I've (almost) finished decorating some rooms in my home, with help from my daughters. It always seems like a good idea at the time to say "We'll just give these rooms a lick of paint, it won't take long."
But then ... first you have to clear everything from the rooms. This leads to mountains of unwanted stuff and numerous trips to the charity shop (where the staff get to know you well). Then you have to prepare the rooms i.e. give them a good dust and wash down the skirting boards etc. Where does all this dust come from? Am I getting my neighbour's share as well? At this stage our enthusiasm levels were way down and we decided to do the painting 'tomorrow'.
Painting day 1. Lots of dust sheets down. New brushes ready. Off we go. Had a great time until we kept forgetting that we'd just painted everything and kept leaning on walls and putting our hands on doors. We put up 'Wet paint!' signs - but they didn't help.
Painting day 2. Couldn't be bothered so we went out instead.
Painting day 3. Was determined to get the work finished. One hour later we ran out of paint but were too tired to go to shop so watched Top Gear instead.
Painting day 4. I got up early to buy all paint that was needed. Got home to see daughter's sad face - she didn't want to paint any more so we went out instead.
Painting day 5. Up early. Got on with it. Stuck roller on a long stick to reach awkward parts. Then stuck a brush on stick to get even more awkward parts. Finished!!! Almost. Paint has dripped onto freshly painted bannisters and window sills. I will clean those tomorrow, or the day after.
In between all of this I have been writing more stories and getting ready for some Space Hop Library events. I will be at Leeds Library this Saturday between 1.30 - 2.30 and at Garforth Library on Thursday (26th) at the same time. If you turn up to see me and notice bits of paint in my hair, please be kind and don't mention it.
