Open Writing

I am a widow and live alone (mostly!) but I am never left alone for long. My day could quite easily go like this:

Phone calls:

1. “Nanny….. Cathy here. I ‘ve a whole lot of swotting to do, can I bring over my laundry? Mum says she has no time, and I really need it in a hurry, not a thing left to wear……..Super! Thanks, Nan darling”

(Damn! I’ve just run out of soap powder, now I have to make another trip to the supermarket!)

2. “Mum, Julie here. We’ve a last minute invitation for tonight, can I bring the girls to you for the night? About 6 pm?.............Thanks a million, Mum”

(Hmmmm…I am going to miss my favourite TV programme….I really must learn how to record programmes on the video……..have to read to the girls I expect, and will probably fall asleep before they do….!)

3. “Gran, Sam here. I am having a few friends over, can you make us a casserole and perhaps a dessert? …….. You’re great! Thanks, Gran.”

(This means Sam is broke again and can’t afford to buy dinner…..it means I have to postpone my perm till next week and spend my money on his supper party……..Kids!)

4. “Sue here, Mum. My blouse is a disaster, can you fix it? ……..terribly grateful, darling! Need it back rather quickly......... You’re wonderful, Mum!!)

(She knows I hate sewing….how can she ask? But she knows I will do it for her!)

5. Elizabeth, dear! ……. Pam from next door….can you spare a few onions and perhaps a cupful of sugar? Great, will be round straight away. I’ll pay you back, of course……”

(Of course she won’t…..never does….that’s the last I will see of my onions and sugar! I suppose I’ll have to drink my tea and coffee without sugar till I get to the shops….. suppose it won’t do me any harm, but she is a blasted nuisance! even though she is so sweet about it all!)

6. “Beckie here, Grannie. Have some shopping to do in a hurry and Mum is off somewhere. Can you come pick me up?........Oh fantastic, Grannie…..ta, see you soon….!

(Oh damn, this means trailing after her round the shops till one of us drops or goes broke… usually me!
I’d rather put my feet up this afternoon, but I can’t refuse my favourite grandchild now, can I?)

7. “ Liz, darling……Joan…….going away for a few days. could you possibly water the plants and feed the cat and rabbits?… ….. you’re a wonderful neighbour! Thanks, darling…..will bring keys round in a minute.”

(Double damn….. you are gutless, Elizabeth!….can’t you say NO sometimes?)

8. “Sally here, Nan. I’ve had a row with Mum about going out with Paul. Can you talk to her, make her see some sense? I love Paul and he loves me, truly….. please, please talk to her for me.

(Me…..talk to your Mum, about you and Paul! I can’t talk to her about anything these days!......however,…….

“Thanks, Nan, you are a real darling, I love you dearly!”

(Oh well, that was sweet!!)

But sometimes, the day ends not too badly. Other phone calls can be quite pleasant.

9. “Elizabeth…..Richard….How are you my dear? Would you like to spend Sunday on the farm?
Just the two of us. We can ride or swim if the weather is good , or just relax….. and perhaps a nice cosy dinner somewhere on the way home......?

“Oh Richard…you’ve just made my day. Thanks, ….. look forward to it”
(Not bad, Richard always makes me feel young again!)

10. “Joe here, Elizabeth……doing anything special tonight, can I call round to see you?”

“That will be lovely Joe, but you will have to share the evening with Julie’s girls, they are staying the night with me”

“That’s all right, my dear. They are nice kids even though they will probably tire me out with their games and endless questions. I’ll read to them and you can relax in front of the TV.

I’ll bring a bottle of your favourite wine and something nice to go with it.”

“ Thanks, Joe, sounds good. I will make a salad….”

(It’s about all I have the energy for!.)

So you see, some days end up pure gold.