That weekend was so restful, so relaxing, so peaceful and quiet that I need to get back to work for a rest.

It started as usual, 8.15 tai chi class, stretching, bending, flexing, punching, kicking, throwing and other mindFUL violence. We don’t do the ‘mindless’ variety, though I could see how an onlooker might not quite get that. Followed as always by tennis at 11. Then rush home, shower, lunch and into a tuxedo(!!!! And yes I looked fucking gorgeous in penguin mode even though its been a while without practice. The full James Bond), and off to the countryside. Beyond the countryside. Into the forests and fields and trees and shit of deepest Hertfordshire for the nuptials of the niece. Which was indeed splendid and Lila was a ‘flower girl’ and performed better than any flower girl in the history of such things. She was outstanding. And didn’t fall over.

And whilst totally engaged and committed to the bride and groom and events of a marital nature, it did not completely pass me by that elsewhere in our green and sceptred isle, certain football matches were producing some interesting results. The family of the bride (aka: my in laws) are Watford fans. And their team thrashed Manchester United as if they too were fellow celebrants making all efforts to make the ‘happy couple’ even happier. Then Liverpool annihilated Arsenal, making everyone else (who counts) even happier. After the meal there was a minute’s silence held in contemplation of Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s career.

Having left home at about 1.45, we arrived back at half past midnight.

And then it was tennis at 10 as usual on Sunday, but with the Berliner daughter this week. A rare treat. For her. From there it was more showers, more changing, then pick up the father/grandfather/great-grandfather for his ‘birthday lunch’. A bit of an institution. Not like the one in which he lives, but in the same restaurant we always go for his birthday. And it was wonderful. Not just the roast beef, not even the amazing Yorkshire Puddings, but the 13 of us, dad’s nearest and dearest. Truly wonderful. Keeping Joey from doing too much damage to a place that has stood for about 40 years. Wasn’t easy. At least nothing structural was destroyed.

Home just in time for Spurs playing Leeds. In the interests of the team, I decided to sleep through the entire first half, because it was so bad. Then woke up to the daughter’s goal celebration and enjoyed the rest of the match. The ‘good bit’. Our bit.

Busy busy.

Happy quiet Monday

A xxxx