New stove

Today we finally had the oven installed, well partly, as we now need to get the gas plumber back to move the gas pipe at the back of the oven so we can fit the oven in. The oven is currently sticking out a few centimetres. The purchase of a new oven and hob was relatively easy and we got a good deal from B & Q. Then installation became very complicated. First we needed to get a gas plumber to connect the hob and then we got the electrician to wire in the oven. The previous oven was plugged into an ordinary 13 amp power point but now that ovens are more powerful they need their own power source. The price of the oven and hob has increased dramatically with the cost of the installation.

So why are we buying a new oven and hob? It is not a desire to produce gourmet food or to make sure we spend all our pension money! It is more about having to replace an oven which decided it would no longer work.

Of course it all happened on a night which was frantic anyway. Walter had prepared pizzas for two very hungry children and five adults as we rushed around getting ready for Donna's 40th birthday party. A babysitter was also due to arrive to look after Mia, Abi and Raphy. Then the oven would not work. So after frantically checking fuses etc it was decided that the oven was never going to work again. Walter very kindly made pan fried pizzas, which saved the day.

At least our oven just stopped working, unlike the dramatic finish of Aaron and Kylie's hob in Holland. It was a flash ceramic affair which exploded one day sending glass all over the kitchen. Luckily no one was hurt.

So we are now we are the proud owners of a new oven and a hob to match, which should improve my cooking skills as well.

It was grey again today and cold too, which I felt as I rushed into the car to drive to Emma and Steve's house. Donna reminded me that the weather has not been mild, especially for people who have to stand on a platform and wait for a train. She also wears a cranberry coloured coat and has a pink and black umbrella, in a bid to brighten up the day. I must say that I wear a long shiny maroon coat which makes me stand out like a Christmas tree ornament. Kylie says that February in Holland is extremely grey but then all the mad cycling takes ones mind off the gloom, I suppose.