70.. Surprise!
Friday
Standard start to the morning with work followed by a very quick dip in the pool while Matt is busy with calls. We have to get going soon so I take every opportunity to faff about.
Soon enough though he is done and not sure why I’m not already at the door. We need to get to the airport… I may have missed the actual day of my mum’s birthday but I’m on a secret mission back to surprise her for her party!
So, conference calls on the drive (Matt was dropping me off) and and as much work as I could get done in departures and finally I’m on the plane and on my way.
Managed to leave her card behind, and another one on the train, I’m really not doing too well at being a postman, but then half the things I sent from France haven’t arrived so maybe I could still have a career in the postal service. I think Mum was impressed by my efforts.
I got the train down, walked to the house, snuck in and she was alone on the sofa. Standing right behind her I announced that: “The French postal service is terrible” [she took a second before stirring and turning around – guess it’s a more unusual thing to hear in the UK] “I had to bring it myself!”
Seems that Matt’s idea that she knew I was coming was definitely wrong. She jumped up with a bit of a shout of ‘what are you doing here!?’, tears welling and ran up to cuddle me and talking a million miles an hour.
A few moments later Tonia comes to see what all the hubbub is about and is almost as shocked. As she rolled through the things that needed to happen while I was there the update to Joelle and subsequent change of plans having been managed already didn’t go down well – Joelle knew and she didn’t..
I was going to tell Tonia (I am rubbish at secrets unless I really have to keep them i.e. if they are somebody elses, I don’t keep ‘my’ secrets) but I had only asked her a few days before if she liked surprises and she said yes. She’d also joked that I hadn’t got mum a present and that her present was me… oh how right she was but how little she realised why and how at the time.
Thankfully however it seems that I was in time for dinner as Steph and John were coming over for curry.
Jim, Nicole and the kids arrived late but also pleased to see me. Having missed the family at Christmas it really has been a long time since I have seen them all.
Called Matt before bed, he was very sleepy.
[27 August 2021]
Saturday
Joelle had arranged afternoon tea as a surprise for mum – hopefully she’ll add a funny little story in the comments that had me almost wetting myself.
We then did a drive[walk]-by to drop in and see the family and friends, including my new best friend ‘Bella’. I can’t wait to have one of these of my own.
Back for dinner again and tonight is family Chinese takeaway – oh how I miss takeaways!
[28 August 2021]
Sunday
The day of the big party – well not so big according to my mum’s ranking but if I had 75 people here I would think it was big.
It was great to see everyone and catch up. The best was Auntie (Crazy) Chrissy who almost fell over when she saw me, she was nearly in tears when she reached me telling me how happy it would make my mother. [That felt good]. I meant to take pictures of the event but was distracted entertaining and hosting – honing my skills for when we have an onslaught of visitors, it definitely needs some work – I’m therefore borrowing some from Chrissy.
Meanwhile, Matt has been cracking on with work back at home. He was left quite the list to do. Seems sanding down the kitchen is dirty work.
It’s been a big day so just a few messages back home but Matt’s tired and asleep early.
[29 August 2021]
Monday
Part of the reason for ‘not coming home’ was that we couldn’t get a return flight to Gatwick. With the long journey to Stanstead I am breaking it up with a stop in London and a couple of days work so time to head off to the big smoke.
Lee and Vicky were on call and came over in the evening for dinner and quick dip in the hot tub.
Was good to see them and grateful they came over. Had to be up for an early meeting though so early to bed.
[30 August 2021]
Tuesday
Early meeting so quick Lateral Flow test and then high-tailed it down to Brixton. Unfortunately they told me that the person I was there to meet wasn’t in and was on leave.. Seriously! I left a couple of messages and headed ‘home’. As I got to Old St I got a message saying that they were there and could I meet. I had another meeting later so agreed that I would come back after the meeting at St Thomas’.
After my meetings I was meant to be meeting Peter. Unfortunately his diary management has not improved in the past 15 years, it may in fact be worse. After travelling 750miles to see him, he was still in Oxford.. FFS.
Lee to the rescue though. Met up with him for a drink and then he and Vicky offered to make me dinner. I’m never one to refuse a free meal (if it’s nearby). Thanks guys. I spent the time while they were cooking measuring their downstairs bathroom and comparing it to our planned ensuite – the work never stops.
[31 August 2021]
Wednesday
What lunatic schedules meetings for 8:30? Off to Guy’s to meet with the CEO. A few more meetings and it’s already lunchtime. Time to start thinking about my return home. I’d meant to have lunch but nevermind. Lee met me at the station to collect the things that we’d managed to forget, twice. I was just anxious that I’d forgotten to lock the door – seems it was fine and that Simon and Jolanda would be back that evening.
Through security, quick food stop in the lounge before it closes and off home.
I was so glad to see Matt. He’s so beautiful and not only has he driven all the way up here to meet me, he’s bought me a burger from McDonalds and a beer for the journey home. I love him!
[1 September 2021]
