03/01/2022

As they digest Mike’s signature dish of breakfast pancakes, Roy looks forward to a day off while Mike declares he’s making a start on Brookfield bungalow. Roy thinks Mike will be keen to get home by the weekend; Mike’s sanguine about timescales for the job. As he prepares the first room at the bungalow, Josh arrives with some bold replacement paint choices. He wants to put his own stamp on the place – it’s his turn to have his own place now. Mike tucks in gratefully to the cupcakes Josh has brought along from Jill. As they work away together, Mike praises Josh for his ideas and energy, recommending he enjoys himself while he’s still free of responsibilities. Inundated with homemade food and offers of dinner at the Bull after work, Mike’s in his element.

Tony’s finding Tom’s clumsiness around the house a bit much, but Pat thinks they should cut him some slack. She’s delighted he and Natasha are taking her shopping for a 70th birthday present. With Natasha feeling delicate it’s left to Tom to help Pat in her choice of a coat and blouse. Once home Pat wonders why Tony isn’t joining them to watch a film Natasha’s recommended. He’s keen to sweep out the packhouse, and spend time with his model railway. Pat eventually convinces him to spend some precious family bonding time with Tom and Natasha, before they’re swamped with a new baby. He’ll watch the soppy love story, but expecting him to enjoy it will be way too much!