First and Second Gears

Feb 12

It was a dreary overcast day when John looked out the window. It was the kind of day you want to spend poodling along in first gear. He was glad that Susan and David did not have to make such a dreary drive but wished that David felt better. As a result, John didn't have anything specifc planned during the day though he was very much looking forward to taking Linda, Nigel, and Aunt Stella out in the evening to thank them for their kindness and great welcome.

He quickly remembered it was Linda's birthday and retrieved her card to take downstairs. Josh and Bella were already there and Rachel had baked her Mum cupcakes, each with frosting and one big frosted letter on top of that. They spelled out "Happy Birthday, Nana xx" It must have taken some time to decorate.

John had a shower, then had breakfast with his tea and afterward played with Josh and Bella. It's funny, but with children around the hours sort of melt away. He read the paper, wrote and uploaded the post for yesterday with its video. He also tried to keep out of the cleaner's way, too. She seemed like a very nice person.

In the afternoon, John went along with Linda to let the children play on the playground equipment in the park close by. John shot video of the chidren running, climbing, balancing, swinging etc. Once again, the children loved to be on camera. It was a little trying when Bella, once again, refused to leave the park but the offer of seeing herself on 'television' helped her to change her mind. All in all, though, they are very good children.

Once back in the warm, John and the two children watched the video together - little Bella pointing at herself on the screen and cooing, "Bellaaa" with the biggest smile. John was smiling too.

Then the day switched into second gear. Rachel came and picked the children up, Nigel got home from work, and Linda went and picked up Aunt Stella. Linda had asked John if he could do it but he was a little concerned about driving on such narrow roads, especially in the dark. He lost his driving confidence a bit the day before on the local (as opposed to major) roads.

When Linda arrived home with Aunt Stella they left, with Nigel at the wheel, for "The Railway Tavern" for dinner. It is a typical albeit beautiful English pub with good food and a happy ambience. People were standing around talking and laughing in a relaxed easy fashion. Linda got the group a table while Nigel generously got the first round of drinks. John accepted only on condition that the rest of the night was on him to thank them for everything. Nigel accepted reluctantly but graciously and ordered a local brew for John that was 'just what the doctor ordered.'

They surveyed the menus. John chose a delicious carrot and parsnip soup to start and a tasty lamb dish (pieces of lamb in a tomato-based gravy with roast potatoes and veggies) for his main course.

As they were finishing their mains came up another cousin, Paul, and his partner, Beverley. It was so great to see him again and to meet Beverley! John had last seen Paul when he, Aunt Stella, and his late Uncle Bernie had visited John's Mum and Dad in Nova Scotia in the 1980's. When Paul was up getting drinks John told the group he had taught Paul something when he was in canada and was going to test him.

Thus, when Paul came back, John said he had a question. Paul said ok and John asked him what he had taight him back then in Nova Scotia... and lo and behold Paul got it. John had taught Paul how to throw a forward pass with a Canadian football. Then John asked, "how DO you throw it?" And Paul said completely correctly, "You have to put your fingers on the laces." It was astounding that after nearly thirty years he had not forgotten! Good teacher? Great student? Both? hahaha

The dessert menu arrived and John thought to himself that he shouldn't have any because he was so full. The easiest thing to eat was simple ice cream so that is what he ordered. He didn't think he would get three huge scoops. Nigel gallantly agreed to take two of the scoops so they would not get wasted.

When the bill arrived John was very happy with it. It was far less than he had expected. He hoped that Nigel had not paid for all the drinks surrepticiously. John asked what if anything he should leave as a tip. Ten pounds, twenty pounds? Paul and Linda both said, "Five pounds" in unison. John felt yet again the warmth of family. They didn't want him to overpay and so were looking out for him.

Too soon Paul and Beverley had to leave but it was wonderful to have seen Paul again and to have met Beverley. Paul made a promise that if he ever does come to North America he will definitely come and see John.

It was, at last, time to leave the establishment. On the way out, Nigel pointed out that the pub was right on the river and has a brand new patio deck right on the banks of the river, all ready for the spring season. It will be beautiful there and likely will be so popular it will be hard to find a table.

They drove Aunt Stella home and John walked her to her door. Then it was back to Linda and Nigel's home. The day had everything: slow, lazy, reflection, fun, great food, family. What more could a person want, thought John as the clock neared midnight.

TRB