Reflecting on the last week or so, it really is a week of frustration mingled with joy. Read on!
The frustrations (a brief selection)
- Nadine Dorries is still our MP. As I understand it, Mad Nad had a tantrum a while back, all to do with not being put forward for a seat in the Lords. She said she was quitting (horray!) but then didn’t (boooo!).
In the meantime the campaigning has, in effect, already started. The Tories have put up our Police Crime Commissioner as the next candidate. He seems a popular chap, seems to have been well received as PCC and is possibly a rising star. However, he’s still a Tory. Rivals from Labour, Liberal Democrats and an Independent are flexing their muscles but I don’t really know much about them. I might suggest that our Parish Council organises a husting event.
- Other inept politicians. Since the local elections, our Conservative Councillor has kept a low profile, as far as I can tell. I have written to him, congratulating him on his successful election and asked how he intends to keep us residents informed of the goings on at the blummin Council. I have been ignored (perhaps he reads my blog?). Or perhaps he and the remaining handful of Tory Councillors are still sulking from losing control of the Council, first time ever – the Independents now have the majority and jolly good for them. I just don’t think we need party politics in local government.
- Toothache. Yes, TOOTHACHE. Well my poorly seems to have responded to the second course of antibiotics, as prescribed by the dentist. I have taken the decision to have this wisdom tooth extracted and this will be the first tooth I have lost. However, my dentist tells me she cant’t do it and has referred me somewhere else. I am now in the pillar-to-post cycle.
The real frustration was trying to get emergency treatment. The NHS 111 service told me to call two local practices as they were contracted to provide an out-of-hours emergency service. They said they don’t. Another example of our wonderful NHS deteriorating before our very eyes.
- Our half finished kitchen. We are expecting the kitchen fitters to return next week and complete the lengthy list of outstanding tasks. I have, however, tidied up the garage for them so I could get the car in. I am fed up with missing door handles (cable ties will have to suffice, for now) and the other missing doors and so on. I have expressed my disappointment and they too are disappointed I feel that way.
At least the end is in sight, so too is the final invoice.
The joys
- Rachel’s 60th. At least I thought it was a joy when Rachel joined me in this decade. Rachel, on the other hand, is not quite so sure, still coming to terms with it. Being told she can get discounted railway tickets didn’t seem to cut it. Can’t think why. Nevertheless we enjoyed her birthday and we have planned a little get together on Sunday, to celebrate properly.
- Our Ukrainian guests are settling in nicely, a mother and two daughters. They’ve been with us for 5 weeks now and they’re no trouble at all. I am still trying to comprehend what they have fled – bombing, a bombed house in a near deserted village, the separation from loved ones and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. I feel very humbled and often wonder what more we can do, either for our guests or others.
- Cotswold bike ride with an old friend. Yet again I had my regular summer bike ride with my friend Wallie. As usual, we are like a pair of grumpy old men, riding (probably more a case of wobbling these days) side by side and putting the worlds to right. We have cycled together for over 40 years from our student days.
We don’t agree on everything but there’s enough in common to keep this long term friendship going. That’s the thing about such long term friendships which stand the test of time so well; it is quite priceless. I don’t think these friendships happen by chance, they need some nurturing from time to time.
- My nerdiness is flourishing. Actually, we are both being nerds about old buildings. We have a shared appreciation of the Quirky Museum’s brickwork, of all things. Linked to that is the lime mortar and lime plaster etc. Considering these old buildings have shallow foundations, wonky walls and floors, flex and move around through the seasons, they just seem to get better as the decades roll along.
We are looking to update some seating in due course, to be a little more comfy and cosy, instead of the OAP home look. The more I think about it, the more I think about it, I think we’ll be looking at antiques rather than new, easy to buy versions. Not sure if we will find an 18th Century sofa bed though….