Country Residence

Country resident is very much now established here in Austwick until Sunday. We have had the chimney swept and the roasted pigeons removed together with their nests! Failed double glazing windows replaced paying a four figure sum and 03p - which the firm did not removed! Biggy today swearing at the lawyer for the probate of Mum's estate and I think that is it!
Before we arrived on Sunday we stayed in Newcastle with Bill & Barrie - has an accident free visit! Some shopping but the highlight was seeing the Matthew Bourne dance "Picture of Dorian Grey" it was just fantastic and we all enjoyed it tremendously. Being a bit cheeky we have asked Barrie (he's not only a friend of Dorothy but also of the Theatre Royal) to get tickets for "West Side Story" next February! Good to see them both looking so well. Bill is preparing to flash his bus pass on 4th November, Suspect Barrie thinks that is the only things he flashes these days! Bill has been a focus for the "Good Neighbour" campaign in the local press as he is the "daily" for the next door neighbour Peggy whose short term memory is shot. Embarrassed as he was the acknowledgement is well deserved and we are very proud of him too. Barrie is getting over his major operation on his ankle and although still on the crutches looked really well and seems to be having less mobility difficulties. Ironic that for years it's been birthday and Christmas cards and calls - it is so easy to neglect one's friends!
So back to reality on Sunday and looking like a busy month ahead. The Vicar in Austwick has invited us to the Remembrance Day service on 9th November as those who have died in the parish are mentioned. Will try to attend that but pushing a bit as I'm at the ILGA Europe and World Conferences until 7th November. Funny to recall that Ian (the Vicar) is to run in the Venice marathon and may come and collect Mum's "Ergometer 3000" treadmill - left here on Tuesday saying if he could find some men to help move it he would have it for himself! Went to the Gamecock Inn (lovely name and so misleading) a couple of times and made very welcome (socially that is), also back to the Vicar he's asked me to talk to the "fellowship" group and tell them about some of the work we do - have to pick the topic with care!