midwife's muse

Of old and new

  Grandad and Jack   Gardening

I am an unashamed hoarder, and this weekend showed the benefits of my much maligned obsession. Whilst his Mummy worked Jack helped Nanny and Grandad in the garden. A quick foray in my shed uncovered a tipper truck that son had 25 years ago, a little grubby and battered, but still in working order, and certainly capable of transporting twigs, and a lawnmower that Jack's Mummy had 21 years ago, also still working, right down to the sound effects. Overjoyed with the rediscovery of these treasures I ventured into the hedge where I remembered camouflaging a mini trampoline. There it was, covered in bird droppings, paint peeling off, but elastic webbing still whole, and, when I gingerly stepped on, capable of supporting my weight. Now, somewhere is a sandpit...............

Tomorrow I go away for 3 days, and when I went into town today the market was on, where I saw just the right sized little case. As I stood contemplating another customer asked the price '£8'. Before I bought it I went off to do my shopping. When I got back the stall-holder came up and I said I'd buy one, '£10' he says. 'Mais non, c'est huit' I replied. He looked confused. I explained that I had heard him quote £8 for the item so assumed that I must be at a market abroad where haggling was called for. My warped sense of humour paid off, I got it for £7. It's a good little case, but smells of solvent.

My hunt for a new job may become more urgent after Thursday. The Trust Board and managers are off on an awayday (their expression) to discuss the budget crisis, community midwifery alone has to save £40,000 this year, I see job losses coming.

This is what happens when your boiled egg is not quite cooked, so you put it in the microwave

2.5.06 19:26