Well, what a weekend! It was full.
I hadn’t expected anything much on Mothering Sunday because I’d suggested to the boys that they concentrate on their own wives and families. Michael took Danielle out for the day to the Cotswolds, which sounded like it was going to be lovely; and Andrew was working. Paul, however, suggested that he come and collect me to go to church in the morning.
Yep. All good. And then I thought to myself that the Kenilworth Originals are struggling with their catering arrangements, because of building work and having no proper kitchen, so how about they come over and cook chez nous? That idea went down well, so I went and killed the fatted lamb (rather than the calf) this week.
As it turned out, we spent pretty much all day together. Just as I was leaving for church, John wondered if I’d like him to come along, too? Would I? Of course I would! We met up with Paul and Freddie at church and had a lovely time together, remembering all those who care for us and also for all those who care for others in the far-flung corners of the world where there may be disaster – war-torn, cyclone-hit, flooded, and so on.
We had a cuppa at our house, then I went over to Paul’s. Our plan was to go for a walk in the woods and say goodbye to Mac, who had loved to play there and splash in the river. Harriet waded the river in honour of his memory and got a wet leg and foot for her trouble, as the water tipped over the top of her boot!
The walk was great fun and somewhat chaotic which, as I said to Paul, was typical of how Mac liked to live and so very apt. Naturally, we were all a bit sad, but we remembered his boisterousness and happiness in the open air, so it all went very well.
I left the family to get ready to come over to our house for Paul to cook, while I drove over to visit Mum. She was delighted to see me as usual, and kept exclaiming, “I can’t believe you’re here! How long is it since I saw you last?” When I told her it was only two weeks ago that I visited, she was very surprised.
“It’s Mothering Sunday, Mum!” I explained. Of course, she didn’t know, but she was delighted with her flowers and chocolates and, like a naughty schoolgirl, said, “Shall we have a chocolate now?” as if it was the cheekiest thing ever.
I had taken a pair of scissors with me, thinking I might cut Mum’s hair as it is getting quite long. Before I had the chance to suggest it though, she patted and stroked her hair lovingly. “It’s getting long, Mum!” I observed. “It is, ” she replied proudly. “I’m letting it grow….” Oh! That scuppered my little plan, didn’t it?
As the visit went on though, I thought she didn’t seem quite so well, becoming more and more confused, not recognising her own room even, nor remembering that I was her daughter. Her ankles were rather swollen, too, so I flagged my concerns up to the staff who immediately went off to do her observations and ask the nurse to check her ankles. We’ll see how she goes.
When I got back home, the feast was well under way under Paul’s expert eye, and we sat up to the table right on time. It was smashing to all sit together and enjoy roast lamb and mint sauce for the first time this year. Lush, eh? How lucky we are !
Today was a day of clearing up and taking the car for its MOT and service. Once again, Paul helped out, giving us lifts to and from the garage in Coventry and taking John to his exercise class in Solihull. “Are you sure you want to go, John?” I wondered, as he wheezed his way downstairs. “I don’t want to go, but I’ve got to do something to get stronger, so I’m going,” replied Mr Determined.
We eased off the pedal this evening and agreed we both need an early night. I wonder if we’ll sleep? I do hope so……
Take care everyone. God bless.