under another sun

To Edgware by car with Lorraine today to see Mum on her birthday. A decent drive up there. We stopped for a cup of tea, and to give her some presents. The throw and pillows had already arrived, and we gave her some new pots and pans, to replace the venerable ones she uses. Lorraine drove us to The Waggon and Horses where we got a seat by the fire. Curtis, behind the bar, and Mum's crew, who call her a geezerbird, all cheerily greeting her and Steve shaking my hand and wishing me merry Christmas and happy new year. Just after we'd eaten Toby called  from Bali fresh from a yoga session-- thinking that we'd be together. So Mum got to speak to him on her birthday too. Very cheery in the Waggon, and Lorraine had a chicken shish like me, and was surprised at how genuinely excellent they are there. Home again and we sat by her fire in the living room. Neighours Emma and Gail dropped off some presents for her, and Wynford dropped in too with a gift. He sat chatting with us for a wh...

Lorraine and I up to Edgware this morning. A relatively easy drive and we arrived in about two hours. Had a cup of tea and gave mum some birthday cards and presents, from us and from Pat and Maureen.  Then we got Mas into our car, and Lorraine drove us all off to The Waggon and Horses. Mum had booked a table by the fire, and we  had hoped that Robert would come too, but unfortunately he was unable. We did have an excellent time, the pub was weirdly empty while we were there, and it was as if we had done it deliberately. We had lots of attentive service from Harri and Wendy, Mum having a pint of cider given to her on arrival. And Harri also suggested a Guinness for me, seeing as I had drunk that last time I was there.  We had a pleasant meal, again Lorraine and I had falafel and more healthy options, and the staff came out with a piece of cake with candles in for Mum, and sang Happy Birthday.  This happened quite suddenly and the snap I took of the moment, was out of ...