London and babysitting calling….

I am a lucky girl. I have the greatest pleasure of spending time en famille as well as looking after the grandchildren who, it seems, take some pleasure in being looked after by me.

With the summer holidays upon us, it isn’t just one of the Kenilworth Newbies to look after of course, but three. Also with the summer time comes celebrations, one way or another, for the Kenilworth Originals, which has meant that I have had the privilege of looking after Freddie each Wednesday plus two weekends, while Mum and Dad party in London for Harriet’s sisters 50th, and then a trip ‘oop north’ to watch Oasis perform.

It has been fun and games and just lush. Honestly, I don’t know how it is but the grandchildren are just fabulous human beings and great company, always lifting my spirits and making me laugh. We have been having so much fun that I have been lax on the photo front…..

Meanwhile and in between times, I have had quite the social whirl, with a trip to London myself. John’s dear friend, George Pryzbyla, and his partner Val, invited me to stay the last weekend of July.

We really enjoyed ourselves with a trip ‘into town’, as they say, to visit the Portrait Gallery on the Saturday. And then on Sunday, we drove across to Henley-on-Thames for a boat ride on Kelv and Ren’s boat on the Thames, before a slap-up lunch and an afternoon in front of the TV, watching the Lioness’ triumph over Spain.

Here I am with some of the girls…..

And with some more of the girls and a couple of the boys…… I wonder what we’ve been drinking?

Here we all are (except Ren who took the photo) hoping beyond hope at this moment that the Lionesses are going to do it…..

Everyone was so lovely that weekend that it just felt right. I felt connected, not only with John’s friends, but with John, too, on what would have been our 51st (!) wedding anniversary, as we sailed up and down the river. Eeeh, it took me back to Wallingford days. Happy memories, eh?

As I say, I am a lucky girl.

God bless, everyone. Take care.