All the staff now have those dangly plastic identification things with their photos on, and it has been decreed that the governors must too. I’m rather regretful at this. Partly for the obvious reason that it meant having my picture taken, partly because it means me giving up wearing my name badge (also dangly, but from a metal chain rather than a ribbon) that has a green smiley face sticker that my friend Caroline in Learning Support gave me. However, I dutifully got my picture taken after the committee meeting last Thursday and picked the badge up on Friday … and put it, unlooked at, in my bag. I didn’t look at it the next day either. I finally hauled it out on Saturday at the quiz and passed it round the table. I look strangely thin-lipped, which I’m not, but otherwise, though not flattering at all, I have to admit that’s probably much what I look like. A bit depressing, that. Anyway, I asked for, and got, the dots on my name.
Today, I have a vital day for getting stuff done at home. No housework will be involved, past the daily stuff. If I do well, I’ll make marmalade this afternoon, however. I bought enough oranges for two more batches, and that will certainly be enough for the year. It might well be more than the the jars I have. I remember one year my father, who was the marmalade maker in our family, used glasses when he ran out of jars. We had loads of glasses, it didn’t matter, and the marmalade did look very pretty, especially as he added a few almonds and cherries at the last for cosmetic purposes.
One of the things that the Sage was happily showing Mike yesterday was the ugly mug I gave him for Christmas. He’s so pleased with it. I saw last night that he hadn’t put it safely away, and I’ve just spotted it now where he left, it, on an armchair. Although there’s no reason to think it won’t be safe there, I’ve had to move it. Too many years of having dogs and children plonking themselves onto chairs without looking, I can’t overcome my inbuilt caution and I was feeling extremely uncomfortable.
The fishmonger calls on a Monday morning. I have bought kippers, especially for Christopher. I shall open the window and waft the aroma in a southerly direction tonight. I’ve just made coffee, but I’m tactfully not wafting that Roses’ way in case she’s still not permitted caffeine.
I just showed the Sage the photo. “Oh dear,” he said. So maybe I look better than that after all.
You’re safe, I’m all done.
Can I have marmalade, slathered on fresh bread? Please don’t forget the wadge of butter.
I suddenly crave my Gran, who used to bake her own bread when she knew I was coming. I’d stand watching the loaves cool with butter in one hand, jam/marmalade in the other. She used to shoo me away with a small smile.
PS. You’re lovely to look at. Don’t worry about those kind of pictures, they always look horrid.
I can’t believe this: the bloody photo hasn’t loaded. Where am I looking? Up top?
Bloody computers commenting for me I didn’t even press return!!! Or click anything… lemme find this photo….
Well I like the photo top right even if it’s a different one 😉
Gledwood – your photo makes you look like a guinea pig.
Bad photographer:(
Mmmm….finest Lowestoft, or I’m a Dutchman!
*drools uncontrollably, heart beats the faster, salt tear drops in unrealisable noshtalgia.*
O brave north wind, that hath such odours in it!
Thank you, dearest Z!
I never had a Gran, darling, so I envy you the memory. I really want my little ones to remember me – one way or another, hah! (ahem, with love, natch)
Gledwood, darling, I didn’t post the photo. I don’t have it actually, I’d have to scan it first. Can I be arsed? What do you think? It is unflattering, Quite enough said (but thanks x)
Hamster, Dave, Gled is a hamster.
LZM, you are my dear friend.
You are no Dutchman, Chris. There is still a smokehouse at Lowestoft – there might be two, but I haven’t checked the other one recently. The silver darlings still survive somehow.
So you gave a present, and now decide to take it away from where the recipient put it? That would piss me off Z.
But your utter yummy-osity would balance that out pertfectly.
8:10pm. It’s becoming quite obvious.
I put it on the bureau, darling, and told him so as soon as he came in. It would have stayed there for months otherwise – until some unwary person sat on it.
I’d never piss you off, Simon. I’m totally adorable. As well as yummy and all that. Yes. it’s pretty obvious. University Challenge went well?
I just noticed, I coined a new word in that comment. “Pertfect”.
It’s a good word, descriptive, and suits you exactly.
Pertfectly.
You’re good with words, dear man
Any unflattering photos in this house get torn up PDQ.
Don’t you find making marmalade always exposes cuts on your fingers you never knew you had?
Certainly does – although cutting up the cooked fruit is easier on the fingers and you don’t have to squeeze the juice.
I doubt there are many unattractive photos of you, Pat. You’re gorgeous and always have been – and there’s plenty of photographic proof of that!