I'm exhausted and it's only 5pm. I've been up since 8am -- to recreate the effect yourselves, set your alarms for 3am or so. Yes, it's windows day! Coincidentally my computer (Windoze 95) crashed as Paul and Joe hammered and sawed and broke glass in the next room. I'm going to have to reinstall Windows (just like Paul and Joe!) or buy a new computer.

So anyway, the windows. Paul (alpha window installer) and Joe (teenage underdog) have taken out four windows so far -- bathroom and two bedrooms -- and when I left at half two, driven out by the noise and mess, they had installed one. "We're a bit behind," said Paul. He promises they'll at least block up all the gaping holes, and that my bedroom window will be finished when I get home. Which would be nice.

So after crashing my computer repeatedly going to the shop for milk and making the boys a cup of tea, I left. As I came out the front door I was yoo-hoo'd by a couple of old girls across the road. "Hello! Lovely day!" (It IS a lovely day by the way.) It was this nice woman who I chatted with briefly one day, whose name I can't remember, and her neighbour, Eva. "Oooo, a new friend!" trilled Eva. "I'm usually in, if you ever feel like a nice chat!" They were waiting on Mrs Nice's daughter to come and take them for a "run". They are so lovely, both of them, brimming over with joie de vivre, happy to be alive on a lovely day with so many opportunities for pleasure.

When I turned to go back to my car, Paul and Joe were hanging out the hole where the window was, munching chocolate digestives, also enjoying life to the full.

I saw two greyhounds today, a black one and a golden honey one. Gooooooorrrrgeous. I must have one. They are so quiet and sleek and elegant, eyes like bush babies.

Oh, I mailed off an insurance claim increase justification kit to the inspection firm today: a sample of laminate, a sample of beading, a photo of both in situ, copies of all documentation re cost and a plea for more money. I posted it, bought some milk, paid for the papers and THEN realised I'd done my sums wrong. No, Barbara, the amount you quoted them from the insurance company was LESS the excess, so you're £50 out. Oh damn, damn, double damn. Scuse my French.

Christine, I am SO glad you're reading this! I think you're the only person who is. Pinky's computer is broken again. Now, about that little thing you sent at Christmas ... this is so embarrassing ... ummmm, was it a fridge magnet? Because not only was I rude enough not to send a thank you card (well my bro was here, and then we went away and then there was a flood, and then, and then ...) but now I've kind of forgotten what it was. I've got a lovely weta fridge magnet that's fairly new, though, and there's a paua shell one too.

I'm sorry, Chris, I'm a terrible person.

That is so completely cool about your course by the way -- sounds fantastic. I'll write more later.

Because now, I have to do some Work.