I will really enjoy my holiday now - once I get the washing done.

I just had to get the springy metal drain cleaner and go shoulder deep in the gully to clear a blockage - I found I had a bath full of water sloshing around in the conservatory and needed to do another lot of washing, and the washing machine drains into the same gully, as do all the sinks....

Ah well - it is clear now and the washing machine is working, the floor is mopped - and if I take a few more showers the odour should dissipate....

I think I will reward myself for excessive intrepidity and pour myself a rum and coke as I wait for the machine to finish its load.

Anne the Pleater