Well he came back yesterday evening....... eventually! I suspect that he had been to the pub as he smelled strongly of wine and brandy. So did his new found drinking companion Farm Owner who also had the faintest whiff about him of something a little less pleasant, although I had better say little about that as I feel I may come in for a little flack about where the odour came from.

We wandered back up the road in a particularly round about kind of way, presumably to avoid the ice and other frozen detritus which still spews forth from the manhole cover near the office. It must be much worse than I feared as he walked from side to side of the road all the way back to the cottage. He was also singing loudly which was a wholly unpleasant experience and I think a completely new way of using the voice in melody. He basically said all the words on the same note and just varied the volume louder or quieter as required. This morning he is a little quieter and has mercifully stopped his singing and is instead growling quite a lot at anyone who comes anywhere near him. I think I may try my luck at getting another breakfast at the manor, it may be safer to spend the day down there. Nearly forgot! I have a new friend today who refers to me as Posh Jack. I think I like this. Being recognised for one's breeding has it's benefits. Had I mentioned I was born on Lord Bath's Estate?