Maggie and the 'Troops'.........

We  got married in September 1961 (I think....could it have been 1962?) ) did Maggie and me, and from the start Maggie has helped me overcome my natural shyness!    I mean like when it came to the bit when I was supposed to say 'I do', Maggie said 'you will'....and...... 'I have' ever since!    I remember I once 'spoke back' (strangely enough that was nearly 47 years ago too) but I soon got out of that.......and round about then I invented 'Alberto the Hero' ...  'he' has been my constant companion (and adviser) ever since.      Where I fear to tread 'Alberto' boldly goes......sometimes...and always quietly....when Maggies' no lookin!     

In September 2006 Maggie was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she seemed to cope with  remarkably easily, whilst I  took about nine months to even start to feel normal again.   One local lady knew how I felt because  she lost her husband to cancer two years ago, and, after asking about Maggie always  asks me  how I feel.    That simple question does me a lot of good and I really appreciate her asking.   So, anybody out there in a similar situation, ask the partner how they are coping because a health threat is one of the most catastrophic things that can happen to a couple!  (We have been married 47 years).  Anyway, after her operations last year and the Radio Therapy at the start of this  she was very tired and I became the chief cook.   Now baking scones and biscuits I have always been able to do, but cooking as in 'greasy stuff' was something else.   Out came my wok - in fact out came both my woks - and Ken Hom's cook book.   In nae time Ken and I had Ivy Cottage smelling like a Chinese takeaway with all kinds of stir fries being attempted.    They say that a wok is nae use unless it is really black - well we now have two really good woks and a freshly painted kitchen ceiling!

    We have four gorgeous grandchildren who manage tae keep us busy doing things we would probably rather not do, - but all the exercise "keeps you young Grandad" they say!      Emily is our oldest Grandaughter (19)     She is gorgeous and 'in love', and is the sister of 'JB' (16) who has me moving mountains of sand on the Ferry beach every time he is up from Sussex.   This September Kingsbarns beach became the favourite  because it has a burn running through it which requires diverting after every tide.    'JB' assures me he is sometimes 'in love'.    Next is Hazel (9) who lives in Aberdeenshire and is really into computing.    When she was nearly four years old she was playing a computer game called 'splat the rat' or something like that, and said to me "Grandad, it's easy, you have a shot"  - so I gave it my best 'shot.'   After about 1 minute Hazel says "Grandad, the rats are winning,  you had better give it back to me."     Now we come to No 4 - Catriona (7 coming on 70).    She is a dancer and 'moves' to any music you like to put on, and expects Grandad to do the same.    I still give it a go but the auld knees are not what they used tae be!