Sissi can keep her mother alive until I get back

So a couple of days later the steam iron stopped steaming. I waved the instruction manual in front of it and told it that a steam iron that does not steam is pointless - but it sat there sullenly and steamlessly and has been relegated to the ‘almost dead’ iron cupboard. This is where I keep the irons that still function - after a fashion - and can be used in emergencies.

I am thinking that perhaps the best course of action may be to get esbboston  here on a short term assignment so that he can monitor the situation. He can stay in the guest room and continue his studies from there. He seems to be remarkably good at all this sort of stuff and he can keep an eye on the air con going into winter.

We leave for Australia on Friday and I am hoping we can get out of here before any other things start popping and fizzing and blowing smoke.

I am concerned for the welfare of Cate and the cats because she gets back a week before I do as I am going on a brief driving holiday in Victoria with my two ancient brothers and then spending some time with my children.  

Cate has not had to look after herself and the cats before for more than a day or two. Cate is not renowned for her cat nurturing and housekeeping skills and indeed has very little time to do this because of her very busy job.

Now I know she can live on toast and Vegemite but for the cats it is an entirely different matter – I know for sure that they do not like toast or Vegemite -  and then there is the kitty litter.

I don’t think there is an Austrian equivalent of ‘Meals on Wheels’ and in any event Cate would not be eligible. I can’t ask Mrs. Moneypenny to call daily as she is also on holidays so we have a significant problem.

The fallback position is that I know Sissi can open the cupboard where the spare supplies of cat food are kept and can also tear open the packets of dry food. This will keep her and her mother alive – and they can lick the moisture out of the bottom of the shower recess – or suck Cate’s towel. And it may rain - they can get on to the terrace. 

In terms of the kitty litter they will have to tough it out. If it gets too crowded in there they can use Cate’s bath mat – it is nice and woolly.

I have changed the blog settings so that anyone can comment. I did not realise I could do this until people told me.