Friday Evening
Heavy rain accompanied our departure from Heathrow on our flight to Glasgow. As we descended towards the airport the beautiful hills bathed in the evening sunlight gave me a warm feeling reminding me that spring is only round the corner.
As usual Adam picked Maggi and I up from the airport along with co-pilot, Islay. Both appeared in a good mood and we chatted as a group all the way back to the house.
On arrival we received the customary half-hearted hugs from everyone. Sarah makes a sincere physical contact but the boys only give Maggi and I a hug because they can’t avoid it. They’ll probably learn in time to respond to the other person and make a better connection, but perhaps they won’t.
The big kitchen table already laid for 11 had candles burning and glasses ready. Not only would the eight of us eat tonight , but also Rachael and Craig plus Rachael’s cousin Jane.
Cousin Jane somewhere in her 70s had dyed red hair and wore some sort of ragged kaftan straight from the 1960’s. She suggested that she had two homes one in Pembrokeshire and the other in Morocco, where she had a business renting out some type of accommodation. When we asked how long she spent in Morocco each year she responded 2 to 3 weeks. At this point this conversation petered out and we moved onto other subjects as if we had exhausted the whole story.
I thought I would tell Craig, a musician, about our recent holiday in Nashville, Memphis etc. I thought with his wide musical background he would be interested. His face remained a complete blank. Within a couple of sentences I realised I was wasting my time.
Rachel dominated the conversation at the table not only because she has a lively personality but Sarah prompted her with repeated questions.
The extra guests decided to leave around 9:30 after a visit of two hours. The evening had been pleasant enough but I was tired from lack of sleep the previous night so I didn’t object to their early departure.
Earlier in the day I had rubbed in the new cream from Dr Harris and now I added the xxxx cream which yesterday had caused a very uncomfortable night. I applied it with a slight degree of concern. Would I have the intense itching again that had kept me up for three hours again.
Saturday 28th February
Fortunately I slept very well despite the uncomfortable bed/settee where Maggi and I lie head to toe so that I don’t snore too close to her very sensitive ears.
Adam brought us a coffee and we had a fresh boiled egg from the chickens in the garden plus a pancake. This seemed a bit of an extravagance but I hadn’t had any alcohol for two days. I should have mentioned that one of the creams loses effectiveness if you drink. Given that I want these sores to go as quickly as possible it’s not much of a sacrifice to go without.
Walk in the park
As part of the morning’s entertainment Maggi, Adam, Islay and I took the opportunity of the good weather to walk to Morrisons through Maxwell Park and past some of the very large house in the neighbourhood. I think both Adam and Islay are proud to be living in that part of Glasgow.
Lunch
As usual we knew we would take the family out for a meal on Saturday. Keir and Finn wanted to exchange some of their electronic games in central Glasgow so we all trooped to town on the train.
After the games transactions had taken place we seemed to wander aimlessly until someone suggested we eat a Dashoom. I’ve eaten at two of their restaurants in London and know provide some interesting Indian food.
For a party of eight without a booking we didn’t need to wait for long before sitting. Me not drinking, Maggi ordered 3 Margaritas and a bottle of wine. We had a nice meal with very nice service albeit quite expensive.
After our food we wandered to the modern art gallery in the centre of Glasgow. I took a few photos but I didn’t see anything that really impressed me.
Back at home
We returned on the train and exited at Maxwell Park which we had passed through three times before today. The park has a pond, plus an unplanned large puddle. The croci and daffodils are out and add a touch of colour to the mud and the bare trees.
At home we read the paper. We had bought, the FT Weekend in the morning, and had a lazy time in front of the television. We even watched an edition of Master Chef before turning to a series Adam wanted to watch.
Dirty Business, describes how the water industry has polluted our rivers and beaches to increase their profits. The story unfolds via two characters who start investigating why the River Windrush has turned from clear to brown. The behaviour of the water companies can only be described as criminal.
Sunday 1st March
After a nice home grown gorgeous poached egg on toast we set off to watch Finn play rugby away at Renfrew Cricket club.
Their team of 8 play across the pitch against the Paisley 8. They tackle, when they can, but it is all very civilised. The parents didn’t become rude or shout from the touchline. The referee explained some of the rules to the boys and Finn seemed to really his time running around the field. He even scored a try. I don’t think anyone took any serious notice of the score.
We returned to the house where Sarah had made a shepherds pie for lunch with garden peas and the remained of the coleslaw from Friday. All very nice.
Adam drove Maggi and I back to the airport along with his usual co-pilot , Islay. See you soon son. You return to work, family life with 4 children and organising a house that needs significant more work. Lucky we can help with the later.
We return to a self indulgent activities with the occasional help to people I know needing a visit.