Tuesday 18 November 2008

A whirlwind few days

An action packed weekend that kicked off with my mother arriving on Friday night. This coincided with me returning from walking Moll, while Himself “warmed the place up” for my mother. Bearing in mind it's hardly cold, and we're trying to economise at the moment, I got back to find the woodburner pumping out heat, the central heating on as well and my mother growing pinker by the second. I opened all the windows, turned the heating off, opened the front door and gradually the flat returned to an ambient temperature. Credit crunch? You wouldn't think so down here...

Anyway, on Saturday we went to see the house that was my mother's home – she was born and lived there till she was married from there. It's now a restaurant and you can imagine her mixed feelings as she looked at the summerhouse where she'd had lessons, at the playroom that was now a dining room, at the fireplace where her wedding pictures had been taken. I hovered by like an anxious mother hen (daughter hen?), anticipating her mixed emotional response. We couldn't see the room she'd been born in which might have been a good thing, but we had a look in the garden and at what had been the old garages, and mum had a bucket full of memories to take home with her.

Next stop was lunch at a dog friendly pub in Gwithian – the Red River pub. I'm writing a feature on 10 of the best Dog Friendly pubs in Cornwall, so naturally we had to sample some. This place was great – nothing special inside but so friendly and the owner and bar staff adore dogs which is a bonus. Food was great – lovely bowlfuls of carrot and sweet potato soup – and then we took Mollie for a good long run along Godrevy Beach. Mum's favourite childhood beach.

Last stop of the afternoon was the National Animal Welfare Trust rescue centre where I interviewed the manager a month ago. They've just moved into larger premises so I was keen to see how they were getting on. The new kennels are fabulous and Louise and her staff have worked so hard to ensure that the dogs and cats are happy and well looked after. It was agonising though, to see two very special little terriers that I longed to take home.....

We returned home (minus extra animals, to the cat's relief: he swore he'd leave home otherwise) and then had our cousins from Penzance for a musical evening which was a wonderful end to the day.

Sunday I did a walk for the magazine at Chapel Porth with my photographer friend and her partner and Moll, and yesterday was spent frantically writing that up. Got another rejection for the novel but then a request to see first three chapters, so it just goes to prove how subjective the whole process is...

18 comments:

Lane Mathias said...

What a busy few days but filled with lovely things. That must have been quite an emotional experience for your mother.x

ADDY said...

When you have reviewed those dog-friendly pubs, I would welcome a list. Always useful to have for pub lunches!!

MarmiteToasty said...

Wow what a wonderful busy weekend.... and how wonderful that your mum got to see the house she grew up in.... I expect some of that must of been difficult for her if its now no longer a home....

x

Jenny Beattie said...

Wow, what a wonderful story about your mother's childhood home. I often wonder what that would be like but my parents still live in my childhood home!

I think subbing the novel is a bit like finding buyers for your house - you only need one to fall in love.

Flowerpot said...

lane - very emotional I suspect.

Rosiero - you're very welcome but it's a list of pubs in Cornwall which might not help you!

Flowerpot said...

Marmie - I'm glad we were able to show Mum but yes, I'd be very emotional if I was her!

JJ - you're so right about the novel - it's just finding the one to fall in love!

Pat Posner said...

What a lovely few days, Flowerpot. Your Mum will go home with pognant memories, aww!

Good luck with the publisher/agent who wants three chapter. Fingers crossed for you.
xxPat

Aoj and The Lurchers said...

Sounds like you've had a lovely time FP!

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Get those three chapters sent off - you are a fab writer, they'll bite your hand off for the story.

Your mum visiting her family home was so wistful. She must be feeling very reflective now. Hope it's all good memories for her.

Flowerpot said...

Pat - yes I hope Mum has good memories though it must be difficult.

Flowerpot said...

AOJ - it was great - very stimulating!

MOB - thanks for the compliment! I just need to find the right agent - that's the tricky bit....

Akelamalu said...

It must have been so nostalgic for your Mum to visit the house where she grew up, and oh so interesting for you!

What a busy but obviously enjoyable weekend you had FP. :)

Flowerpot said...

Ak - yes I've seen pictures of it but obviously it's changed a lot since the early 1950s, when she left.

sallywrites said...

I sympathise. We had my parents here this weekend and you would never think that we had any strife over money when we have visitors.....

That must have been emotional for your Mum.... but sort of nice to see it too.

Flowerpot said...

Sally the trouble is that visitors needed feeding and watering and heating ad all sorts don't they?!

Ellee Seymour said...

I love having my mum stay so I can pamper her. I love the sound of your walk. And don't give up hope with your book. I can't wait to see it on the shelves.

Chris Stovell said...

You've had a busy time and it sounds as if you've made the most of every minute with your mum. Very good luck with the three chapters... we're getting used to this 'Yes we will! No we won't' seesaw, aaren't we?!

Thank you for the kind words.

Flowerpot said...

Ellee - I know you're close to your mum, too - and thanks for kind words about the book!

ChrisH - yes we have to get tougher with each one! Hah hah....