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.
There’s nothing like domestic/clerical to spoil an otherwise entirely good week.
Yes, a gentle reminder not to get too complaisant before settling — and read carefully and between the lines, as well, if at all possible. Need I say, I never do quite trust insurance companies, and never have!
Heheh, just skipped back to January, when we were discussing “drippings” and the economy. Those posts reminded me that, yesterday, I was on the phone with a younger Korean friend, and predicted we’ll see the stock markets and real estate markets go up and down several times before this “little dust-up” is over. I agree about them fouling their nest. Memory serves us well, John. I think we’ll get through this without making the errors that teach the young’uns their hard-won wisdom.
Hugs from the earliest monsoon I have yet experienced in Corea, ~ Sil
A quick google image search later and I was agreeing loudly about said poets tastiness
I called your “designer crumpet” “Drool Worthy”
Yes, tasty.
More rain? Oh right, Wales….