First, they said the system needed a power flush. And that because my boiler is a combi (is it? I have no idea) it would cost £150 more than the original quote, which had assumed a different type of boiler.

I sent a fuming email to the person who provided the estimate.

Now, it transpires, the pump on one of the radiators is gone. This will cost significantly less to get fixed.  And then Jo will have heat in her room, and all shall be merry and bright, and we shall be happy.  Thank God for that.  Another email is to be sent. And I shall not be entirely penniless this month.  All to the good.  There are two chaps cluttering up my flat, but I hope I shall be able to get out before the GP shuts and therefore collect this month's prescription and thus be able to breathe.

Training for the Bath Half Marathon is going well.  I managed 5 miles at lunchtime yesterday.  Next run is on Sunday, for 7 miles.  Since this weekend is the annual shindig up to Cranfield with the rugby team, Sunday is going to be a painful run, as I doubt I'll have had enough sleep.  I don't intend to drink, so, hopefully, I can take a little something to aid with sleep, and it won't be quite so bad.  I think I'll get round in 2 and a bit hours.  Hope so.  I just need to build up the stamina...

I did some more internet dating.  On Tuesday, I went for a run with a lovely chap.  We plan to go again next week.  Last night I went out with a book illustrator, who never reads the books he illustrates: why would he want to read chick lit? It was not a success, and we called it quits after one drink, and I went home and knitted for M's new baby.  I'm making a Mousie, because I think it'll be nice to grab on to.  Lovely pattern to knit, does anyone in Pay It Forward want one?

Plumber now moving the laundry to get to a radiator: perhaps I should fold it and put it away? At least I made my bed this morning.  I did start folding stuff at about 8 am, but the plumbers arrived.  And, why, WHY, do plumbers always turn up so early in the morning?

OK. I have a day off. I have a list. Natch.

• Collect prescription (n.b. must phone to *get* prescription)
• Pay in cheques
• fold and put away laundry
• pack for Cranfield
• put straps onto dress
• new trainers
• gloves
• finish Mousie
• start booties for another baby
• await delivery of new phone, copy over contacts (I flipped out when the phone turned itself off, entirely randomly, twice in two days).
• Case for phone
• Find out official address for William & Kate ready for Brownies to write envelopes for engagement cards (awww, cute, plus they learn how to address an envelope).
• Type up notes from last weekend's meeting
• Get stamps
• finish knitting back of knitted dress
• Decide on shawls/stoles for J & S
• be in for tree man at 2pm
• feed K (chicken stir fry)
• Brownies

xxx

Calamity.

After four and a half seasons, I have a rugby nickname.  I have spent much of my evening wandering round, avoiding the lurid details of Silvio Berlusconi's love life, watching the Antique's Road Show, and remarking to myself that I have a nickname.

I have a nickname.  I am now Calamity.

I am a tad too shattered to write much more.  The running regime is intense: 3-6 miles 3 times a week at the moment.  Next weekend's run has to be 7 miles. The long run increases by a mile each week, up to about 11 or 12 miles the week before the half marathon.  I'm feeling rather overwhelmed by the prospect at present.  It'll be fine when it comes to it.  I'm getting the knack of eating.  I am enjoying eating a LOT at the moment.

Mum enjoyed her birthday yesterday (and I bought a new dress: fortunately, not the same dress as one of my friends subsequently tweeted about having bought later that day - but still from the same shop).  We had steak at Cafe Rouge, and champagne, and pudding.  It was glorious, although I should have gone to bed rather earlier when I got home.  Earlier, Jo and I did a LOT of planning with the Senior Section.  We're going interrailing in the summer.  It's going to be grand.  I ought to write up the findings of that meeting, rather than wittering here.  I suspect that I shall merely witter here a little longer, address an envelope or so, write a thank you letter, and then knit before having a rather good long warm bath.

Next week, I shall go to see The King's Speech, and do yet more running....  Sigh.

xxx

Tomato Pasta – serves 2 (or one if ravenous).

200g pasta

1 tin tomatoes

Two onions, sliced

2 tablespoons tomato puree

1 teaspoon brown sugar

Salt

Pepper

Mixed herbs- teaspoon

Clove of garlic

½ green pepper

Oil

Chop the onion and the pepper.  Crush the garlic.

Fry the onions and garlic in oil, until the onions go brownish.  Put the water for the pasta on to boil now (and add the pasta when it’s boiling).  Add the tomatoes to the onions, cut them up in the pan (use scissors).  Add the sugar, and stir, then add tomato puree and stir.

Let it all bubble, and add the herbs, salt and pepper.  Simmer for five minutes.  Add the green pepper, and simmer for another 2 minutes (I like my pepper crunchy)

Drain the pasta, mix it into the sauce, and serve with grated cheese.

So, you've probably heard it in several places before.  However, the delightful Pim is going to make me something lovely, and handmade... as long as I promise to make something lovely and handmade for FIVE of you.

And you promise to make something lovely and handmade for five people, posting either via your blog, or via facebook (or twitter if the desire takes you).  It can be anything: knitted, crocheted, baked, sewn, papier mache, a picture.  Whatever.

First five to comment will have something lovely.  Promise.  Probably yarny.  And a total surprise... And yes, I'll post overseas, so don't let that stop you.  I will need an address though!

xxx

• Go for run
• Knit
• Reply to emails online dating
• Text nice chap who is a policeman and organise date
• Laundry
• Brownies Accounts
• Contact Brownie parent re felting evening
• Go on date that I am only doing out of politeness (one of the rugby team, who just keeps asking and asking)
• Record a Roald Dahl Story
• Sort out accommodation for Bath Half Emailed a friend, posted on Facebook.
• Email the Merchant Sailor
• Interval training
• Put Christmas decorations into loft
• hang bedroom curtains
• sort out shrinkles for activity day
• Finish ripping CDs
• Cast on paternal socks (travelling knitting of large sweater-dress is now too big to travel with).

Oh, and the date?  I probably should have said yes to one of his earlier requests....  I had a lovely time.

xxx