h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This year we have my parents staying. They arrived on Thursday, a day after my dining room ceiling was replaced and repainted, so we were in a certain amount of chaos. On Friday, we ordered a dining table and six chairs, which the shop said they could deliver before 2pm (this was at about 10.45sm). We went to the supermarket to get some Christmas essentials, following a slight cock-up on the catering front. I had thought I'd ordered everything for Christmas from Waitrose, however, I found that although I thought I'd confirmed the delivery slot, I hadn't, so there was a last minute panic. Whilst at the supermarket, I got a call on my mobile - from the delivery men, who were standing in the middle of my hall, with my rather bemused mum and dad, who knew nothing about it. They had delivered within 15 minutes of our order! So I asked them to leave it in pieces and we would assemble it on arrival home. First thing was to disassemble the existing table - a heavy 5 ft pine table and then to unpack and assemble the new one, which we did. It's made out of rubber-wood and looks lovely. The old table went in the cellar. We had just set the table, with a table cloth and fruit bowl, etc, when there was a knock at the door; the delivery man had come to check that we were OK with the table and to help with the assembly if necessary. What great service!

Yesterday, we went to the Vedanta Centre to help celebrate Holy Mother's birthday and Christmas Eve. Mum and dad looked after little who wasn't feeling very well, and we had a lovely peaceful time there. We stayed for lunch and went into the shrine-room to listen to swami. I bought a book on the 'Sermon on the Mount according to Vedanta'.

It's interesting listening to Roy talking to mum about her spiritual beliefs. I was brought up a Christian Scientist, and it seems that in essence, there is little difference between the core beliefs. Vedanta believes that while we are living the dream, we must eat dream food. Oops, must go - family calls .

Roy is very good with my parents. Dad still isn't feeling very well. Little sounds a lot better. We spent a quiet time over Christmas. Little got a PSP and a game - Star Wars Battlefront 2, and we have heard very little from him since - he's a very happy little boy.

So it's not all bad. A happy little and a great delivery service. What amazing place was that? Sounds like you had a on hand.

Websailor

Yes, Websailor, little is as happy as Larry and the new table and chairs have transformed the dining room. I wasn't convinced of the need for a new table - I was happy with the old one. This is a round one which extends to oval. The delivery man was lovely and I am very impressed with the service!

Mum and dad go home tomorrow. I think they've enjoyed their stay.