15/07/2008 by sue.

Sorry it has been so long since I have sent any messages to the big wide world of Tallys but I have been struggling to remember my password. Yes I know that is a sign of old age and of course I am a year older today. No, that’s not why I am here, to remind you all that you have forgotten to wish Gran’s first grandchild Happy Birthday (26 again!!!) but I was surprised that no-one posted a message on Gran’s birthday on Sunday.

It was a strange day for me as I really really missed her even though I didn’t always speak to her or spend time with her on her birthday. It was amazing how many lovely cards I saw in the shops too with Gran on them , when usually I struggle to find a nice one for my Gran. I wasn’t sure it would have been appropriate to buy a card and send it to Mrs P. Talbot, c/o St George’s Cemetery so I resisted the temptation to do it. Instead I wished her Happy Birthday when I was outside in the garden enjoying  the glorious sunshine, the first we have seen for many days and unbelievably we had no rain!! It being St Swithin’s day today and as we have had heavy showers inbetween the beautiful sunshine I guess we will have more rain for the next 40 days and 40 nights. Hopefully with sunnny breaks in between. So wear flip-flops and carry a brolly!

Last time I saw Gran at St. George’s she told me the story of the day I was born and how she had to swing me in a nappy to get me to breathe as I had been born with the cord wrapped around my neck and was blue. We used to joke that she might not be able to do it now but I think if we had had a nappy she would have loved to try. My Gran really helped me into the world and I am still very proud of her and all she achieved in her life. She loved her family no matter what they did. When I was doing my counselling training quite a few years ago now I remember someone saying ‘you can love the sinner but not the sin’ and that is what I learnt from Gran’s example. I know there are those who will say that is Christian teaching but aside from that I want to be like my Gran and like people, accepting that we are all different and it is that difference that makes us human. We may not agree with what others do or say but why get angry and ‘go off on one’ (as the youngsters say).

Gran used to send me little message cards on my birthday and I carry one with me every day. I want to share it with you.

A SMILE

A smile costs nothing but gives much.

It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

Noone is so rich or mighty that that he can get along without it, and noone is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business, and is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them on of yours, as no-one needs a smile as much as he who has no more to give.

Hope you all have a nice day and I know that you all wish me a Happy 26th Birthday really. (Wonder how many of you really remember how old I am. I am not telling so don’t ask.  Besides if you knew it would only make you  feel a little older so go with 26 I am. And no cheating by looking at the family geneology site.) You should never ask a lady how old she is and today I feel like a lady!! Probably won’t tomorrow so I will enjoy the moment while I can, as we all should.

Take care of yourselves. I will be back if I can remember that dratted password again.

Love Sue

PS Hi Andrew it is good to see that you are getting out from behind that computer occasionally!!

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15/07/2008 by Ted.

Hi. Thought I would cheer everyone up with a photo of a happy man!

Had a day out on the boat with Andrew last Sunday (13th July - little mum’s birthday!) - a lovely time. Bit of fishing, bit of sailing and plenty of being together - smashing.  Also had a brief dip in the briny - unwittingly!  Ahem!

And a call from Bob yesterday evening.  He was asking why no-one keeps in touch on the blog nowadays - but we seem to have plenty from “Fly on the wall”, whoever he is.  We chatted for quite while and then he said, “I rang to ask you for Clarice’s telephone number”.  Silly me ….  !  Anyway whatever the reason for his call it was nice to hear from him.

http://www.pilgrimtours.com/creation/index.htm

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