April was lovely. Sun, and barely a drop of rain. Then it started raining in May, and has barely stopped since. We should be enjoying early summer sunshine, and drinking Pimms in the garden. Instead we sit indoors watching the garden grow like a tropical jungle.

Wimbledon starts tomorrow. At the current rate they will do well to finish the tournament by August.

Nikki has finished her exams, and is off to Great Yarmouth tomorrow. I hope she will enjoy a well deserved holiday.

Trish and I went to a summer ball on Friday evening. Fantastic evening. Great company, good champagne, and a terrific live band. We were staying with some friends, and we got back at 2am…. where we had bacon rolls and tea. Bed after 3, I am just not used to it. Saturday afternoon we were watching our godson Matthew in a youth theatre production of Wind in the Willows. He played Badger, and did it very well. I have to say though I struggled to stay awake for the whole performance. Purely through the late night before.

Here we all before the ball. Tricia is in the red dress.

Here I am with Deb, who has been a life friend. I met Deb in September 1977 when I switched schools – so we will have known each other 30 years this September. She has been a great friend.

I like this photo… not necessarily because I am enjoying the company of friends, but more because whilst my hair is greying, I have plenty more than my friends.

A few photo’s from last week, when my brother had his 40th….

Me holding Mark’s cake (Tricia did the cake again, in Derby football club colours). As you can see, Mark has his leg in plaster at the moment (interesting colour) – he has broken a couple of bones in his foot.

I haven’t quite finished Great Expectations yet, but I am enjoying it. I am seeing more of the self ambition themes running through the novel than I did before. Bit of a moralist was Mr Dickens. I have also been reading the Borrowers with Ellie.