Smokin'.

DEAR SPEAK, I haven't manage to achieve anything towards your comfort when you return to the dark winter of Lochaber. But I did get a couple of ideas. Finn and I met Frenchie and young Angus as they were out walking the dog. We called into the house for a cup of tea and the opportunity to admire their new wood burning stove. It is pretty magnificent, but not so magnificent as the wood pile. A military operation of wood cutting, stacking and storing has gone on the entire time we have been away. Sheds have been utlized and others purpose built (and numbered). It has become clear, that lifting a piece of wood from both Frenchie and John's stash, each time I pass will not only be cost effective and energy efficient, but would barely be noticed by either. John's pile will soon be encroaching onto the road, so it would also be helpful in averting an accident.
I wore Mary's t-shirt yesterday and today, which has the name of her cleaning company on it, and some kind words about my performance on the back. I thought it would be a good point of referance for anyone interviewing me for a job in the local hotel. But as no-one has made any attempt to meet me, and as Frenchie's stove was a little smoky at the time of my visit, I fear that the smell of me on a third day would not be conducive to gaining employment. On the positive side, I did recieve an offer of employment from my old job today. Subject to my disclosure's coming back in order. They have offered me the new workers Induction grade of pay and will review that after a year of training and induction. I did query the wisdom of putting me through a lot of induction training after 17yrs on the job and one year off. She asked what I had been doing (personel dept) for the last year and I said cleaning and she sort of said "well, there you go...." as if I did need to be induced out of that state. She did take my point and whilst I said I was going to be signing the contract anyway, I did think it might be worth their thinking about.
The cat has worms, and I am hoping I can recruit Mel to help me address this problem while she is here.