Sunday 26 February 2012

Don`t Call the Midwife....

It is my twin sons birthday today which has made me think about their birth in hospital in Winchester,  fifty two years ago.  It was fairly easy and straightforward as far as I remember, though I did have a secret fear that they would be siamese twins and I did not know how I would manage. It was a great relief when they arrived separately   But there have been all these programmes on the television: Call the Midwife and One Born Every Minute which go though the whole process in excruciating detail.  Everyone loves these shows and I do too, but I wonder how anyone has the courage to have a baby at all after watching them.
I have been thinking about moving from this cottage.  I took the plunge and called in at the estate agents. (I have always had an irrational fear of them.)  I looked at a few flats. Inconvenient as this place is, with its steep stairs, roaring traffic outside, nowhere to park, my car being bashed into on a regular basis, no buses ,and nowhere to hang your hat and coat, it is nicer than those flats with their plasticky doors and windows and imitation fireplaces. So I think I will stay put for the time being, unless something amazing turns up.    

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Bicycles and Babies.

I have just bought a new bicycle. I think I will call her Minty as she is white with a pale green front lamp.    My trusty old bike that took me over the Pennines on the `Sea to Sea `and along the Seine to Rouen,amongst other epic rides, is too high for me to climb on to with my dodgy knees. The new one has smaller wheels and a lower crossbar. I went for a trial run along to the library in Hassocks and whizzed up the hills. It doesseem a bit foolhardy at my age as my cycling days must be numbered but I can pass it on to one of my family when I finally wobble off.
I have just had a letter to say that my old age pension has gone up by about a fiver a week but also that I have an allowance for being over eighty of 25p a week. (In fact I must have got that last year but did not notice)  I am wondering how I could usefully spend this largesse?
The eldest grand daughters from Newcastle have come to stay for half term with their lovely baby boys, Arthur and Marlo. Interesting to look at their chubby faces and try to trace the family noses and chins.  The two year old has brought his wooden toy cooker with him which he drives about like a car, the timer is the speedometer.

Sunday 5 February 2012

the more it snows, tiddley pom

Another film.Memories of Uncle Moonmee at the Ditchling film club, which was completely weird, all about ghosts, a princess ghost having a nasty skirmish with a catfish at one point.
The snow finally came after several freezing days, I have been sitting reading on the sofa, wrapped up in a rug with a hot water bottle, the heating full on and still feeling cold.  The snow has turned to slush this evening which is a disappointment as I was quite looking forward to being marooned here in Ditchling in deep snow like last year.   I went to Meeting this morning using my new walking poles and strode along boldly. The Quakers, undeterred, turned up in full force, having walked, cycled and some even drove.
My son T came and mended everything: the Hoover, the clock, and he helped me order a new bulb for the lamp which now thankfully works. What a relief.
I have just watched Songs of Praise and joined in all the hymns with gusto. A treat for a Quaker.