Wednesday 15 September 2010

A Distinct Chill


It has been some time since I have sat down to write as the summer holidays whizzed by in a flurry of cricket courses, days at the beach, rugby courses, day trips to famous English tourist destinations, art courses, and visits from friends from London and finally our own glorious holiday in France.

Tasks I normally tend to with great care were ignored and I have had a backlog of dull administrative items to deal with. As I sat at my computer attempting to make an online payment for our telephone bill I felt a distinct chill which must mean autumn is about to hit us. So after doing what any sensible girl would do and order some new soft and warm cashmere pieces to ensure the cold does not reach my bones, I will be wrapping up in a cosy Fendi sweater which sits comfortably under a rather indulgent Thomas Wylde poncho. With my own body dealt with I turned my attention to the rest of the household and remembering how cold this lovely old house can get I rang the elusive log man, aptly named locally as Bob The Log, yes really, and everyone around here is always desperate to track him down at this time of year, so they can stock up on logs to burn throughout the winter months.

Last year I was told of the difficulties of getting Bob The Log to deliver and people often have to wait for a month for their load to arrive (sounds like an ex-boyfriend), so when he brought our precious cargo last year I had a plan that would guarantee that Bob The Log would always be eager to put me on the top of his list. Naturally, I did my research prior to his arrival. I was told he could be quite grumpy, was often in pain due to some problems with his legs, he was quite large, and most importantly, his dog was his constant companion and he took her everywhere with him. Simple, he would be putty in my well moisturised hands.

He did not disappoint and was exactly as I imagined him to be and arrived in the most frightful grump. He didn't really want to talk to me and asked for the "man of the house". He was quite huffy when I told him he wasn't in, but not to worry as I could deal with the logs. "But" I said, "Why not have some tea before we unload, you must be exhausted after all that chopping". I saw his eyes brighten and then I added I that I had some delicious chocolate cake that I had just made that he might like to have with his mug of tea. Then I went in for the kill and began cooing over his lovely dog, and asked if it was alright if I gave her a dog biscuit, at that moment I knew I'd be able to have as many logs as I wanted, whenever I wanted them.

So when I rang him I was delighted to hear him say that I was on the top of his list, and he was going to call me with a delivery time as the weather was turning and he knew I'd be wanting some logs. Handsome husband was delighted when I told him the good news that we wouldn't be freezing this year, and was quite excited when I mentioned that some of the logs needed breaking up as they were quite large. He told me that wouldn't be a problem he would just get his big chopper out again.

14 comments:

Tara said...

Isn't it lovely what a little common kindness does? Too few people remember that these days.

Unknown said...

Are you sure you're talking about just logs here? ;) xx

Tights Lover said...

Well done! You certainly do know how to treat the log man!

Good to hear from you yesterday. I'm glad you're back!

Julia, the Thanksgiving Girl said...

Hehe, how very wise of you!! But in all seriousness, kindness and simple human connection is key. We can get so busy we forget to treat people like people... Reminded me how the oether day I was at one of the government buildings and wished a lady there good luck with their department moving to a different floor - she was SURPRISED!! And I left very glad that I did say it :)

P.S. Your vacation spot looks super lovely! The kind of place I would imagine you having your vacation at, really :)

Sarah said...

Funny how 'oiling the wheels' of commercial interaction seems to be so rare. It's not exactly rocket science. If you treat people well, they'll treat you well too. Do as you would be done by and all that.

Lovely looking hotel and area. You had real waves, not like our wimpy Mediterranean ones.

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Work it, baby. Work it. Laugh.

You are very clever indeed.

Love,

SB

Wildernesschic said...

Sounds like home :)
I would die for the Poncho !! xx

Couture Carrie said...

Fendi sweater sounds divine, darling!

xoxox,
CC

Emily Daley said...

Nice to have you back. Good work on the log front! Men are simple creatures really! e xx

Metropolitan Mum said...

Naughty girl. :)

Wildernesschic said...

To distract you from the bog chopper I have tagged you in a fashion post over at mine. I hope you will enjoy taking part xx

Blighty said...

Good tactis with Logman,I am taking notes, sounds like we have sort of similar lives (but we only moved from London to Bucks) - I sneak in cashmere purchases from Brora and claim it saves money on heating..

TheOnlineStylist said...

Oh god... remind me not to read your posts as Im drinking a cup of tea!! Spraying it everywhere is so not ladylike! Bob The Log? For Real? That and the chopper comment and I was done for! xx

Anonymous said...

Can't believe Bob the Log didn't offer to get out his big chopper after all that hot tea and choc cake....

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