Anyone hear me?

Suspect, we have more intelligence gathering equipment on our roof than GCHQ and NSA put together - shame we don't have the intelligence to be able to use it. The attic is full of all sorts of cables in various sizes none of which mean anything to me. The 1970s alarm control box is big enough to have its own room. If it was all connected up, could have given the chimney sweep a couple of raw eggs and he could have fried them on his hand shovel.

As one does in these parts, Angie had recently seen the chimney sweep at the sports club either in the "Back Training" session or afterwards in the sauna - "Will be coming out to you end April, early May". Well as the heating room had been cleared out yesterday for the wood pellet delivery I had phoned asking if he could come out a.s.a.p. Turned out he was away all week but luckily his wife got hold of the assistant and he managed to squeeze us in this afternoon. They had planned to start at our village next week.

I have probably mentioned it ten times before but just for the record. All fireplaces and chimneys are subject to strict controls and have to be approved by the area chimney sweep. The EU banned the strict monopoly system a few years ago, now making it possible for an English sweep to do our cleaning work. However, all buildings are still subject to a  three-yearly check from the official sweep who must inspect the records of cleaning and emission controls and must approve all new installations. However, I think 99.9% of homes continue to use the old system.

Luckily it was still dry but a lot cooler. Shortly after he had done the work, it started to rain. The Ice Saints start today and last until Sunday. The weather forecaster suggested those who still have snow tyres on their cars should leave them on