well, I declare

[pensnest]

Today was a different shape, which made a nice—well, mostly nice—change.

I attended a Zoom meeting this morning instead of going to yoga; it was the national barbershop association's council meeting. I had no contributions to make but did take extensive notes, and actually, it was reasonably interesting.

Happily for me it finished early, so that by the time Beast returned from the gym, lunch was about ready. Afterwards he drove me into town and I mooched about a bit, looking in M&S for toasty warm boot slippers (sadly, all were too small), buying some bits and pieces for Christmas, and going round the smallish craft fair at the Forum, where I bought a few more Christmas bits. Then met up with my knitting group, and we went to a new café for tea and cake. I chose Chili Hot Chocolate, which was... exciting. But good! After that, Jarrolds Food Hall, then home.

Resolved not to shop on Saturday in future, if it can be avoided. So many people!

Beast and I watched Spirited, which was silly but fun (and unexpectedly full of musical numbers, I think one too many), and was interrupted by the arrival of a mouse in the hallway. War was declared, and we eventually trapped it under a large bucket, so Beast could slide cardboard underneath and carry it outside. Unfortunately the mouse was injured in the struggle, so I doubt it is long for this world. It did at one point run straight towards Sable who completely failed to do anything useful.

I'm now wondering if the musty-laundry smell downstairs is a result of mouse occupation, but it's hard to tell. Beast had acquired a long-stored fleece jacket, which was getting the blame but may in fact be innocent. Do mouse nests smell like musty laundry? Sable is plainly going to be no help at all in eradicating any remaining vermin.

Comments

Re: No ...

[pensnest]

Yes, I think it's more a damp/mouldy smell than a sharp smell. I'm still suspicious of the fleece, but it isn't even in the study any more and there's still a smell. Can't see any damp or mould in there either. It is most frustrating!

A dehumidifier might not be a bad plan.

Re: No ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

A dehumidifier would help reduce damp that allows mold or mildew to thrive.

Ways to remove the smell:

* Air purifier

* Air freshener, like lemon or peppermint

* Burn a smoker's candle.

Re: No ...

[pensnest]

Good suggestions! Thank you. We found an evil-smelling dishcloth and have disposed of it, and the obnoxious smell seems to have gone, so all may be well. But I might just move the air freshener into action.

Re: No ...

[watervole]

Air fresheners don't make a smell go away, they just add another scent on top.

For people like me who react badly to strong perfumes, they're a real pain.

Especially fake fruity scents. There are some shops i don't visit any more...