A couple of Americans I met in January, Ruth and Rachel had come over to study at the University of Gloucestershire for one semester, and that semester was now over. Which was a shame. I mean, obviously, things change and people move on, and that will be good for them; but they will be missed here. They're lovely people and will definitely be remembered. And so, it was decided to have a proper celebration to see them off. Any excuse for a party, right?
Put together in a bit of a hurry, cos that's the way we roll round here. Starting off with going to the Kashmir (a favourite indian restaurant-I definitely recommend it). Can't remember whose idea that was, but there was no chance of any disagreement, especially as I'd recommended it to them a while back, and they hadn't managed to get there before. And then, following that, we went on to the pub (that would be The Conservatory, a favourite place to go, cos it's right next to church-can't accuse us of trying to be different in any way); where a few others joined us. And at some point, a card and presents were given,
And then, on the next day, another excuse for a party; our house-warming party. It was originally going to be the next day on the Saturday (which would have been the first Saturday we were both free); but when I started inviting people, I was reminded of another party going on that night that I'd been invited to. Always the same-nothing to do most of the time, and then two things on the same night. Steve was away for most of the week, but thankfully I had been asked to open up the shop, so I finished early; which meant we had plenty of time to sort everything out for the party. About the only thing we weren't sure of was who was coming, as almost no-one had given definite replies. Though, as that's pretty much usual, we weren't worried. I was a bit amused that the first person to arrive was the one who'd travelled the furthest (i.e. another county). Anyway, quite a few people turned up; and a good time was had by all. I even got a present, though it wasn't, technically, a housewarming gift. When Ruth and Rachel went to Edinburgh, I recommended they try Edinburgh rock, which they did-and, very generously, bought me some too. Very nice of them. They also brought their parents-or, at least, one of each.General merriment continued until the eary hours, finishing with Steve playing worship songs on the piano for the few who were left. I have no idea how that happened.
So, on Saturday, I was very tired, and just wanted to relax when I got home. But I had said I was going to the birthday party of a couple of friends; one of whom doesn't live locally, so I definitely wanted to go. Which meant that I got there later than I could have done, but the party was still in full swing. I got to see some friends I hadn't seen for ages, and watch some of them do karaoke. Some of them even did it well; and, again, a good time was had by all. There were even quite a few who were going off clubbing after that-I was invited, but I figured it wouldn't be a great idea-if nothing else, I had to be at church at 11 the next morning cos I was on duty. Which I did manage.
And, after church in the evening, there was another, more informal celebration. It was the last day that Ruth and Rachel were actually in Cheltenham; and, therefore, possibly the last time we'll ever see them. So, going to the pub after church was a little different. For one thing, there were a lot more photos taken. Though not by me, or I'd be adding them. A lot of chatting and laughter went on; happiness was the order of the day, it seemed. Which you might have thought was surprising, but then, there's a lot of happiness around Ruth and Rachel. They're both very positive people, and they seem to bring that out in others. Pretty much any others, it seems like. And so, I say again, they will be missed.
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