A small world

On her own for the first time because my father died eighteen months ago, there seemed little chance that my mother would see some of her friends and relations again. So many are in their eighties and travelling across country is not easy. So it seemed a good idea to offer a road trip taking in visits to seven octogenarians, two of her grandchildren and both great-grandchildren and included travel across seventeen counties.


Wednesday was the day to go and visit a second cousin who lives with his wife in a delightful area of West Sussex, in a small village which was remarkably quiet. We had a lovely lunch and walk at Wakehurst Place and then tea back at their house. I had not met them before and was charmed by their welcome and flexibility because we had taken a two-year-old grandson who didn't fit into the original plan of a slow lunch in a pub. 


Back at home in Cheshire, I met a friend for supper and a chat and started to tell her about our trip. The story of meeting Cousins Basil and Enid progressed, beginning with explaining that he had been a school teacher who bought a plant nursery when he retired. Alison replied that she had an uncle who had done the same thing - in West Sussex, in the same village. Blow me, Enid's sister had been Alison's mother!  

Young people today

There is a fairly new breed of young person around today, of which I met a member a couple of weeks ago and had more dealings with today. They come across as immensely confident - so sure of themselves, very bright, intense, well-read and with a sense of humour by-pass. The glassy look, failure to respond to a quip and inability to laugh are all quite disconcerting.

Where to start?

So much to do, so little time to do it and I am a master (mistress) of the art of finding displacement activities.