Good old Kenny

Little Kennifer Eccles aka Kenny passed its MOT today and has new brakes and a non-squeaking fanbelt.  Kenny may be a bit scruffy and a bit noisy but I love him and his trip to the garage only cost 90 euros!  On a similar subject John took mum's car to Droushiotis on the Mesoghi Avenue earlier today to fix the horn which had stopped working and they charged him nothing - how good was that?

Mum has now had confirmation of her future pension payments which is a huge weight off both our minds and she managed to get through to HMRC today so we have set the ball rolling with regards to her tax position. We are making good progress with all the paperwork and in general people have been very helpful end when they weren't any help if that makes sense.

We had pickleball this afternoon which turned out to be an all girl affair as Tom was otherwise engaged at the hospital with his partner.  It was a goodnatured session and at the end I was absolutely flabbergasted when Diana told me that she and Rob were paying for John and I to stay at the Droushia Heights tomorrow night - actually I was moved to tears - it is so very kind of them particularly as I know they have given up their own stay there.  It will be so good to just have some downtime with no housework, gardening or DIY getting in the way for either of us.  John is my rock and he is now my mum's too and sometimes his needs go unnoticed.

It was to be a quiet evening once we returned home starting with the watering of pots as they have been drying out so quickly and we have already had one casualty in the Blades inspired red and white hanging pots ensemble at the back of the kitchen.

I am really pleased that the magnolia dad was so pleased to have bought me has survived and seems to be positively thriving in its new position outside the kitchen door where it is out of full sun and protected from the wind.

There was some excitement on our estate this evening as there was a very posh white car parked up with two men in suits wandering around - it transpires that the two end houses may be going up for sale - why only two we aren't too sure as the bank repossessed a load from the builder who went bust.  Time will tell but apparently someone from the bank is interested and it would be good to see them used again if only to get our neighbour to stop dumping his truck on the front.

I brought home the latest copy of National Geographic which had been Dad's Christmas present- it's not something if have ever really read much before only ever seeing dusty ancient copies in the doctor's surgery as a child but this is fascinating issue dedicated to the subject of 'race' and the female Jewish editor is quick to acknowledge and apologise for the racist past of the magazine before criticising others.  It is a really interesting read and sadly I don't do enough reading these days preferring to spend my time in a more artistic fashion.  My study of the little girl is about done and although this was meant to be a practice I am not entirely sure whether another try would herald any improvement - I shall get a frame and see what this looks like and then decide.
Our evening was rounded off nicely with some episodes from the original series of Escape to the Chateau featuring Dick and Angel Strawbridge - thanks Rob for reminding us of this fascinating programme.