Bit more pain and a whole load more pleasure. King Pleasure in fact! And the Biscuit Boys!
Went late night shopping in our local metropolis. Norwich. A Fine City. Must be; it says so on the sign as you drive in.
Love my kids - they get excited by simple little delights like Park and Ride. Riding the top deck too. Woohoo!
Jenny and her kids made up the gang, safety shopping in numbers.
Plus my wonderful sister.
Queen of shopping, surfer of the bargain wave.
Lovely evening, not too busy, meandering miles with our goody filled bags. Bought a lot for not alot. Home and happy.
Except - well Alice. Became obvious she was having a real problem needing lots of cuddles to cure it.
Yup - she'd had a really fun evening, more fun than she could remember. And that was the problem. She couldn't ever remember ever going shopping with Kate. Not like this. Having trouble remembering the good times. Bless. Poor little one. In her nine years, Kate was ill for the first and last two.
Next day, I pulled up some photos in iPhoto to show Alice. Y'see? Loads of good times. Shopping, holidays, school events, folk festivals. In fact, even after Alice drifted away with a friend, I carried on. Parties, summertime on the beach, pictures beneath the trees in blossom in the garden, snowmen, and... Christmas. Tearing parcels open in the pyjama early morning.
She's still here, in my head. Looking after me. Sometimes so it hurts.
Went to see King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys - back to Norwich, this time to the Arts Centre. Converted church in a bohemian part of town.
Bought Nervous Bob a ticket - happy birthday/christmas Bob! Met up with Al and Nicky - happy birthday dear!
And to share a childless evening I took along Jenny. Warm and lovely. Bubbly to beyond.
Would have been a perfect evening if I hadn't crashed the car taking the kids to my sister's...
But Jenny and King Pleasure kept me distracted and entertained. Not till the small hours, bit overwhelmed - the photos, the crash, Christmas coming, all mixed up with new feelings, and fun with friends. Knowing how Alice felt, only more so. Head too full, too much emotion.
And rest.
Crisp fresh morning and a slow start. Bright, bright sun. Long lie-in, listening to the Archers Omnibus. Spent the day fixing the car, beat it back into shape, and we're there. Order restored, warm tea, bath night and... rest.
I love the ups. Really do. It's just they make the downs a little deeper.
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