The Sun, Moon, & Stars.

We had used Gideon for many years. We had used him from the beginning; he was good to us and loyal. When we had skint times, he still did the work, he could see we were not remotely rich, and once when he did a big job for us, he said, “You can pay me in two parts,” Which would be over two months. He trusted us, and we trusted him. He was a good man, and still is. Gideon was usually late to reply to my text for his annual visit, but eventually he would, and if we needed him, and he was too busy he would ask for, “A video,” Which I would send to him on WhatsApp, and he would give his free good advice, and the job would be sorted that way. His unique job kept him very busy, and he could pick and choose who he went to. So, we were lucky to know and have him, on our side. He was a good, honest egg. But last year, he didn’t reply, I don’t know if he died, or retired, because he just didn’t reply, even his eventually, had an eventually, and I realized it was all over, he was gone! Where we live, there is a group chat for anyone to join, to keep everyone up to date in what is happening in our neighbourhood, Paul has joined it, it is not my thing, it is not something I would be involved in. On this this group chat, it tells of missing cats, burglaries, road works, and amongst other things, personal recommendations for tradesmen. That is my favourite, for I always like to have recommendations from people who have used good and honest workers. These men, they are never usually expensive and none of them rip us off, two very important things that ensure they will always have work, all the days of their lives. So, last year from the group chat, Silas was introduced to us. I rang him and he came and took Gideon’s place. He came and serviced our boiler and checked all our radiators, his price was very good.

But a few months ago, we put up the number on our boiler to 49 or rather Meghan did, for she is more technical that Paul and myself, as the water in the bath was not very hot, the water in the kitchen was too hot. We were used to having a lukewarm bath, but now that the snow is here, we would like a hotter bath. I took a video of the digital numbers that is on the front of the boiler, and was going to send it to Silas, but was busy at work, I had hoped to show him and either ask him to pop over and ‘fix’ what was wrong, or tell me what I should do. But I forgot and the next day the snow storm Goretti fell on England! Now if I thought it would be difficult to get him, it suddenly felt like it would be Impossible!!!

I didn’t feel sad, for I thought, certain professions like taxi drivers can charge what they like at a time like this, and I have heard of people I know been charged £50 for a £20 fare, and I don’t blame them, for I think they are risking their life on the roads where no trains or buses are running. A few days ago, when my child came home at night by taxi, from work, I would not have wanted that taxi driver to be my Husband, no way! So, in this instance I understand the price hike.

Before clever Meghan, chose the job she does now, she wanted to be a Plumber, for she knew she would always have work, for the rest of her life. The very important job she chose and does now, also gives her a job for Life!

I think, for I am afraid to ask Silas, that he is very unlikely to answer my text, for a visit or advice, like Gideon used to do. I think for Silas to come to my home, it wouldn’t only cost me an arm and a leg, but the Sun, Moon, and Stars too!

I will ask Meghan to turn up our boiler to 50! x