An address book. Once everyone who had to write to friends and family had one. A drama occurred when it was mislaid or lost.
As telephones were few and far between in the early days, and families were in the process of splitting up not just to wed and move to the next village. Sea voyages and others countries became the next port of call. Plus inland journeys to more remote parts so an address book lost could mean parting forever.
I had a different instance of an address book being rediscovered, setting off a delightful reunion after about 38 years. A friend on turning out a drawer to move house discovered her old address book. Intrigued she flipped through it to see if she could find anyone still living in the same place. With ingenuity, she changed the London code and found us. What a delight that was. We arranged for her to come with her husband all the way from Norfolk for a lunch here.
I also invited my friend and neighbour with her young son to join us. As her husband was sadly visiting his father and supporting the family after he had a rather extensive stroke.
The conversation was lively and reminiscent, and full of laughter as we racked our brains to remember people we both used to know well. Then there were the questions to fill in the missing years as best we could. It was great fun and the meal was consumed without us really noticing. The meal was chicken, tarragon, onion, lemon, orange, garlic and cream sauce with rice, brockly and cauliflower. The conversation flew from Greece to New Zealand, Kenya, to Scotland we had a great deal of catching up to do.
I manage to pop into the kitchen long enough, to with help, bring in the Pavolova, and fresh fruit of the forest, to be served at the table. It is the only time thick cream comes into the house, except for meringues of course.
They were intrigued with WobblingPen and wanted to know more about it. The result is they had a few lovely suggestions for our Website, which we are looking at, at the moment.
Plus some marketing ideas, for which I for one was very grateful. The day drew to a close so quickly, arrangements were made to meet again very soon down in Norfolk.
Once they had gone my lovely neighbour helped us break the back of the clearing and wash up. I decided to use my best China for the occasion. After all, if I do not use it now, it will never be used. So hand washing became the order of the day too delicate for the dishwasher. Gave my friend and my time for a womanly chat as we worked.
Then we waved her across the lawn with her son, who had joined in very well, as well as playing as the goalkeeper on his phone. I found it curious that he kept winning I will ask him to tell me his secret next time he calls.
So ended a wonderful day that might not have happened but for opening an old drawer and finding the address book.
For the remainder of the visit sat next to the Television, with a beautiful multi-flowering orchid.
Have a look at your old address, see who you can find, who you have lost touch with. Hopefully, you have the sought of reunion we had.
Take care and take time to visit someone who lives alone, it will make their day.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
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