Bonfire

I have spent an absolutely unbelievable three and a half days solid tidying up upstairs! Finally, this afternoon, I could do the final vacuum - probably the first time some parts of the carpet had been touched since I came here three years ago. I found some great stuff I'd forgotten about, like an old comic in one of Vincent's boxes and some ancient newspapers from Newfoundland. There were some unopened stamps from the Philatielic Bureau too. Now that's another job that I need to do - try and update the Machin collection which must be a year or two out of date now. There are piles of children's school books, paintings and writing which I've managed to keep more or less in the same place now and, hopefully, the stuff I actually am likely to need to get at is reasonably accessible now.

There was a massive pile of old bank statements and totally useless papers that I'd just accumulated. And boxes - boxes, boxes and more boxes. I decided to be really quite brave and chuck out loads of rubbish-looking things as well as the boxes themselves. Amazingly, I seem to have been able to get rid of a dozen or so really large cardboard boxes. I still have half a dozen empty ones left, just in case, but that gives some measure to how much space I've reclaimed.

All the old boxes, papers and even some clothes went up in smoke with a great bonfire that Graeme just happened to be having this morning. Good timing! The paper and card bins are also brim full.

There's a bit of stuff left that I'd like to sell if I can but that Ebay business is a nuisance. May look at another method.

The dust was dreadful and until I had actually got everything off the carpet I couldn't do a great deal about it so it was literally the last thing I did and very satisfying too. Really pleased with myself.

The car didn't move on Tuesday or Wednesday and today only to Towcester for some provisions. Such a difference, financially, not having to drive so far every day. Nice, and just as well as can't do much at all until I get paid.

Finally heard from Feena last night. I'd been out in the paddock until about 9:40pm helping Pete with the oak house roof and was thinking of her as I came in and checked the phone. Remarkably, as I put it down she sent a message. It is extraordinary how there seems to be some connection and she does have a strong effect on me. Pity it's unlikely ever to materialise usefully.

AT rang and looks like I may get another 'second marker' job for Colin Spender's project. Nice that he does try and help me along - although I guess he finds me easier to deal with than some and I do seem to help him focus on what's important on these projects particularly so it may not all be totally altrusitic. Still, nice to have someone helping.

Next I need to make some flyers for some of 'What I do' and deliver some around the villages. Good exercise and - who knows. Simply have to find someone that'll pay me what I'm worth and get me out of this financial hole.