Feb 4th. This morning we wake to:

No hot water. Not a drop. He keeps me updated, "it's something resembling warm but isn't." I boil the kettle. Sitting in shallow bathtub water, I try to wash my hair. The kittens are watching, fascinated. Ripley scrambles onto the tub ledge, Mowat swats at his tail.

He's bringing me kettles full. This is a team effort, our sole mission is to accomplish clean hair, and for me to get to work on time.

Soon I am clean, but freezing. I have five minutes to warm and seven to dress. He walks me down the stairs to the front door. I am bundled in coat and boots, being kissed goodbye, but wishing we could all stay home today. Beaches family.