A Belated Family Christmas

[lupestripe]

I went back home for Christmas for the weekend, the house move and work precluding me from going any earlier. It was a great weekend, with everyone happy to see me, although it was tinged with sadness that I couldn't make the actual day (or usually the preceding week) like I have done in previous years.

It was only the second time I had visited since Christmas 2012 and I have resolved to visit more often in future, perhaps every three months or so. This is particularly the case for my grandparents, who are 85 and 84, and although they are looking remarkably healthy for their age, I don't want to regret not seeing them enough while they are alive. They were delighted to see me, with my grandfather in particular becoming far more huggy these days, while we shared a bottle of his favourite wine.

Indeed I drank an awful lot of wine over the course of the weekend, more so than I have ever done in a 48 hour period. My Dad had some then I went to my mother's for dinner and we had loads more before my grandparents visit. There was also loads of good food too, it was very much like Christmas except in mid-January so it was all cheaper.

On Sunday, my father and I went to Richmond, a place that hasn't changed in years, with identical pubs and leeching an air of staunch conservatism. We went to The Station, where the old railway lines used to run, which has now been turned into a small cinema, gallery and local shops for local people. I bought some ale from the Richmond Brewing Company, which brews their liquor on site, and some crisp fresh Wensleydale cheese too. It was all rather pleasant, a convivial way to spend a dreary Sunday afternoon. We also noticed that around the town, there were eight identical pubs, three chippies and not much else. A pleasant place to visit but probably not great to live in.

Politics was a topic of oft discussion and all of my relatives - on three separate and independent occasions - urged me to go into politics. I'm not so sure about that, gay BDSM-loving furry is hardly going to sell well in the press and I'm not so sure I have the inner strength to deal with the rancour of the political world but it's worth a thought I suppose, particularly as I'm more politically active these days anyway. I certainly feel I could contribute and my opinions are strong and clear enough to further particular causes but I'm just not sure, particularly as I doubt I have the time commitment at present. It's worth a thought though.

Comments

[alexf0x.livejournal.com]

We also noticed that around the town, there were eight identical pubs, three chippies and not much else. A pleasant place to visit but probably not great to live in.

The Ramsey experience! and I agree with the statement.... shame I live there.

I'm not so sure about that, gay BDSM-loving furry is hardly going to sell well in the press and I'm not so sure I have the inner strength to deal with the rancour of the political world but it's worth a thought I suppose, particularly as I'm more politically active these days anyway.

Cambridge has a councillor who is openly bisexual, poly and M/F transgender on the Lib Dem ticket. It's when these things are closet secrets that they become embarrassing in political circles or becomes something that either the press or other parties can use against you, more so if it conflicts with the ideals of the party (look at how "back to basics" worked out for the tories in the 90's as a prime example). It depends on what you feel about airing this laundry though in the public light, don't want to then don't do it! Simple as that TBH.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

Yep, very much the Ramsey experience XD

I agree, it's worse in the closet than not. I'd be up front about it and fortunately I'm so liberal I tend to practice what I preach.