It’s been the battle of the weeds and windows this week. With the sun blessing us with blue skies and warm air (noticeably clearer and odourless in London now), I just couldn’t put off two of the most hated jobs anymore. Both are somewhat thankless tasks that one only does when all other household activities have been exhausted. As any non-gardener knows, as soon as you’ve pulled up all known dandelions five more pop up behind you and plants you thought were okay turn out to be triffids once the sun appears. My hands still sting from an accidental encounter with a bunch of stinging nettles, note to self that regular gardening gloves do not protect you from this satanic leaf. The bi-folding doors are equally challenging because no matter what product you use, the glass will still sport several annoying streaks and I really hate ladders. Still, I battle on as there is nothing else to do. The house is pretty much packed up now aside from the kitchen and two bedrooms with bits of unwanted furniture regularly being placed outside the driveway for helpyourselfers.
The house and I are ready to part ways. Amicably I hope. A minor hiccup in the last week was the sudden disappearance of my solicitor. The firm had neglected to tell me that she had been furloughed which I found out by way of a somewhat bored company employee. I assume she had been charged with telling agitated customers the same thing. Despite the promise of “the manager will call you right back” which translates as “I can’t help you at all”, I was left to find a replacement myself. So I wrote a really stinky email to the firm ( my mother taught us well) and what do you know, I had a new legal beagle within the hour. Unfortunately I wasn’t the only one with the problem, the people who are buying chez knollys lost theirs too to the furlough universe. Hopefully Kim has followed my approach and if the solicitors step up a gear, there is a chance that me and my brood will be hot pawing it down to our new maison tout suite by the end of next month. And the pesky dandelions will be someone else’s responsibility.
I am looking forward to settling down in a house I have never actually seen except in photographs. It is a bit of a do upper but habitable I am told by my Mum and I’m oddly excited by the prospect of designing a home my way. No compromising or arguments about colours, styles, furniture. I know a new kitchen and bathroom are necessary so I will finally get that power rain shower I have always hankered for. Shame I have to have a budget really. However, despite the joyous prospect of bringing out my secret interior designer, I have to curb my enthusiasm until the all the legals are signed and stamped so I concentrate on the war of weeds and stingers. I really hope this lockdown finishes soon, the front lawn is getting so long even the wildlife are moving in…….
“what do dogs do on their day off? Can’t lie around – that’s their job” (George Carlin)
Widow plus woofs 