Thursday 6th June

Is a scrambled egg sandwich a strange way to start the day? Possibly, but it’s also a tasty one, and something of a new departure for me. Maybe risqué new breakfasts is the way to go, or maybe not. If the teenagers hadn’t had the bacon I‘d have been fine with that. Once I’ve waved off Mrs P (cereal and a banana in case you were wondering), and the youngest and cleared up I’m about to leave for the library when the eldest appears complaining about the noise we’d been making. At this point I have to profess a lack of sympathy as she goes back to bed.

A semi-productive morning in the library as I help a couple of people out, and in doing so find out how to do a couple of new things myself. I am continually amazed by how little I know. Mid-morning I have to take my mum to the doctors and I catch up with the ailing one. Recovery is slow after a major operation, but you’d have to hope some sunny days might help to put the spring back in his step. There’s a worrying spectre looming on the horizon for Mrs P and me, the one where your children grow up and move on and your parents replace them. Still we’ve a few years to get to grips with how that might play out.

The eldest has once again embarked on a social outing so I lunch alone before walking round the corner for a spot of invigilation. The mind wanders when you have 90 minutes, and not much to do but sit and think, and it’s surprising how unproductive that time can be. You’d hope for a eureka moment or at least an idea of note, but no. The best I can come up with is trying to remember the 50 American states.

After returning home and making myself a cuppa I greet the youngest and embark on the ironing. I then make tea for the three of us that are home, the non-socialites that is. After tea I decide to cut the front hedge. It’s a twice yearly thing, traditionally May and September. Turned out to be a good idea as it was pleasant out and Mrs P joined me to help tidying up. The only downside is the list of jobs she decided needed to be done outside. Anyway, the hedge and the bushes in the back take priority for tomorrow.

Yours getting to grips with the great outdoors.

Jay