I am sitting here in Harrogate about to write about Nick's 21st and listening to Schumann on the RNZ Concert Programme, throught the internet. Its is salutary for me to realise how far international communication has come in his short lifetime and how far it may progress during his next 21 years. Maybe the "Beam me up Scotty" of Startrek is not such a wild fantastical idea.
Nick at 21 is a bright, successful and loving young man who has gone from strength to strength since leaving home when he was 18. His girlfriend, Amy, is a beautiful and wise young woman.
He is now working in the customer accounts department of Britain's most prestigious (and most expensive!) department store.
The party was held at Judith and Brian's house as our little flat would have baulked at the 18 people for the dinner party. Thanks to Judith & Brian it was a really lovely affair and started in the sitting room with drinks and the opening of gifts.
Nick at 21 is a bright, successful and loving young man who has gone from strength to strength since leaving home when he was 18. His girlfriend, Amy, is a beautiful and wise young woman.
He is now working in the customer accounts department of Britain's most prestigious (and most expensive!) department store.
The party was held at Judith and Brian's house as our little flat would have baulked at the 18 people for the dinner party. Thanks to Judith & Brian it was a really lovely affair and started in the sitting room with drinks and the opening of gifts.
We all then moved into the lounge which was set up with a huge table. Gina did the food in her customary superb style. It was made special by the whole family being there as well as Anna & Scott. Nick's new niece, Erin, was also present keeping her parents, James & Lauren under a very tight rein.
Brian continued a Howard tradition and composed a poem which had a pithy remark about every person present, - this delivered before the meal started. Short speeches by myself, Gina and Sam punctuated the main and dessert and Nick gave great reply.
It was a merry do after which all the "young people" went into Harrogate to bars and clubs and celebrated in suitable fashion.
We vacated our flat so they were able to walk back to our place afterwards.
The following morning we arrived back at the flat at about noon and we went out to lunch at a nice pub on the Skipton Road. Sadly we had had to farewell Scott and Anna & Nick and Amy as they had trains to catch back to Scotland.
I was struck by the fine young men & women we had all produced. Something has gone really right! The future is in good hands.
I was struck by the fine young men & women we had all produced. Something has gone really right! The future is in good hands.
