10February1997

Monday evening 10 February
My dear folks,

What a very busy time it has been – for all of us no doubt, but especially for me. Nevertheless, it is with a certain satisfaction that I can sit down to write to you, with that sense of accomplishment that comes from getting messy things done. If only I can find a tenant (for a flat that’s losing one) before we going skiing next Sunday, I shall be very satisfied indeed. I’ve taken several calls this p.m. & remain hopeful.

It’s hard to say where the day began because I’ve just completed three night shifts. On each of them, apart from producing the usual news bulletins, I’ve done a report on the situation in Zaire to fit the latest pictures. I was about to leave the newsroom this a.m. when a colleague, who wanted a swap, drew my attention to the rota where, horrors!, I found myself down to work a day during the week we’ve booked in the Lake District. I sent the rota lady a computer plea for help & drove home through the traffic & the rain. It’s been a miserable day & tomorrow looks much the same.

Cathy caught me on the phone shortly after I arrived. Sorry for the brain dead response, sister! I wasn’t at my best. And thank you for the rest of the fax which I discovered when I woke at lunchtime. Mind you, I still didn’t see anything about the Canadian plans you spoke of. Thank you also Mum for your fax yesterday as well as your book on sensible eating. I shall read it with care. Your schedule competes with those of your children!

Much of the afternoon I spent on the phone, talking to tenants, prospective tenants & estate agents. I also got the all clear from the doctor to go skiing, an event that greatly pleased both me & Jones who immediately set off to fetch the tickets. My “fixer” was due to meet me at 1500 to visit the various flats to discuss jobs I wanted done. He eventually arrived at 1600. Like all fixers, he finds himself being pulled in all directions at once. During the following hour, as we talked about what needed doing, he must have fielded a dozen calls on his mobile phone. I thought of Bren!

My rota lady phoned to discuss my plea & my problem, responding to the former by resolving the latter, bless her, a big relief! Flowers to follow! I thought I’d misread the rota but I hadn’t. The difficulty was the result of some complex rearrangement which I won’t even touch on. Other phone callers included SA friends who are to join us for supper on Friday and Penny whom we are to join for a film & supper on Saturday. We’ll come home, pack our gear & drive to Gatwick for a flight departing at 0600. Jones swears that we’re going to travel so light, our feet will hardly touch the ground! We’ll see. Apart from that, I’m working Wed/Thur nights & meeting one of my flat contacts on Friday afternoon. I’m sorry if I’ve bogged you down in a syrup of detail but at least I’m a little clearer about things myself.

The diet has hit a plateau, or rather, my downward gradient has. I’m aware that diets go in successive plateaux like so many other things in life. So I am tucking into my pumpkin, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts & other vege goodies with ever more determination. I have at least had the satisfaction of getting into a pair of trousers which had long since surrendered hope of joining me on any more walks. In this game, one has to count every little victory!

Blessings!
T