Sprucing Up

With dry weather forecast, it was a good day to have the bungalow spruced up on the outside. The wonderful Mathew arrived just after 9 o’clock with his array of equipment and, after measuring up and giving me a firm and very acceptable quote, he set about clearing huge amounts of moss, muck and grass (!) out of the gutters, then cleaned all the ground-in mildew and dirt off the soffits, fascias, guttering, drainpipes, windows and sills. The place was as shiny as a new pin when he’d finished, and I was delighted with his work. He’s going to clean my windows on an 8-week basis, and I’m also going to get him to quote for jet-washing the patio in the spring.

My sister came over for lunch, and we had a good catch up at The Exchange, where I also saw one of my book club friends. Back at home, I decided to open one of the boxes stacked in the lounge. Various bits were wrapped up inside it, including this corked-up bottle. It hasn’t been opened for about 30 years, and contains several pairs of drop earrings and brooches - my favourite being the teddy sprucing himself up in his bath with a colourful towel over the side, which can be seen at the front here. I couldn’t get the cork lid out, so unless I destroy it these items will stay inside forever like ships in a bottle.