The Incident of the Kite in the Tree...

We were back in East Anglia for a couple of days to bury J's Mum and so there were a couple more 'Kites on Rushmere Heath' episodes. J just wanted one more go before we left yesterday so off he trundled, kites in hand. An hour or so later, just as we were wondering if he was on his way back for dinner, a dejected J returned to tell us the string on his favourite kite broke...and the kite itself was caught in a tree!

Well after dinner, J, his dad & I set off for the Heath on our mission - you can see how prepared we were...

So we sent J up the ladder with a really long pole and.....

TAH-DAH!

Now that's a happier face!!

I think an old English law (Sod's) came into play but my theory is it had to happen eventually!

...And New Beginnings...

We went to a lovely wedding yesterday...a simple service, an 'action-packed' reception with lots of family and friends and even a traditional throwing of the bride's bouquet (a rarity in these days of modern relationships and expensive 'unthrow-able' flower arrangements) which, just for the record, I did not come close to catching...

The bride and I have known each other for about 5 years, having met through mutual friends of friends when I arrived in London which is about the same time that she met her husband-to-be. They survived the tsumani in Thailand a couple of Christmasses ago and finally popped the question to each other during a holiday in Greece so it would seem that significant moments are marked by new places and adventures for these two. Their honeymoon will take them back to the site of the tsunami as well as through other parts of Thailand and in light of their love of cooking, I am expecting to enjoy a Thai Feast upon their return!

Mr and Mrs E, as they became yesterday, were beaming with the joy of being surrounded by their friends and family on their special day, and I for one was touched to be a part of it...

Goodbyes...

We've been away for a few days for J's Mum's funeral and it was with sadness that we said our goodbyes on Monday 6th April (another beautiful Spring day). As the people whose lives she touched gathered to celebrate her life and wish her peace in whatever journey lies next for her, the family bond seemed to grow palpably stronger as husband, sons, and grandchildren drew comfort from each other and the extended family around them.

After the service and the formalities of the day were behind us, we walked across to Rushmere Heath and flew some kites - there was something about the soft hazy sunlight and the quiet dipping and whirling of the kites that was incredibly therapeutic and three generations of 'S' seemed to find a gentler space after the emotional intensity of the day.

There was a decided 'nip' in the air when we were done but we returned with faces flushed with fresh air and after fish and chips for dinner (my fourth takeaway dinner in a row!) and some family stories, I fell into bed tired but complete, having at last said my goodbyes...

What's it all about, Alfie...

Since becoming unemployed there has been all sorts of chilling out and gadding about going on but at the times in between, when everyone is at work and there is just me sitting at my front window in the sunshine, I have made a little friend. So let me introduce you to Alfie Bear...

Alfie arrived during my last days at Alpha in January and spends his days enjoying the sunshine and watching the squirrels, birds & numerous neighbour cats from my front window. He's quite a good little bear - always up for cuddles, always smiling and very well-behaved although that mischievous smile makes me think that when I am not looking, he climbs down from his chair by the window and runs around shouting 'I'm a real bear!' with Pinocchio-like abandon. He is a huge fan of X-Factor and CSI (just like his Mum) but there is some debate about whether his CSI fave is Dad's preference - Miami - or Mum's - NY though he likes them all really. He also likes nothing better than a huge honey sandwich and I suspect that left to his own devices, his little Alfie paws dip straight into the honey jar!