We’ve had a rollercoaster of a day today. First we heard that all BA flights into and out of Heathrow had been cancelled and the forecast was that even if the flights were restored there would be ‘chaos’ while BA sorted their planes out and got them back into the right places at the right time. Even though I am safely in the UK and not planning another trip outside it until the middle of the week after next, I was devastated by this news because Patti was supposed to be coming in to see us.

Our weekend was mapped out - the folks round to supper tonight, then picking up Patti tomorrow morning for a weekend of revelry with her AND the start of the footie season - what more could we want?

Nothing actually! BUT, Patti’s trip was cancelled - because of the difficulties travelling, she decided to cancel her meeting in Belgium next week - very wise I’d say.

Anyway, when I picked up her message, I phoned my folks and put them off until next weekend so we could jump in the car and come to Cornwall, where our gleaming and sparkling new kitchen was waiting for us. This is the waste fitting from the Belfast sink that is an integral part of the new kitchen, which is craftsman-made by the same chap who built our kitchen table for us and delivered it as cheerfully as anything on Christmas Eve so we could have our Christmas dinner on the table rather than on our knees!

I was attracted to the shape of the fitting and its shininess so I thought it’d make a good subject for my pic and for whatever reason I decided a candle behind it would complete the picture. Even though it’s a slightly strange subject (though no more than many of the PotDs done over the past two and a half years I suppose), I quite like the result.

It’s an unexpected pleasure to be here, some might say a weekend 'wasted'.... but once again I have been challenged by trying to cook us supper amid chaos where nothing is where I expect it to be and I have no idea where David moved it all to when he came down to dismantle the old kitchen on his own a couple of weeks ago.

However sad I was that Patti didn’t come over and however guilty I felt about asking my folks to delay, I’m glad we’re here and I’m glad we’re alone because once again, we’re going to have to spend some time sorting ourselves out again and I do so much prefer for our friends to see our little bolt hole when it’s looking good!

Last year too, I was spending time with my folks - next week Mum - Nan was with us too. Two years ago, I was asking for help rehoming ex-racing greyhounds.....and more need homes today so go get yourself one!