Thursday 16^th November, 2017 1600

I forgot to mention, the computer chap, having tried numerous new “names” for my wifi (mostly 3-801, 3-802 etc) had the cheek to label it (once it worked) LAOWEI. Not only that but he also made the connection icon disappear from the bottom tray so there is no notification of being disconnected. Doesn't happen often and if it happens to the VPN that automatically reconnects now I have the latest version. I cannot se how to change the name or password without resetting the router and that frightens me because I may cut myself off and have no idea of my details he used to connect me. Still, I like continuity, hence Dean will be coming tomorrow or Saturday evening to sort things out. I surely owe him a drink after all he has done so I believe Annie has found a bar that stocks gin AND tonic! Guess where we will be going??

I have spent over two hours assembling tonight's dinner of lasagne and bread and butter pudding. Finally I can relax and all I need to do is turn the oven on at the right time. I know the pudding will be fine but after all the trouble I went to (including a 2^nd shop today which is not my routine) the bloody lasagne had better turn out ok. No, I haven't done garlic bread, I thought about it but deemed it a dish too far what with only having a mini oven. Anyway, the two urchins on Peace Corps stipends I am sure starve themselves between visits to Budd's Brasserie.

I shall return and report back later, I have no intention of attending English corner tonight to find out if anything else detrimental has been said about me. After yesterday it wouldn't surprise me if someone complained about being offended by being under suspicion.

2100

I am embarrassed. Pat and Ariel came to clean and, knowing there was ample food on the way, I asked if they would like to stay for dinner. That presented a minor problem re matching plates (I only bought 4 as they were 35y each) and I need to buy a couple of glasses as well to replace casualties. Mind you, with juice it doesn't matter and students only ever drink juice.

However I am pleased to report that the lasagne and pudding were scoffed and enjoyed and it was a lovely evening. So lovely in fact that I completely forgot to get my camera out! Hence the embarrassment.

Ok the young girls had to leave early for evening classes but then I did something awful. Annie was determined as always to attend English corner. Her friend Stephanie was here and she didn't want to go so I cajoled Annie into making a stand. Every Thursday night standing in a cold stairwell with one bare lightbulb? Sorry but I told the Dean I would not do it and I suppose I laid a little guilt on Annie when it came to solidarity. After all, I think those students that attend religiously only do so because the vice dean turns up. Stuff the school. If they won't provide a suitable meeting place then so be it. I have offered the students a hotel room once a month (for a sensible price) which I would pay for so they can hold a “party/show”. The ball is firmly out of my court and if I get the blame for Annie not going then I really couldn't give a ratatouille.

Anyone got any useful tips for homemade custard or apple crumble? They are the next culinary firsts I will probably attempt.