Nick's Notes

[Nick]

After much faff and bother and delay Dad came over here to Mum's today. He'd been awake since 4am 'thinking about stuff' which is worrying. We all sat and talked for a couple of hours. The funeral is on Tuesday and the main topic was on who we know who is coming.
They mentioned a lot of old names whom I can barely put faces to and all the cousins and old family friends who we last saw 30+ years ago are popping out of the woodwork...

I could make a small fortune if I got a pound for every time somebody will say "Haven't you grown?" 

I have a bad feeling my suit doesn't fit me any more. At least I have a bright tie to wear as Claire requested no dark colours. Not sure I should wear the musical Xmas tie though 

*******

Not a lot happening model wise but I had a minor brainwave this morning. I think there might be a Police EC145 helicopter kit in my deep stash. If it is then I could use the markings on something else 

[Pellson]

I actually think you should see it as very very positive that your dad came over. Him being sleepless etc is normal, but him seeking company is very good!

Try your suit, and if it doesn't fit - borrow something. You'll be fine!

[Rick Lowe]

I actually think you should see it as very very positive that your dad came over. Him being sleepless etc is normal, but him seeking company is very good!

Agree! Especially someone from the 'old school', where you never used to admit to needing help. 

[kitbasher]

Yep, a good sign.  Hope all the family are coping as well as possible at the moment.

[Nick]

I actually think you should see it as very very positive that your dad came over. Him being sleepless etc is normal, but him seeking company is very good!

Try your suit, and if it doesn't fit - borrow something. You'll be fine!

Oh no, it's not about him coming over, it's just been difficult getting him to agree a time for us to meet up. First it was me going to him on Thursday but he forgot, then he had other plans on Friday and came here on Saturday instead.
He's now looking at buying a flat nearby and moving out of the house. I always thought he liked gardening but apparently he doesn't want a garden to bother with which is a surprise. I think I'll have to be hiring a van and shifting boxes soon!

[NARSES2]

Glad things are moving forward Nick.

As for your suit not fitting ? Nowadays they don't seem to be "de rigueur" for anything, so if it doesn't fit just wear a decent shirt and tie and that will be fine 

I'd try and persuade your dad to give it a couple of months before he finally decides to sell the house. Just in case it's a knee jerk reaction ? Always say it's best to let the market settle a bit after Covid, which is actually probably true.

Anyway best of luck on Tuesday mate.

[Nick]

Glad things are moving forward Nick.

As for your suit not fitting ? Nowadays they don't seem to be "de rigueur" for anything, so if it doesn't fit just wear a decent shirt and tie and that will be fine 

I'd try and persuade your dad to give it a couple of months before he finally decides to sell the house. Just in case it's a knee jerk reaction ? Always say it's best to let the market settle a bit after Covid, which is actually probably true.

My suit is not important in the grand scheme of things.

The house however was his partners and I think it goes to her kids. As far as I know they've put no pressure on him - probably for the reasons you say - but I think the uncertainty is one of his worries.

[NARSES2]

Carol Kirkwood and the BBC Breakfast weather crew were on the Eye this morning Nick. Good advertising 

[Nick]

The funeral was yesterday and it went off with lots of tears and laughter. Dad seemed to be holding up quite well but now is the tough time as he's on his own in the house.
As expected there were several people who I vaguely recognised having last seen them 20 or more years ago.

Claire had a large pond in the garden which was inhabited by many green amphibians. Naturally the service opened with  The Frog Chorus!
At the wake we were all invited to take one of her many many miniature frog statues to remember her by 

One running jokes in the service was her kids love of loud pop 90s music. Closing with Kylie Minogue was a surprise choice but I didn't realise that James Corden can actually sing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=107C8PMY8cM

[NARSES2]

Sounds as though it went very well Nick and the lady seems to have had the right attitude that's for sure.

You're right when it comes to saying the difficult time for your dad will be the next few weeks. Hope he's ok.

[Pellson]

Being emotionally rather affected by music, your links made a good part of my day. Thanks! I enjoyed it thoroughly

[Nick]

We all met up today for my sister's birthday at The Eagle, a good local pub on the way to Brentwood and not far from the 'SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER' at Kelvedon Hatch.

They have a great choice on the menu which we all ignored in favour of Roast Beef. A proper Sunday lunch with big fluffy potatoes and fresh veg and Yorkshires all coated in rich gravy. 
Followed up with chocolate pudding and ice cream 

Dad was in a better mood and has looked at a flat nearby. He even offered to pay for dinner but then my sisters fella insisted on getting the bill as he is now earning enough to be in the higher tax rating   

It was a nice day out after 6 months of going nowhere. Would have been better if the sun was shining but you can't have it all. I even saw a deer roaming through the pub garden!

[NARSES2]

It was a nice day out after 6 months of going nowhere. Would have been better if the sun was shining but you can't have it all. I even saw a deer roaming through the pub garden!

Venison on the menu in a couple of weeks then 

No, glad you had a good time Nick. People, including me, are gradually starting to re-discover the joys of some things we took for granted 18 months or so ago.

[Nick]

I picked up the GT90 cop car again this week. Made some good progress with the black and white spraying and it looks good to me.
Hopefully it'll be done this weekend.

Otherwise life drags on as usual.

[NARSES2]

Otherwise life drags on as usual.

Far better then most of the other options mate