That went well contd.

Worried about my bulging suit-case I packed early in the morning squashing everything into a pulp; there were presents now to include. I managed to zip it up with its extra pleat let out. Later I found I had forgotten to include my fashion boots which I had brought for our dinner out, and then didn’t bother to change.

Even later when it was too late to do anything about it, I found, due to a last minute change of travel wear, I had left my new jacket in the wardrobe. I told me DIL not to bother to send it but to bring it in February when they visit. One thing I’ve noticed when the temperature drops one’s interest in fashion declines in favour of warm comfy clobber.

My DIL called out the taxi was here and I rose hastily and fell over an invisible table. Nothing damaged but my dignity. We left my case in the fashion shop where J works part-time and then met her 87 yr old Mother for lunch – the train wasn’t till 1.33pm. B is a game old girl but very deaf so we had a very shouty lunch and other customers seemed transfixed whilst B told us how she had managed her diabetes for 17 years but had a weakness for chewing chicken skin and pork scratchings.

We managed to persuade her not to come with us to the station – it was brass knob weather and bade her a fond good bye. I had been delaying spending a penny until the station and found to our utter disgust the loos were locked and also the waiting room. We huddled in a tiny shop and were handed leaflets to complain. Fortunately for us the shop was actually staying open till 2pm. I felt sorry for the pretty lady who popped her head round the door and said – with a lovely smile – she had to get to Kent.

J my DIL was an absolute brick, refusing to go until she had literally put me on the train. There didn’t seem any point in finding my reserved seat so I sat in one near the luggage. I had to change trains at Westbury and a youngish woman insisted on carrying my bag off and on the next train. I was so surprised – we hadn’t spoken and she had her own luggage. I told her I could lift it but she said it was dangerous with the gap. I must say when she helped me on the Taunton train I felt a bit weepy it was

so kind.

MTL and his daughter were there to meet me and I never stopped talking on the drive home. The house was beautifully warm, tea was quickly brewed and all was prepared for dinner. All the trains had been on time – congrats Great Western, and also for that spotless loo. I’m glad I made the effort, so thankful that it all went well and oh so glad to be home again