16th April

We were up early this morning because Kenny is due an MOT on Monday, Easter Monday.  Initially cars with an MOT due during lockdown had till the end of April before they needed sorting but in the interim MOT testing garages seem to have been able to reopen and so we had arranged with Marianna from the village to take our car to her husband this morning at 9.00am.  Andreas normally does our MOTs and so we weren't unduly worried as to whether Ken would pass or not.  35 Euros and a brief wait at the garage later John got the certificate and was back home.

You can see what lockdown is doing to me - I am tackling jobs I normally just ignore.

This morning it was the kitchen drawers and the plastic cutlery trays which were looking very unpleasant indeed.  I know that John was going to approve as he is somewhat OCD when he comes to these sorts of things!!!

I even managed to find the source of the small ant infestation (small ants rather than small infestation) as they appear to have been having a party in the bottom drawer - although no longer!!!

Having completed the drawers I then turned my hand to repairing the sad old garden umbrella outside the kitchen, using another old umbrella which has seen better days.  This exercise involved a full and frank discussion between John and I and he backed off and left me too it.  Ok it isn't pretty but until we can get out and get a replacement it will do the job!!

The goats are around every day - they aren't on lockdown!!!  We used to get so worried when we first moved in and they were brought next door because Chivers used to take far too much interest and we had visions of him getting in amongst them and getting his head kicked in - now we are much more chilled about it and only take a look if we want to take a photograph!!!

Supper was a joint effort - John cooked piri piri chicken and I did the chips and the salads.

I love a nice salad and so tonight we had tomato, onion, mint, basil and cheese with a little olive oil and black pepper dressing.  It was absolutely delicious and the weather today has been just right for a salad.

I was thrilled that Di felt able to give me a call today.  Although she is only a stone's throw down the road with the current restrictions she just as well be a million miles away.  We just want to give her a big old hug but cant.

The Ration Book pearly words for today...

Knitted gifts at Christmas or Birthdays were very popular - the unluckier ones might be given a knitted swimsuit, guaranteed to cause maximum embarrassment when the time came to clamber, heavily dripping, from the pool!!!