Another week’s worth!!

Gosh! Doesn’t time fly when you are enjoying yourself? I can’t quite believe that it’s over a week since I jotted down all the amazing things that have been happening.

Once again, life has been fabulously full of family and friends – so much so, that I’ve hardly had time to catch my breath!! A very welcome weekend visit by George and Sue for more electrics; another barbecue en famille; welcoming Andrew home for the week; greeting the Kenilworth Originals back from their travels in Oz: more babysitting; a spot of Open Water Swimming and a bit of Yoga.

As if that weren’t enough, it was all followed by a curry with Centre Stage friends; a funeral; a visit to the Jewellery Quarter and a Michelin-starred meal out; Skyping Graham and Gail; birthday cake and bubbles with Pete and Dawn – and finally, a house party at Paul and Harriet’s to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. Phew!

Within the wonderful activities, of course, there are moments that make you smile – for example, George making the exciting discovery of a toad at the bottom of the garden. Haven’t seen one of those for years.

Then there was Thomas carrying on the Sleath male-line tradition of showing a bum-crack when bending over. Aww…. bless, picking blackberries on ‘UncAndrew’s’ shoulders is just the best.

And, of course, no family get-together is complete unless one or other of the boys is in strong man Samson mode……

In amongst the fun and frolics however, there have been some poignant moments. Michael and Andrew got the Lotus out last Sunday (11th) to have a rummage in the engine, as they frequently do. I heard a toot-toot on the horn but didn’t take a lot of notice. They often toot-toot just for fun. Anyway, a minute later and in great excitement, Michael came pounding in, eyes sparkling, “Come and see!” he said, beckoning us out to the front drive.

Oh, wow!! There was the car, all running sweetly and everything. The boys had taken the car for a spin around the block. We were all thrilled and delighted. Naturally, there was more to check under bonnet, with the kids joining in…. and guess what? Might have shed a tear.

There was the final photo call in Oz too, posted on the WhatsApp Tribe chat, when Paul and Harriet said their farewell to Graham and Gail. Another moment when I might just have shed a tear.

And, naturally, there was Paul and Harriet’s 10th wedding anniversary house party and memories of the preparations and celebrations of that spectacular day. Might have shed a tear or two then, as well. Well, you know, what can you do?

Despite the emotional roller-coaster, these are such lovely moments mending, mending, mending me; softening the edges of the hurt and continued bewilderment of being a widow. Such moments to treasure. Cheers, everyone!

And the garden? “I’m not planning any activities in August,” I had boldly declared…… ha! ha! ha! August is halfway through and I’ve hardly touched the garden!! Eeek! The wilderness still awaits! Heeelp!! Anyone like to lay odds on whether I’ll get anything done? Hehehe!