Friday 29 February 2008

Post Birthday Diplomacy

Many thanks to all of you for your good wishes. In fact it turned out to be the best birthday I’ve ever had – and all because I hadn’t planned anything.

I saw all my nearest and dearest friends (the ones that live locally) and had phone calls and flowers and presents so I feel very spoilt. And one of my best presents was a large Roget’s Thesaurus from my oldest brother which he and the whole family each wrote a personal message in. As I will use this every day for the rest of my life, I couldn’t have a better present. And I will think of them every time I use it.

But back to everyday matters. This morning we picked Annie the sheepdog up as usual at 8am and drove up to the castle to walk her and Mollie. We arrived at the same time as two older ladies who walk their dogs and as Annie knows them, we walked together this morning.

It was fascinating. Himself walked with Margaret, the older of the two who, at 87, strides forth for a good walk every morning and repeats it in the afternoon with her rescue Cairn terrier, Dougal. She talks energetically and without pause for breath, in a lilting Scottish accent that is soft on the ears. (Though with Himself’s hangover I suspect it could have grated a little.)

Being smugly hangover free, I walked with Jan who must be a mere lamb at about 70 I would guess. She has a rescue King Charles Cavalier with heart problems and we were talking about what we did with our dogs when we went away. In our case we don’t go unless we can take Moll, having traumatised ourselves and her on the one occasion she did go to kennels.

Jan had a unique solution. “My ex-husband is friends with my current husband,” she said chattily. “So when Peter and I go away, my ex moves into our house and looks after the dog, the cats and the fish. We do the same when he and his wife go away. It works very well.”

I was almost speechless. Talk about diplomacy.

21 comments:

Unknown said...

Speachless is right!

So pleased you had a wonderful day. Belated wishes :-)

Cornish Dreamer said...

That's really something. I don't think I'd like any of my exes looking after anything of mine!!

I hope Mr FP's hangover isn't too bad this morning!!

Flowerpot said...

thanks Liz - it was a grand day!

RT - No I agree. Mr FP has disappeared off to the workshop to get over his hangover in peace and quiet!!

laurie said...

i want someone to move into our house when doug and go on vacation, too! but probably not either of our ex-spouses.

that thought makes me shudder!

glad you had a lovely day.

Flowerpot said...

Laurie - do you have dogsitters who will do that? They do over here - a friend of mine does it full time.

Akelamalu said...

So glad you enjoyed your birthday!


Jan's Ménage à trois seems very civilised! ;)

Flowerpot said...

Ak - doesnt it just? I can't imagine being that civilised!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Exes moving into look after the house, what a ghastly thought.

Glad you have a wonderful day and I love the idea of the Thesaurus.

Flowerpot said...

Debs - yes I wouldnt like any of my exes moving in here!!

Lane Mathias said...

What a mature, adult set-up!
If only more exes could get on like that:-)

Flowerpot said...

lane - I agree. But I can't see many people behaving like that!

the rotten correspondent said...

Wow. If only most child custody situations could be that amicable.

Philipa said...

Happy belated birthday fp, glad you had a great day :-)

Flowerpot said...

rc - yes that would make life a lot better. Don't think children were involved in this one - or they'd be adults by now.

Philipa - many thanks!

Ellee Seymour said...

I'm glad you had a great birthday and a lovely walk the day after. It's always good to stay on friendly terms with your ex, I don't know why people find it so strange.

Anonymous said...

Happy (belated) Birthday!! I'msure that if he has a hangover, otday will be the day that himself comes face to face with the Intruder....!

Flowerpot said...

ellee - I think it's a great idea. It's just that not many of us do it!

G - yes it's sods law isn't it? though so far - touch wood.....!

MarmiteToasty said...

Im godsmacked by your last paragraph lol......

x

Chris Stovell said...

Aw, Belated Happy Birthday, glad you had a good day. That comment about the current and ex hubbies being friends brought countless (and mainly unrepeatable) observations to my lips. Tom and my ex being friends is about as likely as me having a girls day out with his ex! But, hey, good luck and well done to those who can come to a civilised agreement.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

Happy Birthday, Flowerpot! 87-year-old Margaret should put your mere 50 into perspective, I think. I'm looking forward to hiking around with my dog when I'm in my 80's too.

Flowerpot said...

marmite - amazing isnt it?!

chris - thanks for that. Yes I find the idea of Himself and my ex being frineds slightly unlikely. As in, very. But you never know!!

Julia - yes here's to octagenarians (spelt wrong but brain not functioning yet).