A northern hurricane, the land of talk and painted toenails

Nothing quite prepares you for a visit from Susie and Mary. It is just like, I would imagine, being hit by a hurricane. We had lots of notice, we cleared up, we moved the furniture to the edge of the room. Livi was home with boyfriend Sam (he was in for a shock) and we waited. We thought they might be a bit late as they were following directions and we knew they would not be with us for long. And then we got the call, directions were given and suddenly they were with us.

" How are you love?" Give us a kiss" "Where's the toilet?" 30 seconds gone, lots of hugs and the kettles on. Thelma and Louise have arrived, although perhaps we are talking about a female version of the Chuckle brothers. Toilet done and it's an ear assault. Mary is Tracey's mum's friend and Susie is her daughter. Mary is a bit deaf and Susie never(no never) stops talking. "Me mums (I'll spare Mary the age thing) ..and its like looking after a big kid". "I'm 40 years old, I never thought I'd make it". Susie has me Tracey pinned in the kitchen with tales of driving, partners, mobile phones and mothers. Meanwhile Mary is with Olivia and Sam looking at all our photos, reminiscing about previous visits and looking for something to iron. Nobody else can manage a word. They are both the most positive, life affirming, gorgeous people you can imagine. It's all over far too quickly. Come back soon.

The rest of the day and indeed the last few days have been pretty uneventful. The usual teen dramas "Where are my pink wellies, I left them here after camping at Easter" that was 20 minutes before starting work placement on Monday. They had been thrown out and I managed to find her another pair. " Mum, Dad I have to have a 17th century butlers outfit for a French play I am doing on Wednesday" this was Sunday so plenty of notice there. Eventually he did the play in a suit.

We also had a visit from a pair of people from the land of talk, Sue and Tony. I had met them in Sainsbury's and told them Trace was ok to visit. By the time I got home they were there and we listened and listened and listened. Sue has been a very good friend of the Tinsley family, in fact I doubt we would be in Melksham if it wasn't for her help. She has a huge heart and it is lovely to see her so happy with Tony. Anyway we listened to tales about people I don't think I know. Sometimes its good to listen.

Well it's been creeping up on me for a few days now. Finally I had to paint Tracey's toenails. I have done this before, when she broke her elbow last year and now it had to be done again. I should have washed them first.

And in all their glory

So there we are another few days of Tinsley life. I can manage to talk about without mentioning the C word. Talking of which Tracey is looking for a name for her cancer, I have suggested Maggie as in Thatcher or Tony as in Blair. Any other good ideas.

Chris x