: I am still alive!

I've just been busy, that's all. I had a few days off recently, during which I finally painted the livingroom. It wasn't a great success -- I couldn't bring myself to scrape the textured wallpaper off because I knew that underneath it would be all nicotine-stained and need serious scrubbing. But painting over the paper didn't turn out to be a particularly easy option: I had to use a brush and kind of stipple the paint on, to get into all the little crevices. And it used up twice as much paint as I'd anticipated.

Finally, though, after two gruelling days, I stood and contemplated four freshly painted walls. And thought -- "I don't like it."

It's supposed to be the same colour as my old flat, a warm pale green, but it looks more yellowish lime. I've taken some photos, including one from outside the room that shows how when the sun is shining, the room actually looks radioactive. I think light is the key -- the house is so much lighter than my flat was, sunk in the gloom of an Old Town gully.

However! I am not going to repaint so I will just have to thole it. It does look a bit better with all the furniture, pictures etc back in.

Also on my days off I did a major tidy-up in the garden, mowing and weeding like a fiend as the thunder grumbled. And I went to an exhibition of Mario Testino photos with Fiona, and to The Matrix Reloaded, and I visited Kate and Robbie and wee Calum (who is doing well) and went on lots of walks.

Since then I've been cleaning up after painting, moving furniture etc, walking the dog and trying to find new fittings for the curtains. Oh, and working!