Back To Normal

One of the better things about growing old (yes, there are a few) is not needing as much sleep. I had thought I'd be dry-eyed and creaky after my wakeful night but I found myself functioning perfectly well.  I stood in line at the Post Office for nearly half an hour, went round Sainsbury's, cooked lunch, etc- and all without undue distress or crotchetiness. The lovely codeine I was taking built up in my system and  the hurts slowly faded away.

Last night I slept wonderfully well.

Further To the Last Post But One

The company that sent us the sealant rang to apologize and make arrangements to take it off our hands.The man said my father's account- last used in 2003- is still open and there had been a "processing error"- which doesn't really explain anything.

Beginning The Fight Back

I've engaged a builder. He's a friend of Matthew's (whom I trust) and he's called Che (and how can you not trust a man called Che?) I took him round the premises and he told me the end wall is leaking because wasps have eaten the felt and the garage roof is leaking because some fucking cowboy did a bodged job on the rainwater valley (is that the right term?) and may well have stolen all the lead that was there before.

Jobs to be done:

Repair the end wall and stop the water getting in
Repair the rainwater valley on the garage roof and replace perished timber
Re-roof the rabbit shed
Repair the gable end of the donkey house (that's what it's called. It hasn't housed donkeys for over 40 years)

I suspect  (actually, I know) that's just the beginning. I feel fired up. I want to put this place back together again.