12th February 2008

We’ve somehow limped our way to half-term intact, relatively healthy and, miraculously, without any major mishaps. The weather has been surprisingly cooperative, too, which meant I could get cracking in the garden without having to dodge showers or postpone everything “until tomorrow.” I even managed to plant several rows of shallots and onions, feeling distinctly ahead of the game for once.

Sarah spent Saturday at Charlotte’s in Newark, where she enjoyed some quality time with her big sister, and, of course, with little Lucas, who remains the star attraction. Charlotte has taken the week off work to soak up the joys of early motherhood (and possibly just survive it). I’ll be picking Sarah up en route to visit Nan, assuming she’s willing to tear herself away from Lucas. He does seem to have her completely wrapped around his tiny finger.

Sue, meanwhile, has been on a bit of a mission, powering through the cleaning, washing, and shopping with a level of determination usually reserved for military operations. We had new doors delivered on Saturday (the handles were already bought in a rare moment of planning), and they’re now stacked neatly in the garage awaiting a carpenter. That’s the easy bit done, now we just need someone competent to come and hang them. Volunteers welcome, especially those who work for tea and biscuits.

Jamie had quite the week. On Monday, he was due to appear in court, not as the accused, I hasten to add, but as a witness. Back in May, he’d seen someone vandalising a parked motorbike with a hammer. It’s taken until now for the case to come to court. He was understandably nervous about taking the stand, but in the end, the defendant changed his plea to guilty the moment it was revealed that actual witnesses (including Jamie) had shown up. Justice served, without Jamie needing to say a word. Relief all round.