Mike’sMusings

I think he might be basin with every bathroom order

Mike is always glad mike.musings@outlook.com

He was a fine man

Last month, my wife’s old school pal and a lifelong friend, Linda Abbot was widowed. It came as a complete shock as he’d been in good health for a chap of 75. Apparently, he’d been up a ladder examining the soffits on a neighbour’s house, when he fell, came down headfirst and died instantly upon landing on the patio. The post mortem suggested that he may have suffered a dizzy spell and simply lost his footing.

It really upset Mrs Gyles. Having attended their wedding back in November 1973 – before I came on the scene to rescue her and lead her to a life of luxury – there had been tentative plans for some form of Golden Anniversary celebration and a chance, to meet up again with old friends. Sadly, it just wasn’t meant to be.

Although I’d met Roger a few times, I can’t say I really knew him. I was aware of his reputation as a fine joiner – as I recall, he’d done a couple of jobs at our house not long after we moved in – and of his general ability to make objets d’art with wood. His speciality was the making of customised picture frames, initially for family and friends, but latterly as a profitable side-line.

Unsurprisingly, given his popularity and the tragic circumstances in which he’d gone to ‘meet his maker’, the funeral was well attended. There were numerous bouquets and wreaths, but the show piece was a large framed photograph of Roger showcasing his big friendly smile.

Linda admired both the picture and frame but could tell that it wasn’t Roger’s work and was keen to find out who had taken the time and trouble to make such a fitting tribute to her late husband. She simply wanted to personally thank them.

Bathing a problem?

Bathing a problem?

• Wet rooms

She made enquiries of the Funeral Director who was unable to help, saying that it had just been handed in anonymously. Undaunted, she had a quiet word with the vicar before the funeral service, and although he also was unable to shed any light on the mystery at that stage, reassured her that he’d do his best to find out who had generously donated the framed picture.

• Walk in showers and

• Wet rooms

• Walk in showers and

• Waterproof wall panelling

• Waterproof wall panelling

• Slip resistant safety

• Slip resistant safety

• Grab rails, shower

• Grab rails, shower

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Discover 134 x94.indd 4

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After a moving service in which the widow, amongst many others, understandably showed some emotion, the vicar, on behalf of Linda announced that all were welcome to attend a wake in Roger’s memory at the Shoulder of Mutton at Hardstoft. Before leaving however, he had a specific request from Linda.

“Linda,” he said in his most empathetic voice, “has been quite moved by the framed picture of her late husband and would like to thank whoever was responsible. I’ve made a few enquiries without success, so this is a specific question for you all. Does anyone present today know who framed Roger Abbot?”

9 3x3 blocks

1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block.

This puzzles has been devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk

Though of course only hardy annual seeds such as nasturtiums and Californian poppies and summer bulbs if you’re sowing outside. But the likes of cosmos, sweet pea, cornflower and aquilegia can be grown from seed under cover ready to go out when the worst of the cold is over.

Alpines are coming back to life so remove dead foliage and mulch carefully with grit to avoid foliage making contact with wet soil.

If you haven’t already pruned your roses, do so now. Most will tolerate hard pruning, except for climbers and shrub roses. Cut back quarter of an inch above a bud, with the cut sloping downwards so water does not collect on the bud. To get a cup-like open shape to the bush, cut to an outward facing bud. If there is old wood which is not producing buds, take it off to a point where there is healthy pith when you cut.

Spring also means lovely little shoots, beloved of slugs. Some damage is inevitable and part of gardening but slug pellets are not good ecologically. Nematodes, bought from your local nursery can be watered into the soil and they will kill slugs. They are not chemical and so not harmful to the soil and other wildlife and pets. If you rake over soil and fallen leaves now it means friendly birds can eat slug eggs. Or try the scooped orange skins method, placing them like a dish in the soil and add small amount of beer - jars would do as well as citrus hulks. Empty every morning and good luck.