Time will tell, but I can’t be absolutely certain Sophie is going to be ecstatic about the birthday present I’ll give her this evening. I’m reasonably optimistic though. The Fitbit she got for Christmas has been a surprising success. Perhaps I was resting on my laurels, but I hadn’t been able to think of anything to match that until last Saturday morning when Sophie started moaning about a sore back sustained in the course of a protracted phone conversation with Hen whilst doing the ironing.
I was feigning interest although in fact somewhat more engrossed by the challenge of trying to break my all time record of 12 correct answers out of 20 in the Saturday Telegraph family general knowledge quiz. Having failed in that task what should I read about, elsewhere in the section, but an article about a marvellous little invention, designed to help improve your posture. Obviously one shouldn’t do the ironing whilst attempting to hold the phone in the crook of your neck. But the idea of this gadget is that you stick it on your back, between the shoulder blades, and it gives you a gentle electric shock or some form of vibration possibly whenever it senses that you are slouching. Clever eh? Just in case though I’ve hedged myself with the additional purchase of an amber and bay leaf scented candle from Jo Malone ( just a small one ), and we’re going out to the local pub for supper. I know. I spoil that girl.
If I can continue with the theme of “ways to maintain a successful marriage” it is obviously important not to take each other for granted. Nonetheless Jimmy’s reaction to the fact that Sophie came downstairs last Monday wearing make up, whilst intensely loyal, was also a little disconcerting. Of course I was here in the office looking after you lot, but back at the ranch Sophie was on a mission to sell Lottie’s horse. I could learn a thing or two from her with regard to the attention to detail required to clinch a deal. A lady was coming round for a second look at Bertie. Sophie had had me sweep the stable yard and move all the accumulated clutter out of sight before I was allowed to settle down to watch the Liverpool-Spurs match on Sunday afternoon. First thing the following morning Sophie groomed the horse to perfection after which she went upstairs to apply the finishing touches to her own appearance. It was back in the kitchen when she was waiting for the prospective purchaser to arrive and taking the opportunity to brew some coffee that she noticed Jimmy eyeing her up and down rather suspiciously. Jimmy doesn’t miss a trick. “Why are you wearing make up Mummy” she said in a somewhat accusatory yet anxious tone. Sophie explained the lengths she was prepared to go to make a sale. “Oh, phew,” said Jimmy, according to Sophie, sincerely relieved, “I thought it was because Gavin the electrician is coming. I was a bit worried for Daddy.”
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