Biscuit = acceptance. No biscuit = disdain.

A steady stream of visitors kept Wilf and Digby occupied for most of the day. After seven weeks of on and off activity the long running saga of the new kitchen appears to be entering the home straight . First on the scene at eight o'clock was the electrician who efficiently installed the ceiling lighting. From the warmth of the welcome it's quite clear that the boyz like the electrician who quietly feeds them Garibaldi biscuits. In the Polish Lowland lexicon, provision of biscuits by visiting tradesmen generates grudging acceptance, respect by comparison takes at least a sausage. No biscuits equals absolute disdain.

At nine the gas man came to weld into place the pipes for the new range. He did not bring biscuits with him so had to face the close scrutiny of an unimpressed canine welcoming committee. Around eleven thirty a gentleman with a huge drill turned up to make the hole in the wall for the hood extractor - a shrieking , noisy, tooth jarring job that Wilf and Digby didn't much care for. They took themselves to the outside terrace at this point for some peace and well deserved rest and recreation .

By the time the last of the workmen left it was seven thirty in the evening and the shape of the kitchen was finally becoming clear. The final coat of paint had been put on the ceiling beams and the dishwasher plumbed in.Today the marble company come to measure (again) the counter tops and the last of the floor tiles should be laid. By this time next week it may all be over. Madame Bay who has a theatrical way of dealing with dust will be pleased when the kitchen fitters go and the house is once again hers.