An Uncertain Boiler and The Best Easter Card.

The gas man returned as duly promised on Easter Saturday bringing with him his own little Easter Egg in the shape of the promised part. Whether or not this has solved the problem is, as yet, uncertain as due to the weather being unseasonably warm there has been no need for heating and as the two are inexorably linked, not as much need for heating water.  Consequently the heating system has not been as hot and has not therefore needed cooling.  After the cloying heat of Good Friday's brief encounter with a hot oven I am in no hurry to repeat the experience.

Today was Easter Day and I was still a tad piqued at remaining at Chez Kojak instead of  enjoying Easter with friend and family. And so it was at teatime that I was less than enchanted to hear the doorbell being rung closely followed by a rapid knocking sound interspersed with children's voices. At the risk of being thought to be a modern incarnation of Ebeneezer Scrooge I have little time for urchins who reappear at my door two days after Halloween demanding "A penny for the guy" when there is no guy visible as far as the horizon. A similar scenario occurs weeks before Yuletide when one shout of "We wish you a Merry Christmas" coupled with a plethora of outstretched hands is deemed sufficient to be called Carol Singing. Once again I digress but you will have grasped my  train of thought. I was saddened that Easter seemed to have succumbed to such mercenary traits but not completely surprised.

From Dasha, Year 3

Prepared to rebuff such entreaties I opened the door. A young girl thrust a folded sheet of paper into my hand and said "Happy Easter" but instead of holding out her hand she ran off to join her two companions who were at the next house. It was only after I'd closed the door that I realised what I'd been given. On the outside was written in pencil "From Dasha year 3" and inside was the message "Happy Easter" underneath which was drawn a shaky oval with the word "egg" written inside it.

Happy Easter "Egg"!

The little girl had made the cards and was delivering them to each house.  I was so impressed by this and not a little guilty that I hastened to the fridge and grabbed my small but cherished cache of Snickers bars. Opening the front door I called the little girl back and explained that I did not have any Easter eggs to give her but instructed her to share the sweets among her friends. 

It was a nice end to the day and perhaps a fitting demonstration of what Easter is all about - a simple gift of joy. I was so touched by this that I must confess to having a slight lump in my throat. But in case any evil binherren are reading this... tomorrow is quite another (recycling) day...