Thanks. As it happened, my guest wanted to go out instead of sitting in the garden, and they'd packed up when we got back. I was disappointed. It was mostly dance tunes, and I was jigging along the path at one point!

I've tried the going round for a drink solution, but, along with others from our block, I haven't felt welcome. The bar staff tend to concentrate on regulars. The regulars tend to be folk who are either deeply taciturn or regard a forced burp as the height of humour. I didn't feel like working at it. I've also tried involving the owner in welcoming our new short-let tenants, putting a piece about his family room and so-on on a sheet we drop in the door. He was agreeable to that, but it didn't really break down the barriers.

In his favour, his music sessions are now much quieter, and not so late. If I hadn't wanted to listen to the band, I could have had the TV on quietly, and the window open, which hasn't been true in the past. No fun in this weather.

Our mall has live musicians in a cafe area, and I feel deeply for them, as people pass noisily, or talk over the performance. I try to use eye contact and smile as I leave as a thanks. I'll do something of the sort next time here.

Penny