No good deed…

I went to physiotherapy this morning with the intention of going shopping for Badger’s birthday as I had an opportunity of being alone.

Unfortunately I learned there that one of my neighbours in the village had died so I went straight from the medical centre to the funeral home to say my goodbyes to him. We still have that old custom of “viewing the body” here.  So, said my words to George, patted his arm, kissed my fingers and laid them on his forehead and said the tradtional “Bonne nuit” as if he were just asleep. Wrote a quick message in the condolences book from both of us, then sped off to the shops to buy cards (birthday and condolance)

Our new adopter GingerPop hasn’t always had a great relationship with Badger so he bought him a huge box of assorted biscuits (payback) and a gorgeous card which is mis-spelt and got confused between French and English, so it reads “Happi purrdi Tonton Unkl” (Tonton is French diminutive for uncle)

Lily and Piston had told me to buy Dad some “bitz” – which is their word for anything they get from our dinners but never on our plates. A corner of pizza, tiny bit of meat etc. So I found an Italian selection of Bitz for Humans which are wrapped.

In the village we have a family who are mainly shunned because they are mentally-challenged which led to a brother and sister having a child. Obviously it makes sod-all difference to me so I greet them and chat to the daughter who is the more communicating one. Seeing them with two trollies at the check-out I was tempted to leave it be, having greeted them. But it was chilly and damp and I wouldn’t walk three kilometres to their house which is on my way home…which is why I went back and ensured their shopping was being delivered.

“OK – hop in the Post Van I’ll deliver you two!” I chirped as I bundled them into Custard. I didn’t know they had a box of chocolates to give to someone on the way. The screeching alerted me to a disaster and we stopped. The chocs were still at the shop. So back we went, got the present and drove again to their friend’s. Duly re-packed, set-belted and secure, we finally got off to their home and mine.

I’d phoned Badger to say that I’d be late but I hadn’t anticipated an hour and a half late! Busy ole morning I think. And I must learn to listen to my own ideals – you help, doesn’t matter if it takes time, you help. End of.