Gone but not Forgotten

This large box of chocolates was given to me by my Malaysian neighbours at Christmas and has lasted almost a month, but tonight I will have scoffed the lot. My favourites have long gone- the white chocolate strawberries and cream and the nutty caramel but it’s been my pleasure to do business with them all. Tonight my Christmas and New Year Festivities will officially be over.

It is always good to have something to look forward to on a bleak Monday morning and today was this month’s meeting in the Ivy with a school friend. It is such a civilised place to meet and as long as it’s not a daily habit, the old age pension allows for occasional visits. The staff are beginning to recognise us as regulars which doesn’t give us any benefits other than being welcomed as such.

We hadn’t met since just before Christmas, so there was a certain amount of ‘organ recital’ to catch up on and a nod to acquaintances who hadn’t made the New Year. Unfortunately we are in the age bracket when people can go down like ninepins leaving us wondering why we are still standing. On the whole, however, it was as always  a cheery meeting with lots of reminiscing about the past and the recounting  of news about our families.

It was still a gloomy looking day when I got back home until suddenly at 14: 34 precisely, the sun came out, half heartedly admittedly,  but that’s better than nothing, and instantly the day lost its gloom and everything seemed so much more positive.