Visitors...

Morning all,

  I'm in a blue mood today. And, by that, I don't mean I'm sad, I just mean I'm gonna use blue text today. No reason, I just am. 

  As I write, it's 8am. I've been up for about three hours. I've taken my pills, fed the dog and enjoyed a cup of tea. I've done Wordle and Don't wordle which has become something of a habit. I've also walked the mutt and we both got soaked in the process. It started raining a minute into the walk and stopped as we got back home. Can't complain too much though as the recent heatwave has been a little exhausting and the rain is much needed. I can walk in the rain, I did it for years as a postman. 

  Today, I'm having company. Two of my closest friends are coming for a visit (Ann and Dennis). We've known each other since school days. Ann and I even dated once or twice when we first met. I introduced them all those years ago and, several years later, I was honoured to be Dennis's best man at their wedding. Forward fifty years or more and I think they've forgiven me for the introduction. They've recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, so they're doing well.

  We haven't been constant companions for all that time. They had kids and we kind of separated for a while but we never lost touch. Recent years have seen us draw closer once more. They knew Reet too, of course, and were devastated when she died. Dennis and I went to the same school but he's a year older than me so I don't believe that's where we met. I think we met at the Boys' Brigade. (Third Harold Hill Boys Brigade. Motto: Sure and Stedfast.) We've always been close, but in a blokey way. 

  Ann and I on the other hand are more like soulmates. We had a very similar outlook on life. Both optimistic and laughing a lot and we could talk about anything. Not that we did, but we knew, instinctively, that we could. And even during the years when we didn't knock around together the bond was always there. 

  Where Ann and I were outgoing and a little more adventurous, Reet and Dennis were very much reserved in their ways and both were pessimists. So much so that we dubbed them Doom and Gloom.

  We've always been in touch and seen each other at parties and such but since Reet became ill we've reconnected and if anything, become closer still. So, it will be nice to see them both. They have two great kids (Sarah and Adam) with families of their own and they're all lovely people. I am Godfather to Sarah and Reet was her Godmother. 

I ought to run the hoover round and tidy up a bit before they get here so I'd best skedaddle.

Be well. 

B. x