Friday 28 December 2007

Post Christmas Blues

Here in Falmouth, on Christmas Day what used to be the Docks Choir assemble the far end of town at around 10.20, have a few pints and then set off through the town, stopping at various places to gather and sing. If you haven’t heard a Cornish male voice choir in action, they are incredible. No backing, just pure voices thoroughly enjoying themselves. It really brings tears to your eyes.

They continue through town, where over 1,000 people flocked to watch them, and end up on the Moor for a few pints and a pasty. The atmosphere is wonderful – the very best of Christmas with everyone watching out for old and new friends, all anticipating the holiday. And anticipation can be a wonderful thing.

Over the last few days we’ve seen friends, walked miles and watched some great stuff on TV – anyone else see Ballet Shoes? At Mum’s request, I taped it and we watched it twice…

She had a computer lesson with Himself before she left, and has promised to ring Chris to get her laptop up and running as soon as possible. Various friends of mine who know her are asking for her email address, so the pressure is on. (And contrary to what Himself thinks, she needs that.)

She was upset because she couldn’t find the copy of Ballet Shoes she had as a child, so as part of her lesson she’s just bought her first purchase on Amazon. Well, I bought it but she saw what to do. As a booklover, I can see her Amazon bill mounting up…..

She stayed five days – much longer than she usually is with us – but we’ve had a wonderful time. We don’t always get on so well, but this time just clicked. We had great weather, loads of walks and Himself cooked a lovely roast lamb dinner on Christmas Day in the evening.

After her lesson RT and ET came over to have a cup of tea. It’s RT’s birthday so HAPPY BIRTHDAY RT!

Mum left half an hour ago and while it will be good to have the place back to normal (she has to sleep on the sofa bed as this is a one bedroom flat), it will suddenly be too quiet and I shall feel bereft.

But the best thing was, we just had fun. And isn’t that what life should be about?

12 comments:

laurie said...

oooh oooh is this the "ballet shoes" written by Noel Sreatfeild? i loved her books as a child and read every one i could get my hands on.

dancing shoes, theatre shoes, new shoes...

but my favorite was "the magic summer," about the kids who went to stay near cork, ireland, with their crazy old aunt dymphna....

Flowerpot said...

yes laurie, that's the one! I loved her books too and have just got that and theatre shoes also for Mum. I haven't read 'the magic summer' - I must look out for that. Good to find another fan!

Casdok said...

Sure is!!

Flowerpot said...

casdok - good to meet you - however! - and please call this way again.

the rotten correspondent said...

I see there's another book to add to my list.Your visit sounds really nice - peaceful, calm, but with things to do and accomplish. I'm glad you had it.

I do wish you hadn't said pasty, though. Now I want one desperately.

MarmiteToasty said...

I watched the ballet shoes.... oh what a wonderful film... I loved it from beginning to end.... we also taped it lol

Nuffin better then a pint and a pasty :)

Happy belated crimbo wishes...

x

Irene said...

Good for you, Flowerpot and i wish you many more days like it. Happy New year and my you have a wonderful year coming to you.

Flowerpot said...

rc - yes it was lovely though energetic in the dog walking department! Pasties can be wonderful - or terrible. Now you've got me thinking....

Flowerpot said...

MT - glad to find another viewer - I'm sure I'll watch it again and again - though to nit pick, Posy wouldnt have been dancing en pointe at that age, and her arms were very wonky. Apart from that it was brilliant!

Flowerpot said...

sweet irene - many thanks for that. I hope your Christmas went well and that 2008 will be a great one for you.

Aoj and The Lurchers said...

See, I was so relieved to have everyone leave! After four days with a house full of people, I longed for some silence and peace! Although Mum and I did have some "us" time when I dragged her out shopping on Thursday - for no reason other than to get out on our own!

Gald yous all went well too!

Cornish Dreamer said...

Thank you FP, and thank you for the candle. It's lovely.

I'm glad that you had such a good time with your Mum down. And it was a pleasure to finally meet her!

RT