Don'ts and Do-ers

There must be some equation to the effect that the bigger the occasion, the worse the outbreak of bad behaviour.  I remember a few scraps at birthday parties when the girls were little and the usual round of ‘who’s going to eat what with whom’ at Christmas time, but the run-up to Lily and Russ’s wedding has certainly brought my blood close to boiling point several times.  It’s astounding how many people seem to forget that this is not about them, but a young couple marking the start of their journey together as husband and wife.  It is Their Special Day.  Surely that’s not too difficult to remember, is it?

On a happier note, I always admire the ‘can dos’, folks with a zest for life, and feel a bit sad for the ones who talk about the things they ‘used to do’.  It’s not about getting older - Ma’s a good example of someone whose lively curiosity is undimmed by age and infirmity - but about seeing opportunities rather than the lack of them.  So it was a lovely surprise when we got a call from some old friends who were up at Aberystwyth having travelled up from Fareham.  By boat. On their second circumnavigation of Britain! 

We invited them to spend a few nights on dry land with us and had a splendid time listening to their stories of crossing the Thames Estuary, dressing the ship in Poundland bunting for Jubilee celebrations at Wells and discovering the wonders of Hull.  At a time when one or two whingers have got me down it was lovely to share good times in the company of friends who know how to make them.

ePainting is Bedroom Window View, by Tom Tomos.