My Dear Fellow,
I was lying in bed last night, having re-watched Mish.Imposs. Dead Reckoning 1 (prior to watching the sequel) and it came to me that we communicate far too infrequently these days. So here is the first of (ideally weekly, but it may vary) my letters to you to redress that. I thought about actually writing letters and using the old-fashioned postal service, but decided that modern technology is not only easier, cheaper and requires no storage, but also compensates for my (nowadays) rather poor-ish handwriting!Undoubtedly one of the reasons for this all too infrequent contact is our Edward. I now fully understand that his condition is incurable (though the frequency of incidents is markedly lower than it was 2-3 years ago): but I tolerate it, continue my mission to help and to work on it/him, without evicting him, because it provides me with some (self?) satisfaction to see improvement, I really do not want him living on a shop doorstep in a sleeping bag, and it makes for less stress and the maintenance of most (if not all) of my own sanity: not to mention my noticeably unpleasant bouts of bad temper in recent years. The untidiness in our home doesn’t help, but I now see that I am not entirely blameless in that. So I’m improving too and that’s not to be ‘sneezed at’ as my Mum would say. I’m also being a tad more sensible health-wise: consuming few, if any, sweetie bars and excercisng with dog walks and a morning routine of stretching and sit-ups. That little dog was one of my better decisions.
In terms of our prospective move to Sheringham Ed and I have done a couple of ‘boot sales’, our shed is now almost empty, the garage is slightly improve (clutter-wise) and I know that patience is the key. My musical endeavours continue to keep my brain excercised: in fact I am now considering a cello (electric for portability and versatility): I’m researching it currently and, if I go ahead, I’ll take professional lessons. Both Mum and Ed consider I spend far too much time in the house, and this would definitely improve that. I recognise that effort will be required, but effort is usually rewarded, and it just might open up further opportunities if/when I become moderately proficient.
I do hope you enjoy your trip to Jamie’s wedding: remember that Biarritz is a Casino town - so keep yourselves away from trouble (it's always there in Casino towns). I know you will, and give my love to the Stevensen team.
Well…I’ve enjoyed writing this and I do plan to make it regular. Let’s try and organise a lunch together: the two of us - my senior railcard makes the trip to London pretty cheap these days. I trust that life/work is treating you well, that any health niggles are under control and please do give my love to Manami. Next time I’ll try to have some updates on my old chum, Wayne: sadly I suspect he may have become a lost cause, but I’d give him a friendly handshake if he should return from his apparent self-isolation. An old friend is an old friend.
“I am your father!”
Love, D.
I’m off to the vet now to get Mr. Phelps’s flea and worming prescription.