The Hodmandod Anti-Incendiary Device.

The decluttering has revealed stories within the vast collections of Hodmandod clutter. For instance, yesterday I uncovered about eight small screw-top plastic containers hidden in Hodmandod Major's vanity unit in his bedroom - about half of which were filled with ancient water.

This evening Hod Senior and I were just puzzling over what could be the purpose of these when Hodmandod Minor piped up from a pile of cushions on the sofa. 'Ah, I can explain that.'

Apparently these were anti-incendiary devices. Alongside the containers were a collection of much-loved soft toys (collectively called 'The Teddies') and since these had to be left whenever we went holiday, Hod Major had devised a plan in case the house caught fire in our absence. In the event of flames, he reasoned, the plastic would melt, and the resulting flood of water would keep the Teddies safely cool until we returned.

Since Hod Major is now 23 and Hod Minor 18, I am hoping very much that this plan was devised several years ago, although the water, when I sniffed it, smelt oddly fresh.

'We also used to fill up the sink, just to make doubly sure.' says Hodmandod Minor.

Ah, it's as if it were yesterday...