Shame

At the museum today, Nick at Work (“You WORK? Doing what?” said Dave the Builder, yesterday) told me the bad news. During my absence there’d been a change of policy when it comes to researching the objects and people that once lived on the Shipping Gallery. He’d fought in my corner (mainly because it’s his corner too) but it was no good. Changes are afoot and have marched down the hill and gone far, far away.

I sat, agog.

But…but…but…” I tried in vain to question him further.
No, Gary, I’m afraid it’s final. So. There it is.
Well. I’m a bit devastated,” I managed.
As am I, Gary. As am I.” And Nick at Work returned to his computer.

It was lovely being back after such a long time away. I do miss the place when I miss a day. And the day was so lovely, it made it even better.

I was rather pleased to see Emma sitting at her desk. I know her contract was/is/will be shortly due for renewal and I had an odd dream last week in which I didn’t get to see her before she left. Strange, but there you go. And completely wasted because she’s only just returned from a work thing in Russia, which she loved, totally. She shared out Russian chocolate treats which were very, very nice.

Of course, there was the usual problem remembering my password (Karen would know the first bit but not the number I’m up to…it’s 27) and then updating it because it died weeks ago and had taken it’s final journey across the Styx with darkly shrouded Charon.

But that hurdle was quickly knocked over and I set to work.

Today I researched the first practical steamboat in the world, (PS Charlotte Dundas (1801)), a couple of old boilers, German engineers, a naval vessel which was originally named HMS New Zealand but had to have a name change to HMS Zealander when the NZ government decided to buy the British Navy a new battlecruiser…which, of course, had to be called HMS New Zealand.

At lunchtime I popped across to the V&A to see what had changed. Not a lot, actually, though the Chinese installation in the courtyard has been removed and new turf has been laid. I noticed this sign, which I’ve never seen before, and wonder what prompted the line about keeping clothes on.

V&Asign

I went for a wander and found, hidden away in a room not on the usual well travelled path, a St Roch I’d never seen before. Of course I had to take a photo because he’s Mirinda’s favourite.

StRoch

Then it was back to work, researching feverishly away until the clock struck 3:45, when I left.

If it hadn’t been for the hail storm and Nick at Work’s little announcement, it would have been pretty close to perfect.

At home, Mirinda had met with the landscape designer and signed him up to design us something amazing.

And that was it. Really.

Oh, I’ve just realised I didn’t elucidate with regards to Nick at Work’s announcement. Apparently I delve a little too deeply when researching. He rather likes this but Ailsa reckons we need to get through a few more records per day or we’d never finish them.

And so, rather than a jolly comprehensive list of four records, I now have to get through a more concise collection of ten. It’s going to be hard but I just have to try.

I managed it today, mind you.

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3 Responses to Shame

  1. flip100 says:

    Oh Ailsa is a pain as you might miss out on something very interesting,oh well who am I to complain I don’t work there but really enjoy reading about all you discover.
    love mum and dad xx

  2. Mirinda says:

    You see even when you’re a volunteer you’re not completely free 🙁

  3. Mirinda says:

    And thanks for my st roch – saint of dogs and donuts

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