pigeon

A walk around the river gardens was very quiet for birdlife even the swans have disappeared. So it was a pigeon to the rescue, always plenty of them.

I have not posted the last couple of days as they seem to slip by atm. We have had workmen in re laying some of our drains, yes we do pick a good time for jobs like that !  We have had occasional problems for some time with the kitchen sink and dishwasher outlet spilling over outside. I decided a couple of months ago to get it sorted. Got in specialists who used camera etc but could not be conclusive without digging up part of the patio. Then I had the thought, could this be covered on my house insurance. I have never made a claim on house insurance so I called them up. It may be covered they said we will need to send an assessor. He came did the same camera through the underground pipe routine and also could not be sure where the pipe went to but concluded it might be going to a soak away, which against all reg's. His report went into the insurance who said not covered because drains not connected properly. OK not a problem., I'll just have to pay, so I called the local guys and work was booked in for this week. By coincidence yesterday when the work started I got my house insurance renewal - up nearly £300. That can't be right, so called them up and it was as a result of a claim. It doesn't matter if the claim was turned down it is still an incident that is taken into account ! Now that can't be fair can it? Needless to say Admiral no longer have the business and a search has found a new insurer much cheaper than last years renewal. Moral of the story be careful what you ask an insurer for and always try the comparison sites, these companies don't deserve loyalty.
Last Sunday was a happier day we did our annual Christmas run to the West Mids visiting relations and exchanging gifts for the big day. Although this year was somewhat different, no house visits but socially distanced chats and little walks at car parks and rendevous. I hope we are looking back at all this next year and smiling.