Grandson

The smallest in the group in the chapel ritual today.  We don't normally attend these, but we came out of love for Son, Rani, big sister Nani, who had hers last year, and now Flynn.  We hadn't been to the services for years, so we sat quietly, observing and doing as everyone else.  Son had said that it would be greatly appreciated if we showed up, so we did.  They are not religious either, but simply want to give their children the chance to learn some morals and values, including the importance of being part of a community.  I guess that is at the top of many people's list.  As I have never properly 'belonged', that community item has plummeted to the bottom of my list.

It was a grand day in many respects, weather-wise, too.  Clouds covered the morning but then they decided to take a lunch break and never came back, so we were left with +20 temperatures and a straight-blue sky.  The party at Son's place began the moment we all left the chapel and arrived for the afternoon and evening.  Coffee/tea, cakes, chatting, more eating, photographs, games with the kids, and then dinner -- Son had prepared a very generous buffet table of easy dishes, including soup and fresh fruit.  We left at about 20.00.

I noticed a definite difference, something that has been growing for years now -- we are both no longer uncomfortable in the presence of AW's ex and daughter.  I suppose that is how it is in life.  Some people become total strangers, and it can be for the best that there is no going back, and also that there is no pressure to go forward together.

The affair began at 14.00.  Before that, though, emails and calls again with the Viking and Mimi, and then showered and left some laundry to soak.  After we'd both eaten and gotten ready, we drove first to a shoe store in another shopping area so that I could buy a pair of easy walking shoes.  It is now too warm for the UGGs.  Another round of emails and phone calls after we got back, almost until it was time for bed... phew!  A long but lovely day!