Crepeys Not Crêpes

[Cremolafoam]

Oi over here hags

I didn't know VAT was optional????

I only visited London a few times as a child/teen/student - only remember the sights and shopping (on my own) on the Kings Road as a teen in the 70's, oggling at the punks - we didn't have any where I came from!

Builders seem to think it's optional. If we pay him cash, he doesn't then declare that income to the VAT man, so it's cheaper for us. If we pay him with invoices, etc, he has to declare it. All rather norty.

When I was a gurl, you had to change trains at Ely to get to London. This is one of the many reasons why I left Norwich at 19 with a huge sigh of relief.

I used to work for someone terribly senior and important (who subsequently got sacked for fraud) who used to ring his wife when he was leaving the office, and shout "Norwich! Norwich!" and get on his bike. His PA explained to me - I was a mere child at the time - that it stood for (k)Nickers Off Ready When I Come Home. We both shuddered at the thought.

MrsS thanks for that lovely image!!
Ds is struggling, still 3 days to go here to half term and he's knackered. Doesn't actually want to go to school today and that's a first.

Hope everyone else is enjoying halfterm.

BD, my two are struggling too. Luckily their friends have offered a lift this morning, so a slightly later start!

Yes, MrsS, thanks for that!

It's a long, miserable drag the autumn term, tbh. The weather, the dark evenings, the shock of being a year more senior....DD1 announced that school was "such hard work" and she really didn't want to go in today.

BD - where are you? My friend in the Midlands and north are off this week, but down south it's next week.

Hi CV - I'm Midlands- ish (- being coy ...) and, yes, Brum is off, but my LA decided to push a week on, so we are off next week...

Aah, I see.

I'm a Midlander originally, from Warwickshire/Worcestershire; I'd go back like a shot if it wasn't for minor details like DH'S job, kids school etc.

Oh yes, I knew that NORWICH thing...

I went to a work lunch today. I was the only woman there as usual and they gave me the menu with no prices. FFS, which century are we in?

Don't bother your pretty little head about that sort of thing, dearie!

Work lunch

Were they worried that you might choose the most expensive thing on the menu?!

Nah, they were American, they can afford it. Washed it all down with a nice glass or three of St Emilion Grand Cru. Best make the most of it. When I am back in UK it will be a cheese and pickle sarnie and a Magner's in the local Wetherspoons.

Or lunch in Waterstone's at Piccadilly with MotherInferior. It's the way that she says "Tap!" to them when they ask if we want still or sparkling water, and the Paddington Hard Stare that goes with it.

CV - Dp works in a large Uni on the Cov/Warwickshire border and we live in Worcestershire (but did live in Brum) - we are both Southerns by birth... (but Ds is a Brummie and we don't let him forget it!!)

Works lunch - hum - a few manky sandwiches and dodgy wraps here - I declined ....
I am feeling very got at at work at the mo

Where has Strops disappeared to? And Dukes? Dukes hasn't been around for ages - do you think she is still drumming?

Yes, I was wondering about Stropps - hope all is going well with Mr Stropps' treatment. I did PM Dukes who was pleased to hear from a Crepey, but was busy with RL I think!

DD is being a rude cow ATM (though was all sweetness and light while her bf was here earlier, of course) - DH is getting very cross with her and shouty, whilst I am speaking to her calmly and assertively tonight - I am so proud of myself

Mine won't do anything unless I shout.

mine wont do anything IF i shout

Just dragging us off page 2 ladies....

Aaaaaahhhh. Looks like the builder's going to start next week! So, no running water in the kitchen for five weeks, sitting room full of kitchen stuff, house full of builders, etc etc.

Now convinced he's a cowboy. No correspondence contains a VAT number, and his 'contract' seems rather sketchy. I'm going to try to get him to sign an FMB standard contract instead, and see what happens.

In total tizz re building notices, sizes and materials of doors and windows, appliances (Ikea or others), taps, blah blah. I need a lie down.

Herbs, having your kitchen done is horribly stressful. But it will be worth it

Yay! It's the holidays

Herbs - have you checked with Transco about the quote your builder gave you for moving the meters? We moved a gas meter about 5 yrs ago and it cost about £350 and Transco did it, not the builders. Not sure builders are allowed to. I think the cost depends on how far you are moving the meter, but it can't be 2k! Or maybe it can these days.... You can check his VAT registration, I think, as it's an old con for builders to charge VAT but not actually be VAT reg'd. Have a google on the Inland Revenue site and see what they say.

TGI half term. Kids knackered but I'm through a very busy week and feeling much happier. As a present to myself, am contemplating buying this shirt to wear with black trouser and flats for work. Thoughts? Hoping mustard might be wearable as part of a geometric print.

BD - I think I went to Uni where your dh teaches. Does part of the campus have a name to do with hanging?