Light My Fire (again)

Another visit to the father-in-law to sort his gas fire out. I was disappointed that my efforts in January fitting new coals had come to nothing as something else broke and it was getting past the point of sensible repair.

We arranged for a new fire to be fitted. I managed to avoid telling him how much it cost - he would have had kittens if he knew. We decided to get almost the same model as before (so same controls which he would understand) but with a glass front to stop him throwing random bits of paper on it to burn, not to mention rearranging the coals with the help of a wire coat hanger which he kept down by the side of his bookcase specifically for this task.
First problem - he seemed to have forgotten how he operated the old fire, I guess because he has been without it for about a month while we sorted the new one out. So having the same controls as before was no real advantage.
Second problem - he seemed to have a irresistible urge to touch the hot glass front. I got quite angry but he just said it wasn't a problem as he was only touching it with his fingernail. I hope he's got the message or he'll end up in A&E.

The gas fitter would not take the old fire away. 'It's Castle Bromwich' he said 'leave it outside by the road and it will be gone in no time'. We did that and went out for lunch and it was still there when we got back. His neighbour suggested we should leave it on the grass verge so the 'tatters' would see it. I thought that was a good idea so went outside to move it ... but it had gone!