John and Callum

Wednesday 26th September

Managed to get through yesterday OK with the help of family and friends. Can’t believe it is a year since John died. Last week, I kept remembering what we had been doing the year before, and thinking about those last few days and treasuring all the memories of our long and happy life together. Helen came up early and had breakfast, then Kay arrived with flowers. Went to his grave with the roses Kay brought and she tidied up the leaves and dead headed some of the geraniums, Bobby had planted. The sun shone brightly and there was even the beginning of a rainbow in the sky,which cheered me up a little. Went to Haddington and did a little shopping and then had lunch at a little cafe called the “The Pantry.” Looked out some things for Douglas and Robert to take to their school coffee mornig in aid of Macmillan Nurses when we came back, then had a wee rest in afternoon. Jonathan phoned when he came in from school.More phone calls and visits at night and Stephen stayed a wee while when he came to put out recycling boxes. Phoned and emailed to thank those dear friends who had sent cards and messages

Keir was nine on Monday and I had sent his card and present, but phoned to ask what book he would like from Play.com as I know he likes Jeremy Pratchett but I know he already has quite a few. Ordered a Jacqueline Wilson one for Ailie.

Big day on Sunday, as Callum was running in Prestonpans Half Marathon on behalf of Cancer Research in memory of his Grandpa. He had John’s photo printed on the back of his T Shirt and raised over six hundred pounds. Went up to see him on the final stretch and cheered him on. I felt very proud of him.

My trip to London for Rory and Ian’s wedding was a big highlight for me as I had a great time, not only at the wedding but enjoying the whole weekend. Travelling first class was so comfortable, as was our hotel and we had lots of laughs, one being when I discovered the house phone in the bottom of my case when I arrived!

Our hotel was “The Russell’ in Russell Square and I found the area round about fascinating as it was near Bloomsbury and the British Museum,which we even managed to visit. I even enjoyed being delayed in the taxi on the way to Old Marylebone Town Hall for the civil ceremony as I was interested as plaques on walls and well known names of streets caught my eye.The cake was to be a surprise and it certainly was, as it was a big circular table covered on Tunnocks teacakes with a big one in the middle. One of their friends, Laura had made it, covered it with silver foil and another had painted the red stripes, even putting their names and date on top!

Today Sandra invited me over for lunch, as Sheila from school was coming from town. It was great to see her, as she is quite a character and we have lots in common, so the three of us had lots of laughs and it was good to hear all she had been doing as she’s always travelling around. She’s off to Prague next week,then on to Austria for another week and, as she said, who knows after that! Always on her own and doing everything cheaply too.

Rita here in afternoon, so we caught up, talking about our knitting etc. She has been doing exquisite wee baby hats, some from patterns I had given her, others from patterns she had made up herself. The balaclava I’m knitting looked quite clumsy in comparison.