Only 4 days left now before I fly to a sunnier or hopefully sunnier climate, not that the sun matters I’m just looking forward to the break and getting to spend some time with Scally. I just need to get around to packing the cases.

I was hoping that I’d be able to update my stories page before then, and I can at least report that I have finished one story and passed it over to the Scary Ones as Pooks has christened Scally and Chris; it all depends on how bad it is (it’s been 8 months, I’ve forgotten most of what the pair of them shouted at me about now) and whether they have time to look at it. At least it’s finished. I’m now finishing the next chapter of James and Jay; they are both overjoyed to be out of the kitchen. So even if I don’t manage an update before I go away it shouldn’t take long after my return.

Off to Birmingham this afternoon with my manager. We’re attending a bidding round meeting – I’m sure she only takes me with her so that there is someone to nudge her when she starts to fall asleep. It’s always mind numbingly boring, but we do get given lunch.

Tomorrow I’m running the payroll early. The Financial Controller was supposed to be running it whilst I was away, but is now due to go into hospital. I’ve told him that was a little on the drastic side, I know it’s a sod to run but surely he could have come up some other excuse.

And finally, all that’s left to do is introduce you to the new members of my family.

Treacle, Toffee and Fudge - they are sweeties after all.



I didn’t want any more ducks, in fact I made it quite clear that I wasn't having any more animals full stop, it was my fault that I lost my other two - but my children over ruled me and just turned up with the threesome. They said not only would I be depriving myself of a lot of love, but I was stopping an animal finding a good home. I've doubted the last bit myself. But the pain you feel at the lost is the price you pay for all the happiness they have given you. I’ll never get another duck like George or Ozzy, but animals bring their own love with them and these three have already claimed a piece of my heart. Walking passed the empty run was tearing me apart, at least now I can watch three happy ducks playing in the pool.

Treacle has a slight limp at the moment, I’ve checked him over and there is nothing badly wrong, just a pulled muscle I think. I’ve driven Himself nuts worrying about it, but he has pointed out that he’s walking on it, he’s swimming OK and without a doubt eating his own body weight in food – so there's nothing badly wrong. He's happy enough. Just needs a bit of time to heal that’s all.