The last couple of weeks before we headed to Spain (from whence I write this, already rather pink from some desperate-for-sun=bathing minus suncream..) were lovely social affairs.
My sister was over from Holland, finally selling her old house in Morden, which had been rented out for about twenty years. Quite a relief all round to see that back of it at last, and also nice for me to have some sisterly company while Mr H was taking the new boat (yes, he's finally bought a half share in a mate's sailing machine) back to its home on Hvar, in Croatia, post some tarting up. Cue some much needed celebratory cocktails and a top notch Thai super in the village…
I then had little Miss Flossy staying for the best part of a week, while Mummy & Daddy were in Barcelona, watching another tennis Open with nephew Joel. Flossy took quite a shine to Anita from next door, trying to deliver multiple kisses while poor A was just hoping to drink her tea..
I, as usual, went off to see Maureen for the usual Wednesday afternoon meet at her care home, with the fabulous Ginny (aged 80) and Muriel (aged 90). Both a total hoot! Poor Maureen is still wheelchair bound since breaking her hip and not quite engaging with the – rather sporadic – physio to get her back on her pins, hopefully. But she still seems to enjoy us coming and nattering for a while over a coffee and some biscuits or cake.. And is always wearing one of her jaunty hats, even though going outside is still off the cards for a while..
Also had to add a great shot of my 3 oldest nieces, Jess, Grace & Abbie, who nipped away for a siblings long weekend to Slovenia, minus hubbies & kids. Good for the girls!! All looking fabulous as ever..
Final shots taken at the wonderful Fi McNae's leaving do from Space Doctors – albeit 4 months after she actually departed! Always a joy to see so many ex-AV people there, from Fi herself, to Cato, James W, Steve Seth, Fliss, Malcolm, Janine, Jane, Curly, James S, Tony and me – was that everyone? Huge hugs to lovely Al Deacon, who gave Fi the heartfelt leaving speech she more than deserved. And Louize was with us in spirit.
On which note, Friday 19 April was Swighty's birthday, the first one since her passing. Many of us remembering her with glasses of beer, thoughts of hockey tours and BBQs past – and deep bloody sadness that she's gone. Here's to you, Swightster, always.
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