Well, what an interesting morning! I'm usually pretty good at meeting deadlines (apart from anything else, I tend not to take on jobs if I don't think I have enough time) and on the occasions when I know I'm going to be late, I like to keep people informed. They always forgive an overrun, I find, whereas if you don't say in advance, they don't. But I've never before had to write an email saying, "Sorry this job will be late, but my flat's on fire"!