Easter Sunday was the usual gathering. Almost all had washed and shaved, almost all wore their Sunday best, almost all were gagging for Easter chocolate!
I deposited around 50 Cadbury's wee eggs for handout at the end, which went down very well apparently, not that I got one! I trudged wearily down the road and trudged wearily back up again, ready for some spiritual Rangers v Celtic Scottish Cup football. After eating what was left in the fridge I settled back to watch the game.
Now, my niece was coming to me on Monday, so having nothing in the house I was going to fill up Monday morning and prepare a suitable feast. Imagine my panic when ten minutes into the game she emailed me to say she was half way to me (from Burnley) and would soon arrive!
Panic! I trudged out again, unwillingly, to Sainsburys, as I got there a young man said "It's closed mate," as he passed. So it was, as was Tesco! I remain convinced these shops are always open at Easter, maybe I got this wrong, I never checked this year. No other shop is within my walking distance, my knees would go no further, so I contacted them and they found some foodstuffs at the nearby petrol station when filling up.
So, once the car was parked, the kid carried upstairs, and me also, we ate what we could and spent the rest of the day sharing the seven month old from one to another. The boy was at his most contented when chewing a box that once held coffee sachets. The expensive goods lying around were not as good.
It is of course no surprise he took to me, his favourite Great Uncle, didn't they all when young? There again, after a few minutes getting his bearings when he arrived I think he would take to anyone.
The three of them have been travelling around the country visiting the family and friends unseen for years. This child has travelled further in 13 days than I have in three years! He has been manhandled in Aberdeen, York and Edinburgh, plus elswhere. Passed from one to another, and often stolen back again. I get the idea he is enjoying himself. The parents are clever, now he has been seen by all the women their minds everywhere are contemplating what to give him at Christmas. This will save the parents much money! Mind you it cost them coming here.
Even though they were only here a few hours I really enjoyed it. It is around 20 years since we have had a wee one in the family, now we have one to spoil. I suspect however, his clever parents will not allow this. They are both bright, indeed I spent much of the time ensuring dad did not steal my books, (he is a Uni librarian) and she a musician. I think this kid will be too bright for the rest of the family up north! Throughout the day the football was on in the background, though
following it was impossible. It distracted the kid, and distracted the father from pocketing my books, I had to pat him down police style when they left. As to the football I
have little idea what happened in most games.
Bright this boy clearly is, when I carried him about telling him of my exciting life here in the wilderness of Essex he soon fell asleep. Just as well as my arm by then was beginning to feel the weight.
After they left, I cleaned up and found I was exhausted.
The cleaning week was good exercise but tiring, the walking also. I was knackered last night. This morning there was little difference to that. Eat yesterdays leftovers, sleep, make lentil soup, eat and soon sleep once again. Though I did find Sainsburys open this morning to stock up I was so tired I just grabbed what was in front of me, sorry madam, and came home quick. I ache everywhere.
Still, all in, a good Easter Morning, a good Easter family evening, and a good cheap Chianti to keep me going today.
