You'll be having a cup of tea Father? Ooohh you will....

"You need to go and live in a community like Father Ted's in a place Like Craggy Island." my significant other announced apropos nothing in particular. Well, truth be told, not apropos nothing in particular. "Do we get you back in the near future? Only we're (by which she means her) tired of the preoccupation and depression that accompanies this overlong priest training lark. Where's our (by which she means her) pastoral care? Get it sorted or you can't count on our (by which she means her) support for much longer. It's unreasonable."

So, Stuart, Dr. Bob and I living together in a clerical community where we can write papers and sermons and talk theology to our hearts' content and not have to be bothered with the reality of family life and the real world and remembering things just because they are important.

I wonder which of us is Fr. Dougal?

"And don't expect Nigella with her nipped in waste and voluptuousness to look after any dog you might think about buying."

Nigella?

Dog?

A brief question of clarification revealed that Nigella is to be our Mrs. Doyle, housekeeper and cook, which I was quite encouraged by.

The Dog thing's been a bit of an issue in our house. I'd like one but my beloved says sweetly "Of course you can have one. Only I'll be living somewhere else."

("Dad, if Mum dies, can we have a dog?")

"Now I can see the point of celibacy" she announces mysteriously. (My better-half, not my daughter). "Only you can date ... " (Eh?) " ... Me, obviously, because on a date, in a couple of hours, you might be able to give someone your full attention without having to worry about what the church has to say about Baptism."

I think the worm may be turning.

I'm not sure what Nigella would say.

I'm not sure what Stuart and Dr. Bob would say.

Actually, I am.