How long does it take an academic to buy a washing line?

The funny thing about domestic disagreements is the trivial differences that spark them (it's the trviality that makes them "domestic", I guess). The husband, example, cannot bear books piled up on the kitchen table, whereas I cannot bear them piled on the Welsh dresser (my view is that tables were made to carry books, but the welsh dresser should be kept for the crockery -- his, I guess, is the reverse).

Similarly with washing lines. He can't bear the paraphernalia of washing lines and other such contraptions outside, nor the fuss of dashing out to get the damn stuff in when the heavens open. I, on the other hand, think wet washing drying (or better trying to dry) on fearful contraptions inside is reminiscent of the seedy student quarters that I am pleased to have left behind. Besides, there always seems something heathier and generally more wholesome about having some sun and air on the smalls.

So while the cat was away (lecturing on a cruise), and partly prompted by finding a vast old bag of pegs at the bottom of a pile of rubbish in the pantry, the mouse and daughter (who is at home putting the finishing touches to her PhD) decided to investigate the washing line options.

Our garden, it must be said, is not exactly washing line friendly. Most of the obvious places would involve stringing the damn thing across the path to the car and dustbins. And the husband would be bound to decapitate himself (shouting "I told you so" in his final seconds).

We then looked at those umbrella type ones, that spin around in the wind. I cant say I have ever liked the look of them -- but it soon became clear that even the smallest would occupy most of our rather small lawn. And that is a prominence that not even I would want to give to the washing.

We were just drawing a blank, when we came upon the wall mounted collapsible version above (it just goes back in its little stainless steel box when not in use). Quite how a washing line can cost a hundred quid, I haven't a clue -- but most of the Amazon customers seemed pretty satisfied with what is obviously the Rolls Royce of lines.

We were in fact too worried about the cat's reaction to buy it on the spot. A good thing too, probably. For the returning husband pointed out quite rightly that our planned location would have made it impossible to get to the back door when the line was "open". But he did generously suggest another spot where it WOULD fit and has given assent -- provided that he is not left at home to "mind" the washing (and bring the stuff in when it rains) while everyone else is out.

So that is where we stand. It's still not actually bought, but we are working up to it. The real downside s that every time I go on any commercial website, bloody adverts for washing and drying applicances magically appear. That's cookies for you.