Reading in the sun

More bad news. An old Suffolk friend, now in Cornwall, messaged to say her husband had died. He’d had prostrate cancer which spread to his bones. He had very difficult to manage type 1 diabetes and has not worked since he was young. I hope she can rest and get a bit of fun from life as she’s devoted all her time and energy to his needs for so long.

We had a great time at the last night of Goodnight Mister Tom. It was a wonderful production. Isn’t Blip amazing? In the interval WalkingMarg spotted Ella and found me. We had a very quick chat. It was so nice to meet her and for her to come.

A little gang of Nathaniel’s friends also came. It was good to see them all have a group hug together. I like that boys can show affection for each other so naturally nowadays. Some of Luke’s relatives came up after the funeral and a few of #3 daughter’s work colleagues also enjoyed the play so we made up quite a large group. Tears were shed. I was so glad Nathaniel was able to get absorbed in the role which must have been tough, him having been at his Grandad’s funeral the day before and there being numerous deaths in the play.

I dragged my knee along the street in the sun for about 20 minutes but getting up and down stairs is the hardest thing. No improvement so far despite the gel and ice.

Sorry I have rejected Butter in favour of the blipped book. It’s an easy read and pleasant to sit in the sun in the garden. The birds are in competition with the motorbikes which come every nice weekend to let it rip up and down the valley.

#2 daughter sent some hilarious photos of her (belated) 50th get together with 3 uni friends in Cornwall. They gave her a blanket with dozens of photos of them on it. I can honestly say they have improved in looks and style in the intervening 32 years since they met.

#3 daughter and the children are going to an after party in a garden which will be perfect. She sent some lovely last night pictures of the cast.

Tonight we are going to the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle to hear John Simpson’s talk titled “Liars and Leaders”. Plenty of scope there.