Page 137 - Through a glass brightly

much more relaxed about Covid than those of us in the London area. I do know people who have had it, mostly fortunately not requiring hospital admission, but an elderly acquaintance with dementia died after contracting it in his care home. So perhaps I am a bit more cautious, particularly since my son-in-law has been travelling backwards and forwards to UCLH on a regular basis for his chemo and radiotherapy.
I also smiled at your mention of a boat trip along the coast. When I was staying with my sister- in-law in Sidmouth last year, she booked a trip along the Jurassic coast. When we turned up, they said there was a 'slight swell' and gave us the option to cancel but we decided a slight swell was manageable - the sea looked pretty flat. Soon after the boat had escaped the protection of the harbour the boat began to pitch and roll. I stared fixedly at the horizon which they say is the best ploy and prayed that I would not disgrace myself. When the captain announced that they were curtailing the trip because of the weather and the crew started coming round with buckets, I knew that I was beaten - oh dear!
The Met Office says the weather will pack up tomorrow with possibly thunderstorms. Let's hope so as it will save me watering the garden again. My Friday plans include driving to collect my Bubble Buddy - the problem he had with his car last week was more serious than just 'glow plugs' apparently so the car is now in a local garage awaiting attention so I am taxi-ing. What a saint!
Ruth you should hire out your father's book - or give us the details so we can order it from Amazon. Mag H has got lots of anecdotes about 'historic Barnet' - her grandfather owned several of the pubs in the town. What a heritage! My family as you probably all know were recent arrivals in Barnet. My parents moved from South Wales to Hindhead in Surrey when they married in 1938 and after the war my father got his job at South Herts Golf Club and we moved to Barnet shortly before I was 3.
Time for a tea break. Love to all
From Val M. at 16.46
Sorry, Jen, I forgot how much hotter it gets in London. I’m afraid that yesterday’s dip in the river didn’t quite qualify for Brideshead status, probably because of the age of the actors! In the photo I attach Fred and I are just launching out, two granddaughters are in view, Ivy in the ring and Arwen, my son in law, another Robin, is blowing up the ring and my daughter in law Annie is enjoying the spectacle! More scenic is the second one - 12 year old Tawny who is carving a bone awl (seriously) watched by Ivy and Maeve, in their pyjamas ready for the trip home. (Glenda, these are not for the Book!)
Mags H - how about some stories from your grandfather? Which pubs? Time to water the greenhouse...
Friday, 26th June
From Ruth at 11.14
What contrasting experiences of lockdown are all having! From swimming in a river in Devon to keeping cool in a darkened room with one’s feet in a washing up bowl of cool water. That’s quite funny, Jenny!
Here’s another question about school memories to get us all going. Which lesson do you remember most vividly and why? There will probably be quite a few.
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