Congratulations

Sent from my iPad

Bilbao/Portsmouth ferry

Satellite television showing three grown men standing in the rain in London discussing the Royal birth in a very animated/frenzied fashion. Have a feeling they may have inhaled some helium. Guards have just played 'Congratulations' but thankfully Sir Cliff didn't show up. We've just come back from Portugal near to where Cliff has vineyards and it was rather disconcerting to come face to face with life size cardboard cut outs of the famous wine producer promoting his product.

I'm Republican, though not rabidly so, but I AM very happy for Kate and William;
just as I am for any couple blessed by a new life. Seeing a 'live' birth is the one sure thing which can make me cry.

'Before you were conceived
I wanted you
Before you were born
I loved you
Before you were an hour
I would die for you
This is the miracle of life.' Maureen Hawkins (The Circle)

(We don't have satellite television at home but I found it very refreshing how widely Spanish television covers world events every day. Is it because we're an island that we seem so prone to navel gazing? I want to be a citizen of the World, not just Scotland, Britain or even Europe.)

Well back to the Royal baby. I hope you have a happy and long life. And to William and Kate - enjoy very second of parenthood!