I’m going to begin this episode with the good parts of the last few weeks. Some things have been more than a bit rough but there are some really excellent things too. Firstly, the writing. I decided last month to enter the Crime Writers’ Association submission competition for the new anthology. This is an annual event open to all members and asked for a new, unpublished story based on a set theme. This year it was “Dangerous Company”, perfect for crime writers! I rarely write short stories, partly as I don’t have much confidence in my ability in this field and also as one of the agents to whom I submitted my work said I “wrote too long”. Not a good recommendation for a format requiring control and discipline I think.
Well, I did write my story and sent it off, encouraged by the editor who put in the guidelines he wanted quality of writing and variety in the interpretation of the theme. I was delighted when my offering was accepted and will be published in the new anthology, probably around July next year. As some regular readers will know I’ve found it hard to continue writing following the events of the last few years and this is the first original piece I’ve produced so it is a tremendous boost to my confidence.
I have been working on the fifth “Alex Hastings” novel giving it a deep, long edit. Finally I decided it was as good as I could make it for the moment, screwed up my courage and sent it off to a new publisher. There is a new Irish chapter of the Society of Authors who have regular on-line meetings and occasional speakers. Everyone is tremendously positive and helpful and they pointed me towards possible openings for my books. They have also encouraged me and helped give me some drive to continue. I may hear if my pitch is successful before the next episode so fingers crossed for a good outcome.
Things are less good in some parts of the house. After Jakub fixed the latest leak in the water system we had a few days respite before I woke to find water dripping from a large crack in the ceiling. Rather than go through the insurance company again I called the firm direct and they sent someone the same day. There is another leak in the bathroom, much slower but enough to cause a lot of damage. The plumber fitted a new bit of pipe, thankfully including a “penny valve” at one end. They will come back to do the ceiling and repair the water damage in a couple of weeks. The water did continue to seep through however until I turned the valve off so there’s another leak somewhere on the system to be fixed too.
I finally managed to contact the gas installer who is almost the only one left in the entire district. He called in last week and fixed the heating, leaving with a promise to return and do a proper service in a fortnight. It is getting very cold now, especially at night, and we are most grateful for the warmth. The reason we are waiting for the service (apart from the fact the poor man is rushed off his feet) is we have Jacqui’s second cataract operation on Tuesday and will need a few quiet days to help her rest and recover. Please send good wishes and thoughts for a successful outcome.
All the leaks have caused some severe damp in parts of the house including both bathrooms. Jacqui was battling the black mould in one after we had to remove our dehumidifier so I set up some new arrangements and we reinstalled it, with immediate effect. It was all going splendidly when we noticed a small pool of water on the floor. The main body had sprung a leak. We were beginning to feel cursed. Maybe we have offended the water gods somehow as they seem set on occupying our house. Well, we couldn’t mess around. We ordered a new machine and it was delivered the next day. The upstairs is a very ugly mess but I will have to just tidy what I can and fight the explosion of mould until the plumbers can fix the underlying problems.
Despite the problems inside the house there are many good things around to make us smile. The wood is dropping most of its leaves now, many of them over our car, but the dogwood is putting on a lovely display outside. The boldest of the feral/farm cats, Miss Calico, has been cruising our house and several times sat looking in on the windowsill. We hope to make friends gradually. We miss having a cat around and don’t mind sharing one.
A friend lent me a wonderful jigsaw and I had some peaceful and happy days making a series of Dog Artists. I’ve written a lot about the Bridgwater Carnival, which was last night, and I decided to have a look at this year’s offering. It was always an extraordinary event but we left in 1989 and things have moved on since then. Last night was truly jaw dropping. Prepare to be astonished and log into https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF846OuuwAw. The carts get bigger and better through the film!
Truly a mixed few weeks, summed up by the sudden showers, bursts of sunshine and glimpses of a rainbow.
Thank you for reading, please keep Jacqui in your thoughts and stay warm and safe as winter closes in.
