what happens

This is what happens when the electrician arrives at your house at 8.09 a.m. But we like him, which is a good thing esp. as we seem to be seeing him rather frequently. (It seems to have escaped my tirade yesterday that our electrics have again been wonky, with the bathroom and Hiroko's room plunged into darkness for two nights. Just at the time that we have two of Hiroko's American friends here, bringing our capita count up to 6 in the house.)

So, now I am well on my way to today's hand-shaking state. But in a good way. An hysterically good way.

Since appear to self to be alert, and since downloaded Hay pictures in order to get Three Coffee Pots picture, shall post some of those as well.

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So, my best beloved children, on Saturday, we went on the post-grad trip to the Hay Festival-- Dawn, Stefi, Matthew and myself. This is a literary festival held in Hay-on-Wye, Wales (many apologies for the annoyingly tinkly music, but this was the more interesting site i found), which town/village/hamlet (although don't think it is a hamlet. was told what a hamlet is, but cannot remember exactly. think it means a town without a pub.) is known for its absurd number of second-hand book shops and antiques. There are 33 second-hand book shops. Am sure you can all imagine what a danger this was for me to make such a journey. And I made it out with only 4 books. They each cost 1 GBP. (such a deal!)

To R is picture of Stefi, Dawn and Matt descending the stairs at the Castle to the next level of tents set up to sell books and other necessary items, such as paella. Most of the day, it was spitting rain, but by mid-afternoon, it was perfectly lovely.

According to the site linked above, a giantess named Matilda built Hay Castle in one night and could hurl boulders more than a mile. King John had her starved to death. Okay.

The Honesty Bookshop is in the Castle grounds and has no shopkeeper present; you just select your books and put money into a little slot in a box for what you take. This is just another example of the charming British faith in humanity, which has amazed me on several occasions.

And, of course, we found some yarn -- well, Dawn is actually at fault here for finding it; I merely bought it out of courtesy to the local sheep. As well as a picture post card of the actual organic sheep from which the yarn comes.