Thanks Santa!

Hello, dear reader!

Well, they do say bad luck comes in threes.

I didn’t realise they were talking hundreds, though. But that’s what it feels like at the moment.

Bad Trips
Not only have we had all the excitement of the constantly tripping electrical fuse, something which is now well and truly sorted after the garage had a brand new fuse and wire fitted between it and the brand new fuse board (kerching!). We’ve also had the added thrill of the well and truly juiced up washing machine refusing to turn on.

Admittedly, this is the same washing machine we have someone called out to every year, usually around about this time. So it’s not all that surprising. It does mean, however, that once again we will have to prevail on the sainted Jen—or at the very least, utilise a nearby laundrette. The repair guy isn’t coming until next week, and when you add in the chance that when he does it will be to suck his teeth and tell us he hasn’t got the parts, we could be humming like a bee that’s forgotten the words.

Still, action taken. Over to you Indesit. Next!

Off The Boil
Right, so, the boiler has started to drip, and when I say drip, I mean at an ever increasing and ever more alarming rate. We've had it repaired on a couple of occasions before now. When we got the new bathroom installed and the shower connected to the boiler, a new part was fitted then. It seems a strong possibility that this was all only a collection of holding manoeuvres which have only postponed the inevitable. That’s right, it’s new boiler time! (double kerching). Still, at least all this extraneous expense hasn’t cropped up within a month of Xmas, eh? Yeah, thanks Santa for that!

Of course there are  some things that are more important than matters financial and, although the last month has proven somewhat stressful, it’s nothing compared to the other, bigger, family emergency that’s reared it’s ugly head.

My parents are in Spain at the moment. A lovely part of the world and a well deserved break after my mum’s surgery to fit a new, bionic knee. My dad being taken to a Spanish hospital to have his gallbladder removed was, I dare say, less restful. 

Far Far Away
As of the last update, the old lad is doing alright though, having recovered from his operation well. A few short walks are scheduled in the next couple of days and, hopefully, a prompt discharge and resumption of a restful holiday will quickly follow.

Following on, as this does, from the case of shingles dad suffered a couple of years back, also whilst on holiday, I’m thinking he should probably be grounded for the foreseeable. Holidays are supposed to be a break from life’s stresses and strains, not an elevation of them, and I dread to think of what his latest adventure will have done to the cost of his travel insurance. Perhaps the next holiday should be closer to home. I hear Cleethorpes is lovely this time of year.

Speaking a little more seriously, I found the news to be more than a little bit scary and also hugely frustrating. My sister and my niece have joined my parents, so I know my mum has emotional support in what must be a terrifying time but, being so far away, I feel useless (more useless than usual, before anyone says anything).

Control Freak

The other stuff I've mentioned is just money and workmen. Things I have some form of control over. Dad being so ill, so far away, I don’t, and that’s not a nice feeling.

Still, the month is nearly over. February is nearly here, and, with a little luck, life will decide to even out the non too wonderful start 2025 has sent.

Now, why did I say that?!

Until next time.

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Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.


New Tales Of Old


Death Ship


Pestilence: Drabbles 1


Reaperman: Drabbles 3


The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu


Eldritch Investigations