There is an excellent woodmerchant in the next village. The only problem is getting him to deliver wood. Last year I phoned many times and left messages on his answerphone - when it was working - but had no response. Eventually I started asking around and the chap at the local bar said the woodman was often there so he'd give him a message.

By magic, the woodman appeared at the door the next day and promised me a delivery the following morning. He stacked the logs in the garage (for an extra charge) and pattered on about me being a good customer and I only had to ring the next time etc.

So, just after Christmas, when we thought the stock was getting low, I phoned and was told by his daughter that the price had gone up from 32 to 36 euros a stere (cubic metre), minimum delivery was 5 steres (our garage holds four) and we would have to wait till February.

We thought we could eke out the supply till then, and, anway, the garage would have to be completely empty to get five steres in. So, at the beginning of February I phoned again for news. "My husband will ring you back" was madame's reply.

A week later he telephoned to say he would deliver the following week. I asked him to give me 24 hours notice as there were lots of medical appointments. He agreed but there was no call and no wood. It was time to look further afield.

The problem is that some wood suppliers are crooks and bring the kind of logs that burn up in a few minutes so you need a recommendation. By chance, our physio happened to mention that she had to be at home on Saturday for a wood delivery. My ears pricked up. She explained that he did it 'on the black' but it was good quality so I got his number. "Tell him you know me," she said. 

Feeling slightly under an obligation for my original order, I tried to get through to the first wood merchant but no-one picked up the phone and the answering machine didn't kick in either. So I rang the new man.

He promised to bring two and a half steres at 32 euros the following morning. He turned up on time, the logs were cut into a third of a metre, instead of the usual 50cm. which only just fit our fireplace, and he stacked them without extra charge. Although they took up more wall area, they left more room for the car because they didn't stick out so far. 'Black' or not we will make this man our regular supplier.

This morning at 7.45 the phone rang. It was the woodman from the next village.

"Is it OK if I deliver your wood this morning?"

"No thanks. I got fed up with waiting and had a delivery from someone else a month ago."