71 years ago

(I've been meaning to move this here for ages now... It is just a few Board posts and a photo from my Flickr stream so nothing new. Just things I need to save.)



Miss Mitchell (my grandmother)

I shall be waiting outside the shop for you at 9 o'clock Saturday evening. I hope you don't mind me sending this note with Ron. I would have made arrangements with you last Wednesday night only your parents came along so soon.

I am writing this in a hurry so please excuse writing + notepaper.

See you at 9 o'clock.

Cheerio

Cliff Jones (my grandfather)



First note received 15th February 1936 after first meeting February 5th 1936.

---

Quote:
cliff passed away today.

apparently mum gave him a kiss at 2.30 and he died half an hour later.

probably have funeral next week and jac says he will get extra marks in
his test that he has next week.

Mum is down in south wales and i have to stay here to make sure jac
turns up to his exams.

dad

---

The distance feels odd. I don't know whether it is a good thing or not. I guess I can pretend that nothing has changed. I won't really recognise the difference until Christmas.

I spoke to my mum and she said that he died listening to the Mikado and was on morphine. I guess if I had to choose how to listen to Gilbert and Sullivan, that would be the way.

Seriously, it sounds like he went in the best possible way. She said that he responded when his favourite song came on and died soon after.

I am sad and slightly tearful. I have never had anyone close to me die before. I think part of the sadness comes from losing that innocence. Mingled with worry about how my mother is coping.

Dates

24th June - 1st July -> Albuquerque (conference- ugh)
11th August weekend -> Farewell do
And then... gasp... I need to actually go home. I guess I should book a plane ticket soon.
31st August -> Visa expires. Funding expires.

Stop fighting, children

Are we nearly there yet?
Because I don't know the way.
I am driving and she is navigating
But the map doesn't extend that far down the bay.

Are we nearly there yet?
Because she is in great pain.
The tooth that likes cold things is quiet
But the one that likes hot is acting up again.

Are we nearly there yet?
Because one more "ow" and it's the end of the line.
She takes her twentieth painkiller
And instead of "ow" she says "porcupine".

Are we nearly there yet?
Because the fog is coming in fast.
I can't let go of my ferry ticket
And my finger is getting a purplish* cast.

Are we nearly there yet?
Because her camera battery has given up the ghost.
Non-squirrels kept on posing for her
and then came the jellies as well as the Monterey coast.

Are we nearly there yet?
Because I want a cup of tea.
Would you like one, sk- I mean Susannah?
Okay then, I guess it's just me.

Are we nearly there yet?
Because I cannot cycle one more San Fran hill.
I admit the views of the bridge are gorgeous
But that gradient feels like it's going to kill.

Are we nearly there yet?
Because the abuse is wearing thin.
Prods, headbutts and bumping elbows...
Oh what the hell, it's fun when I join in.

Are we nearly there yet?
Because we have Angel to watch tonight.
No, you can't skip the icky Oedipal bits.
And look- Wes is not sorry and he's not right!

Are we nearly there yet?
I'm worn right down to my Spidey socks.
I just want to hug a cushion and lean against you...
Mmm, can I smell Flying Fox?

Are we nearly there yet?
Oh, today is our last day.
I guess it's all over then.
I guess we could hug. Or maybe just... *runs away*



* Or maybe blueish?