An end and some beginnings

As mentioned in my previous post, Friday was busy. I hadn't anticipated the entire weekend would barely offer time to pause for thought.

I went to Barrie's funeral on Friday. We decided not to go to the crematorium but were told it overflowed, people standing under umbrellas listening to the relay. Our old church was packed with a roll call of the past 30 years' members, including some people I hadn't seen since my early teens. Unexpectedly I got the chance to speak when Pastor Matthew opened the floor after the pre-planned tributes. Afterwards I felt something of an interloper compared to others who knew Barrie much better, but at least my hastily assembled thoughts added a different perspective. Each elegy covered a different aspect of this wonderful man's character and my comments seemed like a mere drop in the ocean; I mentioned he had a rare combination of love for people, wisdom and non-judgement, and that he "didn't consider himself more highly than he ought" but got on with what he felt mattered. On reflection, for all his amusing foibles and his lack of height, Barrie was a fine example of a man.

Sarah stayed behind to chat but I had to dash off - half a mile to our old road, which was the nearest parking place I could find - because I had builders coming to quote for the extension. And so a new beginning very quickly took shape. Mr Brusque was in and out as quickly as he could manage, taking a copy of the plans but avoiding discussion and questions and as a parting shot warning me to "keep my eyes open" when he saw Mr Chatty's van parked across the street. Mr Chatty took his time, noted details, offered advice on various topics and was generally more amenable. Whether he's a better builder remains to be seen; I need to do some more research. There were a couple of hints that builders consider our job to be quite small but it may not be as cheap as I'd hoped. I await the written quotes with interest...

On Saturday I took Adam ice skating for the first time and this too could be the start of something long-running. He fell over more times than the other 80 people put together - really! - but seemed to enjoy himself all the same and didn't become disheartened as I'd anticipated. We're considering enrolling him for some lessons; I may go too and Sarah has realised that if it's going to be a family endeavour - and there was a boy Daniel's age on the ice at the weekend - she will have to nail her courage to the sticking post also.

And finally, the finest start of all, our friends Paul and Kerry became parents to twins Robyn and Phoebe yesterday. It was all a bit sudden - only 12 hours previously I was in the cinema with Paul watching The Golden Compass, which neither of us enjoyed that much although I thought the female leads were great - but mum and babes are doing well.

And finally finally, Sarah is attempting to initiate another start. The typical conversation goes like this...
Sarah: I want a cat.
Andrew: We're not getting a cat.

Sometimes it's...
Sarah: I want a cat.
Andrew: I want to adopt.

Sometimes it's...
Sarah: I want a cat.
Andrew: Isn't it cold outside today?

As you can see, Sarah's reasoning is not particularly well developed and she has resorted to trying to enlist the boys' support for this idea. She thinks she will win the debate because I conceded last time and laughed at the Man Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Y0I91rubg). The boys aren't convinced and I am adamant.