Categories: uncategorized
Date: 31 December 1969 23:59:59
Went to Oxford yesterday to meet my mother and youngest brother.
Bumped into a friends from SoF at the stations - poor thing I introduced her to my brother using the wrong name. Then mother appeared so we had to go. Wish I could have gone to the meet but duty called.
Had lunch. Now for most people this would not be a hassle - find restaurant; get table; order drinks & food; have meal & talk for a whole; pay bill; leave.
With mother you first have to find a restaurant where she may like to eat (definiately not Chinese, Indian or anything "ethnic"); then you have to get a decent enough table - helps if it's one where she can see and be seen; next get the menu and try to find something she will eat (so many foods she dislikes; and of course portions must not be too large as "I can't stand waste"). Anyway we achieved that - and luckily the rest of the meal went OK. She even made no comment about my weight although she did give me a look once or twice when she disapproved of my eating habits (note - I do eat normally I just don't play around with my food like she does).
Then off to Modern Art Oxford to see some photographic work. Not too much of a problem as it was my brother who suggested it. Does help that she approves of what he wants. Of course what went down best was the cup of tea in the cafe afterwards. It amazes me how many "older" folk need their afternoon cuppa and would rather sit down in a gallery or museum cafe for half an hour than look at the exhibits - which is what you're supposed to do. Ho Hum.
Still mum has been very generous (again) so I shouldn't complain. I've now some funds to tide me over until benefits come through. I call it "having my inheritance". I do have to earn it though.