I March
St David’s Day arrives with blustery wind, sunshine and blue skies. It’s also my wedding anniversary; nine years ago Tom and I tied the knot in what started off as a small ceremony and grew! Lots of happy memories both of that day and of the intervening years. Tonight Tom and I are off to see Duffy at Aberystwyth and I’m really looking forward to it. I booked the tickets some time ago when people were still saying, ‘Who?’ so I feel particularly pleased with myself.
It’s been a good week, although very busy one. On Monday, whilst we were driving half way round Wales trying to sort cars out, I got the brilliant news that Lily has a new job with a very highly respected organisation. Apparently she was head and shoulders above the other candidates - well OF COURSE SHE WAS! This is my baby we’re talking about here, anything less than total adoration and I would have had something to say!! Yes, I know I’m having a proud mummy moment but Lily is a truly lovely girl so they’re lucky to have her!
On Wednesday it was back down south to check on Ma who has turned her renovation project of a flat into a show room in four months (where does that woman find the energy?). Then it’s over to meet my lovely Rose from work for a quick catch up with her before heading to Worthing and Mil and Dil.
The real purpose of the trip south is to help Stepson One and Girlf move into their first home together. We’re up at crack of doom the next morning and only stop for a quick refuelling break with Stepson Two who is on a rest day on his band, Clocks’, hectic tour. Then it’s on with the next vanload. As teachers, and with a bit of help, Stepson One and Girlf, been able to scrape enough funds together to take out a mortgage. Commendably they haven’t been seduced by showy décor or posh finishes but have invested in a property with potential. Their flat is scruffy with ancient wallpaper and threadbare carpets but it’s home and once we’ve arranged furniture and made the bed they are both beaming.
Well, we’ve all been there and Tom and I had to do it again when we moved into together. Having been on the receiving end of two bloody divorces there wasn’t a lot of cash left in the system. We trawled around trying to find something vaguely habitable and eventually arrived at a tiny Victorian cottage, with a narrow strip of a front garden between us and the pavement and a miniscule concrete ‘courtyard’ to the rear. Downbeat and desperate, Tom, Lily, Rose and I walked into lashings of battleship grey painted woodchip paper and a similarly grim grey carpet and fell in love with the place. Something shone out from the austere interior which made us all feel warm and welcome; it was a brilliant place to start our new life together – here’s wishing the same for Stepson One and Girlf.
Hwyl fawr!
Painting is 'Chapel Window' by Tom Tomos
Comments
Happy anniversary!
And congratulations to Lily, too - of COURSE she got the job!
And to you, too, and Tom for your anniversary.
xxx
(and St David's Day).
Duffy has a fantastic voice doesn't she? I envy you seeing her, I didn't know she was on in Aber.
Wel done your daughter too. And Clocks! You must be so proud.
Ah first homes, they are special aren't they. I wish them happiness there.
That Painting is extremely beautiful!
xo
Your first cottage together sounds wonderful. Houses really can 'speak' can't they:-)
Well done to Lily and to everyone with the new homes and the renovations. What a busy time.
Wishing you a belated HAPPY 9TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.
Brilliant news about your daughter moving into her first home, wishing her the very best of luck.
I love the painting of gorgeous Blue.
Camilla.xx