- Christine’s 80th
- Home Farm workers’ party
- Party at the Dower House
- Damn! Tom’s doing well
- Casper arrives
- “He hoped when the visitors went home they felt a bit better about the world”
- Why is a Panto a good idea?
Christine’s 80th
Seems to have gone well.
Peggy, Shula, Christine and Jim all had lunch at Grey Gables.
[Lilian] “Lucky Jim, lunching with such a bevy of beauties”
I thought it was very uncouth of Lilian to then ask Jill:
[Lilian] “And who’s paying?”
Peter, Christine’s son, as a matter of fact. But why did Lilian want to know?
Odd, and a bit rude.
Anyhoo – they had a great lunch – and Peter called to wish Christine best wishes, and to tell her that he’ll take to a London show when he’s back in the UK.
What’s more – Jim also treated them all to champagne.
[Jill] “So as you can imagine we were all a bit jolly!”
Good good. Christine deserves it after all the Clive Horrobin related stress.
Home Farm workers’ party
[Lilian] “Do you remember when a party for the farm staff meant dozens of people … now they have to get in rent a crowd like me and Matt”
Party at the Dower House
Lilian’s telling Jill of her plans to hold Pat’s 60th at the Dower House (before she’s talked to Pat).
[Jill] “We need some cheering up at that time of year”
When Lilian is later sounding out Pat about what she thinks to the plans, Pat agrees that it all sounds fine.
Up to 60 people, and a “fork supper”.
[Lilian] “Your birthday comes at that rather dismal time of year, if you don’t me saying so … Christmas and new year long time but the winter still got ages to go, the long dark nights and all that … a good party in January, do us all the world of good”
Hmm. Wouldn’t have put it that way myself, but Pat and Tony agree that it’s all a good idea.
When pat has top leave the room, Lilian asks Tony is this is what Pat wants. She seems to have detected a slight undercurrent. But Tony says it’s fine – it is what Pat wants.
Well, Lilian isn’t to know that what Pat wants is her son’s son.
Damn! Tom’s doing well
I can’t help but only wish ill for Tom. But seems my wishes aren’t being granted – he’s up 7% like for like.
[Pat] “Not too sure how we managed it Tony, but all our offspring have seemed to have turned into pretty good entrepreneurs, starting with John”
Seems John sold football cards when he was wee, at school.
Pat and Tony out themselves down. It’s their example of hard work and independence that has influenced their kids.
And Pat seems to be ever calmer after seeing Rich.
[Pat] “I’ve got to stop it. Be grateful for what we do have”
[Tony] “It’s Christmas Pat, let’s make it good for everyone … especially Henry”
Yup. One grandson may not be good as two (!), but it’s better than none.
Casper arrives
Freddie’s been getting his stable ready all day. He’s got new straw laid down, and a bag of carrots
[Elizabeth] “How about a box of chocolates?”
[Freddie] “Don’t be silly mum … if I look out for him, he’ll look out for me when we’re out hunting”
It is nice to hear Freddie genuinely excited and happy about something.
When Casper arrives:
[Shula] “This is when the hard work begins!”
All those early mornings working with Casper before school:
[Freddie] “Won’t bother me. I’m looking forward to it”
I believe him. Freddie will be good at this.
Though Shula tells him he has put too much straw down. Casper wouldn’t be able to get up, and it’s expensive stuff. But he’ll learn.
[Freddie, sounding like he’s giving Casper a carrot] “Here you are Casper, and mind my fingers please”
One boy and his horse …
[Freddie] “It’s brilliant, isn’t it mum. I just wish dad was here …”
[Shula] “Of course you do, We all do, darling”
“He hoped when the visitors went home they felt a bit better about the world”
Elizabeth’s talking about Deck the Halls – specifically the lights on the island – which almost made her cry the first time she saw them.
Why is a Panto a good idea?
Jill was telling Elizabeth that Jennifer is taking Ruairi to a Panto on the 2nd of January.
Cinderella, In Felpersham. With “some comic from the telly”
Jill was wondering whether the twins would also like to go. A full family outing, as a treat from Jill.
Elizabeth gets quite weepy and says it would be wonderful.
Am I missing something?
The first anniversary of their dad’s death. How will going to a Panto help?
I understand that it’ll be a distraction and a laugh – but enough, considering?
- Lily is on a “sarcasm break”
- Helen, Sarah, Henry and Rowan
- Felpersham Guild Hall Christmas Food Fair
- Casper wouldn’t fit in the car!
- Proper winter stew cooked by Helen
- Pat and Tony’s anniversary
- Lilian to organise Pat’s 60th
- Better coffee at The Bull
Lily is on a “sarcasm break”
Freddie is spending time with Casper (his new horse). Seems they have to get to know each other before Casper moves to Lower Loxley – practical, and also because Casper’s current owner really likes him and wants to be sure all will be well (quite sad that she’s had to let him go due to depleting finances).
[Elizabeth] “She wants to get use to you before he leaves home”
[Lily] “Freddie takes a lot of getting used to!”
Casper is a Welsh Pony (so should I not be calling him a horse?), who are usually very friendly.
And while Freddie gets Casper, Lily gets new clothes, a new camera and her trip to France. Though seems she needs to avoid having to sit beside her teacher, Mrs Richards, on the trip as she talks about her Dalmatians all the time.
Later on, Freddie thanks Lily for “not being mean about Casper”.
[Lily] “It’s alright. I’m on a sarcasm break. Only for our birthday. You can see mum wants us to enjoy it”
[Freddie] “Christmas will be the same … We just have to make out we’re having a really great time, for her sake”
How heart-breaking is that?
Poor wee twins, making nice so that their mum doesn’t get upset.
That’s another one to add to the list to discuss when they’re older, at therapy.
Helen, Sarah, Henry and Rowan
Helen met Sarah at a new mums group. They have an arrangement that Sarah babysits Henry when Helen is working, Helen babysits Rowan when Sarah is working.
It’s going to be a busy year for Helen, Tom and co with the new product launch, so Helen’s already back to her practical self in organising her baby care.
Felpersham Guild Hall Christmas Food Fair
Is where Tom is heading for the next few days.
At which he seems to think he can sell a lot of cheese.
Casper wouldn’t fit in the car!
Surely Freddie knows that, even though he is keen to get him home.
And worrying that they went buy a fast car with a broken headlight. We don’t need this time of year made any more depressing due to death anniversaries.
Proper winter stew cooked by Helen
Blimey.
And there’s enough for Tom to take home to Brenda.
Pat and Tony’s anniversary
Is a meal at The Bull.
Seems their ploy to keep on as normal has worked on Tom and Helen. They think them going out for a meal is a sign that Pat is moving on.
But for Pat and Tony, it’s not the easiest anniversary they’ve ever had.
Even though Tony sees it as far more than just another date in the diary:
[Tony] “It’s a reminder of the best decision I’ve ever made in my life”
And as they reminisce about the good and bad times, Pat says she isn’t so sure that they’ll pull through it this time.
[Pat] “Suppose there’s a point where you’ve been knocked down so often that your hopes just fizzle out. What if one day you run out if the fight to keep going?”
Oh dear. Pat really isn’t a happy bunny. Not at all.
When they get back home, Pat is away in her own world again. She keeps asking Helen if she wants her to check in on Henry before she goes to bed. Helen keeps telling her it’s fine, that she’ll do it herself later.
Once Pat goes to bed:
[Helen] “You don’t think, she might slip back, into a real depression … it’s not like her to ask everything 2 or 3 times”
[Tony] “I simply won’t let it happen”
Tall order, Tony. I don’t think anything less than having Rich in her life will stop Pat falling this time.
Lilian to organise Pat’s 60th
Hurrah!
I’d love to have Lilian organise a party for me.
She might even help Pat crack a smile.
Better coffee at The Bull
So says Tony.
[Tony] “Freda’s finally mastered the machine”
Thank goodness for that!
- Jim safely scaled the ladder, but Peggy fell afoul of her cat
- Freddie and Casper
- Christine’s looking festive again
- I don’t get crosswords
- Neil is in avoidance mode
- Pat’s mind isn’t on hazelnut yoghurt
- Shula couldn’t see to drive?
- Deck the Halls without Nigel
- The Archers split for Christmas?
- “for how long, Susan?”
Jim safely scaled the ladder, but Peggy fell afoul of her cat
Phew!
Though Christine was worried that he was leaning too far.
She also asked Neil to help her hold the ladder.
Christine reckons it only takes a minute to have an accident:
[Christine] “Peggy thought she’d be alright without her glasses for a moment yesterday … she tripped over one of her cats … Bill I think.”
Luckily it’s just a sprain, but bad enough at this time of year. Peggy will be stressed about not being able to get around easily.
[Neil] “That’s the trouble with cats. They’re like other people’s children. Always getting under your feet!”
God help those kids if they managed to contribute to Neil getting a sprained ankle …
Freddie and Casper
Shula’s showing Elizabeth Casper – who Elisabeth is thinking of buying for Freddie Christmas.
Seems Casper is a good choice. He’s calm, and 10 years old – which is seemingly not tool old as he has:
[Shula] “experience but a good few years left”
Freddie will be pleased.
Though how Elizabeth can afford this is a concern. I’s sure Nigel was insured – but when even the horsey set are feeling the pinch (Casper’s current owner, Emily, has to sell him as she can’t afford him anymore).
Christine’s looking festive again
[Christine] “Very festive … I liked the way you’ve looped some round the drainpipe .. .at least now I won’t be letting the side down on Thursday”
I don’t get crosswords
Even when Christine and Jim explain the answers to their clues.
Neil is in avoidance mode
Neil’s checking on a pig, which is hobbling (it’s alright, it’s just a nip). That’s fine, as he’s a pigman, after all.
He later chooses to fix the washing rather than sit with the rest of the family. And he didn’t say a lot during their tea.
Susan reckons he’s being rude, but Neil is getting very frustrated that Tracey is also in avoidance mode. Though he keeps tasking the property paper back home, she’s not taking the hint. Or any notice. Nor interest.
[Neil] “I’m sorry Susan but it’s very aggravating. Tracey putting the property guide right into the recycling”
Susan gives Tracey the excuses that she has to work out her benefits, and try and get money off of Den, before she can think of renting. Though Neil would lend her the deposit without a second thought.
But the worst is yet to come for Neil …
Pat’s mind isn’t on hazelnut yoghurt
Susan reckons Pat is being impossible, with all her running around, manically working.
[Susan] “I don’t know what she was thinking of. Certainly not hazelnut yoghurt!”
Before the mixed fruits, Susan asks Pat about the family, thinking Pat would appreciate a wee chat.
[Susan] “Any unexpected developments lately …”
[Neil] “Susan, we agreed to keep out of it!”
[Susan] “I was only thinking of her she looked like she needed to talk. But when I tried to be thoughtful, I only get my head bitten off”
Seriously Susan!
Shula couldn’t see to drive?
It sounded like it.
Nothing happened, but you would have thought Shula (of all people) wouldn’t risk a dodgy drive.
Deck the Halls without Nigel
They’re getting setup already, but it’s just not the same for anyone.
For us, it was hearing Nigel get more and more excited by the magic of it all.
And folks have already been asking Elizabeth if they’ll have the Highway Man again this year.
[Elizabeth] “One of two people have asked if we’re having the highway man this year. He obviously made a lasting impression”
And she tells Shula about the family who looked stressed – though happy after Nigel did them a special jig as the Highway Man.
[Shula] “I like hearing you talk about Nigel. He as an important part of my life too. You mustn’t think any of us have forgotten about him”
(ahem. Course we haven’t … )
As they were setting up Deck the Halls, Elizabeth felt “almost felt relaxed and happy”. She half expected Nigel to jump out on her and say: “Lizzie, I’m here!”
The Archers split for Christmas?
(well, the Jill side anyway)
Shula wants Elizabeth and the twins to hers for Christmas. She’s only got their mum, Jim, Christine, Daniel and Alistair (!) for the big day – then it’s open house.
[Elizabeth] “Sorry Shula, I can’t commit to anything”
Hmm.
That’ll be because David could be there.
Only one year on.
“for how long, Susan?”
It gets worse for Neil.
Tracey has been looking into whether she can get her kids into Loxley Barret after Christmas.
[Susan] “It’d make life so much easier”
[Neil] “Not for us!”
[Susan] “Oh don’t be so pessimistic. Once she’s found her feet, Tracey will be good company. I’m sure I’ll enjoy having her around”
Which doesn’t mean to say she’ll be living with Neil and Susan – just “somewhere local”.
[Neil] “Exactly how long for Susan?”
Hang on a sec, Neil.
If Tracey isn’t actually living in your house, what does it matter that she’s staying nearby?
Susan sounds delighted to have her wee sister around.
And it’d mean more help with their dad (and Gary).
Just Neil not trust any Horrobin (apart from Susan, of course … )?
