Wednesday 3^rd January, 2017 1430

I used what was left of Alice's wine in the bolognese. Normally you can't go wrong by using a less than perfect plonk in your cooking and for me this wine was awful; too strong and sweet tasting.

There was two thirds of the bottle remaining (which shows how popular it was!) and I slung the lot in.

I very quickly realised I was in danger of producing a meal where the overpowering taste would be of that wine and that was not a pleasant prospect! I spent the next hour adding this and that, trying to rescue it. Thankfully I succeeded.

Stephanie, Alice and Sunny were the guests but halfway through the meal there was a knock at the door. I wasn't expecting anyone (although I do get the Chinese equivalent of Jehovah's Witnesses occasionally, who scarper the moment they see a western face) and was doubly surprised to find it was Pat. One, I wasn't expecting her and two, she told me she was going home and wouldn't return until Friday. Their form tutor had called a meeting for that evening and so she had to come back early.

Of course on her return a load of my shopping was waiting for her so she had delivered it to me. Still ten items to arrive as well!

Everyone buggered off not long after eight (parties generally wind up early here) and I had thought Stephanie, with no more classes, would tarry longer. But no, it seems as if she has a complete cow for her Chinese assistant what with one thing and another. In fact she has asked her Peace Corps superior to get her another one for next term.

Get this. One of her term papers for a male student she had marked in black ink. It should be red according to her school's policy. A simple case of retrieving the errant paper and remarking it using the correct colour? Oh no. the student has to resit the exam on his own with Stephanie invigilating and the assistant had very kindly organised it for 0800 this morning.

Personally I would have refused if, as was the case, I was only informed after the event of the colour stipulation. It would have been batted straight back to the assistant seeing as it is her job to apprise such things. I know that after having been in China for so long I can at times be a nightmare for my assistants but I am reasonable and only create a stir when thing are not as they could or should be. This has only mostly happened at this school in the early days, now all three of my assistants do their best to keep me in the loop as they say and when things go awry, hands are held up. In such circumstances I am happy to be flexible but my assistants don't continually message me after 2000 with demands!

Anyway I got up this morning, opened my office window and was greeted by a vista of white. Snow being a rare event here, it surprised me even though the forecast had indicated so. With thoughts of going shopping for tomorrow's dinner fading rapidly, I don't like coming a cropper any more because I invariably end up at A&E with a broken bone or two when it happens these days, I turned on the laptop.

No bloody internet.

With Annie not being here to ascertain if it was everyone devoid of connection and upstairs having unplugged their router (I know their code) I had no way of finding out if it was just me. When they did try to go online and another resident with a TPlink who has yet to password protect, I discovered I was not alone. Brenda, after a text, informed me they were checking the electricity until 1500 so maybe it will come back soon. I don't understand the logic but what do I know? I hope it comes back soon, I have now watched all my iPlayer downloads except the final two episodes of Marigold Hotel and those I am saving for Thursday's dinner.

By the time payday arrives I shall have spent all of this months salary, so much for saving! To be fair, I did buy extra cigars and my final Taobao order of 2017 was in excess of 500¥ so I don't feel too guilty. My UK funds, whilst remaining untapped and increasing each month in amount, are nonetheless steadily losing value as the £ inexorably slides!

I have been trying to get Joan to come and visit. I could visit her but with my liking for first class flights (through the roof in spring festival) and 5 star hotels, a mere three day visit would blow a months pay. Far cheaper to pay for her train ticket and of course she can stay here. It is possible she won't come but how about this?

A 21 hour train ride on the slow train costs 537¥ each way. Ok bottom bunk, soft sleeper admittedly but I thought if she did come I would take her somewhere she has never been and should do. As of yesterday's prices she can fly economy directly there for half the price of a train to here! I could meet her there, in fact I could take the fast train, it just means leaping out for a few quick puffs every stop! To fly her here, same distance, would be exorbitant and who the hell comes to Lanzhou on holiday??