July . . .

. . . was good . . . mostly . . .

It started well with Eric and Janey coming to stay so that we could all go to J's birthday party on the Sunday afternoon. This was great and superbly organised ~ lunch / tea in J&J's garden out of cool-bags from Carluccio's to share with whoever you happened to be sitting next to.  A lovely relaxing long afternoon with friends in a peaceful and beautiful garden.  How nice is that?  Happy Birthday, J xx

The Lord Chamberlain's Men were performing Twelfth Night at Batsford Arboretum and G&H asked me to drive over and join them and Eric and Janey and share a picnic.  A very funny evening ~ great company and the play was wonderful ~ a really good production.  The Lord Chamberlain's Men are a company who perform at outside venues during the Summer months ~ and, just as in Shakespeare's day, are all men and take on many roles during the same play.  The one who played the maid, amongst other roles, reminded me of Lpip!  Exactly the same mannerisms hahaha.

Completed the sale on G's flat.  This had dragged on for so long and had worried poor G no end.  It's good that it has finally 'gone' but sad that he left us before he could share in the pleasure of the completion.

My birthday ~ which I rarely celebrate or do anything for. Stella and Frankie surprised me be coming round the evening before ~ crafty!!! ~ and bringing cards, presents and treats to enjoy.  

Another theatre trip ~ this time to Stratford where I met Cat and David to see 'The Merchant of Venice'.  This has not been one of my favourite plays but this production was out of this world.  I have never found the Merchant particularly amusing before but this one wrung every ounce of humour from the lines.  I saw it in 1987 with Anthony Sher playing Shylock ~ which was good ~ but preferred this production for the pathos which the actor brought to the part.  The RSC often produces a DVD of their productions ~ see it if you can!

Women's Group (and hubbies') Summer Supper at S&S's home.  We were lucky to have good weather so we could be outside.  S&S had organised a 'How well do you know Watford' Quiz which was fun and there was lots of time to chat and laugh with friends.

For the rest of the month I had lots of nice visitors ~ Pies and Pips for various lengths of time from over-night to four nights and Eric and Janey and various poppers-in.    

Not such good news is that a much-loved family member suffered a heart attack and spent a couple of nights in hospital.  Happily home and very very much better.  It was certainly an anxious time for us all but sensible regimens are being observed and otherwise all is back to normality.  It has given us all a shock, however, and has brought home to us that we must be grateful when we are in good health and ensure that we remain so.  

Back soon

Po xx