The Kenilworth Sleaths

John continues to be restless. So much so, that he’s hankering after seeing people. So, yesterday, because he couldn’t really bear the thought of being on our own, he texted the Midlands Sleaths and invited them over for lunch today. The Kenilworth Sleaths said ‘yes, please’ but Sutton Sleaths regretted that they were already booked up with birthday parties to go to.

Right, so off up to Oakes’ this morning to buy a decent joint of beef and all the veg; and then on to prepping for lunch. Well, goodness me, not only does everything seem to take forever these days, but rest times seem shorter than ever. It was a relief to sit down for five minutes while the meal was cooking, before the family joined us, but no sooner had I sat down, than it was time get going again.

Anyway, lunch was a success and it was absolutely lovely to see Paul, Harriet and Freddie here at home.

I am a woman of repeatable predictability when it comes to Sunday lunch. Beef and all the trimmings and some crumble or other with custard. Or a chicken dinner with some crumble or other with custard. But today, I pushed the boat out. I made Banoffee Pie.

The family’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Where did you get this from, Mum?” Paul wanted to know. “I made it, ” I replied. There was a Mexican Wave of shock that ran round the table. Wait. What? “You made it?” Paul asked, incredulous. “It’s not a crumble, how can you have made it?” That gave us all a chuckle. Yes, indeed. And at my age, too!!!

We passed a very comfortable afternoon together. Everyone was on top form and just delightful, marvellous company. Freddie was excited about Hallowe’en and arrived dressed as a skeleton. He spied the glass pumpkin head in the porch, full of chocolate pumpkin heads. “Please can I have one of these, Grandma?” Of course he could. I had bought them for the children. “Please can I have another one, Grandma?” “Shall I offer them round?” “Oh, there’s one left, do you want it, Grandma?” No thanks Freddie. Save it for later. And it was gone within minutes.

Very, very grateful for the blessing of family. My heart was full today. As was John’s. He had thoroughly enjoyed the day.

After the family had left, we sat down for a while on the sofa and scrolled through TV programmes to see what was on. Not long after we’d chosen something to watch than the doorbell rang. Momentarily, I had forgotten it was Halloween. Freddie and I had decorated the porch the other day, and Freddie had set up all the lighting this afternoon, so it was on.

And that was lovely, as well. The children who came to the door were all very respectful and excited to be visiting the house. “Trick or Treat!” they cried, behind their masks or make-up, not expecting to have to offer a trick. “Have you got a trick, or do you just want the treat?” I occasionally asked. “Just the treat” came the reply, every time. And it warmed my heart to hear a little boy, aged about seven, run back to his parents on the pavement, saying, “This is fun!” Yep. Enjoyed the interaction with the local kids tonight. Regrettably, their fun was cut short by the heavy downpours, and by seven o’clock this evening, it was all over.

In other news, you may recall the saga of the mixed peel for my Christmas cake. None at the Co-op and I didn’t want to use the petrol to drive miles just for that. So I made my own. And it’s going in, folks…….

I’ll let you know how successful it’s been when we’ve made the cake!!! I might be following in my Mum-in-laws footsteps and having to make more than one Christmas cake, but I hope not. I hope it’s going to taste alright. We’ll see.

A lovely day, in which the highlight was seeing the Kenilworth Sleaths. Take care everyone. God bless.

And, a thought for the day which I thought I’d share. I read it somewhere recently and it struck a chord:

Every moment of your life is a second chance.