I have held off updating this blog, wanting to be able to report that Sylvia’s laptop desk is finished. And it is!

It is a Paul Sellers design, made of Oak. The desktop, bin lids and vertical veneers are quarter sawn – the medullary ray patterning is really lovely.

After a bit of a wait for some ‘stop hinges,’ which duly arrived this week, I started fitting them, straightaway.

With the hinges fitted, I did a final sand and de-nibbing of the bins and lids; and applied four coats of Peacock oil yesterday evening.

It was great to finish the assembly today. Here is the final result:

I shall do a final de-nibbing with ‘0000’ wire wool in a couple of days, apply the very final coat of Peacock Oil, and then enjoy watching Sylvia’s impatient wait for a week or so, before I can wax it and let her loose!

Just as the numbers of coronavirus cases are reported to be declining, I have finally managed to get all the ducks in a row, and to be fully signed up for the Covid Clinical Assessment Service. This is part of the 111 NHS calls system – the service that retired doctors are being asked to volunteer to work in. My first shift was 2000-2400 last night. I enjoyed it – the hardest thing is getting the IT right – the medicine is much easier. Just like getting back on the bike, really!