I am on holiday this week.

Actually, that’s not strictly true: holidays conjure up pictures of lazing around a pool in the sunshine with a cold beer and a good book.

So I shall rephrase that.

I am taking some time off work this week.

Using up some of my annual leave allocation.

In order to do some decorating.

I hate decorating, so there is no way I can liken it to a holiday.

Yes, there are are a few other things I want get done, but decorating the downstairs study is the main reason I am off.

And though it is only a small room – taking up only a fifth of the East Wing – there is a fair bit to be done: extra electrical sockets need to be fitted; all the existing carpet tiles need to be replaced and I think it’s time that moose head came down.

But first, there is the arduous task of emptying the room and finding somewhere to put it all whilst the work is carried out.

And then there is all the prep work… the bit I hate the most.

So, rather than sit here writing about it, I suppose I’d better crack on.

Now, where did I put that bit of sandpaper…?