Anyway, the builders arrived across the road last Monday. There’s been no sign of Danny or Marlene and it’s bloody Baltic out, so I’ve been making tea for the lads.

• Those chaps are lovely, Jimmy.
• Yeah, hard workers too.
• They were delighted with the tea.
• Yes, they said.
• When were you talking to them?
• This morning, they asked would I mind moving me van to make way for a delivery of blocks.
• What did they say?
• They asked me was I married to Mrs. Doyle.
• What do you mean?
• Cup of tea, father?
• Cheeky feckers. I even gave them a packet of fig rolls for their break.
• Every bloody ten minutes you’re offering them tea, Bernie.
• Well, they can shag off now, let Marlene look after them.
• They’re just having the craic. They’re delighted really.
• And me trying to be nice. I won’t be offering again.
• Ah go on.
• No, they can shag off.
• Go on.
• I said no.
• Ah, go on, go on, go on.
• And you can shag off too, Jimmy.
• You’re too easy to wind up, Ber.

Anyway, with the storm and the rain, there’s been no sign of the builders since. Still no sign of Marlene or Danny either….