Monday 12th August

Emailed photos of our toilet to the manufacturer this morning, to try to get them to identify the model we have, so we can get a replacement seat. We are currently without screws in ours, and the family Perry are all balancing precariously. What a way to start the week, on all fours taking pictures of a toilet bowl. The only way really is up from there.

I abandon the teenagers and Mrs P today, to go and umpire a cricket match in Liverpool. On arrival the weather looks a bit dodgy but it gives us no problem, and we get through the game without interruptions. If you believed the weather forecasts – which was for showers today - you would never leave the house some days. The quality of young players in action is very impressive, and it sure beats them being at home playing computer games. Nice setting, fresh air and a good competition.  Seems like Summer to me. The tea provided was a highlight, some can be mixed and others over the top but today’s was good. It is something of an art feeding around thirty people at what can be a variable time – depending when the first innings finishes - especially when hot food is provided. So for the chicken burgers, chips, varieties of ham and cheese sandwiches, pizza, sausage rolls, and most importantly a good cup of tea, I raise my cup to the caterers.

The evening passes in a blur of televised sport, a walk with the eldest and Mrs P, and repeats of old sitcoms. Playing happy families in other words.

Yours not out.

Jay