Passing Strangers

This evening I went to do some market research.  I haven't done one for a long time as the subjects are often not relevant, the timings don't work, or it is too far away.

This afternoon though I slipped away, leaving eldest son in charge of catering for the masses when they all came in from work.

The research was about charities and there were a total of 7 women in the room.

What I found fascinating was the small window into the lives of each of the ladies.

All of us were of a similar age, being slightly over 21, and we came from Twickenham, Cheam and Watford to name a few of the locations. Blonde hair, long hair, smartly dressed, more casual, wearing glasses, working full time, or owning a business, everyone was very different.

Each of us had older children, although I had bragging rights as the only one with twins!

All the ladies were involved with charities, donating, fund raising and supporting others. Cancer related causes led the way, with people having lost family members, and one strong woman who was in remission.  One lady supported a local diabetes charity as her daughter has type 1 diabetes and another lady gave to a heart charity as she had lost her father to a heart attack.

It was interesting to see how their perspective was focused around their experiences.  Whilst I know this is true for everyone, it is easier to see it in others rather than yourself.  

The discussion ran it's allotted time and we all left heading off towards the same station.  In small groups, chatting about our journeys home, A level results, and a holiday someone had just returned from.  

As I went to go on the underground, we separated, everyone on their bit of track heading back to their reality.  We never knew each other very long so there is no great friendship lost, but forward we went, like flowers that have been strewn in the wind, travelling in various directions too our homes and lives, never to meet again.

Bank Holiday Changes

If we're lucky enough to have a little bit of sunshine on a bank holiday, there is almost a desperation to make the most of it, and actually do something.  Working in the garden, cleaning the house or clearing out the garage is fine for the Saturday and Sunday, but the Monday always feels as though it deserves better.

Over the years we have wasted a lot of this precious day coming to a decision about where we would go.  Gaining consensus from the family made tackling Brexit look easy, and by the time everyone was loaded in the car, I often wanted to climb out and leave them all to it.

Now the boys are older, the numbers have dwindled.  One of the twins was away partying for the weekend and has come home this evening looking as bad as he feels.  The other twin gave a look of complete disgust.  Never mind the fact we were leaving in the morning before he surfaces, why would we even ask him?  My middle son is studying for impending exams and so won't leave the hours unless it is for essential food supplies or the odd gym trip to ensure he is body fit for his post A level holiday.  That just leaves my youngest, who isn't world weary and fed up yet with going out with his parents, and actually appears to enjoy our company!

With only three of us, it was surprisingly easy.  One suggestion that everyone agreed to, no hold ups on the motorway and an hour later we were by the river.  We spent ages in a charity bookshop (my idea of heaven), had a lovely walk (which made my other half happy with his step total), and found a lovely pub for lunch (youngest gleeful as no vegetables). 

I expect the constant changes with the family growing up, and I know it won't be long before it's just two of us heading out, but for the moment we are making the most of having our little man with us.  Now we just have to hope for sunshine in August.