Ella is a teenager

I felt I was back to normal yesterday but today I’ve relapsed with the same symptoms - the cough and dodgy tummy. Apparently there’s a lot of weird flu-type things and viruses going so I’ll just have to get on with it. Anyway, daughter said to go with the cake. She’s still not well herself, 10 days now. So we went to Gosforth to see Ella, to fit in after her basketball match and before drama school. She scored a basket so that was a nice start to her birthday. It’s weird - a girl in her team has her birthday today, exactly one year older - and they have the same first and surnames.

#2 daughter brought the boys, en route to James’s football which was taking place close by. He forgot his boots but luckily Nathaniel is the same size so he borrowed his.

The present for Ella still hasn’t come.

After drama 11 of Ella’s friends are coming for a sleepover. (Nathaniel is going to one of his pal’s to escape). Imman isn’t allowed to stay so Ella is going to take her out to lunch
in half term. She’s going to miss her when she goes to private school. Her twin also passed the exam but wants to go to High School with her friends so that’s being allowed.

Ella’s other Granny called but didn’t stay because of all the germs. Ella’s other aunties couldn’t come as they are at their Dad’s helping out. About this time last year I said he’d been diagnosed with a brain tumour. He had an operation and treatment but now there’s nothing more they can do. His wife is waiting for a stem cell transplant so is staying away from everyone in case of germs. It’s so very sad. She’s only 62, 8 years older than Luke, and only retired at 60 when she took up walking, Peter was very keen on golf and as a couple they enjoyed bridge. Ella and Nathaniel were taken to see him last weekend.

My niece and sons were up in the Borders for her Dad’s 80th so she’s going to call in on her way south tomorrow. I’m looking forward to catching up as I’ve not seen her for a few years.