Sunday 7th October, 2012         1615

Bugger Abu Hamza and his complaints of sleep deprivation in prison - what about me?? With it being a Sunday I stayed up until the wee hours knowing I could have a lie in because once again Robin refused to come in.

At 0800 I was rudely awoken by someone with a whacking great big masonry drill boring holes right by my door! I was not amused, mainly because I thought they had finished doing all that yesterday - I think 302 has bought aircon or something similar, needs a new electricity feed and this was to run a conduit. It’s bad enough on a Sunday but at that time it just plain narks me.

However, as planned, I am having a lazy day. All I have done so far is pressed one pair of trousers ready for the morning and the washing up (from Wednesday night!) is soaking awaiting the scourer. I did pop out to the shops, met Kiki and got her to translate the labels on Pepsi’s medicines though. The cream is easy enough, rub it in once a day, but the “pills” appear to be mini cod liver oil capsules for a healthy coat. Two twice a day - probably it will end up as four once a day. The “shampoo” stuff? They have got to be kidding! I am supposed to make up a bath (in what, I ask??) and keep her immersed in it for fifteen minutes every five days! That is just plain impossible so what she will get is a bit of a soaking and that’s all. Whoever invents these medicines must be under the impression that Joe Public dog owners also have a fully staffed and equipped veterinary hospital.

While I was out enjoying an ale in the sun some female students arrived, obviously just back from their holidays as they were toting heavy luggage. One of their number also had a Taobao package. They stopped at a table, bought some noodles and the girl with the box tried to open it with her fingernails. The one thing they do in China with parcels is make sure you either need to be Clark Kent or carry a knife to get into them. I carry a small blade in my pocket - they cost half a yuan and are meant for sharpening pencils - so I gave it to her to use. Her delivery was a box of moon cakes and unnecessarily, for my good deed she gave me a cake and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Very sweet, and after she left I noticed that it may actually have a pear filling - if so I will really enjoy it.

2130

Looks like another night Robin won’t sleep here, I am rapidly giving up on her. I asked earlier about the military training and have been informed that it is scheduled to start on Wednesday which will mean it will last until a fortnight today. Great for me as it will be another holiday as near as makes no difference, but I still see no army presence. I am not convinced and will wait until midweek to see.

I am hoping I was right about this week being my easier workload because if the training goes ahead then not only do I only have one class tomorrow but the week “off” will be my “busy” week - every little helps as Tesco say.

I am fatigued tonight which is handy seeing as I have to get up at eight but I am about to cook my Sunday dinner. A far cry from roast chicken or beef with all the trimmings but it will be enjoyed every bit as much - bacon, fried eggs and mash with real HP sauce! Bloody crazy when foods which used to be a quick dinner solution once suddenly become a gourmet treat eh?