Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Faulty Fire

Sunday 28th June, 2009.

Thought the house was going to go up in flames last night! Put on fire in living room as it had become rather chilly, then it wouldn't switch off! Annual maintenance had been done on Monday, so tried to phone, but couldn't get through. Knew Arthur was playing at wedding and Bobby was doing the taxis, but finally got in touch with Bobby and he came straight up. He couldn't manage it either at first, but finally it switched off. Margo phoned emergency number on Sunday, so man coming on Monday.

Didn't make church as I hardly slept. Lovely when Margo, Jonathan and Ailie arrived. Ailie was all dressed in yellow, even her nails painted to match!. She was desperate to go and see Sandra's dog Molly, so Jonathan chummed her. Bobby popped in to see if we'd managed to contact British Gas. Arthur and Catherine came in to see cheerio as they're off to Paxos in the early hours. Kay phoned later,telling me about Douglas's school concert. He was the compere and she said he was really funny. Like Uncle Bobby I think!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

The Trades

27th June, 2009

The Trades holidays. Lots of people (including me) in the Pans still refer to the start of the school holidays as that. Funny too, even those who can choose any time during the summer to go away, still go the first two weeks, rain hail or shine.

I remember us going away to the caravan with just enough money to last us for the week, as John didn't get paid holidays then.We dug up all the vegetables from the garden, I'd saved up loads of tins,made lots of jam (fruit from the garden), the grannies gave the bairns loads of pocket money and we were off! Happy days!

Despite all the hype I still feel a bit sad about Michael Jackson.What a sweet child he was and his voice was lovely.

Helen came up and planted my hebes, so the garden is looking nice.

Jean and I are going out for tea tonight, so I'm off to review my wardrobe!!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Douglas and Granny



Friday. 26th June.

Sun struggling to come out today but still quite warm. Arthur had to get car fixed, so Dick took me for shopping, hairdresser etc. Joyce asked me to come for lunch, so said OK, though Chris coming about three.Good blether with Sharon then chatted with an old friend in store. Said how much she'd enjoyed Arthur singing at the senior citizen's concert during Gala week.He's playing at the Labour club tonight, then a wedding on Saturday with the band.Margo on the phone saying she'll pop in when she's down, but can't stay as the bairns have parties on.

Dick and Joyce took me to Thornton's coffee shop for lunch. It was lovely. Had a cheese and ham toastie - delicious. Back in plenty time for Chris.

Printed photos from Kay of Douglas in Gala, then watched Telly. Usual rubbishy soaps, but switched to BBC4 for programme about Mendelssohn and the Nazis which was excellent. Enjoyed The Pre-Raphaelites on Wednesday,followed by The Book Quiz which was all about poets and poetry. Good for me to use my brain a bit!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Varied week

24th June, 2009.

At Jean Whitelaw's funeral on 19th and it was just as she had wished, a celebration of her long and happy life.

On Saturday, Jean and I went to the Aroma late afternoon and then to Alison's new shop, Carousel.It's lovely so I bought a couple of pressies for new babies I know.Arthur came to pick us up, then we watched a DVD of "Slumdog Millionaire" which Helen gave me for my birthday. At first we found it a bit disturbing with all the violence, but later found it fascinating and so cleverly done.The ending was lovely.

A mixed day on Sunday. At church. Lovely to see the wee ones from Sunday Club being presented with prizes. Afternoon, Bobby took me to cemetery to plant the summer bedding. Blue pansies and Pink begonias with cineraria for John and geraniums and cineraria for Geordie. Felt a bit down but cheered up when Kay arrived to take me the Town House in Haddington for the boys' music concert.Really enjoyed it-From the pre school tots to the seniors they were all excellent.The wee girls were all wearing pretty dresses and the boys were very smart with their colourful shirts. Very proud of Robert playing xylophone and recorder and Douglas playing his exam pieces on piano.I could see their teachers were very encouraging.

Monday, weather really warm. When I went to open back gate in the morning the air was heavy with the smell of honeysuckle -lovely! Helen phoned to to say that Kirsten was coming from town to pick me up and bring me down for lunch.Enjoyed that, then she was telling us all about the "Take That"concert she had been to the night before. Sounded fantastic! Later went to shops. Ended up staying for tea.

Wednesday, another scorcher, Rita phoned to say she was coming along on her scooter so that I can try it out, as I'm thinking of buying one. I'm never stuck for a lift, but it would make me more independent, though I don't think I would go very far. Anyway, got on fine, so going to look at them next week. Douglas phoned, very excited, to tell me he had passed his piano exam, with merit. So proud of him.

Thursday, 25th. Helen planted some pots for me before we went to "The Mallard" in Gullane to meet Nan and Jerry for lunch. They're great company and the lunch was delicious. Took them home to North Berwick, then had a wander up Gullane main street. Some beautiful shops but very expensive but went into Bethany shop where I bought four books (that's all I need!) On way home at Shona's shop in Port Seton to buy cards for silver wedding and golden wedding.

Watched telly while doing my knitting, then phoned Margo, who was away swimming. so enjoyed a long chat with Jonathan. It's great to be able to talk to him about what he's doing at school now that he's in S5 and doing HIghers. He's going to Paris with the school orchestra, so he's looking forward to that.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

East Linton Gala

Thursday, 18th June.

Celebrated another birthday last weekend. Lots of cards and presents.Kay, Gavin and the boys arrived on Friday afternoon bringing flowers, books and goodies, including birthday cake! Robert was so excited, setting out the table in the garden. I really enjoyed all the fun, yet after they'd gone home I really felt very weepy, thinking about John. Maybe it was because I know how much he would have enjoyed all the fun too.

On Saturday was at East Linton gala to see Douglas in his role as consort. Just before we left the house, Helen picked up a towel in case it rained and we had to dry our seats. A good job too, as I think everyone on the platform had to borrow it! just as they were ready to have the ceremony, the heavens opened and the rain poured down. However, everyone went into the tea tent and it turned out to be a really happy day. The Queen was lovely, all the maids looked very sweet and Douglas looked really handsome in his kilt.

On Sunday Margo and Jonathan arrived, then Arthur. Jonathan enjoyed blethering to him about records etc. Later he was telling me all about being in 5th Year. I really enjoyed talking to him about about the texts he's going to be studying in English which include "The Crucible" and "The Great Gatsby" Went to the cemetery with flowers and tidied up the spring flowers.

Bobby took me to Strawberry Corner to buy new plants for Summer. He's going to put them in at the weekend. Still hasn't found another job yet, so doing the taxis in the meantime. At Afternoon Tea today and going to Jean Whitelaw's funeral tomorrow.