MY FIRST CONTRIBUTION - FROM OREO

Hello Lovely Blippers,

I think that’s what I have to call you because I’ve been told that’s what you are!  This is Oreo and as you know, I am the newest recruit to the Silly Saturday Gang that hangs out every week either in the HCBs’ home or garden, or somewhere else that is interesting and adventuresome - is that a word?  Well, it is now because I was taken, along with Leighton, Reeth and JH Ted to Leightons, the Opticians.  

I know it’s not Silly Saturday, but it was a good chance to go there because I hoped that Lauren would be there, because she has a real, live Border Collie, but today was her day off.  However, I hope that I will meet her and perhaps even her dog one day.

Today, though, Leighton, JH Ted and Reeth thought it would be good to introduce me to the staff at Leightons - headed up by the lovely Kate, and Wendy on reception - so off we went.  Mrs. HCB was having an eye test and they thought it would be a good idea to take me with just a few of the Silly Saturday Gang, so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed.  They have been so kind to me and already I feel part of this Gang.

Mrs. HCB had her eyes tested and she is now going to be referred to an Eye Consultant about her vision and the cataracts that are growing and which are making her feel quite miserable - and you all know that that is not like her at all, so we will see what happens in the next few weeks.  

We thought the Maui Jim background looked good, so Kate gave us permission to do a bit of rearranging - apparently, Mrs. HCB is well known for doing this - and I was happy to sit next to JH Ted, who said the would show me the ropes - quite honestly, I couldn’t see any ropes, so I just sat there and behaved myself!  Do you like Leighton's sunglasses?  They are Maui Jim ones and I think they make him look cool!

After we had bidden a fond farewell to all the staff at Leightons, we then went over to The Wood Street Foodhall with Mr. HCB and J, a friend of the HCBs, where they had a coffee and chat.  Whilst they were chatting, we jumped onto the counter next to the rather cheeky packets of spice and seasoning mixes - and you can see us all next to these in the extra collage.  Keith and Simon were very friendly, and said they didn’t mind, but it was 3.25 and they said they closed at 3.30 so we had to be quick.  

Apparently, I have to remind you all to BE KIND - because that’s what the Silly Saturday Gang is all about - being kind to those who need some special TLC so don’t forget to spread some kindness around this week.

We wanted to do a special “Shout Out” to Simon, one of Mr. & Mrs. HCB’s Blip friends, who is in hospital after a nasty accident - Get Well Soon, Simon - and who knows, when we come down to Porlock in May, we may all be able to meet up!

With love to you all from Oreo, Leighton, Reeth and JH Ted xx 

P.S.  We found this lovely quote and we are sure that Admirer, who was the instigator of Silly Saturday, would agree with this:

“Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. 
     It is lovely to be silly at the right moment.” 
Quintus Horatius Flaccus 
(now there’s a mouthful of a name!) commonly known in the English-speaking world as Horace, was the leading Roman lyric poet during the time of Augustus.