Like A Young Filly

The gasman comes and fails to fix our hot water problems although he says he has. He seemed more concerned in switching our gas supply back to British Gas. He has no chance on that score.

I collect my bike at lunchtime. They don’t offer me a discount for the week long delay but I demand one and get one. £70 tumbles to £58.50, so not bad. I might even consider them again.

They have actually done a good job as they also seem to have adjusted the gears and brakes. I'm guessing their mechanics didn't have much else to do if they've been unable to order any parts for a week. It’s a very smooth ride home, as smooth as on that young filly of L’s that I borrowed earlier in the week.

When I arrive home MD, bless him, brings me two of his balls (he’s a three ball dog) before I even open the back door, meaning he’s been stashing them in the house. Hmmm, no Bonios for him tonight.

(Friday 23^rd October)

Maths Lesson

Second day.

Four more stalls arrive this morning and I have trouble fitting them all in because all the existing ones have spread themselves out to an excessive amount. A least the ice cream man seems happy today, as he sits counting his money. I tell him that there have been complaints that he hasn’t been giving our club members the agreed 50% discount.

I look around his van and can see now evidence of any prices on display at all. He explains that this is because he charges more at shows that his street price but he assures me that he’s been honouring the half price offer, charging £1 for a £1.50 cone. Err ok... I guess maths isn’t his strong point. I give him a quick lesson.

Today first aid duty brings a trapped finger and no ice packs to treat it.

The show itself is going well though. Everyone seems to like the new trophies and rosettes. Today even I get a rosette as MD comes 10^th. That was after two rather frustrating runs but at least we got the third one sort of right. Doggo is clear too, of course.

Then at around 7.30 in the evening the heavens open and rain arrives. Well it’s more of a monsoon actually and it last for a full eight hours.

We head off site in the car and drive to Burton. Where after a few failed attempts to find a pub serving food we opt for the liquid option whilst we formulate another plan. The curry house we can see from the pub looks the best bet.

It is and the food is very nice too. Good call.

We head back via a look at the 24 hour Thunder Run, which is taking place across the road from our show. I’ve always wanted to do this but I’m not jealous tonight as the runners valiantly soldier on in the torrential rain.

It’s nice, dry and cosy in our tent though. In fact it’s all very seductive with the elements doing their worst outside.

(Saturday 27^th July)

Annual Pocket Empting

The car is in for its annual MOT and service today. Presumably this will accompanied by the usual annual pocket empting by the garage.

Actually, when a couple of things reappear on the service, things that I didn’t have done last year, the garage honours the prices they quoted me a year ago. Wow. Then they also decide to honour the promised discount from three weeks ago when I had my tyres done. Wow. Business must be really good.

Something called the Monster Swim is happening in Loch Ness at about the same time as we’re in Scotland during August. No further comment.

Squash is back, although only temporarily as I’m crying off for the next few weeks to watch L in the Nottingham Grand Prix runs. It was not a good performance. No further comment.

(Thursday 20^th June)

A Rebellious Rampage

I risk the bike and overtake L out walking the dogs. In fact she’s just picking herself up from having slipped on some ice. This makes me even more cautious than I already was but I don’t find any ice, I think she slipped on the only patch. The roads are just wet and getting wetter as it starts to rain on me. It’s not that pleasant but it’s still better than driving and then trying to find somewhere to park.

It’s L's Christmas meal today, which is bit early really. I hope she doesn’t get too drunk and then goes on a rebellious rampage through Waterstones, hence breaking the ban on additions to the book pile.

I have ruined our Saturday lie-in. After the floor man didn’t turn up for a second time I sent him a snotty email causing the guy to ring me up to apologise and grovel a bit, offering a discount etc etc, should ewe give them a third chance. So I’ve booked him for this Saturday at 10am because I’ve got an early 1pm kick off to go to. Well it’s got to be easier than trying to get someone else to come out. That is, if he turns up.

(Tuesday 4th December)