Those I would like to thank.

 

Usually when I sit down to write my daily blog, I have a pretty good idea of what I will write about, but just sometimes I sit and ponder about 'life' in general.  

So, I'm now sitting here in front of my laptop thinking of the few really good things that have happened to me throughout my life. Of course there have been lots of less important things, but the really good ones are quite rare; these are some of the people and events that have made my life special.

I recently read a biography of Agatha Christie, and at one point she writes to her editor, Philip Ziegler, concerning her own autobiography "I've been rather enjoying jotting down silly little things that happened". So, here I go too.

Firstly I would like to thank my late parents. They offered me so much, and I like to think that they knew I appreciated it, and took full advantage. My life has probably taken a slightly different path to what they expected of me, but I have always continued to maintain their standards, which I know was very important to them.

Many of my teachers from an early age are worthy of thanks (as I suspect are most people's), but I would specifically like to thank the classics teacher at my Prep' School; who was also happened to be the headmaster. He made Latin really interesting, and I amazed everyone (including myself) by becoming the classics scholar of my intake year at my upper school (I scored 90% in my Common Entrance Latin paper). I suppose this was the first time in my life that I felt I'd really achieved something; so thank you Mr F.

At my upper school I would like to thank my Art Master, the wonderfully eccentric Norman Wadey, who really took me under his wing; and I ended-up winning the senior school art prize.

And at college I would like to thank whoever it was who awarded me my 'First'. It was one of very few times in my life when I felt really 'flattered'. Since those college days I also have to thank Lady Magnon for putting-up with me for so long.

It does sound as if I'm banging my own drum more than should be allowed, but no-one else will, and, anyway, it's simply the way I feel. Lives are peppered with ups and downs, and I just want to acknowledge those who provided me with the few ups; and why. I quite expect many others feel the same.

There have been many people who made my life in France more enjoyable through their friendship. Three New Zealanders in particular, and my two immediate farming neighbours. What would we have done without them; they were/are like family!

I would also like to thank a few old school chums, and all our friends in Brighton. They know who they are!

On a lighter note I would like to thank Mr Walker of Melton Mowbray for his wonderful Pork Pies (as sold at Waitrose). It is amazing how something as simple as a Pork Pie can make one's life so much 'happier'.

Most of all, however, I want to say thank you to my three children simply for being who they are. I have been blessed with three free-thinking and intelligent children who have all done well in life, and made our lives so exciting. My oldest son especially (who lives the closest to us) has been a huge help in recent times, and deserves a medal. The other two live 6,000 and 12,000 miles away.

This list would not be complete without mentioning all my friends in Blogland. I know I ramble on, and occasionally get things wrong. I'm very grateful that many keep coming back for more, so thank you all.