We had a great time last weekend – Cirque du Soliel with Annabelle on Sunday was outstanding and Jessie’s overnighter passed without incident. This week we’ve been engaged in deep-clean operations for the visitations of our good friends the Waltons and the Kelly-Browns. You’ll have to wait until next weekend to see how that went.
Our trip to London with Annabelle on Sunday was a lot of fun. We got to tromp around the big city, navigate the underground and visit essential historical sites such as the Disney Shop. Those of you who have seen a Cirque du Soliel production will know how fantastic and fabulous it is, and this production was sensational. Lots of wacky characters, incredible gymnasts and trampolinists, tumblers and jugglers. A great show.
Pictures aren’t great, I’m afraid but they’re better than the video that Penny took of her lap and feet.
Barely recovered from all that excitement, we welcomed Jessie for an overnighter on Tuesday. We made our way off to Banbury to see the latest in the Shrek franchise, Puss in Boots, the Last wish. I have to say, Puss in Boots was pretty loud and borderline “violent.” There were numerous stretches when Jessie was cowering behind her booster cushion. Why do they make films/animations aimed at younger audiences so violent? Dinner afterwards at Pizza Express was a success, even though it was Valentine’s Day and we hadn’t booked. Hmm, I’m not sure Pizza Express is where I’d be taking that date I wanted to impress.
On Monday I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Nick to watch the Superbowl “as live.” Both he and I had avoided glancing at any of our electronic devices through the morning and thankfully, even though Ms Playchute did know the result, she kindly refrained from blurting out, “Well, how ‘bout those Chiefs then?” The game was terrific and the snacks were plentiful!
This week’s You Could Not Make It Up writes itself. No need for any of my usual embellishment.
The Prime Minister’s wife, who is worth something in the region of a mere £700 million, held shares in a company which secured a government loan of £300,000 from the Bounce Back scheme organised by her husband when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer. That firm then went bust leaving all its unsecured creditors, of which the UK taxpayer is one, out of luck. Sadly, she seems to have form in this regard. Another company she held shares in secured a £1.3 million loan only to collapse owing £16.3 million. Yet another collapsed owing £6.1 million in taxes (i.e., to the government) after having secured payments from the government for £630,000. Nice work if you can get it. Or, if you happen to be married to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I suppose.
And finally, today is Julieta’s birthday – Happy Birthday!
Meanwhile, keep happy, keep smiling, be careful, wear a f**king facemask in crowded places and keep your distance. And keep safe. And be gentle to wasps and bees.
Lots of love to you all,
Greg