Rain wanted

Ste Anne

Happy Saint's Day, little Sister
Happy Birthday, Elaine in Oz


You won'e be surprised to hear me moaning about Mr Meteo again. He usually does get it wrong, but this time he's been frustrating us no end. He did it last weekend and he's done it again this weekend.

I check every day to see what the weather is going to do and if he says it is going to rain then for some strange reason, I tend to believe him. We were due rain on Thursday, then thunderstorms last night and rain all day today.

We had a mild sprinkling which, if I were on holiday I wouldn't have minded at all, but not the steady rain he promised me.

This means that I will need to go out and give the veggie plot a really good soaking tonight because I didn't do it last night on the understanding that we were to have thunderstorms, but not a rumble or grumble was heard - except from the courgettes and beans who really would have liked a good downpour!

Meanwhile, sheltering from the non-existant rain, I have spent the afternoon alternately between the loft, the garden and the kitchen table where I have finally ordered the floor for the loft, and started drawing up the numerous plans that need to be attached to the dreaded form 'application to be exempt from having to put in a planning application'.

Yes, OK, I know I said that we absolutely HAD to do this last month (or was it the month before?) but if you saw the 7 page form and its list of supporting evidence required all in a language that is not your first, then you'd be a bit daunted too. Anyway, at the last count they are requesting 9 separate pieces of supporting evidence by way of drawings (to scale, of course) and photographs and all for three small loft windows.

The 'simplified' form is different from last years in that it is also used if I should want to put in a request not to have planning permission for a campsite, leisure complex or boating lake.

On second thoughts, if I'm filling in the form already and we do have room for a campsite and/or boating lake .......?