Rusty chains

That's what you get for buying your hummingbirds at Dollarama and leaving them hung in your maple tree all winter on Vancouver Island.

All the same, I shall keep this snap in my back pocket, ready for next Valentines Day.  I've got 51 weeks to find someone willing.  You never know, do you!

Speaking of "willing" ... I always collapse into a heap of spluttering rags whenever I hear the word.  It's been the same since 1975 when my cousin Hilary went on her first date at the age of 15.  The lucky boy arrived to pick her up and was invited in to meet her parents.  My aunt just happened to be wearing her best dress, of course.  But my uncle, never one for airs, having grown up in the east end of London, had a pressing question for the young man.  Never mind "where are you taking her" and "what time will you bring her home".  No.  My uncle wanted to know "What are your views on pre-marital sex?"  The lad, somewhat taken aback, had a wee think then said "Well, I suppose it's alright if she's willing".

Hilary almost called off the date cos she thought her Dad was going to die that night.

But she didn't.  She eventually married the lad.  They're still married and my uncle lives to this day.  He's got a pacemaker.