VE Day 80

Awake early, breakfast just after 7 and left before 8.  Despite the traffic getting out of Aberdeen it was a good drive down the road and the weather was lovely.  I think the road south is prettier than the one north.  It is always so glorious coming through the Howe of the Mearns.

Stopped in Dundee for petrol and apple juice for Mum and then onward to Edinburgh.  Somehow I managed to miss the slip on to the M9.  Thank goodness for the new junction to Winchburgh.

Then it was off for the second part of Mum's veteran commemorations for VE Day 80.  Met Ian Murray MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland outside the Poppy Factory and the to the Arras Boardroom where there was a press call and a phalanx of photographers and other media.  The interviews and pics took about 45 mins and all the time the sandwiches were waiting!  During it the folk from Poppy Scotland checked whether or not Mum had been sent a Victory Coin after Covid.  She hadn't and neither had George, the other veteran.  Luckily they had 2 left so there was presentation and more photos.  Eventually we got some lunch and a tour of the factory which was very interesting.  And of course being in a boardroom named after the Battle of Arras was very fitting as my grandfather won his MM there in 1917 and our French family live in Arras.

Eventually got home. Mum enjoyed being driven through the town.  She was amazed how busy it was. 

I sorted out various bits and pieces at the Manor and then came home to find that I think Y had forgotten to feed Willow, though she didn't seem to mind.  I sat in the garden in the sun and finally finished the cross stitch.  Just needs framed now.

In the evening I sorted the photos from this week and shared them with friends and family and watched Mum on 'Reporting Scotland' (also STV News).  Caught a bit of the end of the London Concert - it was dark there when it was still light here.

And it definitely hasn't been a slow news day - VE 80 commemorations, a trade deal with the US and an American Pope!