It seems the world is determined that I shall not settle back into my snug, quiet little nest in the West. Yesterday was fine and I had every excuse to stay home after the wet drag out to Tumble the day before. And it was raining. Again.
So I stayed home and did Internet and video research into Tibet and into poetry–the Beeb is running a poetry month during May, and there’s more than enough poetry about to satisfy even me. There’s even a tasty bloke–Owen Sheers–writing and talking about poetry who’s good looking enough to warrant the description of ‘designer crumpet’ I coined for the pretty guy in ‘Monarch of the Glen’, years back. Poets really ought not to be tasty-looking.
Today, though, the world hit me with stuff that made me sit up and catch up. First, a demand from the DVLA [Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency] that I apply for a renewed driving licence. It seems that, from age 70 onwards, driving licences are issued more and more frequently. So, a big official form to study, fill, and post off. I managed to do the thing and shall post it tomorrow.
Then, a reminder from the insurers that the house and contents insurance policy expires next month and will require renewal. The newly calculated annual fee seems a little excessive, so I was obliged to endure the awful complexities of using www.comparethemarket.com (nothing to do with meerkats) and all the dreadful phone calls that followed on. The insurance ‘industry’ is leech-like in its tenacity. I’ve managed to come up with what looks like a sound quote from a good company, at a competitive rate, and have been promised a paper quotation in the post. We shall see. I have almost a month in which to decide, and there’s always a good chance that my present insurers will meet the competition. As I say, leech-like. And, anyway, in these days, just what does the term ‘good company’ mean when used in a financial context? Their recent history and activities have fouled their nest so far as respect and trust goes, I am afraid.
So, th0ugh I’d rather be studying Tibet and poetry, I’ve been doing the industrious domestic clerical thing, hoping against experience that tomorrow will be better. At least yesterday was good.
