What’s been happening.

The computer packed up the day we were going to see the consultant so there was little time to fret about it.  As soon as we were seated he gave us the good news and then MTL said what a great job Mr M had done whilst Mr M said what a great job MTL had done.  I suggested perhaps it was team work - to which they readily agreed.  We had the option of never darkening his door again and leaving it to our local doctor or continuing with twice yearly check ups so we chose the latter - simply a blood test in September.  It had – after all been ‘a very aggressive cancer.’

On the way home we called at the Dragon House to book lunch for nine the day our French family leave us for a few days in London and we are joined by our Norfolk daughter and boy friend who were having a few days in Bristol.  I tried to get a special deal by limiting the choices of each course from 6 to 3.  The nice lady we saw thought that would be OK but later the boss said – in the nicest possible way ‘No!’

The French children – two teen age boys and a nine year old little girl are delightful and great fun.  Their English is excellent and I assume so is their French.  The boys used to tease me unmercifully about my French so now I get my own back by giving a tolerable impression of the eldest boy speaking English and sounding exactly like a young Charles Boyer.  D – the younger boy, we discovered has entered on the kitchen calendar their birth dates.  We always do this but hadn’t got round to it.  On December 25^th he had drawn a Christmas tree and parcels – lest we forgetJ

After the initial welcome meal cooked by me. The parents took over the cooking which was a treat for us all.  Throughout the week I was given lots of advice about the computer.  I used to worry if I replaced it and all my stuff went on it – surely it would be full before I started so it was a great relief to hear how much room there is now on new computers.  Beyond fathoming.  Excellent advice from #1 son to bite the bullet and embrace windows 7.

Once our guests had bade a fond farewell we high tailed over to PC World and I bought a Lenova – because it was there.  One gripe:  why did nobody tell me that without speakers I would have no sound – AT ALL?  The workshop at Tim’s has transferred the important writing as far as I can tell.  The photos they are still working on and speakers have been ordered.  I have to relearn how to deal with photos; fortunately more family come early April.

Lovely surprise last week-end when an old friend and his wife – visiting Tintinhull asked if they could come and see us.  It was G’s birthday- we are almost exactly the same age which has always been a bond.  The three of us worked together in the theatre club many, many years ago and we had a hilarious afternoon, recalling triumphs and disasters.  They are both excellent actors and A is about to play the old woman in Alan Bennett’s ‘Lady in a Van’ – a gorgeous part.

Some sadness – one of our quartet of friends Joy, lost her husband last week after an increasingly arduous illness.  Margaret – another member of the quartet who now lives in Cheltenham, is coming to stay for the funeral.  It has been a great comfort to Joy that she and her daughter were with her husband holding his hands and communicating.

Rest in Peace dear Mike