My husband got a package wrapped in brown paper through the post. The Open University have sent him the material for his next study unit. This marks the beginning of the sullen season which runs until the end of October.
Once in OU Mode the man cannot be interrupted unless and until the house is on fire because he will be concentrating. He cannot do idle chit chat because he will be thinking through complicated equations. He multitasks whilst thinking - drinking coffee, swallowing hob nobs whole and staring out at the unkempt garden.
He cannot be troubled by DIY issues or discussions about our social life when he is dealing with matters of the universe which must take priority. Sort of true because he’s studying astro physics.
Walking the dog (who by the way is doing an excellent job training his master) playing the tin whistle and talking with Dave his best friend about motorcycles they will never own – these activities are all ring fenced and judged conducive to study at the most demanding intellectual level. But talking to me is a mind pollutant, apparently.
I need a degree, too. Of patience.