January almost over

I suppose it's a combination of post-flu lethargy and dreary days that has led to my achieving precious little lately.  But on reflection it isn't as little as that.  We have been to our first U3A session on iPads and iPhones, since neither of us feels like we're making as much use thereof as we could.  Very welcoming group, with a likeable and obviously capable leader.  We'll need to assert our preferred learning style, however.  This week I went to a German conversation group, which was just as welcoming.  I think it's about right for my level, though I need to blow away the cobwebs if I'm to participate properly.  Art class on Thursday was cold.  For some reason the space heating was u/s, and we were relying on two domestic fan heaters to heat a space the size of a bus garage (mild hyperbole...).

Matters were scarcely better yesterday at the hobby.  The work room was hot and stuffy, with heating pipes grilling our shins under the desk.  The tea room was cold, and heated after a fashion by a 1950s vintage Ekco convector heater, except when the fire alarm (test) came on, whereupon the ceiling vents started pumping out warm air.  When the alarm stopped, so did the warm air supply.  Both issues raised months ago.  Obvious signs of action?  Square root of bugger-all, though I'd be happy to give modest credit should efforts to date have exceeded obvious results...

My Weltanschauung has not been helped today by the fact that my laptop refuses to speak to the printer.  I don't do a lot of paper apart from the Christmas cards, but have to apply on paper for my sandwich money and mileage (or choose to, since the on-line process is inadequate, and the automated version has failed to materialise).  I achieved the modest task of printing my claim only after installing the printer drivers on my new-to-me desk computer.  It took well over half an hour.  But then, what else would I have done with the time?  Maybe de-cluttered and dusted my study, which stands in muckle want of both, and of decisions on reconfiguration.

My gardening efforts have been pretty pathetic (see opening sentence above).  But I have at least planted out the hyacinths we were given a while back by John and Marion.  Crocuses are coming into flower (though only the boring yellow ones so far), and the snowdrops won't be far behind.  Daffodils are up and budding, so I look forward to moaning about the mess left by their foliage!