Twisted Firestarter

What I've been thinking about this week:
1. Log burners
2. Nicknames

Wednesday is Rugby Night. Not for me, obviously, because that would be ridiculous. It's a source of great regret that, due to my kidney transplant, rugby is completely out of the question. (Phew!).

Anyway, at this time of year I get the house to myself on a Wednesday evening while Ivie goes and touches rugby players plays touch rugby. 

Proof that Ivie can score a try

One of the things I'd never done before moving to the Spittal was set a fire. Those of you who grew up in a house with an open fire will scoff and wonder what the fuss is about but it's a bit of a daunting prospect if you haven't done it before. Ivie's a calm teacher, though, and after a few attempts I'm now more hit than miss. 

My experience with the fire has made me realise I'm my father's daughter, even more than I thought. Since I'm often in the house by myself during the day, I'd much sooner put another jumper on than switch on the heating or light a fire. If you know Ivie, you'll realise why we're so well matched (for those of you who don't, farmers are notoriously tight and Ivie likes to take it to a whole new level). 

This was the conversation when Ivie got in from touch last Wednesday (dummies: 2; tries: 0; missed try scoring opportunities: at least 1):

Ivie: Dolly and I were talking about how you and Lorna can't look after fires.

Me: Oh?
Ivie: Yeah, you turn it down too low and keep your jumper on and Lorna lets it go out. 
Me: Hmph. 
Ivie: I was telling them how you're too mean to keep the fire going when you're in yourself. That's my girl! 

Me: Them?

Ivie: Yeah, Junkie was there, too. 

Proof that I can light a fire

Let me tell you about some of Ivie's friend's nicknames. 

When we started seeing each other, it took me ages to keep track of everyone's nicknames. Here are but a few: Snudge; Cub: Spaceman; Weed; Bugsy; Wee Yin; Dipster; Parp; Dorky. So, many of our conversations began, "Who's so and so? And why are they called that?". 

But Junkie and Dolly are my favourite stories. I was a bit nervous about asking why Junkie was called Junkie if I'm honest. The reason? He once had conjunctivitis. I know, I was speechless, too. 

And Dolly? Well, he's a clone of his brother. And here's me thinking it's cos he just works nine to five...