My life at the moment feels like I am in a tumble dryer. Just as one thing gets sorted out, another upset comes along. Where do I begin?

On Tuesday I left work early and went down to Swansea to see Hil, new emerged from hospital. We went and did some food shopping as of course she had run down all her supplies thinking she would be away from home for a few weeks. It was good to see her and I am so amazed and impressed by how philosophical she is being. Much more than I would be. She went to GP on Tuesday am and it looks as though her BP was good,normal. Sounds like she had severe "white coat syndrome" (completely understandable) while she was on the ward. Now she needs to clock up at least three of these normal readings and then we're back in to the ward. Watch this space.

Got home, found dogs a bit subdued and their leads/muzzles lying in a heap in the utility room. Message from Andrew shortly after - our dog walker Sue has resigned with immediate effect. Apparently she took the dogs (wearing their muzzles and on leads, as normal)over the park, and Booty got into a scrap with another off-lead dog. Somehow, her muzzle came off and as Sue was trying to sort out the melee, got bitten on the hand. Understandably, she has resigned. So search for replacement dog walker has been going on all week and we have one visiting us for an assessment next week. Fortunately A was working from home on Wednesday and Thursday, so woofs have been in good company.

Wednesday night, started my quilting class, over at Tredegar House. It went very well and I really enjoyed it. One of the few bright spots in the week.


We also dealt with a query from the accountants over the demographic basis for some of the bids in the MTFP. So spent some time rounding up various stats on the growth in number of students (15.5% over the last three years), increase in visitor numbers, car journeys etc.... as all of these of course impact on our services.

By Thursday morning, the tumble dryer was taking effect, as I turned up at our Highways depot for a union meeting that is actually taking place next Thursday. Well, at least all the papers are printed out ready.

Thursday evening - mixed. Andrew found some baby fish in the pond - very exciting. They are tiny little goldfish, about 2 cm long each. I had no idea our fish would breed. We can see them swimming about happily in and out of the waterlilies. Andy began limping and was holding his paw in a most pathetic way, so we took them for a shortened walk. It was the paw he ripped the nail off and it was apparent that that toe was the one with the problem.

By Friday, I was wondering what else would happen. In work, we progressed with the interviews for the Clean Streets Manager. The concentration required is tiring and draining and it was obvious by the end of the day that with four very talented yet different candidates there was no easy choice. Rather than try and stick it out, I decided to think about it over the weekend.

It brightened a little yesterday evening when Andrew returned home with the new Terry Pratchett, Making Money. Started reading it. Good so far. Andrew took Andy to the vet this morning - while they were gone, Booty was howling mournfully. I do mean howling - with her head thrown back and a proper vulpine "Grr-ooooooooo". I bet the neighbours loved it. Still, I think it's a much more attractive noise than brats screaming, and we have to put up with plenty of that. The patient returned with over a £100 (!!!aargh) worth of antibiotics as he has an infection in the nail bed. Apparently, these should do the trick, but if not, his toe will have to be amputated. Aaaargh. So our dear hopalong is moseying round the house on three paws at the moment, and I am sending out vibes saying "HEAL". One of the less attractive side effects is that apparently the ABs will induce the runs. Lovely. But let's hope they cure the infection.

So far, the rest of the day is spent undertaking domestic chores.Later, I will be doing my quilting homework. Tomorrow is the Swansea Bay 10K where the young master will be running. Watch this space for photos and update on his time, along with greyhound poo, I expect.