My flight over was great and within an hour of landing Jackie and I were in her local.
We went shopping on the Saturday morning (I keep a supply of toiletries there and needed to stock up) and when we got home I popped the things away and went into the bedroom just to say hi to Mart. He was breathing very rapidly but shallow and really didn't look well. I shouted to Jack to come up and she immediately rang an ambulance and he was whisked away to hospital.
This is the fourth time this year he's been taken to hospital and although it was upsetting for me Jack is (having been his carer for many, many years) used to this happening. (I'll post on another board the outcome.)
I had a lovely weekend then took Jackie to Marco Pierre White's on the Monday night for her birthday treat. It was fantastic.
Next day was the meet and it was so lovely seeing Kaz, Ria, Jo, Frank and Mr & Mrs Aggers. After lunch we had a stroll down to Brindley place and had a drink canal side. We were in the shade and me being the Spanified softy that I am needed to borrow Ria's lovely scarf/shawl.
Wednesday and my long awaited dream of lunch at Purnell's was finally here! Cath and I were treated like royalty and the food was absolutely out of this world. I can honestly say it was the most delicious food I have ever eaten.
Jackie visited Mart every day in hospital and I went along on the days that I could.
Friday I went to Nottingham to stay with Craig and Leilani. I had a wonderful time with them and got the train back late afternoon on Tuesday to Jackie's.
Wednesday Don flew over.
Thursday we scattered Don's mum's ashes. Very sad but Don was so relieved that all got sorted with regards to his dad's stone. Some ashes are now permanently under the stone and the rest we put in a lavender plant on the stone as Joan loved lavender.
Friday and Saturday were full on busy days shopping and catching up with friends.
We got the coach at 2.40am on the Sunday and slept practically the whole way. I woke up as we went through Liverpool and vaguely remember stopping at Manchester airport but apart from that we zzzzzzzz'd aplenty.
Mum and dad were waiting for us at Buchanan Street bus station and it was so lovely to see them.
Monday we went to the Falls of Clyde. My folks aren't able to walk the 3 paths that are designated to the waterfalls and wildlife but Don and I did for a little while leaving mum and dad having lunch in the cafe. The plan is for the 4 of us to go next year and stay in the hotel that's there (mum's treat
) and we can go proper hiking there and mum and dad can pootle at their leisure. Tuesday we had a day and night in Glasgow...definitely one of my most favourite cities.
We went to Glasgow Green; an amazing park housing the People's Palace and the Winter Gardens. Stunning. And finally, at last, after years of wanting to, I got to see the memorial that's there in honour to Alex Harvery!
We then walked to Trongate and popped into the Panopticon theatre (where Stan Laurel first went on stage) and as we were mooching round, Ray, the man who oversees the theatre, recognised us from when we visited 2 years ago. That was lovely. He asked us what we'd been doing so far and I just happened to mention we'd been to the People's Palace and I saw the BAFTA lifetime achievement award that Rikki Fulton was awarded in 1993. (His wife donated it.) Dad and I have been Fulton fans forever.
Anyway, lo and behold, Ray took my arm over to a small bookcase and there, for sale for the princely sum of 2 quid was Fulton's autobiography! I snapped it up. (oh Jo, I brought home 9 books!
)Wednesday we went back to mum and dad's and had a lovely day with them.
Same as yesterday then got our flight at 5pm. I'm so used to flying Ryanair that I was surprised how much more roomy Easyjet is.
All in all, a fantabulous time was had and God willing I'll be back over next year for another epic UK trip.
ETA...I can't stop going outside to look at the work that's been done round the pool. The new non-slip tiles are gorgeous and the pool room has had a major makeover! I'm over the moon with the result.
