My mum is gorgeous

and is in intensive care in the Royal Brompton Hospital having had open heart surgery. So I have just booked myself a flight to go to England in two weeks time to take over the care of my father and with a bit of luck, also my mother, if she is out of hospital at that stage. My sister, Katy, is there at the moment, coping with my father's quirks without complaint, and looking on the bright side at every turn.

Success!

Hurray, the whole thing went much more smoothly than I could have hoped. The notaire explained in stilted English that the septic tank, although it didn't conform to current standards, works fine and would continue to do so for several years and no enforcement would be seen of the clause that it should be replaced within 12 months. I had already explained this to the buyer, but naturally the notaire repeating it carries a whole lot more authority.

So yip yip yipee! Weight lifted. Ulcer gone.

Worries

Most of the time, the work we do as estate agents is great fun. However, like anything in life there are times when you are faced with a dilemma; no, dilemma is too mild a word; something that keeps you awake at night and makes you feel sick and headachey all day. The worst feeling is that you are letting someone down, and the sale I have today is the worst case of letting down my buyers I have ever had, resulting in two weeks of sleeplessness for me, constant stomach churning worry that makes me unsure whether I am hungry or feel sick and blinding headaches.

I have a philosophy not to worry - it doesn't help anyone, but how can you control your emotions if something is worrying you? Anyway, all this will come to a head today as we all go to the Notaire's to sign the Acte, or possibly not. Working with people and not knowing how they are going to respond is what makes it scary, but also what makes it fun and interesting in other situations.

Well, I've got to get on with it now, but I'll post again later to let you know how it went.

Aargh, wish me luck!