YESTERDAY I BOUGHT NEW TROUSERS.

 The weather hasn’t, yet, turned on a heatwave, though I’m assured another one is on its way - this weekend.

The Australian family has been scattered to beds far and wide - so when Les came to pick me up to take me to have afternoon tea with his sister and family, I understood I would be returned to Ray’s house eventually and would have time to pack a bag in preparation for the four days of octogenarian celebrations in Lincolnshire.  Evidently I’d missed one of the bulletins because Les understood, I was going back with him and Philly at the end of the day, so that I’d be ready for the convoy leaving at 11 am.  So at midnight, we returned to Ray’s to pack my bag, and I’m now sitting in birthday boy’s house waiting for the others to assemble.

We had a lovely day … starting with sunshine and very little wind, suddenly turning into a deluge and equally suddenly, returning to sunshine and warmth until more rain at about 11 pm.  And so, we had afternoon tea with Les’ sister and family, at her care home (cake and strawberries), under a sun umbrella (until the wind threatened to blow it away) and much laughter and conversation.

As we all stood up to leave, I realised I had been sitting on a soaking wet cushion (camouflaged as a dry one) for the full 2 hours.  So on the way to see Philip and Rosemary, the ever patient Les drove us to Marks and Spencers so that I could buy some new DRY trousers and knickers - to save their lounge suite from an unscheduled soaking.  A fine way to greet my brother for the first time in 11 years - “can I please use your bathroom … I’ve wet my pants”.

From my point of view, at least, we had a pleasant evening together -  and cordon Bleu supper.   All very pleasant, and I go back there on my own in a “few days time”.




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