[Jayne Osborn]

It started with The Oldie lunch, always an enjoyable experience, but I missed a step on the stairs at Simpson's in The Strand, went flying and badly sprained my ankle. (Lots of pain and spectacular bruising to follow.)

Next up, two days later I went to the Isle of Man for a couple of days, then spent three hellish days trying to get back home. My flight was cancelled again and again, due to the 'adverse weather conditions' (on one of the days they simply ran out of de-icer).

Yesterday I went shopping, returning home to a flood. We have a sort of 'granny annexe' which had two burst pipes. The ceiling came down, bringing all that horrible insulation stuff with it, the carpets were ruined (have you ever seen a cutlery drawer filled with water? I hadn't.) and I was sloshing about in ankle-deep water, sweeping it out of the back door with a broom. I've never experienced anything quite like it. It's going to be a big insurance claim.

We're getting on with the clean-up operation, but lots of people I've spoken to have also had a really bad week this week. Never mind, shit happens. Merry Christmas everyone.

[Stephen Collington]

Sewers of Wood and Cutlery Drawers of Water

Jayne, there's a poem in there, chin up. And Merry Christmas to you too.

.

[Maryann Corbett]

It happens--but not usually so much of it to one person all at the same time! Sympathies, Jayne, and best wishes for an improved New Year.

[Janice D. Soderling]

That is one heck of a way to celebrate Christmas. I dread to think how you plan to celebrate the New Year. Try to be less exhuberant!

Seriously, I am very sorry to hear about all of your misfortunes, but you have the right attitude. Just say Shit happens and move forward.

Happy holidays, Jayne, and I'm glad you are home safe.

[Martin Elster]

It sounds like you had a lot of fun, Jayne. As Steve said, there is a poem in there. Happy holidays.

Best wishes,

Martin

[Jan Iwaszkiewicz]

Stuff Santa, Jayne. Vote for the Easter Bunny!

[Jayne Osborn]

Steve, Maryann, Janice, Martin and Jan,

Thanks for your sympathy and good wishes, folks. (No worries about your little joke, Steve; my sense of humour rarely deserts me )

It's all starting to dry out; the cutlery and all the other stuff has been washed and stacked in crates and the insurance assessor is expected sometime... in a few weeks all the damage will be repaired.

Sewers of Wood and Cutlery Drawers of Water

Thanks for that, Steve, it really made me laugh.

Season's Greetings to all of you.

[Adam Elgar]

.... and belatedly, Jayne, all good wishes from me for a very Happy Christmas. Much material for poems indeed, but one can suffer too much for one's art. i do hope all is made well soon soon soon.