Room with a view

 Goodness me April has just flown by following the return from Augusta. Round 4 there was spoilt a bit by the storms which had hit earlier in the week, and the course was really quite slippy. I was surprised that it was open given the American approach to litigation and so on, but they must have had so many overseas visitors booked that they took the risk. Of the four courses it was the most disappointing, but that's not to say it was not a decent layout, it was just not shown off to its best.

At least our trip home was less stressed than going out although the trip from the car hire drop off to the terminal building was a bit hairy. we made the flight and that was what mattered most.

The months was peppered with bad and sad news, as first my long term golf partner George Stephenson, had a heart attack and at 87 years old one is never quite sure how he is going to be after recovery. I am delighted to say though that he has recovered and started to play 18 holes again, albeit less frequently. His resolve is a true inspiration to everyone, particularly someone like me who can get so down when the golf is rubbish. At the moment I think I left my game in the States but after comparison with the situation George was in, I now know I brought it back with me, I just need to find where I put it!!

The sad news came some days later when we learnt that our good friend Marion Figgins passed away suddenly but not unexpectedly. She had been mourning the loss of her husband 'Figs' since he left us a few years ago, and she was struggling to live without him. Her funeral is next week so we shall be attending that. They are the first husband and wife friends we have lost so that leaves a big gap in our lives and those of their other friends too.

Socially number 2 son and I went to Wigan to watch Argyle try for a play-off spot. They got a valuable point there but failed to finish the season off well, due mostly to injuries which left the squad running on empty. I then hit Manchester and the Ivy restaurant with a group of ex-work colleagues. The views from the rooftop restaurants are pretty impressive.

Then on Sunday the local village had its annual gardens open day, and on this occasion we were able to climb to the top of the bell tower for St Saviors church where we had the classic ' I can see your house from here' moment. The climb up and down the 99 stairs was not the best therapy for my arthritic knee though. Roll on August when I will be able to see a consultant!!

Other good news on the housing front came toward the end of the month when number 1 son confirmed he had completed on his house in France which is great news. He is between jobs at the moment so once that challenge is sorted out he should be well placed to enjoy his new environment.

So as we move into May, SWMBO is off and running with the Summer invigilator season, I have managed to progress to the 2nd round of two golf knock-out competitions, a rare achievement these days, and golf days are starting to occur at shorter intervals. We need to book a holiday togther so we have something else to look forward to, but we are struggling to know where to go but I am sure we will come to a decision shortly..

It's tough at the top.