Kim and I are possibly / probably / undoubtedly weird [delete as appropriate] and one of the signs of this is that we prepare a Weekend Task list. This might include good tasks such as sculpting or going to the cinema, but more often consists of chores to be actioned. Bleaching and treating the mould in the shower room is a frequent one, as is cleaning the stainless steel in the kitchen, cleaning the glass on the wood burner or taking rubbish to the tip.
I’m guessing that this in itself is not highly abnormal, but the relish with which we then attack the list surely is. And the delight in crossing the chores off when they are complete.
This last weekend, one of the chores that was added to the list after it had been completed and ceremoniously crossed out again, was sorting out the gazebo. The wooden structure outside my study window, with its honeysuckle creeper and bamboo-cane roof, looked really pretty, but it was covered in green lichen and the bamboo canes were well past their best.
Kim half-jokingly suggested I tackle it and instantly had second thoughts… but too late. Within a short space of time the roof was off and the cross-members detached. MUCH later, the structure was reassembled, cleaned and treated but sans roof. Whilst this was primarily because the roof had fallen to bits upon removal, I was also interested to see the effect it would have on my office.
I can report that, what was the coldest, darkest room in the house is currently flooded with sunlight and is passingly warm… I suspect the roof will not be replaced!
Two other things on the list that did not get done on the weekend were a run and the writing of the blog… the latter is clearly in progress (will have been finished if you are reading this) whilst the former was dispatched earlier this morning.
I was not feeling much like a run, but Daren pitched up at 7.30am so I had little choice. It’s always great to run with Daren as he favours a ‘chilled out’ speed, ideal for conversation and enjoying the scenery. We headed out via the Royal Oak to Wivelsfield, south through West Wood and then followed an arc around to the south of the town onto Wellhouse Lane. Crossing Ockley Lane we went past the water tower to the railway line then north back the the house.
The 6.7 miles took us one hour, five minutes, a respectable 6.2 mph bearing in mind we were aimlessly chatting as we went.
I’ve been suffering from hay-fever lately so it was also good to find some more nettles to grasp… I still can’t categorically state that the old wives tale works, but I can report that it makes your hands tingle (even now) and it most certainly amused Daren!