141/2 Hours in a Thatched Cottage is the title my mother gave to this little story when she wrote it. A few years ago, I came across an old exercise book in which she had written about a holiday that was to fulfil one of her lifelong dreams - a holiday in a thatched cottage. Mum's holiday didn't turn out quite as she had envisioned; it was a holiday of errors. So you could say this is a cautionary tale -- make sure you know where you are going to stay when you rent a so-called "romantic" location. I have transcribed my mother's own words, and I am publishing this little book in her memory and honour. I wish she were here to see it.