Despite bans on single-use plastics in supermarkets, The Press has insisted on packaging the daily paper in plastic so that it arrives in a ‘presentable’ state. Occasionally, rain seeps through into the paper, but never more so, in my experience, than this morning. I peeled the pages apart cautiously and dried them on the clothes airer in front of the heat pump. With no butler to iron it flat, I ended up with a crisp and crinkly newspaper to read over breakfast.
The garden, however, is appreciative of real rain – much more than of my watering.
The temperature is down, so we’re in our winter woollies. Inside, it’s cheering to put on the Christmas tree lights. Felix comes in to be towelled dry and to eat.
Mum’s absorbed in the paper now (not in a damp way) – probably reading the new year honours list, or about former President Carter’s active life, or the articles about the struggles of other world leaders. Later, I will finish the code cracker.
Anne-O-tations 
Our “Press” was on the doorstep as usual, with just a few raindrops on the plastic package. I’ve recently ordered new plastic bags, which will hopefully line my ornamental pond.
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We have an awkward relationship with plastic, I find – and considered going in that direction with this post. I want to avoid using it, then arrive home to realise what I’ve bought is wrapped in plastic, much of which may not be recyclable. It’s as if I don’t even see it anymore until I read about it littering beaches and floating in huge gyres in the ocean. If I can bring myself to be repelled by the plastic more than I’m attracted by the biscuits I’ll be making progress!
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Oh my goodness — that sounds very wet indeed! Clever idea to dry out the Press on the airer. I didn’t know you do the Code Cracker — I presume it’s a word puzzle. My latest favourite word puzzle is at http://gisnep.com. Give it a try! — Miraz
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I’ve learned from my erudite partner that the reason the butler irons the newspaper is not to get the crinkles out, but to ensure the ink is set and doesn’t dirty the fingers of the aristocratic reader.
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Yes, I read that too when I did some quick research before I posted. Newspapers must have been messy then. Perhaps the butler had gloves to protect his own hands, and cuffs, as he ironed. And the iron would need to be cleaned – and what about the ironing board or whatever surface was used for the ironing? You’d need more than a butler to deal with it all.
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