Sorry I haven't been on for a while. We're on half term this week and I'm chilling out at my brothers in Suffolk - so a chance to catch up whilst I look after 6 kids...
The funeral of my fave teacher took place on Monday. I took the kids along as we were going to set off straight afterwards for Suffolk. They also promised they'd look after me if I cried, which I did, but 'not as much as I thought you would, mum,' said the 9 year old.
The church was packed out - probably over 200 people, and the service was really nice. Afterwards, I was grabbed by a small group of people...more old teachers! Mrs. Skinner, Miss Harvey, Dr. Gillis, Mr MacFaul and Mr Lomas. Its funny how even at the age of 42 I can't call them anything but Miss this and Mr that! Mrs Skinner was the other games teacher, and I havent seen her for about 25 years. She gave me a cuddle for about 20 minutes then asked me if I still had her recipe for liver and bacon. 'No way!' I laughed (I HATE liver!), 'but I know Jill's mum still uses it.' Her face beamed, 'Ohhhh Jill! How is she?' etc etc.....
It was really lovely to catch up with them all briefly, but we yakked so much that we missed the crem. Instead I drove the kids to see the school. I showed them the 'wall of death' that Liz used to drive the minibus towards at a hundred miles an hour then brake, I showed them the hockey pitches, the cloakroom, the dining hall etc. and I was flooded by lovely memories of great school days.
We then met up at Liz's recent school for refreshments and a chance to catch up with some of the people I knew amongst the crowds that were there. They showed a lovely dvd of photos of Liz with her son, her friends, her family, before the stroke. I still can't believe someone so fit and healthy could have suffered so much in the last 4 years, but I like to think that wherever she is now, she's running around, chatting and laughing once again.
And so, here we are in Suffolk. Its peeing down outside, but the cousins are happy being together doing 'stuff' inside. Oh - and check out the latest new blog. The 9 year old has created it and he rambles on about stuff I have no idea about! (Club Penguin!) However, he does do the occasional youtube review which you may want to chuck your comments on every now and then. He'd be so chuffed to see someone other than his mum leave a comment!
I have memories of Suffolk - my parents are buried there. Good to read about it in your blog. I was at Aldeburgh in November with my daughter and grandchildren. I wanted to see Maggie Hambling's 'Scallop' on the shore. You can read about the experience on my own blog if you like. I found your blog because we both seem to like "Oor Wullie"!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are doing well after your illness. My wife and I went through that journey together 16 years ago.
All the best.
Hi there Author Doc
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting a comment. My nana used to take the Oor Wullie and the Broons section out of the Sunday Post each week and save it for me when I was a little girl. I've loved Wullie and the Broons ever since - particularly the Dudley D Watkins stories. Fantastic artist.
Good to hear that all is well with your wife after 16 years. I'll make sure I check out your blog.
Thanks for stopping by
Shents