‘friendly connections’

Strange how the past catches up with you. some time ago I gave a leaving present to work colleage and a good friend who was returning back to New Zealand with his new to be wife and their (at the time unborn baby). I had worked with Hamish for little over a year and found his company enjoyable to say the least!

I must admit at this stage I haven’t been that good at keeping in contact, just the odd email here and there, nothing that unusual with me! A fellow colleage returned home over the summer and visited Hamish and family and sent me these photos. The bottle that you see him so proudly pointing at is the said present!

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When in France over 8 years ago I was in a shop (wine) and saw this particular wine, Vintage Talbot well I couldn’t resist it could I? the cost, as Iremember worked out to be roughly £35.00 (an awful lot for a bottle of red wine, as I prefer the cheaper ones found in Tesco!! Well I bit the bullet and purchased one. On my return I attended my local Round Table meeting (I am a past member) and fell into discussion with a Nick Mansi who is a bit of a wine buff. I mentioned that I had bought this bottle of wine and how much it cost (feeling rather proud of finding my namesake as a wine and if be honest, a little big headed), only to be informed I could have bought it at his local Threshers for under a tenner!! Eventually, we did open the wine and I must admit, I didn’t like it that much. but I bought some more as time went on – mainly as keepsakes and at times to hand to friends as a ’special’ present. I notice it’s not opened!! Not to sure about those curtains also!!!

Its nice to see the old gits face and looking so well, and I promise to get in touch very soonÂ

further to being set a challenge some time ago by best friend Paul (aka. Oz) to produce 100 pieces of art within three months – this of course has led to me being at this particular stage! The time had come that he needed the same kick up the backside that he gave me. we both now have flourishing careers in education! and have the need to develop ‘ourselves’ and produce a world from the heart and soul.

Oz being a great musician, artist and allround creative person I have set him a challenge:

to write something that will ‘make me cry’

deadline: 17th October 2007 (my birthday)

well, he’s already started having thoughts (beer at the angel, near Denmark street – usual drinking spot!)

first entry: ‘onoins’

I have a feeling that it can only get better