Our Phili-Pam

Well, well & well, I may have lost my senses, or some might say that they went years ago. I've ordered a Bentley. As near as matters, it's an Ivo Peters Bentley. Ivo Peters was a railway film enthusiast, who recorded cine film before the days of electronic recording. His Bentley was synonymous with his presence wherever he went. Ivo Peters Bentley

Out of the blue my Mum was sent a glossy advert book for Bentleys. She'd never have wanted one but it tickled her no end. A few months later Dad was sent a catalogue for an unconnected company, Bentley's Used Cars - and they didn't even have used Bentleys! He pretend sulked for the day. He didn't want one either but he was affronted he wasn't asked. Mum was very smug.

Helen. Chance would be a fine thing

Hi all Today is a memorable day for me. At precisely 12 noon, we were pronounced husband & wife in 1968. I was told that I could kiss the bride, but I explained that I had already done that previously. Besides, I was hungry. So it was off to the Craftsman, a new pub then. Had one night in Stratford, staying at the Arden, before returning to my chapel, as it was the occasion of the presentation of a Sacred Cantata, Garnered Grain. I still have my copy. The choir in those days was first class. It's a moderately difficult work for an inexperienced organist, the choir master had left it too late to foster a replacement organist. I wasn't the church organist then, I only accompanied the choir. Pam had a sweet voice, where she sang in a duet. For me, looking back, it was a glorious weekend of marriage festivities. Most of our nearly one hundred wedding guests came to the Sunday evening presentation. Seating in isles, the chapel was jam packed. Although I say it myself, I gave that cantata every ounce of my effort, on a fabulous reed organ. The pedals were hot as were my feet. It took a multi-horsepower motor to power the air cylinders. I think that was hot too. That's part of why I am so happy now, even with my Pam a memory, but a huge chunk of me.

Hi all, Please don't ever be afraid to respond to any conversation regards how I am. I'm not thick skinned, might be an accurate statement. I certainly miss Pam like crazy. Just now I was doing a bit in the railway room, where how I could have done with her company, not just bringing me a cuppa. As long as we're truthful & honest is gold for me, with whatever we share. I'm ever mindful that in no way am I alone in being a widower or widow. I also know the value that our forum is to folks like me. Time & time again I'm visiting somewhere or someone, where I'm reminded that the previous occasion, I was with Pam. I'm not in anyway haunted by it. The fact that I've no bad hang ups may help me, or be a factor in that. I'm rambling a bit now, but if that helps anyone on our forum, so be it.

I don't know about others but I'm a bit British about emotional things and don't know what to say a lot of the time but I'm very happy that you're comforted by Pam as always. It's so easy for the bad memories to get in the way of the good ones. Hugs.

Hi all, Reports are stating that Princess Anne and Prince Charles, now King Charles III, were both with Queen Elizabeth when she died at Balmoral on Thursday. The Royal Family rushed to Balmoral after news of the Queen's ill health on Thursday afternoon. I've copied this post so as to share a thought that's part of my memory. It's possible that our Queen’s health deterioration caught many by surprise. My Pam was still responding well to treatment at UHCW on the day that she died. It was only in her last hour that an undetected water infection sent alarm bells ringing, which is why I arrived at UHCW a few minutes too late. Covid restrictions were in force. Pam died whilst clutching her mobile phone. So I can feel for those members of our Queen’s family who did not arrive until too late. I'm also vividly reminded of the multitudes of folk who were never able to say bye bye to their loved ones, particularly with Covid restrictions. It's with you in mind that I post this.

Hi all, My favourite topic, food. I did me some cheese sauce to go with my cod dinner the other day, but made too much sauce. Just no.4 grated cheese in some milk. Anyway, not wanting to waste the sauce, for tea time, I spread the left over sauce on some buttered toast & toasted it. It's the best cheese on toast that I can remember.

My favourite cheese for cheese on toast or cauli is what I call 'plastic cheese' from Kerrymaid. It's basically milk and cheese but with an additive that stops it all separating. It browns without going oily. Yum yum.

Hi all, From a previous post… Cold weather lunch-bite, my central heating sandwich. Banana & chocolate.

Hmmm? Bread and butter, yum. Banana, yum. Choccy buttons, yum. Altogether? I'll take your word for it.

Not sure that will get you on Masterchef, Philip! I do like Weetabix on toast though

Hi all, Sunday night at our forum (not the Palladium) holds dear memories for me. From the days when Pam & I were a courting couple. From age 16, music was a dominating force in my life, but seeing Pam in her home as the evening was nearly at its end, the treat when Pam made me up a sarnie from the joint that had been their family Sunday dinner. I can taste it now. I can hear her mum in the other room asking if I wanted mustard with the beef. Just like as though it was just a week ago.

It's easy to see 'food' has had a great influence on your life, Philip, and you certainly chose the right partner for life. On a lighter note, a Chinese meal of beef and black bean sauce sealed my fate with my hubby when we were both 17.

Hi all, This may need translating. "Wiblewobwoobablomblom". I've been to the dentist this morning. Lovely young lady dentist sorted me out. Brill.