Monday 17^th September, 2018 1800

After wasting my Saturday morning by them only coming after a complaint was lodged (although I was pleased with the tiling work) they managed to ruin my Sunday morning as well when they were supposed to come and do the panelling. I had no plans admittedly but I couldn't take a shower or do my laundry in the interim so now I am annoyed. Oddly, Brenda has gone silent, something I understand at the weekend but today is Monday and no contact. There will be words, not so much for the work not being complete but far more importantly in my book, for making arrangements and not abiding by them.

Today I did my shop. Tomorrow I will make a traditional roast pork with apple sauce, hopefully crackling (not easy with a mini oven) and Yorkshire pudding, along with half my remaining Bisto. Accordingly, as the Chinese have no conception of roast pork, I drew a sketch of what I wanted.

I know, it seems ludicrous but I felt it was needed – a picture (I am neither Rembrandt nor Constable but my pictures are more understandable than Dali or Picasso) – so I drew a pork loin with the fat scored. Job done? I thought so.

However, despite miming what I wanted the woman on the meat counter proceeded to commence slicing the entire loin into pork steaklets. I stopped her, gave up and went to another section, asked for some pork and a cleaver. I demonstrated that I simply wanted the skin and fat scored. What I got was the skin and fat sliced as far as the meat, way too deep but hopefully it will still make crackling. I even called over the stupid woman to see what it was I wanted so maybe she will know next time. I would have done it myself but they get their knives so much sharper than I can.

Oh, and Mr Jing Jo found my new bald look somewhat amusing. I on the other hand am rather getting used to it.

After an explanatory email to Dean Liu on Peili campus (as promised to Annie and Eli because they seem to think I have far more influence – which admittedly I do) followed by a second explanatory one to explain the first explanatory one (this is China!) I finally got the message across that should the school or students organise anything for Christmas evening the westerners would be saying “no” and so not to do it. I want to get a smoked ham and Christmas pudding and prepare a traditional meal, the first fully English Christmas dinner in eight years and anyone standing in the way is finished!

As for the Xining trip, I'm sceptical. I had intended to go this weekend but Annie had made arrangements. Fine, Alice could still come as well as Stephanie. Except now suddenly Stephanie can't come but can do in golden week. Poor Alice can't, she is off to Wuwei with her sister and has always said so. I am dubious about the other two who have manoeuvred me into delaying the trip to when they both can come. I wanted to treat Alice as well. Perhaps I can take her somewhere another time. I am not that bothered on my own account, I am hardly the tourist type, I simply wanted company for a dinner I don't actually have to cook.

The Sebel/Sofitel in Xining has a highly rated Brasilian restaurant (breakfast is great too) and I have said I will fund one dinner and the others can pay for a pizza delivery the other night.

And finally I have five days before I am in danger of having an attack of gout. As unbelievable as it sounds, no less than three chemists have told me they have no allopurinol! I reckon I will have to pop into the hospital next to east campus on Thursday unless they want to give me time off because I can't get out of bed......