Monday 13 February 2012: I Like A Nice Cup Of Tea In The Morning...

...No chance, say Scottish Water.

Last week there appeared a flow of water from the middle of the road; we reported it and next day someone came to look at it. This morning, quite unannounced, a crew turned up and dug a big hole to mend the leak. It would have been a matter of common courtesy to tell us that they would be turning off the water so allow us at least to fill a kettle but they didn't bother. It was turned on after three hours or so, they removed all the spoil to a lorry, put barriers round and left.

As we were peering into the hole a neighbour from a few doors away told us they had a new leak outside their house. Mr Flum says this is caused by the crew turning on the water too quickly and the sudden surge in pressure fractures pipes further along the system. So we'll go through the whole thing again.

However, there may be an advantage to these leaks. Quite by coincidence our pond has been filling up by a stream of clear water and is almost back to its normal level, although somewhat tainted with the residues of recent neglect. Today as we approached we disturbed a heron and witnessed a flock of redwings feeding at the edge, clearly the wildlife is enjoying the resurgence of fresh water. Although it should be impossible that the leaks, draining into the road gulley, should be connected to the pond, we won't ask questions, just count our blessings.

Meanwhile, I'll keep up to date with the washing and make sure we've a supply of drinking water.

Edit: I have cropped the photo to eliminate neighbours' houses, so the composition may seem a bit out of balance.

• DMC-TZ10:
• f/4.2:
• 1/50":
• 12.8mm:
• ISO 80

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