It's Been More of the Same – Hasn't It?

30 November 1999

Well it has been more of the same – hasn't it? Snow, snow and more snow. There does come a point where it stops being a novelty and just becomes a pain in the rear. The problem, from my point of view, is that people just don't do enough to help themselves.

Take this as an example. Last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday everything in my village ground to a halt. No milk or bread in the local shops, cars abandoned by the roadside for days on end and poor kids (or is it the parents) stuck at home because of the schools and nurseries being shut. Well, a bunch of us parents decided enough was enough and the call went out (on Facebook would you believe?) to all parents in the area to get their shovels and meet at the local school and nursery to help clear the paths. So within one hour we managed to get them open. Talk about the power of the people. Of course it goes without saying that the snow today has put paid to that.

But what is wrong with putting your back into it, joining with your neighbours and clearing your road? In my opinion, people are just looking for an excuse to have a day off. Even if they don't get paid, they can say “well it's not my fault I can't get in”. Even though the bloke over the road managed, or your colleague decided to walk.

Anyway I guess you are wondering if I managed to get into work all last week – yes, of course! Thankfully I was pretty well prepared and didn't need to go out to Screwfix for anything until the weekend. I admit the weather has held me back slightly, but at least I am showing my face and doing a good days work.

Mr and Mrs Alexander (the old couple with the pink bathroom) seem to be pretty happy with their new white suite. But I have to say their choice of tiles is pretty naff. There's no accounting for taste, but I thought motifs on tiles went out in the seventies. Having pretty flowers round the bath might be relaxing, but up to the minute, it is not!

Mrs Alexander must be in her 80's but everyday she is in the kitchen making me cakes and biscuits and hot cups of tea. She keeps telling me that I need to keep my strength up and I keep telling her I am watching my waistline. She said she would be happy to watch it for me! Cheeky!

I am including lots of extras for the elderly to this bathroom. Handrails and a walk in shower with a ledge to sit on. Even the bath has handles for easier access. It is quite a big room and I have had to ensure that they have nice place to sit down while they get dried off. Things like that are not something we all consider when doing our own bathrooms and it is a scary thought to think we might have to think about it in the future. But I tell you if I am as sprightly as this couple when I am their age, I will be more than happy.

So with any luck by the time you are reading next week’s blog the snow will be gone. Here's hoping. Either that or we might have learned to cope with it. Wonders never cease.