Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day.
It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we wrote the story of Private Evan Davies. In a year’s time, maybe we will say the same thing again. For some, the years pass and the memories fade. For others, they are as fresh as the day they were encapsulated in time. On this Remembrance Day, we don’t want to forget anything for those we truly love. And that is one, possibly the most important reason, for writing Mindfully Bertie. Keeping memories alive. Not just of loved ones, but of times gone by. Childhoods. Unforgettable events. Always remembering that yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. So live for today.
Proudly wearing Bobby’s knitted poppy.
The Wall.
The Wall.
The Wall.
This, in Laurel Cottage, is a love affair in three pictures. Most people’s favourite picture is of Diddley and Bobby at the Shredded Wheat factory. So, we are pleased to present to you the three pictures on The Wall.
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The Great Dorset Steam Fair.
The Great Dorset Steam Fair.
Glorious showman engines. Over one hundred powering the steam fair.
Bobby had stretched out our hospital adventure to a whole week, centred on the Travelodge at Ilminster. In doing so, he could hardly avoid the signs to the Great Dorset Steam Fair (GDSF) for the following few days. (more…)
From a Railway Carriage.
From a Railway Carriage.
Jay.
This little boy, enjoying the view from a railway carriage, is the future. Diddley never knew him but he will know all about her in the fullness of time. For this is Jay, her great grandson. Son to Jasmine and Jay (senior). (more…)
Over the Hills and Far Away.
Over the Hills and Far Away.
Diddley hated violence of any kind. She would never watch a nasty film or TV programme even potentially violent. Emmerdale was her limit! So how come she watched every episode of “Sharpe”? A series of true violence, based on the Napoleonic wars. Each week awash with death and destruction mostly at our French friends’ expense. Simple. Sean Bean! He was a true man. His accent and his deeds in Sharpe swept her off her emotional feet. He was not an officer or a gentleman either and that appealed to her rebellious nature. Add to that the mesmeric theme tune – “Over the Hills and Far Away” above and her lust for Sharpe was insatiable to such an extent she bought the crated boxed set.
Now this is what I call a box set!
The Speed Awareness Course.
The Speed Awareness Course.
We knew we were going on this Speed Awareness Course. Of course! We wanted to avoid another three points. But Bobby was nervous about taking me in. And didn’t and discovered that even not switching your mobile phone completely off would lead to you being chucked out and the original three points placed on your license. This, of course, to protect the anonymity of those present if that is what they wished. Nevertheless at the start of writing this blog we must assure you that for Bobby the whole thing was a totally positive affair.
Sorry I was going so fast Officer – I’m late for my Speed Awareness Course!
A Night for Lonnie Donegan.
A Night for Lonnie Donegan (And Cheers Chas).
Lonnie – The King of Skiffle.
Ask anyone of a certain age what they remember about Lonnie Donegan and they might well answer… “My Old Man’s a Dustman”. (more…)
Dunsborough Park – Dahlia Day.
Dunsborough Park – Dahlia Day.
NGS Garden Open (National Gardens Scheme)
Dear friends of Mindfully Bertie. We have often shared our love of gardens and flowers with you.
And then, just a few weeks ago, we were honoured when the the National Garden Scheme (NGS) asked us to write a piece for their Gardens and Health Week . “Bobby’s Story” is here in case you missed it:
www.ngs.org.uk/whats-new/lifestyle/post/garden-visiting-in-remembrance (more…)
I Woz There!
I Woz There!
Just imagine if you were one of those who woke up this morning and thought “I could go to the Oval today” … and did!
Those were the words of Mark Nicholas. Cricket commentator for Cricket on Five. The highlights television programme for the Bobby’s of this world who stick to normal TV for the game. Summarising the day’s play for the greatest Monday. 10 September 2018.
Bobby was one of 3,600 who accepted the offer of a half price ticket. Bought online late on Sunday night to come to the Oval to see the fourth day of the last test match against India. Joining 18,000 for a day that would see the last innings of Alastair Cook, England’s star opening batsmen before he retired. Just so he could say “I woz there!” Could he make a century? (more…)
The Operation.
“Hello there! Top o’ the morning, even if it’s the feckin afternoon. Eamonn here. Bertie has asked me to write this story as it’s far too painful for him. The story of his Operation. Oy was tere and saw the whole thing. Its a tale of DISMEMBERMENT. Of DISEMBOWELMENT. Without anaesthetic. And not for the faint hearted. Words can’t describe what Bertie went through, so I have used music instead. Oy am told Bobby and Diddley loved melancholic music. Not sad, but mournfully contented. A time for mindful relaxation. Nice memories. Peaceful nostalgia.
The Operation.
Alice’s Bear Shop and Hospital for poorly bears and dolls.