Stuff

Dear Ella,

I have been very quiet and stepped off the hamster wheel called day to day normal living for a short while.  A very small taste of what life was like for you when you had to step off for a huge amount of time - and well then for good of course.

Of course the wheel just keeps turning, we are all just such tiny cogs in a very big machine.  Lots of time to navel gaze - never good really, but means my brain is more settled and not in flitter mode from one subject to another.  Despite having more time - have been at a loss as to what to write to you, then I remembered maybe you just want to hear about banal stuff - like I reel off to Sophie when we have our weekly calls so here goes!

Well new windows all round the house, exciting stuff huh.  Add it the list of middle aged things to get sorted  - like  pensions and pelvic floors and you know your really cooking on gas!

Brian is now as big as Fizz, still not a lap cat,  Thankfully she has stopped bringing in frogs and spends most of her indoor time curled up on your bed.

Had a lovely time in Sardinia for a week - no longer a beach bum, more of a walker, wanderer and sitting in cafes and bars watching the world go by tourist.

Oh - very exciting news - off for a weeks holiday to NY next May with the stalwarts - Lorraine, Shelagh, Marion and Gaynor's coming too.  Of course I am thinking we will be like the Sex and the City crew, in reality we will be more like Sister Act on speed- stomping, eating and drinking our way around town (not quite the Golden Girls - yet).   Promise I will got to MOMA for you - know it was on your list.

Can feel Christmas lurking at the end of year - still dislike myself for having taking the festive season for granted in happier times - it really is a tricky time of the year.

Sophie seems very happy and busy in Cardiff - think we now enjoy our time living apart.  There will be that period of adjustment in December as we endeavour to fit back together in some weird shape.  A slightly spiky one that becomes less spiky after a while and then spikes up again.  I wonder how we would have been once you had flown the nest.

Grandad continues to keep me and the Uncles busy and entertained - we have acquired a new gadget for him so that he can hear us better.  He looks like an elderly DJ about to work the crowd,  (the most visible part is a huge pair of headphones),  now there's a thought!

Have swapped Summer for Winter wardrobe - another middle aged trait, am sure other than a coat I only had one wardrobe when I was younger.  Have not reunited my body with winter coat in Michael Mcintyre style as of yet - but think it wont be long.  Likewise your log burner is standing empty and unlit since March.

On the note of the log burner - you did a great job with our lounge, it really is a very lovely room - your swan song in terms of design.  Thank you, its peaceful, cozy, stylish and comfortable.

There you have it…….

Lots of love

Mum
XXX