Fire!

Family and friends will recall that early last year the electricity here in the Old Homestead blew up, necessitating a complete rewiring, with socket outlets all 15 inches above the floor (to avoid floods, I was told - even upstairs!), the provision of a massive light in the rear garden (which lights up the entire neighbourhood if there is movement) and smoke alarms (one in the kitchen, one in the hall and another on the landing). More of the latter later for no-one explained anything about these . . .

Today I journeyed to Fairlop Waters in the buggy to photograph Jenny in the nature reserve. Read next week’s ILFORD RECORDER when all will be revealed.

And so as I was there, I drove over to the Farm Shop on Forest Road, there to stock up with some fine fresh fruit and other goodies. The seeded bread rolls look good - and tasted even better - and I enjoyed the punnet of Dutch strawberries sitting beside the lake and watching youngsters paddling rafts built of oil drums and spars (just as we used to do when I was Scout Leader hereabouts in the 60s).

Amongst my purchases was a pack of asparagus, a luxury I have learned to enjoy once or twice. And so I decided to have five sprigs and three rashers of bacon for my evening meal. The bacon went in the Ramuska whilst the asparagus was seasoned and placed in the frying pan with a little oil. I stood by to watch.

Suddenly - and without any warning - the smoke alarm in the kitchen sent out the sort of screeching that signalled the world was coming to an end (or that Boris was the new PM). At that point something rather important struck me. No-one had told me how to stop the wretched smoke alarm from blasting out into the neighbourhood the message that Ron was about to incinerate his home.

First, I had the presence of mind to turn off both appliances! Then I waved an ironed tea towel in the air - but it did not reach. Screeeeeeech! Out into the garden to bring a long handled broom. I poked with the handle.Screeeeeeech!  I turned the broom around and gave the smoke alarm a firm brushing. Screeeeeeech!  But then it stopped!

Please someone, tell me how to stop a smoke alarm?

 

Regards

Ron

PS The Asparagus was delicious, of slightly singed at the ends, and the bacon was tasty. A bowl of fruit for dessert. I may have a cake before bed!