Perfectly Vocal

Fairy Tales

Daughter #3 told us today that Hans Christian Anderson was in her class at Primary School.  T, aged 13 looked at her scathingly and replied:

"Don't be so stupid, he's about 50 years old now!" 

In the light of the recent debate about education and A-Levels, it's heartening to have the evidence right in your own front room.  Oh, and there are fairies at the bottom of our garden too.

On The Beach

Every day without fail for the past three weeks, we saw this gentleman on the beach.  He was there from dawn to dusk with his amazing construction of parasol, floats, towels and chairs.  He rarely moved.  His family and friends came and went, but he remained.  Mostly he sat on his chair, occasionally he stood on the shoreline and watched the ships go by, but he was always there, whatever the weather.  What a way to spend your Summer!

Quiet

I've been quiet.  I've felt quiet, in fact I've felt completely overwhelmed for a couple of months now.  I've spent three weeks in Spain, immersing myself in the usual round of beach, local custom, food and the like.  I felt refreshed towards the end of last week, looking forward to my last weekend in Spain, and looking forward to coming home.  A message arrived on Friday afternoon.  My friend who has fought so hard against her illness finally died peacefully and gently on Friday afternoon after a very sudden, rapid and unexpected decline.

Goodbye R, it was always a pleasure to know you. Salud.