After a pretty miserable journey up from Reading (heavy traffic, rain), Faye arrived just in time to unload her car and get changed ready for my next-door neighbours' wedding anniversary ceilidh. It was a hoot: live music from a band of old geezers with accordians and a drum-kit, and detailed instructions on the Virginian Reel, the Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow. We were seated with some of Rosemary's relatives and our other neighbours, so it was very congenial. I'm a rubbish dancer, but a gallant gent whispered instructions in my ear for a reel (one, two, three, stamp, back one, two, to me, to you, and turn, turn!).
We had intended to leave early, but they brought out the supper so we stayed on a bit, and then they cut the cake, so we had to stay for that, and for the toasts and speeches. And then there were the farewells -- Rosemary had prepared a little scroll for each guest with a thankyou poem, very sweet touch.
Eventually we wobbled home in our tight, girly shoes. We'd left Bertie with the television on as well as two radios, because the fireworks had been very loud earlier on. Someone was letting them off right behind our houses. When Faye arrived I was just getting out of the shower. Bertie had crushed into the bathroom too and curled up on the mat, he was in such a state. I'm sure if the shower hadn't been going he would have climbed into the tub. When he heard the door I'm sure he thought the explosives experts were coming to get him, he really panicked! Imagine his relief and delight when he found Faye there! Bertie's life is full of surprises.
Tomorrow we're going to North Berwick, meeting Fiona and her mother for lunch. That means a very early start, eek. But it'll be worth it, especially if the weather holds.
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