The car went in for a MOT two weeks ago, which was all good, and due to a semi conductor shortage we are unable to get our new car for another six months, but that should make it even more worthwhile when it arrives.
We travelled back to Scotland again and it is good to see how much mum has settled and adapting to her new circumstances. She was so pleased to see us and it was good to return. We sold Dad’s car, so that was another tick off the list of things to do.
We caught up with some paperwork and relatives and enjoyed fish and chips!
Halloween approached and we were sent some great photos of River ‘aka’ pumpkin boy. So cute.
We enjoyed walking most mornings, and Elaine had an eventful journey up to Scotland on the Sunday, beset with delays and hearing those dreaded words ‘ is there a doctor or nurse on board?’. An ambulance was called, and we drove to Dundee to pick her up. I was a bit sad as it reminded me that a journey to pick me up from Dundee in April was the last time Dad collected me.
I took mum for her covid booster and flu jab, but had to drive to Montrose, it was pouring with rain, but mum was on form!
Monday was a new month and an internment of Ashes for my Aunt. There were a few additional family members that attended from two weeks earlier and it was lovely to be back at St Thomas’s, the church where I was baptised, made my Holy Communion and where Dad had his funeral just a few months ago. Fr Andrew and Mark the funeral director were again, so kind and made the saddest of times a little easier to bare.
A trip to the cemetery and the sun shone as Auntie Alma was reunited with her beloved Joe. May perpetual light shine upon them and may they rest in peace together.
We gathered to toast and reminisce at the Carnoustie Golf Club Hotel. Lovely to meet Gabriella, the newest member of the extended family. Mum especially enjoyed seeing different faces and photos of days of yore. Undoubtedly Alma’s immediate family will feel her loss keenly but they have wonderful memories that will help over the coming months and years and they have each other too.
All too soon it was time to return home and a good journey through sunshine and showers took 8 hours.
We’ve seen River twice since our return, and he is changing and growing before our eyes.
Friday saw us attending a celebration of life of a dear friend’s Dad. Kevin knew John for over 40 years, and I’m not much further behind. A real character, a bon viveur, he lived life to the full. We were given a real insight into his early life, friends of over 70 years recanted about how they met, we’re out of touch, then reunited some years later. There was laughter, a few risqué references more laughter and his four daughters all paid tribute to their dear Dad. Three of his granddaughters spoke of his legacy and it was so touching. At almost 90 there were over 100 people there from all different paths and it showed that John was an intrinsic part of the community where he lived for 60 years and gave his time and energy to so many. I’m unsure whether there are many ‘Johns’ left, which is sad, due to societal changes but he left a lasting impression on us all.
I reflected that here was a man loved and who loved, and that will sustain the family forever. It brought back memories of my Dad and whilst there were tears, there was also a smile on my face.
Yesterday was a lovely day with a trip to a Garden centre, and lunch out. River held court and we all just sit, smiling at this little boy. Oh how Dad would have loved to see him grow.
The afternoon was spent putting together a potting table with no instructions-took almost all of the first half of England v Tonga. I hope to enjoy many hours of pottering over the next few months and years.
Next up is a return to Scotland and a trip to Murrayfield, after which I’m hoping for a few weeks of home time, as we prepare for River’s first birthday and Christmas.
My little life 