A fortnight ago, noticing that our fuel oil was rather low, I ordered a refill and was promised one before today. Overnight the tank was emptied and we had no heating this morning.
Opening with a plea of age and infirmity I rang the supplier early this morning. I then slipped into my trademark firm, quietly seething, tones which I am told can be quite scary. Further promises were made. I said I didn’t want promises. I wanted our fuel oil. Today.
It may, of course, be pure coincidence, but two hours later a tanker drew up outside and unloaded our oil. In fairness, I must acknowledge that all our previous service from WP Group has been exemplary. The next problem was resetting the boiler which had naturally stopped firing. With much trepidation The Maintenance Department set about this task. Soon she was able to cry: “I done it”.
Jackie continued decorating the house while I printed two more cropped copies of
her recent photograph of Nugget which we made into a couple of cards that didn’t need posting.
One was for Mum which we took to her today with a present. She had just been prescribed further antibiotics for a persistent chest infection.
It was past twilight when we left to visit Elizabeth to alert her to Mum’s condition. She was not at home so we took a diversion to Portmore to see if the residents had decorated the tree on the village green. They had, but as no electricity had been employed
we will need to return in daylight.
A murder of crows occupied high branches of other trees, but by the time I was poised with camera all but one straggler had flown off.
Later I phoned Elizabeth who was aware of Mum’s condition.
Back at home Jackie made her own photographs of her decorations.
This evening we dined on cream fish pie, green Brussels sprouts, orange carrots, and white cauliflower with which I finished the red Fleurie and Jacki drank more of the golden Sauvignon Blanc.
Wishing your Mum speedy recoy
Thanks very much, Sheree.
It is indeed looking beautifully festive – and those little glimpses of the new flooring look good too. The tree is wonderful! Love the photo of Nugget – he will make a lovely card! So glad the heating got sorted out – I know who to call now when I need someone capable of getting things done with ‘a slightly scary, firm, quietly seething voice’ 🙂 Good job!!
PS The Official Photographer thanks you for the Birthday greetings <3
Thanks very much, Pauline. Your comment suggests you haven’t got your card. I hope it arrives in time.
I’m just winding down my Christmas Day and no card yet – a pleasure to look out for 🙂
That’s a shame. I thought I had posted it in good time 🙂 X
I’ll let you know as soon as it arrives – not to worry, mail is slow this time of year and it is something to look forward to <3
Love the sprig of Holly – so simple, so perfect. Merry Christmas!
Thanks very much, Doodle T. And Merry Christmas to you.
Merry Christmas, my dearest friend Derrick! Love to all and take care!
And to you and your husband, Sofia. Thanks very much
Allbest to you and yours and hoping that the new round of meds will hit their mark and she will be right as rain soon
Thanks very much, Pleasant.
I wish your mother speedy recovery from her chest infection, Derrick. Happy holidays to you and the Culinary Queen cum Head Decorator!
Thanks very much, Dolly. And to you and yours.
Thank you so much, Derrick.
Prayers for your sweet Mum, Derrick. I hope she recovers soon. The photo of Nugget is gorgeous. What a great puzzle it would make. The house looks so cozy!
Thanks very much, Jill. 🙂
Such a lovely fireplace. Nugget is a jewel.
Thanks very much, Flower
Glad you got the heat back on. Beautiful Christmas scenes. Merry Christmas, Derrick. Hugs to Jackie.
Thanks very much, Jan – and to you and your family
I must get lessons from you in the matter of tome of voice on the phone.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal. The one I’m most proud of is when I string along BT scammers trying to get into my computer – I become a senile Alf Garnet.
Hope you have a happy holiday and that your Mum recovers.
Many thanks, Sherry. Enjoy yours, too.
Lovely. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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Thanks very much, Cindy. And o you and yours.
Wow! Jackie really knows how to do Yule. Your home looks most warm and inviting – No wonder Nugget feels comfortable in your company.
Thanks very much, Sue.
Your home looks lovely, and Nugget is the best.
Thanks very much, Leslie.
Beautiful decorations, Derrick! The house looks great. Good going on the oil. You sound like me 🙂 And I hope your mum feels better again soon!
Thank you very much, Lisa 🙂
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Thanks very much, Mrs W. You too.
Thank you.
I am happy you received your fuel in time! The decorations for Christmas are in full swing, as evident by those photographs. Here is wishing you all a Merry Christmas!
Thank you very much, Uma. I hope you have a good time, too.
I am glad to see your oil was delivered and the furnace problems fixed!
Jackie, that is a very beautiful photo of Nugget! The house looks beautiful too, with all the decorations and new floor.
Wishing your mother a speedy recovery. She will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you very much, Lavinia. X
I do hope your mother’s in the process of recovery. You and Jackie certainly have a lovely, festive home — and warm, too, which is all to the good. I’ll send my own warm wishes for a joyous Christmas: to you, and to all who round your table go!
Thank you very much, Linda. Warm wishes reciprocated.
Very festive.. and the Christmas tree looks great on your new floor. I, too, ran low on gas today and the gas truck never did come. I’m in the red zone so hope it lasts until the ham and green bean casserole are cooked. The potatoes and gravy can be heated up in the microwave. Merry Christmas Eve.
I do hope your gas lasts out, Judy. Thanks very much, and Happy Christmas to you.
Prayers for your Mom! I hope she is well soon! Gentle (((HUGS))) for her, too.
YAY for fuel! Just in time for Yule!
I love Jackie’s beautiful, warm, shiny decorations!
Her beauty, love, creativity, etc., is reflected in them! 🙂
SweetTweets to Nugget! 🙂
<3 and Christmas-HUGS!!! 🙂
Thank you very much, Carolyn. Nice fuel/Yule rhyme. X
I’m glad that Jackie’s achievement was not the same one when your childhood self proclaimed “I done it!”. Your picture of cold-weather Christmas bliss makes me nostalgic for a northern festive season, although I would not have been happy without indoor heating.
Thanks very much, Gwen 🙂
So am I Gwen, so am I.!
ps wishing a speedy recovery to your mum.
Thanks again
Merry Christmas to you and your wife and family, and a quick recovery to your Mum!
Jackie did an outstanding job on the decorations!!
Here’s wishing a speedy recovery for your Mum. May this be a great one for her and your entire family!!
I’m happy your Christmas will not be cold (inside)–as I’m sure you are. I hope your mother is feeling better soon. Your house looks festively lovely, and I love the photo of Nugget. Happy Christmas Eve to you and Jackie!
Many thanks, Merril
Sometimes a man has to put his foot down! – well planted! 😀 … hope your mum’s feeling better soon … and our Nugget is as dashing as always. 🙂
Thank you very much, Widders. X
Your halls are beautifully decked! Jackie’s Portrait of Nugget is indeed print-worthy. I hope you and your family are having a lovely Christmas together.
Thanks very much, Liz. We are
I’m glad to hear it!
I would have filled a hot wartle from a fire made from local sticks, and stayed in bed until oil was poured on troubled waters!
🙂 Thanks very much, Leslie
I’m adding my prayers for your Mum and hope she feels better soon. I bet that picture of beautiful Nugget cheered her up.
Thank you very much, JoAnna. Mum’s eyesight has improved enough for her to see the robin.
Yay! I’m glad to know this!
“I then slipped into my trademark firm, quietly seething, tones which I am told can be quite scary.”
I shivered and blushed when I read that about you! ☺️
🙂 Thanks very much, Rose.