Tableland by D. E. Harker

Julie when I arrived home this evening. Played football game with Trev after supper. No one noticed my new slippers.
    March 5th – Thursday
    Noticed that Avery took three hours for lunch today. Kept casting sly looks in my direction all afternoon. He’s up to something.
    Julie bursting with news when I got home. ‘The Uppes have asked us to dinner on the 14th. Mum will be here so she can babysit… The Butts are having shutters – blue – they arrived in a van with “Shillitoes Shutters” written on it and the corrugated paper fell off one of them – that’s how I know they’re blue… I went round to Una to return her electric mixer and when I looked through the kitchen window into the back garden, guess what I saw?’ She paused for effect. ‘Their vegetable patch was full of half-grown cabbages, cauliflowers, etc., which weren’t there last week. That’s what they were smuggling out of Wellkept when we saw them. They don’t grow them from seed after all.’ Had a good laugh over this.
    March 6th – Friday
    Avery receiving private telephone calls all morning. Was glad to get out of the office in the afternoon and spent three hours down by the docks at ship fitters etc. Weekend tomorrow.
    March 7th – Saturday
    Was furious to be woken up early this morning by the Butts putting up their shutters with much hammering and shouting and cursing. Their poodle, Lulu Belle, kept up a persistent yapping. The whole of Springcroft Meadow must have been woken by the noise. However, we must be thankful that they are trying to smarten up the appearance of their house.
    Spent the morning getting our spare room ready. Found half empty large tin of orange paint in garage and decided to use this to cover stain on one wall. Stain did not disappear. Showed through in spite of three coats, but think on the whole it is slightly less noticeable and rather pleased with end result. Also painted top of dressing table, chest of drawers and wooden chair and was about to start on bedside table but was stopped by Julie.
    After tea, popped over to Steve’s to return the brochures. Was going to crack a joke about the vegetables but restrained myself and just said, ‘How’s the garden?’
    Steve seemed a trifle distant but thawed out over can of beer and we were soon discussing holidays. He and Una have been invited to the Uppes’ for dinner on Friday as well.
    Just as I was leaving, he confided to me his big scheme for part of the back garden. ‘I’m going to build a sun patio with a barbecue standing in the middle.’ I must say, I was impressed – he certainly gets some good ideas.
    â€˜How will you set about that?’ I asked.
    â€˜Oh, I’ll make the terrace with some slabs of paving. I’ve ordered sun chairs from a colour supplement advert, and a chap at the Round Wheel knows of a blacksmith who can make a grill for the top of the barbecue. I’ll do the bricklaying myself, of course.’
    There it was, that magic name again – Round Wheel. Never seem to be able to find out any more about it – must make real effort soon.
    March 8th – Sunday
    Went for walk with Trev in the afternoon and reluctantly admit the Butts’ gleaming new shutters look very good. They have also got new window box. Might be able to make one of these – will think about it. Julie met us at the door with depressing news.
    â€˜Mum has just been on the ‘phone. She says Bri is coming with her.’ My heart sank. Maintained dignified silence on the subject but felt hot words rising to lips and not even Vista’s chop suey for supper dispelled the gloom.
    March 9th – Monday
    Felt in a bit of a mood all day. Had “words” with Avery over an order which he had overestimated. Trina (our new office secretary) spilt tea all over my ledger. Harris has pouring cold, sore throat and seemed to be sneezing over me all the