Saturday October 4, 2008
Graham spent most of his day in the dining room, packing box after box of books; now, at 18:45, the bulk of them are packed, leaving only my study with its three or four boxes to do. Once the books are packed, or mostly, we know we’re moving. Dolly is much amused. Find me a cat that isn’t amused by cardboard boxes.
I took myself off for provisions before starting my own duties. I was puzzled by the number of ill-tempered, aggressive drivers about the place. More even than is normal for a Saturday morning. Just now I wonder if perhaps they aren’t angry about jobs, credit, and the general collapse of funny finance. Now the house sale is done, it doesn’t affect us. Perhaps I should try to be a little more understanding, though. And avoid shopping on weekends for the duration.
Back home I sat down at my desk to continue the phone calls I need to make to transfer services and such. First one was to British Gas, to settle the gas and electric supply accounts here. ”We are sorry. Our service is closed for system upgrades. Please call again on Monday at 08:00.” Fabulous. So all those folks who need to call at the weekend when they are free to do so are going to have to steal phone calls and time from their employers on Monday morning. I tell ya. Some of these ’service’ companies couldn’t smell the cawfee even if they did wake up.
I tried the online service, only to be beaten at the last minute by a completely incomprehensible payment authorisation page, which took me into an endless loop because I hadn’t one piece of information. I gave up, and shall join the long, long telephone queue at 08:00 on Monday.
I know it’s a different world. I know that time marches on, and we all have to march with it. Even so, I can’t help but remember with considerable fondness the time when the Gas Board had a high street shop where you could go to buy a new gas stove, and discuss any problems with your account face to face with a real-life, friendly human being. Hey ho. Roll on the world of the real-life, friendly android.
I was somewhat discombombulated by that and, with Graham nudging me towards the bread board to get lunch moving, I gave up.
I’ll try again on Monday and, meantime, content myself with gopher duties.
Dolly the Mega-Cat is enjoying our earnest attentions, both of us wanting to be sure she’s not feeling neglected doing the packing and removal. Some hope. Simon’s Cat might be clever, but he’s got nothing on Dolly.
Check out the similarities:
Dolly claims her place on the sofa. All the sofa.
It’s fun, though. I have to admit that it’s fun.
