It is approaching Christmas and, as usual, the house will require a complete clean.

Not from my point of view, you understand?

However, it is nearly time.

This year will be slightly different as, before the ‘Chirstmas clean’ comes a new and unexpected twist.

Apparently a clean will not suffice. This year it has also to be painted.

I may have mentioned this in the past, but DIY is NOT my thing. I do my best but changing a light bulb is a bit of challenge.

OK, so maybe I have exaggerated slightly – but when it comes to painting, there are two things that are guaranteed:

a) however careful I am, the finished painting will have runs. I am unable to fathom out how to paint without it running. And, trust me, I have tried and on more than one occasion.

b) there will be more paint on me than the walls/ceiling/wherever.

I have explained a). F said that he will do it – and he’s quite excited about it. Still, I am filled with dread. It means opening windows, the smell of paint, the mess. For me, the ideal way is to do this when I am away – someone comes in, does it all and I come back with everything done and complete.

It seems that, as this ‘weekend’ is a long weekend (from Thursday through to Sunday), it is the perfect time to do it.

I’m not really looking forward to it – but I suppose it’s better that, at least, I am not expected to actually hold a paintbrush!

Still, you can wish me luck, if you like?