Pondering The Archers: roy tucker

Lynda explains Brawn

The food for the Elizabethan Christmas extravaganza will be collar of Brawn marinated in spices, real mince pies, and marchpane made into “fancy shapes”.

[Robert] “I’m going to need an old English dictionary, what exactly is brawn?”

Lynda explains that brawn is basically boiled pork loin, real mince pies uses real mince and marchpane is marzipan.

[Robert] “So pork, mince pies and marzipan.”

Well, Lynda sniffed, there are other dishes. It’s all about the keynote dishes being authentic.

James wants liveried footmen to carry him round Deck the Halls.

He claims he’s joking …

James and Leonie then waffled on for a while, drinking Gluhwein. I fully admit I completely switched off …

Shires Rare Breed

Is what the Shires Brewery wants to rename the Lower Loxley rare Breed brand in return for sponsorship.

See what they did there?

Very clever (!).

Shires also want exclusive on drinks events.

Hmmm.

While Shires are punting this to Roy and Elizabeth as a ‘partnership’, it sounds like they’re taking a bigger bite that will tie up Lower Loxley. I only hope the value of their sponsorship is worth it.

The Elizabethan Christmas Extravaganza needs sausage rolls …

According to Leonie and James.

They reckon more ‘modern food is required for the Christmas show’. Like sausage rolls. Sandwiches. And chicken legs.

(Eh?)

Lynda tries to explain that the food has to be authentic to Elizabethan times. At which point, Leonie actually has a good suggestion …

… potatoes.

Potatoes were obviously an “exotic vegetables” back in the day. And they’re rather adaptable.

Chips it is!

(Lynda didn’t actually agree to chips … doubt she ever will)

Lynda sees a new side to James

[Lynda] “Is this really James, he’s being so nice to her.

[Robert] “And he’s letting her boss her around Robert”

[Lynda] “It’s just so nice to see them being in a balanced relationship.”

Now that’s interesting.

Lynda always tells Lilian that it’s James who bullies Leonie – now that she’s seen Leonie bullying James, she’s happy to bless their relationship.

(I wonder if she’ll ever admit that to Lynda.)

Seems James has also found his peace with Lynda:

[James] “I always find Lynda easier to manage after she’s had a glass or two”

(cheeky!)

Matt likes James?

When James and Leonie get back from Deck the Halls, they find Matt has left a present out for James.

A bottle of expensive cognac.

[James] “From Matt … ‘in case you feel like a night cap’ …. Don’t you find it just a little bit strange … now he’s started being so nice to me?”

[Leonie] “I know what a great and wonderful person you are. It’s just taken Matt a whole to see that too.”

Hmmm.

Matt’s never that straightforward.

Friday, 30 November 2012

Ed agrees to move: Mon 26.11.12 #thearchers

The Archers Monday 26th November

Shire Brewery at Lower Loxley
Freddie’s trying to guess everyone’s weight
Santa’s grotto
Lilian makes lunch for Joyce
Ed and Emma give notice
Lilian needs Paul

Shire Brewery at Lower Loxley

And so it begins.

Out of necessity, Roy and Elizabeth are commercialising more of Lower Loxley. Including selling sponsorship and creating partnerships with local businesses.

Seems Shires Brewery are very interested. Some chap called Steve Pritchard will be coming along from the Brewery.

Freddie’s trying to guess everyone’s weight

Seems Ifty’s maths tutorship has inspired him.

[Elizabeth] “He’s enjoying it. It’s bound to change his attitude to maths.”

Santa’s grotto

Roy’s off to check it.

Yay!

Christmas is a-coming!!!

Lilian makes lunch for Joyce

Lilian visits Joyce. She’s a tad annoyed that Matt has been there and didn’t mention it to her (again). Joyce knew about James’ accident.

Joyce was about to sit down to bread and cheese for lunch, but Lilian insists she get the ingredients and make them a light lunch.

Since Arthur died, Joyce has been very lonely in their old house. She wants to move.

[Joyce] “Life goes on, doesn’t it?”

Lilian makes her promise to tell her if she ever needs helps with anything.

Joyce thanks her, but we all know it’s far too little, too late.

Matt good as killed her husband.

Ed and Emma give notice

They talk to David to tell them they’re leaving Rickyard.

David’s stunned. Though he knew they were having some financial issues, he didn’t know it was as bad as this.

[Emma] “All we can say is we’re very sorry.”

David offers to cut their rent for a few months, but Emma politely declines. That would only scratch their money worries. David accepts defeat.

[David] “It’s going to be so strange not having you across the yard.”

[Ed] “We’re going to come through this. And We’ll be stronger,. As a family.”

Lilian needs Paul

After seeing Joyce, Lilian is understandably upset.

So, she calls Paul. He doesn’t answer, but she begs him to call back.

[Lilian] “Please. Soon.”

Ruth is inseminating cows again is: Fri 23.11.12 #thearchers

The Archers Friday 23rd November 2012

Elizabeth not concerned it’s a listed building
Ruth finally lets Emma do the skirting boards
Ruth’s bothering those cows again
Hayley’s keeping her job
Tom wants a Borchester Life article

Elizabeth not concerned it’s a listed building

Elizabeth’s cracking on with converting the dairy block into wedding accommodation.

Though, quite bizarrely, she doesn’t seem at all perturbed that it’s a listed building. Even though they’ll need to put new windows and bathrooms in for each room.

[Elizabeth] “Our clients wouldn’t accept shared facilities.”

(well, I don’t think anyone would be very happy with shared facilities)

Lewis also seems to be very positive:

[Lewis] “No archaeological issues and as far as I can tell, no bats.”

Elizabeth would like Lewis to run the development, but he reckons they will need someone who’s a bit closer to the conservation officer. He suggests some chap called Julian Hobson.

(none of this makes for thrilling eavesdropping, but I’m sure something will liven it up soon enough!)

Ruth finally lets Emma do the skirting boards

After the £4000 bombshell yesterday, Emma’s back to begging Ruth for extra work.

She tries to get extra hours defrosting the fridge, but Ruth reckons that would only take half an hour.

But Ruth does agree Emma can have a go at the skirting boards.

[Ruth] “It’ll have to be a one off mind. I’m sorry.”

Later on, Susan spots that Emma is worrying. Again.

[Emma] “There’s always something, and I just don’t know what to do anymore.”

Ruth’s bothering those cows again

[Ruth] “I want to AI them before Eddie does the milking.”

That woman is insatiable.

[Ruth] “I’ve inseminated those two. They’ll be the first to calve in the Autumn block.”

As they’ll have hundreds of calves being born at the same time, Ruth reckons it’ll be full on. They’ll need a lot of help.

[David] “We won’t know whether it’s raining or Thursday.”

Hayley’s keeping her job

Though it was Roy who had to have a chat with Elizabeth.

[Elizabeth] “Hayley’s got a lot of valuable skills, I wouldn’t want to lose her … I’ll go and tell her myself.”

Tom wants a Borchester Life article

Done about him.

Now there’s a surprise.

Friday, 5 October 2012

Slow day ahoy: Thurs 04.10.12

The Archers Thursday 4th October 2012

Haven’t had one of these for a while
Elizabeth and Roy talk conferences
Fallon was feeling low
Mike was feeling chirpy
Vicky was feeling low
Bert rhymed Pargetter with Sat on a Spur
Hayley’s worried about the consultant
Arthur used to be a bus driver, and had a dodgy girlfriend

Haven’t had one of these for a while

I took a mere 15 lines of notes from today’s eavesdropping episodes.

Slow ….

Elizabeth and Roy talk conferences

Um … how riveting!

Fallon was feeling low

Poor Fallon.

Mike was feeling chirpy

Hurrah for Mike!

Vicky was feeling low

Poor Vicky.

Bert rhymed Pargetter with Sat on a Spur

Which I would have liked to hear.

But we didn’t.

It was only told to use third hand.

Hayley’s worried about the consultant

She’s spotted it could mean cost cutting … less jobs … which is a worry, with both her and Roy working at Lower Loxley.

Arthur used to be a bus driver, and had a dodgy girlfriend

Lilian’s round seeing Arthur. They had a long chat over coffee and cake.

Seems Arthur used to drive buses.

And stepped out with a rather dubious girlfriend called Susan before he met Joyce.

[Arthur] “And like I fool I believe her … two days later it started again,. She even smiled at me when I caught her dipping into me wallet … and still I didn’t finish with her, she was like a drug …It’s all ancient history. It won’t mean nothing to you, hearing about something like that.”

Ah – but Lilian had been listening to every word.

Sounded very familiar indeed.

Sunday, 30 September 2012

Fishing makes everything better: Fri 21.09.12

The Archers Friday 21st September 2012

Paul Morgan …
Roy and Mike, gone fishing
Why can’t Eddie be more like Lilian?

Paul Morgan …

[Darrell] “Paul Morgan.”

[Lilian] “Paul Morgan?”

[Darrell] “Yeah, do you know ‘im?”

[Lilian] “Yeah. We have … met.”

Oho! Darrell was only mentioning to Lilian that he wouldn’t be working for Amside as often because of the Church job. Which Paul Morgan happens to be managing.

Wonder why Matt didn’t make mention of that to Lilian …

Roy and Mike, gone fishing

Which is all Mike really wants. That, and a pint at The Bull.

[Mike] “That will do me a lot more good than belly aching.”

And Mike’s not wrong.

He was at first furious with the way Eddie and Joe had been behaving, but, after a few casts, had a better sense of proportion.

It also helps that Roy (generally) talks sense.

[Roy] “Whatever it is, we can do something about it.”

[Mike] “Not unless we can turn back time, I’m too old Roy … I shan’t the energy for any child, let alone …”

Ah – but Roy points out that Mike has plenty of energy for Phoebe and Abbie.

Mike then worries about Phoebe being frightened of his and Vicky’s baby.

[Roy] “What of?”

[Mike] “Her being different.”

[Roy] “Kids think it’s a good thing to be different, school tells them so.”

Seems Phoebe has a classmate who has a brother than has down’s syndrome. He seemingly likes music (I have no idea why that’s relevant, but it’s what Roy said)

[Roy] “Hayley said something very wise to me … she said, it takes a special person to bring up a child with special needs .. .and you are that person.”

[Mike] “That’s lovely, but I aren’t sure it’s true.”

Roy reckons he’s sure.

Especially as Mike and Vicky have the whole family to depend on.

[Roy] “She is my family, Hayley’s too … and Brenda feels the same way, well she’s in it for the long haul, and so am I.”

And on that note – Mike lands a right fighter.

How apt.

Why can’t Eddie be more like Lilian?

Lilian happens by Mike:

[Lilian] “I heard the news about the baby … well I can’t think of two better to bring her up … and if there’s ever anything I can do.”

Eddie also nearly happens by Mike … but makes his excuses not to stop and chat.

Mike noticed, and was upset. Eddie and Joe have been avoiding him since he told them about his baby having down’s syndrome.

But, later on, Eddie seeks Mike out to apologise.

[Eddie] “It was a shock … it was difficult with dad, he is a bit of a dinosaur … I was so nervous about what he might say … I thought it might be better if we just steered clear for a bit … I’m sorry I’ve been such a pillock about this, honestly, I think this will be one lucky baby to have you and Vicky as parents … it’ll be a hard road, but ain’t it always with kids, lord knows I’ve had enough drama with my two. And if you need anything, anything at all, I’m your man.”

That’s better!

Mike also accepts that Eddie was just finding it as difficult as Mike had found it.

[Mike] “I got me family and friends behind me, and Vicky’s so happy … I’m in a much better place than I was this time last week.”

The Flower and Produce Show 2012: Sun 16.09.12

The Archers Sunday 16th September 2012

The Great Ambridge Bread Bake-off (men only)
Sunday Lunch at Willow Farm
Jazzer nae mates
Kenton and Jolene still aren’t home

The Great Ambridge Bread Bake-off (men only)

[Caroline] “Is this the famous Roman loaf? … what an interesting shape!”

Caroline’s introducing herself to Jim’s bread, as she’s having to stand in for Oliver.

He can’t make it because his daughter (Emma) has to work (on a Sunday … some sort of how powered firm who’s so bloomin’ important it gets to interrupt), her husband is away on business, and their kid is ill.

[Jim] “So grandchild to the rescue … that’s very altruistic of him.”

But it does mean Oliver will miss his “triumph” … if he wins. Jim’s feeling very confident, and most certainly feels he’s’ better than Neville Booth and Bert Fry.

[Jim] “To tell you the truth Caroline, I don’t care where I;m placed, as long as I beat them.”

Jazzer then crashes in with his last minute entry. He’s feeling just as confident.

[Jazzer] “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Breed making, easy peasy.”

He’s also feeling a tad impatient during the judging. Which he reckons they’re making a meal out of:

[Jazzer] “How difficult can that be, a carrot is a carrot, is it no?”

So, the winner was … Oliver!

[Jazzer] “Oliver first, Derek Fletcher second, and me nowhere.”

Jazzer reckons it’s a fix.

He’s especially annoyed Jim beat him with his Roman bread:

[Jazzer] “Breed that naebodies eaten since something or other BC, that’s just weird!”

[Jim] “It’s not weird, it’s authentic.”

Jazzer’s anger might have something more to do with him being disqualified. For using a bread maker. Seems he didn’t know that homemade bread generally doesn’t have a hole in the bottom.

Numpty.

Anyhoo, Ruth got highly commended for her chrysanthemums. And Jim also got a special prize from Ian for the “most interesting entry”.

[Jazzer] “This is a travesty. I demand a stewards’ enquiry!”

Well, it’s refreshing to have Jazzer demanding such, rather than Joe (as it most other years).

Sunday Lunch at Willow Farm

Is not something most of the Tucker family look forward to at the moment. Mainly due to Vicky and Mike’s current track record of not being able to behaving civilly to each other.

Roy and Brenda are on their way over.

[Brenda] “Big smiles, think positive.”

When Roy and Brenda arrive, Mike’s busy. Painting the baby’s room. Which comes a surprise to them – Mike hadn’t been coping last time they heard.

But now that he is, the family can finally start looking forward to Baby Tucker’s arrival.

[Brenda] “Can’t believe I;m going to have a sister, I’ve wanted one since I was 5 years old.”

As with Vicky, Brenda’s beyond excited, and doesn’t see the baby having Down’s Syndrome as a problem. Brenda reckons her fairy tales aren’t the so called-perfect norm, and she’s looking forward d to sharing those with her sister:

[Brenda] “Where the Princess ditched the Prince and ran off with the dragon.”

[Vicky] “I would like me to tell everyone that, well, this baby is special … it’s not as if it’s bad news.”

[Brenda] “Of course not.”

[Mike concurs] “No …”

Mike’s agreement that it’s not bad news didn’t sound exactly convincing. Maybe he needs a bit more time …

Jazzer nae mates
Well, ‘Jazzer nae flatmate’, to be exact.

He’s still having trouble trying to find someone to live with him after Harry moved out.

Seems two blokes were interested, came round, but decided not to move in. Jim wonders of Jazzer had bothered to tidy up.

[Jazzer] “I go for the lived in look, what to keep it homely.”

Hmmm.

He is reaching desperation point. Harry paid to the end of the month, so he needs to either find someone willing to put up with his muck, or get the Mr Sheen out!

Kenton and Jolene still aren’t home

They must be going by a very, very, very slow boat.

They’d left New Zealand on 6th September.

Brenda’s excited about her brother or sister: Sun 09.09.12

The Archers Sunday 9th September 2012

Jill’s not action packed enough for Freddie
Freda’s on the sausage casserole duty
At least Brenda sees the positive side
What’s Jim doing in his shed?
Did anyone remember Elizabeth and David still aren’t talking?
It’s all ready meals, ready meals, ready meals …

Jill’s not action packed enough for Freddie

Jill’s tending to the rather broken Freddie.

He’s not very amused.

She’s brought him a book, but he doesn’t believe it is “action-packed” enough to keep away his utter boredom. Freddie’s the sort of chap who needs to be up an at ‘em, not stuck in bed with a book.

Freda’s on the sausage casserole duty

For Tom’s ready meals.

Bless her.

It’s not as if she’s generally found to be willing to try something new (which is a shame for The Bull regulars).

At least Brenda sees the positive side

To Vicky and Mike’s baby.

Thank goodness someone else does!

[Brenda] “I’ve seen a totally different side to Vicky … I’ve hardly been her biggest fan in the past … but now, whatever she’s feeling on the inside, she just seems so strong and uncomplaining .. .she so wants dad to be okay with it.”

[Roy] “Well he’s not … he’d just got his head around the idea of having a baby, then wham, this hits him … totally panicked.”

Roy can only see a “terrible future” for Vicky and Mike. At the very least, he can’t see how Mike will ever cope.

[Roy] “He was going round in circles. Just can’t seem to see a way out.”

Both Roy and Brenda are worried about Mike getting depressed again (as he did after Betty died).

[Brenda] “I do feel excited too though. About having a little brother or sister. It could be a real blessing for them in the end.”

[Roy] “I can’t see dad ever thinking it a blessing … all he feels is terror. How’s he going to get over that?”

I suspect that when Mike holds his child, he might forget his worries.

What’s Jim doing in his shed?

Seems he’s “banging and bumping”, according to Ruth.

Something to do with the Flower and Produce Show’s ‘men only’ bread making?

Wonder what on earth he could be doing …

Did anyone remember Elizabeth and David still aren’t talking?

I’d clean forgotten about it.

Until today.

Jill mentioned to Ruth that Elizabeth had apologised, and admitted fault, to Shula for Freddie’s accident.

Jill was shocked. Ruth was shocked.

And Ruth mentioned that she needs to find a way for Elizabeth and David.

Though if that involves Elizabeth apologising or admitting fault, I wish Ruth well, but don’t rate her chances.

It’s all ready meals, ready meals, ready meals …

Goodness me, I’d also forgotten how dull Tom can be.

Ready meals is all the chap can think about (though he does apologise to Brenda for going on about it, rather than asking her how her dad and Vicky are getting on. So there is still a glimmer of hope).

Very odd, but both Tom and Brenda were surprised when Fallon insisted they get their own chef, if they want to use The Bull’s kitchen.

Silly Tom and Brenda.

They’re lucky Fallon also doesn’t demand a percentage. Tom and Brenda would if the ample kitchen was in the other premises!

Mike’s depressed: Mon 03.09.12

The Archers Monday 3rd September 2012

[Joe] “Curries don’t come natural to you, Clarrie”
It’s Grundy Turkey time!
The men get baking bread
Comedians aren’t what they used to be
Grundys don’t cry
Lily’s not amused with Freddie
Roy tries to get Mike to talk

[Joe] “Curries don’t come natural to you, Clarrie”

Seems Clarrie feels she was out of her comfort zone making curries out of the wild boar meat. Joe reckons everyone who ate it was out of their comfort zone as well …

So the Grundys are still trying to eat their way through that boar. Seems it’s not going well.

[Joe] “Even Edward and Emma won’t touch no more. You’d think free food'd be a godsend on their money.”

Some sort of Christmas scam ahoy?

It’s Grundy Turkey time!

Must mean Christmas is on the way … *groan*.

Though Joe may make a few pennies from the turkeys, he doesn’t seem to respect their intellectual abilities.

[Joe] “Surprises me Turkey's ever found their way onto the ark.”

The men get baking bread

Seems Bert and Derek are going to have a go for the Flower and Produce Show, though everyone thinks Bert’s will be made by Freda.

That’s cheeky.

I’m sure Bert will play fair and square. As always .

Comedians aren’t what they used to be

Joe’s not impressed with Tug Fowler’s forthcoming appearance at The Bull.

[Joe] “He won’t be no good. Not like the comics we used to get in Borchester before telly spoiled everything.”

Blimey.

Joe’s a right barrel of laughs today.

Grundys don’t cry

So reckons Eddie.

He’s meant to be looking after George while he and Eddie have a natter.

George falls down. But gets up again.

[Eddie] “Not a whimper out of him. A proper little Grundy.”

Lily’s not amused with Freddie

Since Freddie broke his collar bone falling off of Topper, he’s been driving Lily to distraction.

[Lily] “Freddie thinks he’s a pharaoh giving everyone orders”

[Freddie] “I’d tell them to bury you alive.”

[Lily] “White and dark chocolate, just for a normal tea!”

In Lily’s humble opinion, Freddie’s only hurt because Freddie is an “idiot”.

[Lily] “ … he’ll come creeping to me to do his maths homework. And science … I’m just sick of everyone pretending he’s a hero. He nearly did something horrible to us … we’ve had too many accidents already. I can’t stand anymore … Freddie should grow up, he shouldn’t have been on Topper.”

Elizabeth tells Lily that it was her (Elizabeth’s) fault. Which is more than she said to Shula.

[Elizabeth] “That’s life. Sometimes accidents just happen.”

Really?

Not Freddie’s fault for riding Topper? Or, more importantly, Elizabeth’s for letting him?

Funny Elizabeth doesn’t seem to have heard anything Shula said to her.

Roy tries to get Mike to talk

Roy corners Mike in the dairy. He’s seen the signs before – Mike not talking to anyone, doing anything other than work. He thinks Mike is heading for another depression.

[Mike] “I am depressed. But it ain't the wheels coming off. I’ve got every reason.”

Mike tells Roy about his and Vicky’s baby being diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome.

[Mike] “They say it’s probably a woman’s age, but what if … what if it’s me Roy. I’m a good bit older … I’ve seen it in a herd. There’s a right time for it. Then it’s too late …”

Mike tells Roy he wants to talk to Vicky, but Vicky won’t be open to discussing anything other than them having them having the baby. Mike needs to talk through the options.

So – Mike needs to talk, Vicky needs to talk but neither of them can do so until the other accepts what the other needs.

tricky.

Mike also asks Roy to tell Brenda.

Here’s hoping the family can help bring Mike and Vicky back together.

Freddie breaks his collar bone: Sun 02.09.12

The Archers Sunday 2nd September 2012

When a ‘Dairy Magazine is just a Dairy Magazine
It WAS all Elizabeth’s fault
Abbie’s first day at school

When a ‘Dairy Magazine’ is just a Dairy Magazine

[Vicky] “First time I saw ‘Dairy Magazines’ felt tipped on the binders, I thought, aye aye, best steer clear of those! But they are just about cows.”

I’m not sure whether it’s endearing, or a bit worrying, that Vicky would think such a thing of Mike, then choose to ignore it …

Either which way, we all knew what would happen later on when Mike came across his beloved Dairy Magazines hidden away in the loft by Vicky and (an unwitting) Roy.

[Vicky] “As soon as I woke up this morning I know, today’s the day to start.”

When Mike gets home, he’s horrified. Seems he had a system for his Dairy magazines.

[Mike] “I don’t like being pushed into things … I come home, my stuff’s scattered all over … you shouldn’t have started. We haven’t worked out properly what we’re going to do with that room!”

But Vicky reckons she already knows what to do, so it shall be done. And though she’s prefer it if Mike was involved, she’ll do it by herself if need be.

Ouch.

Mike better get on side with Vicky. There’ll be no stopping her.

It WAS all Elizabeth’s fault

[Elizabeth] “Aunty didn’t ask you to fiddle with the stirrups!”

Indeed Shula didn’t. All she did was ask Freddie to get Topper ready for bed.

Freddie’s too small to handle Topper, but he begs Elizabeth to let him ride Topper once round the arena. She lets him.

No prizes for guessing what happened next …

Freddie starts jumping with Topper:

[Elizabeth] “You’re pushing your luck young man!”

But he continues.

As he goes for the final jump, he falls.

And it sounds like he’s hurt badly (or is at least is hurting badly).

Shula runs out. Straight to the horse.

[Shula] “All right Topper, calm down!”

[Elizabeth] “It’s not the horse that’s hurt!”

When they get Freddie to hospital, turns out his collar bone is broken, but it’s a clean break.

Phew!

But, Shula is most decidedly not amused.

[Shula] “I'm sorry. I won’t be fobbed off.”

[Elizabeth] “It’s been a difficult day for all of us.”

[Shula] “Because of you! What were you thinking!!!”

Elizabeth says she told Freddie not to ride Topper. Shula says she saw Elizabeth just standing there, watching him. Elizabeth says Nigel had said to Freddie that he could ride Topper one day (ah, that’s right. Blame the dead chap!):

[Elizabeth] “He just kept asking …”

[Shula] “That’s what children do. You should have said no!”

[Elizabeth] “It means so much to him Shula. It’s his father’s horse.”

[Shula] “Oh stop making excuses, he could have been killed!”

[Elizabeth] “Have you any idea how awful it was for me watching … you’ve no right to criticise me!”

[Shula] “I’ve every right. Tipper could have been hurt, never mind what it would do to the stables, and above everything else, Freddie is upstairs now in a great deal of pain, because you didn’t have the common sense or guts to say no to your son. How on earth could you have been so stupid, Elizabeth!”

And there we have it.

Elizabeth is officially no longer allowed to be the heartbroken widow, blaming all and every in Nigel’s’ death.

Well said Shula!

Abbie’s first day at school

Ah, they grow up so quickly.