Start -5 days

Works programme #1 received today. It really brings it home how extensive this project has become and the tight deadlines we're all up against. The first hurdle is to get the new kitchen fitted before we decommission the old... So far, a fair bit of disbelief on both sides of the table. Some heads needs to be knocked together to make this all work without having to live on carry-outs, no dishwasher, cooker, oven or microwave for several weeks.

Reacquainted with the new team at my very first insurance brokers. They originally provided great insurance deals for students with flashy cars and, after 25 years, they still remembered my name! The original partner had long retired, however, the fantastic customer service and personal attention is still going strong. I'm confident they'll, yet again, come up with the goods. Long live the local, specialist, broker! I'm off to cancel my "direct" insurance policies. From now on, I'll back the local team!

Kitchen tap arrived today. Bought it direct and paid the same as you would for a flimsy "DIY shed" own-brand tap. The difference is that this is the Rolls-Royce tap, but at DIY shed price. Now, why can't local specialist shops at least try to compete? Yes, they may have higher overheads than most direct vendors, but a 50% premium just doesn't make sense. Unless they wake up, they'll go the same way as high street travel agencies...