It's very quiet over here.

DEAR SPOOK, I am using Mel's beautiful photo's of her side of the country as I have been far too busy to create new images for you!! I thought you would be pleased to see that contents of your shed are not as hairy as you might expect. The black and white version of your tractor seemed the kindest way to display it to you.

I am eating alone as the children must have seen the vegetables coming out of the shopping bag this morning. Meg is having macaroni cheese at Maisie's and Finn is eating at Griegs, having been out all day, and is staying the night at Angus's. Emmy came round as I was sitting outside having a very late afternoon coffee, watching the squadrons of geese heading north and wondering why they were going that way. It was mild and peaceful and I wondered if maybe the birds new something we didn't and that winter is actually over.

Emmy chatted as I made the vegetarian lasagne. As a Faroese meat eater, she made a reasonable job of refusing my meal on account of having some leftovers at home that couldn't wait another night. As I munch on my lovely, if lonely meal, I remember that time in our early courtship, when I came up to my caravan with a friend who was a vegetarian. She invited you to join us for dinner and I came down to your mothers to see if you had forgotten, as you were a little late. I caught you stuffing a plateful of your mothers mince down your throat whilst running out the door. Boy did you look shamefaced. You said that you thought you would be hungry after vegetarian offerings and decided to fill up first, just in case. It was so funny when she presented you with the biggest bowlful of vegie chilli ever, as she knew you had a big appetite and she didn't want you to be hungry. Your bloated body was not at it's best and you are lucky I was able to overlook it!!!

I am hoping that vegetarian lasagne has that great 2nd day taste, as there is plenty left.

I put on my overalls at 7.30am, determined to get the kitchen finished. It was after 2pm by the time I got any paint on the walls. You will be lucky to have half a living room painted by the time you get home.

Tomorrow is the first day at the hotel. I am a little nervous as I sold myself as a professional cleaner (well, I was paid to clean, so that does make me a professional - I think). It will be very embarrassing if I don't measure up. I was originally thinking I would get brownie points for just turning up, but I am losing confidence by the minute. Like Finn on his first day at school in Wanaka, I will pleased when it is over.