Easy As Falling Off A Bike pt 2240

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The Daily Dormouse.
(aka Bike, est. 2007)
Part 2240
by Angharad

Copyright © 2013 Angharad
All Rights Reserved.
  
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As we were eating dinner, bacon, scrambled eggs, sausages and anything else I could fry, there was a crash from the lounge and one small cat was seen fleeing up the stairs. Simon went to look and found the Christmas tree on its side. I suspect cats were vandals long before humans were, and ours is a natural at it. I picked up a cushion the other day and was covered by a blizzard of kapok, the culprit skitted away but she’d left her paw prints at the scene so I knew who was responsible.

“How did she knock that over? It takes two of us to move it,” Simon pondered.

“I have no idea, things just happen when she’s about.”

“Ah, that explains it,” he said triumphantly.

“Explains what?” I asked knowing I wasn’t going to like the answer.

“She takes after my wife, things just happen round her.”

I ignored the comment and asked if Maureen had done the fence.

“Yes, with Tom and my help. Took us two bloody hours, just for two panels.”

“I’ll bet they were done properly though, weren’t they?”

“Natch, I was on the case,” Simon beamed, sometimes I think he’s living in a different reality to the rest of us.

I finished eating and cleared up while the kettle boiled. “Two of my favourite meals on consecutive days, maybe we should sack that cook fellah and employ you.”

I got your antacid tablets,” was all I said.

“Oh that was a joke, babes.”

“Ha ha.” I continued loading the dishwasher while Julie made the tea.

“Don’t be like that.”

“Like what?”

“You know...”

“Simon, I am tired and stressed and have things to do. I don’t have time for silly schoolboy games with you.”

He went off to sulk but I stopped him, “You could check the Christmas tree is okay, it will probably need watering.” He went off to sulk with the tree. Norway spruce are renowned for sulking–no–that’s right, they pine.

I surreptitiously carried in my presents and locked them in the study. I had about two miles of wrapping paper and tags and sticky tape and Uncle Tom Cobbley and all. What I needed was some time to do it. The children were like bottles of pop, fizzing away.

Danni said what she thought she would like for Christmas and Julie riposted, “Wossat then, a vibrator?”

“Is that what you want?” Danni shouted back.

I intervened before they came to blows. “Mummy, can Cindy come for Christmas?”

“Sorry, lovely, we’re a bit full and if David is still sick, which looks most likely, I’ll have to cook the dinner–and you lot will have to help me.”

“I’m recovering from an operation–I can’t do anything.”

“If you’re not careful you’ll spend Christmas sitting atop the Christmas tree.”

“Nice one,” Julie sniggered as she went past.

“You’ll have a few things to do tomorrow, too, young lady.”

“What–I’m on holiday.”

“So am I.”

“Yeah, but you’re responsible for the house.”

“I take it you’d like to live somewhere else for Christmas.” This was ceasing to be funny.

“Oh don’t be like that, Mummy. You know I’ll help.”

“You better had or there’ll be no dinner.”

She looked aghast at that and scooted off before I found her something to do.

Tom is brilliant with the girls. He read them their story and tucked them in. Simon had to repair the lights and put a reward on the cat’s head. Knowing her, she’d enjoy the notoriety.

I managed to wrap everything I had to do, and carried most of it into the lounge and placed it under the tree. The lovely thing about having a houseful of young women, is they’re easy to buy for–especially little stuff. They all got things like nail varnish and panties, earrings and toiletries. Boys would be much harder–had been. I thought of Billy and Danny when they first came here–how their lives had changed or ended.

“Are ye alricht?” Tom caught me looking at the tree and sniffing.

“Yes, Daddy, I was just thinking of this time a few years ago.”

“Aye, I ken whit ye mean. She’s safe now, ye ken that.”

“I know, Daddy, but I still miss her.”

“Aye we a’ dae.”

“Are you going to the cemetery tomorrow?”

“I am.”

“May I come with you?”

“I wis expectin’ ye tae.”

“I’ve got some flowers in the car.”

“Aye, I thocht ye wid.”

He gave me a little hug and I went back to the kitchen. It was eleven o’clock and I was pooped. “I’m going to bed, darling,” I said giving Si a peck on the cheek.

“Yeah, okay–why’s the study locked?”

“I left some presents in there.” I blushed. “Why?”

“I wanted to borrow your Chambers.”

“Eh?”

“Dictionary–had a word I’d never come across before in the crossword.”

“What was that?”

“Repetiteur or something like that.”

“Yeah, a singing coach in the opera, isn’t it?”

“How the hell did you know that?”

“Crosswords I expect. I must go to bed, I’ve got a headache I’m so tired.”

“I’ll be up in a minute.”

I’d gone as he was saying this. I cleaned my teeth, stripped off, weed and pulled on my pyjamas and was asleep within minutes.

I slept quite well and woke early. I went down after dressing and started on sorting the turkey. Tom was just returning with Kiki who was playing with Bramble as they came up the drive. I made him some coffee and myself some tea. While the kettle was boiling I shoved some bread in the toaster and the bread mix and water in the breadmaker. It was churning away while I ate my toast. It was only six when I’d finished dressing the turkey and making the stuffing, which I cook separately.

I shoved the bird in the oven on a lowish heat and nodded to Tom. He rose, dumped his mug on the draining board and pulled on his coat. On the way out I got the flowers from the boot of my car. They were for all the occupants of the grave and included a small sprig of holly and mistletoe–well it’s Christmas.

On the way back from the cemetery, he chuckled, “They wis a’ amused by yer Christmas touch.”

“I’m glad,” I said pulling myself into him. I felt cold despite my thick coat and woolly hat. We were back at seven and just had time for another hot drink before Simon descended followed by Julie. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“You’re up early, sweetheart?”

“I couldn’t sleep, thinking about all you have to do, so here I am. What’s first?”

I hugged and kissed her. “Breakfast, then it’s vegetables.”

“What can I smell?” she said.

“The turkey, I started it early. It’s going to need several more hours yet.”

“Wow–I didn’t think it would take that long.”

“I’m slow cooking it.”

“Is that like gonna kill all the germs an’ things?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, all right, I get my breakfast.”

Simon made more teas and helped me carry in a large bag of potatoes. “Peel, all of them?” squealed Julie.

“Uh huh.”

“Geez, next time I’ll kick my conscience out of bed an’ stay there myself.”

“No you won’t because you’ve grown up. You know what responsibility is and you deal with it. I’m proud of you, kiddo.”

“Oh, thanks, Mummy, I really appreciate it, but I’m staying in bed next year.”

“Who knows where we’ll all be next year.”

“That sounds ominous.”

“No–I just don’t take things for granted anymore.”

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Comments

Life is funny

that way. Every day brings something different, and usually a great new episode of our favorite Serial.

Goddess Bless you

Love Desiree

Growing up.....

D. Eden's picture

Yes, we all eventually have to grow up, although I truly wish it were otherwise. Eventually, time passes and we learn about responsibility. Some of us better than others - some of us too well even.

Like Cathy, I too have learned not to take things for granted. There are so many variables in life and simply going with the flow no longer works. I have found that you have to reach out and take your life into your own hands.

Years ago, a very smart man told a very young Naval Ensign something that has stuck with me the rest of my life - failure to make a decision is to decide to do nothing. You can not avoid the decisions life throws in your way. You can defer those decisions to someone else and give up control of your life, but someone is going to make a decision - and if it's not you, then you will more than likely not like the outcome.

I'm still loving every minute of this story Ang, but then again, I love everything of yours that I have read.

Happy New Year!

Dallas

D. Eden

Dum Vivimus, Vivamus

“They wis a’ amused by yer Christmas touch.”

Usually, I'd say it was just wishful thinking and fantasy but in this tale, Tom just might have heard from the beyond.

Glad Cathy is getting some help. Even if it's reluctant. Surprised that Simon actually volunteered.

If I remember correctly, Bramble saved Cathy's life. Earned some credit on mischief.

Life does suddenly change.

If someone had told me in 2012 that in 2014 I might me hiking about in Oman, it would have been funny.

Yeah...

Taking things for granted... Not a good idea.

Thanks for a wonderful episode. For some reason, I thought Cathy was going to start the Turkey on Christmas Eve in the slow cooker. Guess I missed that.

Thanks and happy new year to you and your team.
Annette

Thanks for the fun.

We gave up on Christmas trees several years ago. They gave us the needle, (Well; they dropped them all over the floor!)

We've also given up on turkeys! I mean rise and shine at eight for one. gerrour'a'here.

We go with a 'Four bird roast' now and then I'm not still picking at the blasted bird until 12th night!

Good story though.

THanks and happy new year girl!

Bevs.

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I guess

its fair to say a year in the life of the Cameron household would pass for ten in many another family, Cathy is quite right when she says “Who knows where we’ll all be next year.” Life has a funny habit of springing surprises on you when you least expect it, Who knows maybe this time next year Cathy could be running the the bank and Simon looking after the children, Unlikely i know but in this wacky world we all live in " Never say never "

Kirri

That’s Right, They Pine.

"Norway spruce are renowned for sulking—no—that’s right, they pine."

Ang, that's a REALLY BAD pun! I love it!! Thank you for making my day!!!

And, oh yes, I'm still here, reading away. Just wanted to let you know.

x

Yours from the Great White North,

Jenny Grier (Mrs.)

That’s Right, They Pine.

"Norway spruce are renowned for sulking—no—that’s right, they pine."

Ang, that's a REALLY BAD pun! I love it!! Thank you for making my day!!!

And, oh yes, I'm still here, reading away. Just wanted to let you know.

x

Yours from the Great White North,

Jenny Grier (Mrs.)