Good morning, Helian! I've also had trouble with the boards. I managed to start today's thread, but then when I tried to make my next post, it wouldn't load, and I kept getting error messages.
I'm glad you had a good time last night, despite the poor air quality. I will be thinking of you this afternoon at the wedding. Could you just attend for the service , as that is (hopefully) the most important part of the day, and then congratulate the couple, make your apologies and leave? I have noticed that people can usually manage to behave themselves during a service, whether it's a wedding, baptism or a funeral. It's afterwards, especially when the alcohol starts flowing that trouble and unkindness can start. I'm glad you will have support from DH and your friend during this time.
Yesterday was very productive - I have agreed with MQ (the verger) the date of our Christmas parish lunch at the back of the church. It will be on the 4th of December. MQ is also happy about the catering company I have suggested, who will bring the food on platters, as it makes everyone's life a lot easier. (And, looking at the various meal options they do, it's also reasonably priced). We have discussed setting up the tables - it will be a buffet style- and MQ has suggested we use paper plates, as the clearing up afterwards much easier. She has also agreed to crackers, festive tablecloths and napkins, and herself suggested fairy lights and holly round the top of the font. She is also happy to make the tea and coffee (we'll agree a charge for that, which will be included in the price of the lunch. We are not having alcohol as a) we would need an Events Licence, which is more hassle and expense and b) MQ doesn't consider alcohol necessary at lunchtime! My plan this year is to keep everything very simple, so, if it's a success, we can build on it for next year.
Inspired by getting the Christmas meal booked, I have also booked the parish lunch for July at a local pub within easy walking distance from the church. So, I'm slowly making progress.
In the afternoon, I just managed to get everything I needed to do in the garden done before the rain started. So no kitty nails done yet!
Evening was spent doing admin. Our vet sent me an email advising of their free "Summer Smile" dental checkups. So, I booked Matilda in for today and Jude for next week. (I can't easily take them together, as Matilda gets bored very easily and sings the Song of her People, which upsets Jude, who is very timid.)
Matilda behaved beautifully, with only a little singing while we were waiting. But, although she had a thorough dental exam during her checkup in February, she's had significant development of gingivitis since then, to the extent that one of her canines is actually a little loose
. So, she's now booked in for a dental scale/ polish, XRays and deep clean, and possible extractions for Friday. Fortunately, we have Petplan! ( The vet did say it wasn't urgent yet, but I would far rather act now when it's reasonably convenient and get it over with, rather than have an emergency on a Sunday or bank holiday, or risk Matilda getting an infection. I will admit to feeling some déjà vu, as DDeparted Trifle had terrible trouble with her teeth, and it was a relief to see them go. And I do take comfort that once Trifle had got over the surgery, she just Didn't Care about her lack of teeth, and still preferred her biscuit. I learnt the hard way, that you Do Not Challenge a strong willed cat over her dietary preferences!
) I am now just hoping that there won't be any nasty surprises with Jude on Thursday!
Today it's raining, so I'm trying to motivate myself to do something indoors. I did manage to PUPA/dust and hoover the hall and sitting room before I left, so at least that's done. I've got behind on paperwork now DH no longer goes out Tuesday evenings, and more banking stuff arrived today, so that needs to be a priority. I also need to find Matilda's insurance paperwork (that's probably the most important, as I'll need that for a direct claim), there's some laundry to do, and it would be good to spend time on the photos. And, of course, there's baking to do and tomorrow's lunch to prepare.
( not ideal for me, as I have 2 nurse appointments for me in the morning, but I don't want Matilda to be in possible pain any longer than absolutely necessary)