Stuff Michael Meeks is doing

Inordinately long lie-in until 11:15 - grief. The washing machine has packed in. Ignored the wife's advice that it wasn't turning at all, and set too cleaning out the shocking gunge that likes to build up in the pump / sump. After re-assembling, discovered that - in fact, the motor was not turning; removed the brushes - really pleased with the Hotpoint machine, they seem to care about the hapless service engineer - by smoothing, and folding the pressed steel so there are not sharp edges to practise self-laceration on everywhere. Easy to access, nicely enclosed brushes too - neat. Spares shop shut by the time all this was done: bother
Fooled around with H. above her bedroom, affixing hardboard against the roof angle, to hold the insulation in place, reduce air-flow, and (with luck) further warm her room. Much interest from small people in crawling around inside. Appalled by the generally feminine and dainty hammering actions of all and sundry. Adjourned after dinner for some hammering practise outside with the eldest three - eventually got the idea that you really want to hit the thing impressed upon them - with some good results.
Put everyone to bed, and out to the Newmarket Pregnancy Crisis Center fund-raising Quiz - had a great time, Laura & Creighton and Claire, too - fine puddings, good company, and interesting questions. Helped pack up, and back to bed late.