Ordering a kennel for Sam
Ordering a kennel for Sam

A full day planning my purchases and shopping in Norwich; buying more materials for finishing Harnser but also a dog kennel and training aids in anticipation of my new puppy arriving. The surprising news today was of the Queen asking voluntarily to be assessed for the payment of Income Tax for the first time.

I spent just about the entire day either planning my shopping, doing the shopping, or examining it once I had got back to Heronshaw. I was awake quite early even after a late night but at least the weather had abated compared with the wild wind and rain overnight. It was funny to see the Racing Reach residents stepping out up their road first thing to clear the drains as it had become flooded due to its low-lying aspect and poor drainage. Lincoln's work in raising the banks of his boatyard had also deprived the surface water of a means of escape.

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I sat and planned the shopping I had to do first and tried making a number of telephone calls, but it was surprising just how many organisations just do not seem to answer their telephone due to shortages of staff and cost saving. I had to wait in for the carpet company to come and measure for a quotation, but they were so late that I had to go and leave without seeing them as it was early closing for the gunsmith in Norwich. I went armed with a long list of requirements and bought three kinds of wallpaper, a bath screen, a box of heavyweight lining paper, dog dummies, basket, whistle, leashes and collars etc etc and a large pen to keep the dog confined in garages until the kennels were ready.

I looked again at the bed-chairs but did not yet order them; though I did go and see a kennel and order that for delivery on Tuesday. Telephone calls home and then to the dog-breeder making arrangements to see the dog tomorrow and again on Monday and probably to collect the dog on Tuesday. This evening, going through all the purchases and setting up the wire pen. This is made of 3ft by 2ft 6in plastic-covered wire sections and can be formed into an enclosed pen some 5ft by 3ft. The surprising news today was of the Queen asking voluntarily to be assessed for the payment of Income Tax for the first time.