Yesterday was a mixed bag.

It started at eight. Well, actually it started at seven as I couldn’t go back to sleep again, but I made my first phone call at eight.

I phoned the Parole Board at Herself’s place of incarceration and asked what the story was. They hummed and hawed and declined to give a straight answer. I told ’em that was it – I had had enough and they could keep her permanently. They immediately said she could come home on Tuesday [today, in other words]. They obviously aren’t as fond of her after all.

Then I phoned Doc’s secretary. I need painkillers that are a tad more effective that the Panadol they sell over the chemist’s counter. I have an appointment tomorrow.

Then I phoned the crowd about my PET scan as I have heard nothing. I’m getting very tired of my nose problem and want to move things on a bit. They said they’d ring me back. They didn’t.

Then I got a call to say that I could collect Penny’s ashes anytime [and pay the bill, of course].

So I drove over to the vet. On the way I decided to stop and get some cash at the ATM.

The ATM gave me three choices – €50, €100 or “Other amount”. I chose Other amount and typed in €200. Sorry, says the machine but the maximum that can be withdrawn is €120. I sighed and typed in €120. Sorry says the machine but it only has €50 notes. For fuck’s sake! I took out €100 and left in frustration. Fucking machines! This is the future of electronic banking?

At the vets I was give this rather heavy package which apparently is my Penny. It’s not quite the same as the real thing though.

I went on then to the hospital to impart the glad tidings of release to Herself. I couldn’t find parking. Every available space including footpaths and green spaces had a car plonked there. I parked in a nearby housing estate and walked. It was a long fucking walk.

I had just told Herself the good news when a nurse came in and fired me out. Didn’t I know that the room was in quarantine? I was tempted to tell her that the cause of the quarantine was an attention seeking old bitch in the next bed who had eaten too many chocolates and certainly didn’t have a vomiting bug. I held my tongue. So I collected the first sack load of stuff to bring home and left.

I had a coffee in the village. It was lovely and warm [almost hot] and very pleasant.

I got a phone call from a bloke who wants to certify our brand spanking new insulation rating by examining the recent works on the house.

Things are looking up.

Slowly.