The cat's on fire!" whereupon Youngest Sis came running in with a damp tea towel and put him out.

Heh. Put the cat out. Just realised why that's funny.

Apparently he had a strange semi-bald brown patch for a few weeks till his fur grew back. And he still snoozes on top of the TV.

Additions

Current mood: good

We have our mate Jim moving in with us this weekend. Just till he sorts out a place of his own, anyway. Should be interesting. I have no idea how much stuff he's bringing with him (Pocketful? Overnight bag? Carload? Removals truck?)or what he intends to do with his time while he's here. As long as he doesn't eat all the biscuits and take up all the sofa, I don't much mind.

I am feeling much more cheerful today, in part because I went along to an interesting meeting with a highly entertaining colleague, which was great.

And it's Friday. Hurrah.

No plans for the weekend beyond stocking up on logs and crumpets for Jim. He does enjoy the fire, and eating crumpets. And drinking tea. Better stock up on tea, too. And milk. And maybe some cake.

I tidied my study up yesterday and now it feels much more relaxing in here. Might need to get another chair though - there's only the one by my desk which is a bit antisocial. I might finish the skirt I started making months ago tomorrow. I can actually see it now I've cleared all the crap off my desk.

My new orrery-stylee windchime thingy looks great. Doesn't make any noise, so the name is a bit misleading.

Bedtime. Busy day tomorrow. Might go to the DIY store and buy green paint. If I can be arsed.

Currently Reading : Dilbert and the Way of the Weasel By Scott Adams Release date: By 03 October, 2003