34

Tonight, after a day of hectic activity, I moved into the stuga and collapsed in front of the TV before heading for bed. I had two very confused cockerpoos, sitting as close to me as possible. They had no idea what was happening. I had assured them this was just like any holiday but they were not convinced.

Their confusion may stem from the fact that I gradually emptied the main rooms in the house, spreading stuff into bedrooms and studies in order to allow Harald painting access. Possibly the confusion came to a head when I wheeled the TV away and then encouraged them to follow me outside, heading for the stuga.

Or maybe it started when Mirinda left, car packed with half the house, for her week away at her dig. They were standing at the threshold of the glassroom, looking at her, hoping for some sort of logical conclusion to what was happening.

Or it could have been even earlier, when he headed up to Emil’s Backe for a brunch that didn’t happen.

Emil’s Backe officially opened for the season yesterday but without Chez Charlotte. Tarte Tatin was serving coffee and sweet treats and Hippie Home was open but of hot food, there was no sign. A bit like the sun, really. As can be seen from the photo above, we were sitting in the shelter, not from the rain but from the icy winds that blew for most of the day.

Still, the coffee and sweet treats were very nice and we felt it only right that we should show our loyalty.

Back at home, it was a hive of activity. I’d been shopping early and, once back, started moving things and cooking other things for Mirinda to take away with her. There was another batch of wild garlic pesto as well as a quiche.

Just because she’s not home does not mean she has to miss out on Chez Gaz meals.

And so our 34th wedding anniversary passed by in a flurry of activity and a confusion of cockerpoos.

Later, via a video call, Mirinda reported that the quiche was very filling and her AirBnB accommodation decorated to her satisfaction.

Apart from the confused puppies, all was good.