A few weeks ago, the Saturday night before Valentines Day in fact, Tricia and I went out with our good friends, Pat & Clive. We went to an Indian restaurant, enjoyed our meal, and laughed plenty…. Tricia certainly did. We even made plans to all go and see the film The Kings Speech on the Tuesday. It wasn’t a late evening, Tricia and I were home and in bed by 11:30pm. At this point Tricia seemed absolutely fine… then around 3am she started to blow her nose… constantly. She had a cold, which hit her just as quick as switching on a light. Well, the cold went to her chest, and the cough followed. No mild cough, but a hacking cough, that wasn’t just one cough but a whole fit of coughs. Last week, worn out by constant coughing, and with no sign of the cough abating, Tricia went to the doctors, who diagnosed a bronchial infection… Tricia is now vastly improved, but far from a 100%… but she is on the mend. Ellie and I caught the same cold, but we just had a cold which blew out in a few days.

So, until Saturday last night, I have spent much of the last fortnight sleeping in the spare room. One does need some sleep to go to work on. Last Saturday night was the final show of this years MADS (Marston Amateur Dramatic Society) production, called The Village Hall. This last month has been a whirl of rehearsals, and sorting out props and sounds, and scenery. If I haven’t been working, or helping Tricia, I have been working on the play. Fortunately it was a success, and people have said they really enjoyed it, and ‘haven’t laughed so much in years’, which is a relief. Ellie was in the play and did really well, playing a sailor in one scene and a girl guide in another. Robbie painted a marvellous 12 foot by 9 foot backdrop for the ‘sea scene’. He painted it on a dust sheet with emulsion paints… it was terrific, I really don’t know how he does it.

I am glad its all over, as I can get some time back into my life. I had an opportunity to be in a play in May, but I have declined. As much as I enjoy acting and being on stage, I need a break. Tricia and I are planning a few weekends away, as it seems we are so busy at times we don’t get to spend as much time together as we would like. So, we are planning a weekend in Ludlow at the end of April, and a weekend in the New Forest at the end of May.

Robbie has been back for the last few weekends, first of to paint the scenery for the play, and this last weekend to see the play. Nikki was also back this weekend. It was nice to have everyone together. Nikki is starting a placement this week, in Luton hospital, so good luck to her, I hope all goes well.

This coming weekend we have everyone together again for my 50th celebration. When asked what I wanted for my birthday I said nothing other than a party with my family and friends. I even have my two cousins from Scotland travelling down, so I am looking forward to catching up with them. I am looking forward to seeing everybody, and dancing all evening. A short week for me, as I am taking Friday off. Can’t wait