First of all before I ramble about anything, I do apologize most sincerely to all of you who put your names in for the draw for a copy of the OUP edition of Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. A few days after this post my mother died, as you all know, and I totally forgot all about it I was reminded when I came across the copy I had put to one side for the prize and I thought Blimey and so have hastened to find all your names and put them in a bowl and the winner is Margaret Powling. So Margaret next time you drop in can you please send me your mail address and I will get this in the post to you asap.
Have been glued to Wimbers of course the last few days and I cannot recall an opening week so full of excitement and incident. First up of course, we had Rog nearly going out but what claimed the headlines for the next two days was the simply amazing match which took place out on Court 18 - it only has 800 seats and not exactly one of Wimbledon's show courts but it will go down in history for the reasons we all know. I started watching the match between Mahud and Isner on Tuesday when they had to abandon it because of bad light, then came back the next day and watched in disbelief on Wednesday as the score in the fifth set made the computerised scoreboard redundant as it went into meltdown at 49 games apiece. I was in London yesterday looking after Florence and drove up on Wednesday evening. When I arrived I asked Helen who had won that match 'It's still going on mum' was her response - I had driven from Colchester to London, negotiated the A12, traffic jams and roadworks and they were still chuntering on. Unbelievable.
Spent the next morning with Florence as Helen had to attend a uni meeting and she is such a joy that child. She changes each week and she is so alert and funny and inquisitive and responsive. At one stage I was cuddling her and she started cooing and giggling and I started laughing back and she let out a trill as well and I sat there feeling, well difficult to describe how I was feeling actually, such love and happiness. I tell you though, she is a right little poser - every time I whip out my camera she sits and beams and knows that I am taking her picture. I am going to compile an album for each year but as I already have 300 pictures of her in my photo library, I have a feeling that a bit of editing is in order....
Helen came back and we sat and watched the match finally finish with Isner the winner. Wimbledon made them a presentation to mark the occasion which I thought was really rather a nice touch even though the players were simply dying to get off the court, especially Mahud who looked as if he wanted to sit down and have a good weep. John Inverdale made the point in his programme later on in the evening that these two will be locked together now for ever as are Torvill and Dean, Morecombe and Wise and Ant and Dec. Hmm...yes well...
Isner has since been beaten in the next round, to be expected and has now withdrawn from the doubles. So this publicity and fame all well and good but it has put paid to his attempt at Wimbledon this year.
So a rambly post but am beginning to feel that there is a light at the end of the tunnel I feel I have been stuck in since 18 April. I have now finally cleared my mother's flat though that took some doing: first of all a charity came round and then refused to take most of the stuff because of 'health and safety issues' (don't ask); I then had to get a vastly overpriced house clearance firm to come along who were rip off merchants as far as I am concerned (insisted on being paid in cash for a start); they then left a wall unit in the lift and when I asked them to come back and get it, promised they would and then didn't (quelle surprise) so now have the Council picking it up instead. So fingers crossed.
Am also getting slowly used to Kathryn being in Australia - thought you might like this pic she sent me (on mobile so not good quality) and cannot wait to get out there and see this stunning building again, she is moving into a house share this weekend (was actually able to Google it and get up a picture of her building - aMAZING) and she starts her new job on Monday. She has met up with people and contacts she made before she left the UK and has been going out and about and exploring Sydney and all is well. My mind is much more at rest.
I drove home from London last night and it was a simply beautiful evening, the heat of the day had passed and there was a cool breeze and even the A12 didn't look too bad. I got off this road a couple of exits earlier so I could meander home through the country and had Classic FM playing and I had the windows open and to hell with the hay fever. Slept well and today am having a lazy day, tennis is on (of course) and I have in front of me a beautiful basket of flowers sent to me by my son in law's parents as they knew I was feeling sad after waving Kathryn off. I also have a bunch of carnations that my dear friend Rosemary bought for me and all in all I have a lot to be grateful for and feel very relaxed today. I do miss my mother dreadfully, especially with Wimbledon taking place as she loved it so much, but this is something I have to get used to and she was such a marvellous lady, I have lots of good memories.
And, let us not forget - all you wonderful Random readers who are a truly wonderful bunch. As I said, I have a lot to be grateful for.....
