Swanston

A morning coffee at Swanston golf course is all it takes to delight my in-laws. The presence of the girl and her beautiful help too.

We spent the afternoon in the garden chatting, sipping iced tea, and dipping feet in cold water ahead of the obligatory podiatry services I offer. My girl remembers that we used to offer a full salon service where she and her brother would brush and style their hair and paint their nails. How sweet that their memory of something so mundane is special to them.

Then, at lunch, the news of Liam and Emily came through. A proposal on the South Downs, a ring, and she said yes. Everyone is delighted. They are visiting Edinburgh soon, and we will have the chance to celebrate with them.