Lists and lists of lists

“If it was my business, I wouldn’t talk about it. It is very vulgar to talk about one’s business. Only people like stockbroker’s do that, and then merely at dinner parties.”

The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde

When my father-in-law was at the helm, he banned a few words and phrases in the office. We weren’t allowed to say ‘cool’, ‘see ya!’, ‘mate’, ‘gotten’ and ‘it’s on my list’.

I’m afraid I just cannot do without my lists.

I love to doodle on the page, tick or cross out what’s done, circle something important and annotate. I love the physicality of paper/notepad and pen. Sometimes I start a list with a couple of items I’ve already done. It’s a terrific motivator.

1. Stilton cheese  ✓
2. Lotus biscuit spread  ✓
3. Oust lime descaler  ✓
4. McVitties Digestives  ✓
5. Mr Men running gear  ✓
6. Beef Oxo cubes  ✓

Our spare room is filled with gifts and orders from friends and family. Everything MUST fit – together with the wind vane and rain gauge I’ve already packed into my suitcase.

Incidentally, my 2nd piece of checked-in luggage is a World War I steel trunk – now there’s a great story!

I have scant room for undies, toiletries, shoes and clothes, but this matters little when South Africa beckons. The empty suitcase (WWI trunk will remain in SA) will return to the UK on 12th October filled with Phil’s rusks, Niknaks, Jungle Oats, The Nut Lady’s cashews, Pecks Anchovette, Robertsons Spice for Rice and Chicken spice.

I’ve got my happy face on!

Now to deal with my other list:

• Chase office cleaner who has disappeared off the radar, or clean office myself
• Finish making low carb low sugar high veg high protein lunches for the week
• Pay boiler engineer
• Say a prayer of thanks that we have hot water and heating again as of today ✓
• Plant the last of the leeks in the allotment before SA trip
• Pack carry-on luggage for Latvia

House build updates will follow on my return from South Africa.

Wishing you all a productive week.

SMALL PRINT:
P.s. The Stilton cheese is waiting in the fridge for it’s turn to be packed. No doubt, on arrival in South Africa, all my clothes will smell of locally sourced, ‘British Blue’.
P.p.s. The WWI trunk belonged to Hubby’s great great uncle Col. Pridham – I’ll tell you the story some time.
P.p.p.s. Truth? ‘Gotten’ is my pet peeve, I added that to the banned list.
P.p.p.p.s. So looking forward to Shamrock Pies and E’s umngqusho.