This is a short one, but heartfelt.  Today I was writing for a deadline, and well in the zone, when I heard a voice in my ear:  ”well, where do you want the waste pipe, then?”  It was Beefy the plumber, and it really really matters where the waste pipe goes.  So I went and thought about waste pipes.  Then I returned to the computer, and got back into the zone and then there was Beefy again:  ”there should be a sort of tube thing that came with the bath – any idea where it is?”  No idea, so I went and hunted through cardboard boxes and eventually found it.  Back to the computer and just tuning in when: “usually people paint behind the radiator before I fit it!” which was an excellent point.  So I gave up and painted behind the radiator.  And when I had finished it was time for Beefy, who is an excellent plumber but high maintenance, to have another cup of tea.  So here I am, just about to start writing again, and it’s only possible because Beefy has gone home.