In Which There Is a Wedding, a Wedding Anniversary and Family Reunions Are Made

Starring roles from this letter:

Angie - Mum's friend at work
Nanny Annie - Mum's Mum 
Ella - my Step-Nan (she married my Grandad Doug - on my Dad's side) - there had been family rift a few years ago before Grandad Doug passed away
Viv - Ellas's daughter
Elizabeth and Rosemary - Viv's daughters
Colin, Pat, Darren, Debra (Colin is my Dad's brother, married to Pat.  Darren & Debra my cousins and Debra was one of my bridesmaids)
Don - Mum's brother

Cyn - Vince's Mum

Cynnie - Vince's eldest sister

George - Cyn's companion at the time

Blue and B.J. - Persian cats bred by Cynnie - related to Smokey Cat


MUM:

Thursday 5th April 1990
To Dearest Joanne and Vince,

Hello again, still missing you like mad, but then that will never change.  By now you should both be settling well into our new jobs and enjoying them.  All you want now is your house and you have made it.  So many people ask about you both and when we tell them what you have done and what you have got, they are really surprised and very pleased for you.  That makes us very proud.
Back to normal at work now, if you can call it normal! Angie is back, the car does look a bit of a mess so it must have been a bad smash.  For once, she was not exaggerating!!
Went up to see Nanny this afternoon and she was out.  Mr. Mack across the road said she has gone out with a man? He is from her club, he has lost his wife, and lives in a bungalow on his own.  He has asked Nanny if she would like to live with him just for company.  I don't know what to think really.  What do you think? I have just rung her and said "where have you been?  Mr. Mack said you went out with a strange man - she said "No I have not!" - perhaps she is scared to tell me.
Watched Treasure Hunt tonight, it was in Yorkshire and made me long to be there.  Don't feel so bad about losing Briar Dene now, I have come to terms with it.  I remember what you said to me 'Mum if you can't have Briar Dene, it means something better is waiting for you' and that makes me feel better.
We still have not had anybody else to look at the house, and are thinking of taking it off the market for a couple of months and then try again.  You never know, it might do some good.  How are you getting on with house hunting? It must be quite nice knowing you have not got the problem of having to try and sell something first.  I really wish we were in that position.

Friday 6th April 1990
End of the week again, god they do go fast.  After I had finished shopping, I went and had something quite exciting done.  I had new nails put on (Images in Bexley Village) where you went for your wedding nails.  Because my nails were so short, I had to have Californian Jelloid Sculptured Nails and they were expensive £21.50.  Still if it stops me from biting them, it is worth it.  It took 1 1/2 hours.  They look nice and I have kept them quite short, so they look more natural.  They check them once a week free of charge for a month.
James had his hair cut today, he wanted to go where Vince went as he wanted it to look like Vince's did on your wedding day.  I don't know where he went in the end, but it looks OK.  I'm having trouble writing with my new nails haha.
The weather has turned very cold again with hard frosts in the mornings, not very good for Tommy Tortoise or the bees.

Saturday 7th April 1990
Got up and went shopping early today.  Sunny, but very cold.  Had to do some shopping for Nanny because she did not feel well enough to go to Dartford.  Took it up to her and she said 'how much do I owe you?'  I told her, but she still didn't pay me!  I can't ask her for it can I?  Went to Viv and John's wedding this afternoon.  She looked very nice,  but not as lovely as you looked, it was a pretty little church, all white and dated back to 12th Century.  Colin, Pat, Darren and Debra were there.  James was upset because Elizabeth and Rosie both had boyfriends.  We were thinking of you in the church as one of the hymns was "Morning Has Broken" that you had at your wedding.  I sang it with a lump in my throat.  Stood and shivered while the photos were taken.  Saw Ella, she didn't look any different from when we last saw her.  She gave us a little smile, but would not come over and speak. Later at the reception, I spoke to her in the ladies loo and she said she would come and speak to us when Colin and Pat had gone, which she did.  Apparently, Colin and Pat still don't want anything to do with her, even though they are friends with Viv.  I think it is a bit silly to keep it up for so long, she is an old lady and what happened was so long ago, it should be forgotten.  There's enough trouble in the world without adding to it with silly grudges.   Ella was very interested in you and Vince and I have promised to take the wedding photos over to show her one afternoon. Gave your address to Debra and she is going to write to you.  There was no disco at the wedding, they had a band.  Can you believe they played The Birdie Song!!  And no, I did not get up and do it!

Nana Ella with Viv, her daughter on her wedding day.  Ella was a really elegant lady and was the person who got me into dancing as she was friends with my dance teacher.

Sunday 8th April 1990
Poor Dad had to get up early and go to work.  He has taken the car (cheek) - he can clean it when he comes home if it's dirty.
Nanny is at Don's today, so I am having a lazy Sunday.  James is out, I don't know where, so it's nice and quiet.  After dinner, sat in the living room and read my book, with James Last on in the background.  It was heaven.  Every now and then I look up and see your photo and a very strong longing for you comes over me.  You have just rung though, so I feel happier now.  I so look forward to speaking to you, I think I just live for Sundays.  Dad gets a lump in his throat as well when he speaks to you.  How is Vince when he speaks to Cyn on the phone?  Forgot to tell you that Aunty Rhona rang this morning to see how you both are.  I tell you, everybody wants to know so much and I love telling them.
Dad's just watched Black Adder - it makes me think of you and Vince when you watched it and I can hear your laugh.  Watched a film tonight "Bad Company" with Jeff Bridges, quite good and funny.

Monday 9th April 1990
Dad's on nights this week, so it's please myself what I eat and when which is quite nice really. 
Well we have taken the house off the market with Kings because we are not very pleased with them.  They have never had it in the paper and we have their board up. We told them to stick their board up their arse or words to that effect!
It was quite nice when I came home from work, so Dad and I put the rest of the supers on the beehive, so now it's up to them to fill them up.
James is round Darren's stripping wallpaper and paint for the bedroom so that Darren's Dad can decorate.  He's giving them £10 each - cor! I would have done it for that!

Tuesday 10th April 1990
Your lovely letter came this morning, such a lovely letter.  They're always so interesting, makes ours sound so boring.  We can't get over the amount of food you eat, you seem to be eating out nearly every day.  But you certainly seem to be enjoying yourselves and that's all that matters.  Thank you for your lovely words of comfort about Briar Dene and as you said there's always Vancouver.  Who knows, after Christmas, we might have fallen in love with Vancouver?!  Did I just hear Vince say "oh gawd"?  Both your jobs sound so interesting and we are very proud of both of you. Might even see you reading the news one day Joanne!

Glad you have started looking at houses - have you heard anything about your furniture yet?  Would love to have a ride in your TR6 one day with the roof down, it sounds great.  Yes, you are right about the perfumed letters.  I remembered about you saying I always smelled like Mums should smell, so I spray each letter I send.  Thought it would make you seem more close to me (Dad said would Vince like a special page of his smelly aftershave? haha - Dad can be a bit stupid sometimes!)

The weather here is still not very good.  The long range weather forecast for Easter is very wintry, so don't suppose we will be doing much.  Dad's probably working anyway.  James has been to Margate today with Darren and some others.  They went by train from Swanley early this morning and he came home worn out.  Going to have a nice early night myself now, going to have a nice coffee and start the next book of yours "Blue Above the Chimneys" - really looking forward to it.

Wednesday 11th April 1990

DAD: It's my turn now, just the details on your Assurance Policy - I have got it all sorted for you. I didn't trust that silly new agent, Mr. Riley, I don't know what it is but I just can't get on with him.  He gives me the impression that he's above me, still, enough about him.  I'm sending all your documents back to you.  Also got your no claims bonus from your car insurance and it's in the envelope - don't lose it as it will help to make your car insurance cheaper, hopefully.  Well that about covers it - Mum's waiting to write her bit for today, speak to you soon.

MUM: Dad's got the sulks now, cause I made him go through his writing and correct his mistakes!  Went to the pub today with Pat and Mick. Mick is still not really himself and he has been clearing out his Dad's house and coming across lots of memories of when they were a happy family.  I can really understand what he is going through.

Watched the film "When The Wind Blows" on TV tonight - such a sweet film, but very sad.

Thursday 12th April 1990

Finished work today for Easter and don't go back until Wednesday when I get paid again.  Lovely!

Went and got shopping today and it was packed with people.  Got our hot cross buns for tomorrow.  Do you have them there too?  Went and had my nails checked today, the lady said they were okay.  I have got used to them now and really forget they are there.  But she did hurt me today, really pushed my cuticles back, ouch!

It's just come over very dark and is quite funny looking out the window at the bees.  They are flying back to the hive and pushing one another to get inside.  It's because they sense rain coming.  I will have to teach them some manners and make them go in two by two!  Had my bee sample report back this morning and they are free if disease, so I am very pleased with myself and Dad for getting them through the winter months.  And of course you and Vince had a hand in the care of them, you fed them when we were away on holiday and two weeks in the life of a bee is very important!

Went to Dean's tonight to take Easter pressies over.  They got your letter and photos and promised me they would write.

Dad with all the honey made from their own bees

Friday 13th April 1990

Easter Friday and it's raining hard.  Also our wedding anniversary, 27 years, not bad eh?  Dad gave me a new gold necklace cause my other one is done up with bits of cotton and I have ordered a bee suit for Dad, but it still hasn't come yet, so he will have to have it later.

Just woke Dad up and we're going to have hot cross buns, yummy yum!  I have been waiting a long time for these.

Have just watched some more ice skating from Canada - Gala performance with Kurt Browning, he has got such a nice smile.  Did not go anywhere today because it's a rotten day and Dad has taken the car to work (Cor! I am kind)!  James and we watched Dumbo because it's been raining all day.  I have not even been outside the back door.   I have done nothing but watch TV and I feel really exhausted, it must be the thought of being married for 27 years!!  Haha.

Saturday 14th April 1990

Quite a busy day today.  Waited for Dad to get up to go shopping.  James has just come home, did his paper-round, then went straight into the butchers to work for three hours! He said never again, it was disgusting (and then more information which I will not share here).

Went to my first bee club this afternoon and we were there at 3 o'clock on the dot.  It was freezing cold and they only have 4 hives out of 11 that survived the winter.  Such a shame. So they have to buy new colonies into the club and build them up again. Dad got stung on the thumb and it is now really swollen.  Ah poor Dad!!

Went out for dinner for our Anniversary.  Went to the Royal Victoria and Bull, where we took you and Vince, sat in the lower part next to the fire and had a lovely meal, came home bloated out.  It brought back sad memories of when we were there with you.  We spoke a lot about you and Vince during our meal, so if your ears were burning it was us!!  We were saying nice things though!

Sunday 15th April 1990

Easter Sunday morning - boiled eggs and toasted soldiers.  I had an Easter prezzie from Dad, a carpet bag.  I can get such a lot into it and I gave Dad some Thornton's chocolates.  We bought Nanny a butterfly broach instead of flowers, she didn't say much just stuffed it in her bag.  Oh well!  She will probably say next week 'see this broach Don bought me' and I will say *#@!?<^!!!!  Didn't go anywhere today, too damn cold - typical Easter weekend.

Just phoned you, lovely to hear your voice, just wish we could talk longer. I don't think Dad's looking forward to the phone bill!! Glad you liked your Easter parcel, it was just a little something to say we love you both.

We had a nice lemon gateaux for tea and Vince, we thought of you the whole time we were eating it!  Dad has just watched Black Adder again!!  He laughs so much while watching it.  Have just taken Nanny home, it's so hard-going having Nanny here, plus the dog!  She said she has sent you another letter by the way.

My Nanny Annie and her lovely dog Judy

Monday 16th April 1990

Dad working today and not much on TV so did all the housework this morning, plus the bathroom.  God how I hate doing the bathroom, mind you it does look nice when finished, with clean towels all laid out.  Until James gets in there!  Then I wonder why I bothered!

Just cooking a turkey roast which we normally have on Easter Monday, so James and myself are just going to have a turkey sandwich, felt guilty about leaving Nanny on her own on Easter Monday, so I rang her her.  I was going to take her down to see Aunt Rose, but there was no answer.  She was probably out with her man friend!!  Anyway, I stayed in and watched the TV film "The Ten Commandments" - was good.

In the evening, Dad and I went over to see Cyn and George and had a really nice evening.  Vince's sister, Cynnie was there and we took some photos, so will send them to you next letter.  I have to keep touching Blue and B.J. as they remind me of Smokey Cat.  Cyn is getting around very well now with her new legs now that she's had her knee operation, and driving her car too.  They are going to come over and see us soon.  She showed me her photos that you have sent and I shared mine.  George is so funny and was telling us some of his rude jokes.  We left the same time as Cynnie and she showed us the quicker way to Bexleyheath.

Vince's Mum, Cynthia with Blue and B.J., Smokey Cat's brothers 

Well I suppose I had better get this letter finished so I can post it tomorrow.  It seems to be going on and on.

More news to follow soon.

Mum and Dad's sign off x

In Which mashed potato is thrown, much food is consumed and the chocolate fudge cake is all out!

Starring roles from this letter:

Don Brinton - my boss at CKVU TV
Gail - P.A. to Don Brinton
Carolynn and Riyaz - friends
Cheryl and Monique - more friends
Sheila and Patrick - our landlords


JO:

Dear Mum and Dad,
Ready for more news?  Then here we go.

Wednesday 4th April 1990
I was on my own at work this afternoon as Gail was out.  My boss, Don, had just returned from Atlanta and had been shown around the set of "Gone With The Wind" so he brought us all back an information package.  When I've read it, I'll send it on to you to keep as you're a "Gone with the Wind" fan!

Thursday 5th April 1990
Got home from work to find a letter from James, so sat in the garden and read it.  He's so funny.  Do you read his letters to us?  He's so short and to the point like it's a real effort to sit down and write to us!  He is amusing though and I am glad he writes at least.
I felt in a stupid mood at dinner and had a big urge to throw some mashed potato at Vince!  He kept saying "just you dare and see what happens".  Anyway, in the end I was a coward and didn't but would you believe it he splodged a lump on me! And it went all over the carpet.  I got some potato on my fork and ran after him, but he locked himself in the bathroom.  Cowardly custard! Good job Sheila and Patrick didn't see us!

Friday 6th April 1990
Stayed behind for a little while at work to have some of Gail's birthday cake.  It was chocolate with a hint of brandy.  Yummy!
When I got home I watched Smokey Cat in the garden with the birds, he's so funny.  We have these great big birds that are black and blue with crowns on their heads, they are Blue Jays.  When I first saw them I thought a neighbour's pet had escaped.  Well Smokey was fascinated, but I think the birds would put up quite a fight.  We also have these tiny little birds that look like canaries and they dart around really fast.  Smokey was pursuing some of them and in the process knocked down a load of poles that Sheila and Patrick had propped up against the wall.  Well he ran back indoors with his ears back as fast as his legs would carry him.  Daft cat!

Smokey in the garden with his balloon

Went out in the evening to a bar/restaurant called Leons, with Carolynn and Riyaz and had such a nice time.  There was a female jazz and blues singer and she was so good.  Halfway through the act, she asked another lady from the audience to come and sing and her voice was just incredible.  How wonderful to be able to get up and sing just like that.  Got to bed at about 1.30 in the morning.

Saturday 7th April 1990
Got up with great effort to go to aerobics.  Just about made it through the session, I was pretty tired.  Went out to breakfast at a place in town called The Elbow Room.  It's called that because it's so tiny.  Also, they have a gimmick, the staff insult you and are as sarcastic as hell, you have to have a good sense of humour to be able to take it, but it is hilarious!! Lots of famous people go there and they have autographed photos all over the walls.  The food is wonderful and it was dirt cheap.  Vince had a great big fat pancake with apples and cinnamon and I had eggs benedict.  Cheryl and her friend Monique came too, so there were five of us at breakfast and Vince was the only man.
Went to Monique's apartment and she lent me a pair of shorts because it was yet another sunny day.  It's the first time I've ever worn shorts in April I think!  We walked past the beach at Kitsilano (that's kind of South Vancouver) and people were sunbathing in their bikinis and trunks.  It was warm, but not that warm.  I think these Canadians are a bit barmy!  Walked to Granville Island which was a really lovely walk, right around the water's edge, looking at all the boats.
On the way home, stopped at Lonsdale Quay and got a pizza made up, then stayed in this evening as we were both quite tired.

Granville Island - an amazing place to visit

Sunday 8th April 1990
Had a lay-in, then got up and called you. It's just so lovely to speak to you both once a week.
Today, the weather was completely different.  It was raining and chilly.  Couldn't believe I had shorts on yesterday.  Went to the Dutch Pannecoek House for lunch, but as usual, my eyes were bigger than my belly, but it was nice.
Drove around and looked at some older houses.  Some weren't bad, but we didn't really see anything we could have done much with.  Prices are dropping though which is good.
In the evening, I sat and wrote something for the newsletter at work as they asked me to write about moving to Canada and the differences between the two countries.  I'll send it to you when it comes out.
Started to watch "The French Revolution" with Jane Seymour, but it was a bit hard going so gave up.

Monday 9th April 1990
Well, I'm sorry about this, but I don't have much to tell you today.  Both went to work, then came home and went to dinner at White Spot.  Vince ordered chocolate fudge cake for dessert.  The waitress spent 5 minutes telling him how delicious it was and that he'd really enjoy it and then came back to tell him they were out!  HA HA so funny!!

Tuesday 10th April 1990
Vince went off to do his TQ Refresher course tonight only arrived to find out it's been cancelled until September as they don't have a teacher!  So they'll be sending him a refund.  Luckily Vince is not relying on the certificate to work, but other people probably are.
Your letter arrived today and it was so full of lovely news.  We were telling Sheila about your bees and she thought you just bought a hive, stuck it in the garden and bees came to live there, haha.  So we had to explain to her that there's a little more involved than that.
By the way, we also had an earth tremor, but a bit further south of the border I think, although some of lower British Columbia felt it.  Perhaps the world is falling apart.

Wednesday 11th April 1990
Carolynn came to pick me up from work and we went for a walk in Stanley Park.  The weather is now nice again.  We walked through the zoo, round the sea-wall for a little way, then Carolynn showed me where Beaver Lake is.  We've never been able to find it before.  When we walked past one of the ponds, we saw a little duckling just inside the fence, we thought he was hurt at first, but a man standing nearby said that someone had dumped the little duckling there after keeping it as a pet and he was waiting for the park keeper to come and take care of the poor baby.

Beaver Lake, hidden away in Stanley Park

In the evening, we went to see Diana Ross at the PNE Coliseum.  I got free tickets from work because we were sponsoring the show.  Anyway, Diana was very good, much better than I expected.  She really loves her audience and she went around talking to people and pulling some of them up to dance.  She's 52 and looks fantastic!

Thursday 12th April 1990
Vince didn't have any work today so he pulled the TR6 to bits and fixed it up a bit.  He took out the amplifier and speakers as they didn't really suit the car's image and fixed up the original speaker, which looks much better.  He put in some new carpet and fixed the chair runners.  I think he enjoyed himself.
I had a barbecue at work today which was fun and I got to meet a few more people.  We've also bought tickets for a dinner and dance on a boat cruise in July, so that should be interesting.
I went into town and found this beautiful shop called The Music Box Company - everything they sell is musical and they have such lovely things there.
Stopped at Lonsdale Quay on the way home and bought Vince an Easter Egg with his name on it!!

Friday 13th April 1990
Happy Anniversary to you both - 27 years!
Vince's Mum called this morning which was a nice surprise.  She sounds fine and said she would be calling you soon.  We went to Gastown to have a look around and got talking to the Welsh lady in the country shop "Calico Cat".
Went to the cinema to see a film "Bad Influence" which was really good

Saturday 14th April 1990
Aerobics this morning, then breakfast at Cafe Boulevard.  Just the three of us this time.  The weather was dull in the morning, but it turned out fine, so we put the car roof down and drove out to Fort Langley.  You would love it there, it's a pretty little village with a Fort is in "Mavis Street"!  It's really interesting and there are people dressed up in costume who tell you all about the history.  It is the original Hudson Bay Company, where trade first started with the Indians and then with gold during the Gold Rush.  After that we found this old house that was built for the first doctor in town, in about 1910, and a lovely lady now runs it as a country gift shop and tea room.  I could just imagine you running something like this, Mum.  I wish you could have seen it.  She served her tea and cakes on an assortment of antique plates and cups, so pretty.  The lady was chatting to us and asked Vince if he could fix her fridge, so there's his first customer if he goes self-employed.

Fort Langley - really interesting museum and pretty village

Sheila and Patrick invited us up to share their Easter Turkey in the evening which was nice.  She is such a good cook - we stayed up there all evening.  I showed Sheila all the old photos I brought with me.  She thought that you and Dad were a beautiful couple and that you looked like a movie star in your wedding photos.  I agreed with her, you both still look wonderful!

Sunday 15th April 1990
Waited in desperation for the phone to ring.  It was lovely to hear you both, except there was a delay on the line which made it a bit difficult.
Thank you both so much for the Easter presents - I got so excited opening the parcel and I shed a tear or two!  The earrings are very pretty and I wore them today and Vince was very pleased with his saxophone pin.  That was clever of you to remember what he wanted.
Went to Capilano Suspension Bridge to watch the kids doing an Easter egg hunt, they really get into it!  It was lovely and the bridge had lots of different coloured balloons on it and looked really pretty.  It was very wobbly today though because of the amount of people on it.  It did make me a bit nervous!  Went to Horsehoe Bay and had fish and chips for lunch which was quite tasty, then went to the Woolstones for Easter Dinner, which was great fun as they had about fourteen people there, relations and friends.

Vince at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Monday 16th April 1990
Oh well, it's the first Easter Monday I've ever had to work but actually I didn't mind too much.  Got the seabus home and Vince met me at Lonsdale Quay.  After dinner, we walked up the road to Lynn Valley Canyon and went for a lovely long walk in the woods.  There are some lovely trails with old rickety paths and steps along the way.  It's so quiet and peaceful.  Apparently a lot of people have died there by not keeping to the trails and falling.  I don't know how people cannot understand that going beyond a fenced boundary could end badly!

Lynn Valley Canyon - breathtakingly beautiful and right on our doorstep!

Wrote my news when I got home and now I'm going to finish so I can post it tomorrow.  It's now 11.50pm, but I think I could sit here all night and ramble on and on to you both.  Vince and Smokey are fast asleep!

Well, until the next letter, take care and remember I love and miss you both so much.  I think of you constantly every day.

Sign-off from Jo 16.4.90

In Which Dad Dances Like a Heavyweight Ballerina

Starring roles in this letter:

Jacquie and Kevin (my favourite cousins) - Sadly we are out of touch, but I have such fond memories of their visits.
Old Face Ache - Mum's boss at the dentist
Pat and Mick - Mum's friend and her husband
Dr. Currivan - Our family doctor in Dartford
Nanny Annie - you all know her by now
James - my baby brother 



Our Dear Joanne/Vince,

Tuesday 27th March 1990

Here we go again.  The weather has turned quite cold again, I suppose it is to be expected for England, but it's very sunny as well although not a lot of warmth in it yet.  Apart from the other week of course, which came out of the blue.  Everywhere is looking very pretty though, the pink clematis down near the bird house is full of pink buds, should be lovely when it is out.  I really do love Spring.
Nanny rang me to say that Kevin rang her (surprise surprise) to say Jacquie has had a little girl.  I can't send a card because I don't know where she is in Australia, but maybe she will send Nanny a letter.
Dad has just come back from the careers centre with James - he's got a load of forms to fill in, but he hasn't got a clue what he wants to do, well apart from that he wants to work outside in Summer, inside in Winter and wants to take home £100 a week.  Dad said you'll be lucky.  I think he's got a shock coming to him, or the people who employ him will have a shock coming to them!!

Wednesday 28th March 1990

Pay day today and our quarterly bonus.  Lovely!  Poor Angie did not get her full bonus because she is still away.  Old Face Ache gave it to Pat and me - he said because we have been doing most of her work.  I suppose that was good of him, so he is not that bad really?  Anyway, did not go to the pub today as Pat had to go and see the solicitor about Mick's old house.  So I went and had a good spend up - wish you had been with me.
James has been in the wars again, he has chipped a bone in his elbow, but there is nothing they can do about it, it has to heal on its own.  He was rock climbing at the time with the school, he said he did it trying to save somebody's life (oh sorry, he DID save someone's life) - you can both stop laughing now!  James is a hero and he hopes he'll have all the girls running after him.
Just been outside to try and get Sam Cat in before I go to bed, but the little devil keeps running away.  The house at the end of the block has new people living there and they have this pretty black and white cat and Sam thinks she's a bit of alright.  He sits with her on top of the garage in the daytime, but can't get him in at night.  Randy little bugger!

Mum and Pat, her good friend from work

Thursday 29th March 1990

Your letter arrived this morning. I get so excited when the postman comes, I can hardly contain myself.  What a lovely letter, a bit sad to start with, but then I have bad days as well, it's to be expected I guess.  Your letters are so long and you explain everything so beautifully, it's just wonderful and everything seems to be going so well for you both.  I must say you seem to be doing a lot of eating.  Hope you're not putting on too much weight or you won't be able to get in your new car!!  You sound very proud of your car, can't wait to see it - does Vince wear a flat cap?  Ha Ha.
Sorry to hear about Heather's Mum, hope she will be alright.  Would you please thank them from me and Dad for giving you a happy birthday.  They do sound so nice and next time Sheila invites you up for desert, let us know, and we will join you.  Can you imagine how much weight I would put on?!  I better go on a crash diet before we come at Christmas.
Glad Vince didn't stay with Cool King Refrigeration, they didn't sound very reliable and it's going to take some time before people realise how good he is at his work, then they'll be crying out for him.
You'll have to tell us more about your job - will you drive there when you get used to the car or will you get the seabus.  It must be better than going by British Rail!
Went to see Nanny this afternoon - she had a red final notice to pay her electric bill, but she hadn't told us about the first bill that came.  I found it in her cupboard so now I have to rush down and pay it before they cut her off.  I don't know what we are going to do with Nan, bless her.

Friday 30th March 1990

Lovely and warm today.  Went shopping with no coat and made Dad come with me.  I think it does him good to see how much the Sainsbury's shopping costs these days.  I am sure it goes up each week.  We had to buy some more brandy for me today and it would not all go in the decanter, so I will have to drink what's left in the bottle tonight.  If you would like to come down tonight, we could share it together!
James is going to a fair in Dartford tonight and wants me to take him and Darren, so I told him he has to clean his bedroom thoroughly, put everything away and leave it spotless AND change his bed linen.  He's not very pleased and said he would rather walk, but he's getting lazy, perhaps you can nag him for me.
I have just cooked Sam cat some coley fish steaks - the ones you gave us.  He really loves them, sits and looks at the microwave all the time they are cooking.  He said to say thank you to Smokey Cat because it was really nice of him to leave them in England.
I must tell you this now: I have just said to James 'have you got anymore washing for the machine?' and he promptly took off his pants and gave them to me.  I might add that he was walking around in his pants and t-shirt and after giving me his pants, ran up the stairs and bent over at the top, it was not a pretty sight I can tell you!  I told him I'd tell you in my letter and he just creased up laughing!

Saturday 31st March 1990

Another beautiful day.  Waited for Dad to get up so he could come shopping with me and again we went without coats.  Dad bought himself a new pair of trainers, really posh ones.  Came home, he put them on and was dancing round the kitchen like a heavy weight ballerina!  After lunch, we went through the beehive for the first time this year and, well, we were gobsmacked!!  Three weeks ago, we put on a Super without the Queen excluder, to give them more room to stop them from swarming.  Well, she has laid eggs up there too and it was absolutely full of stores and bee larvae and brace comb.  The brace comb was full of larvae in all stages, which unfortunately we had to destroy.  It was so sad, but we had to cut it off so we could put the queen excluder on to stop her from going up there again.  They are working so well, bless their hearts.  We should be able to take honey from them in June and then again in August, so we will be able to bring some for you at Christmas.
We have bought some new bed linen for our bedroom.  It's called Cottage Garden and is so pretty.  Dad said blimey if he wakes up in the middle of the night, he will think he is sleeping in the garden.
As I'm writing this, Dad is cooking Saturday tea:
From Dad - "Nothing changes does it?  Still bossing me about!  Get the tea on then, she says.  There I am trying to do my crossword, no peace for me at all, so I suppose I had better get on with it, keep her quiet!  And there's poor old me nursing a bee sting on the palm of my right hand.  Nag, nag, nag!!
Sorry about that rude interruption, leave my letter writing for two minutes and Dad takes over, cheek!!  Anyway, where was I?  Oh yes, after dinner Dad and I walked up the video shop, all the ones we wanted were out, so we got "When the Whales Came".  It was a bit slow-going, one of those films you have to really listen to, but it was good.

Sunday 1st April 1990

God, April already, I can't believe it.  Today is lovely, I would go as far as saying quite hot.  Dad's just cleaned all the windows and he is sweating buckets.  I have just put some pansies in the front garden to give it some colour.  What sort of flowers have you got out at the moment and do you have the same flowers for each season like us?
Went up and got Nanny for dinner and then took her to Cobham Church Yard to put some flowers on her Mum and Dad's grave.  It was a nice afternoon and it's a lovely little village.  Nanny went to school there and her old house where she was a child is there and the big house (Lady Baker's house) where Nanny was in service.  It was a nice history lesson.  However, when we got there, would you believe Nanny didn't know where the grave was! So we just put the flowers where we thought they were.  When we got home, she was going on and on about the poll tax, she said she is not going to pay it and that they can take her to prison if they want to!
Was so wonderful to speak to you later and love that we can do this every week.  I know we can't say much in the time we have, but just to hear your voice is enough.

My Nan (Annie) and her trusy dog, Judy

Monday 2nd April 1990

I forgot to tell you on Saturday that Oxford won the boat race, 14th year running.  HURRAH! Dad blew rude raspberries, he's a bad loser!
Came home from work and washed the curtains and cleaned windows inside, then did all the ironing.  Phew!  And now it's raining and has come over very dark.  It's so different from yesterday, the weather is so very changeable.
I don't know whether you had it on your news, but we had an earth tremor near Wrexham and it was felt as far as London.  We didn't feel anything here, good job too!  There was apparently some damage from it.

Tuesday 3rd April 1990

Really cold today with sleety rain.  You know I told you how exciting it is when the postman comes, well it was not this morning.  Our Poll Tax came - £324.00 for Dad and the same for me - bloody stupid!! Still we can't do anything about it - at least you've escaped that in Canada.
Cooked James some spag bog tonight for dinner (yes it was my own) but he always says 'not bad, but not as good as Jo's'.  Ah well, nobody's perfect.  How are you getting on with your dishwasher?  You won't want to ever wash up by hand again, but I must say you needed one (sorry Jo).
Sam cat is sitting here watching me write and it made me think of Smokey cat - how are you getting on cleaning his teeth?  They should be really nice and shiny with nice pink gums by now!  I bet he gets annoyed.

Wednesday 4th April 1990

Pay day again and would you believe it, we got a raise as well.  Don't laugh it was a grand sum of £3.00 - wow what can I do with that?  Still it paid for lunch today.
It is freezing today and we had snow that actually settled, but not for long.  I was going to take a photo of it and send to you, but I could hear Vince saying 'oh they're just copying us now' haha.
Had to go to the doctors to get some more of my pills.  Dr. Currivan is retiring at the end of the month.  It's a little bit sad because he has been my doctor since I was a little girl and he has seen all of my children come into the world.  He shook my hand and said it was nice to know the Figg Family.
James has got some new trainers and went out in them tonight, but he didn't want to get them dirty and wet, so put polythene bags over them.  Can you believe that?
We have a lovely song in the Eurovision song contest called "Give A Little Love Back To The World" - I think it will win and the girl who sings it is only 15.

I better stop writing and send this letter off now, otherwise I will go on and on.

Mum's sign off 4th April 1990

In Which There's Perfume, Cocktails and Sunsets

Starring Roles:

Sheila and Patrick - our Irish landlords from whom we rented our basement
The Woolstones - the family we stayed with when we first arrived in Vancouver
Gail - the lady I worked with at CKVU TV

JO:

Dear Mum and Dad,
Hello there - hope you're both okay - still missing you very much!

Friday 23rd March 1990
Went to work for the last day at Montreal Shipping.  It was becoming quite interesting in the end although I couldn’t have stuck that telexing job forever!  Also, I was getting to know a lot of the people there.  They told me before I left that I had done really well and that a couple of people there had sent memos saying they wanted to hire me permanently.  So, I came home feeling quite pleased with myself, as I had been very nervous about first working in Canada.
Went for dinner at a restaurant called Cockney King – it’s a fish and chip restaurant and is run by an Englishman.  Vince drove us there in his van.  The cod and chips was quite nice, but still not quite the same as English fish and chips.

Saturday 24th March 1990
Went to aerobics.  Carolynn didn’t go as she is coming to the end of term at University and she has a lot of studying to do.  Vince picked me up and we went to Denny’s for brunch, which brought back memories as it’s the place where we used to go for breakfast every morning when we came here on holiday.  Vince of course had the pancakes, egg and sausage!!

As it was a lovely day, we drove out in the car with the roof down, to Coquitlam to look at some open houses.  They were very nice, but it just seems so far away from Vancouver and the North Shore.  I think we’re both starting to think more along the lines of buying an older, smaller property on the North Shore and slowly doing it up.  It should still be a bigger property by our standards though.  It’s just so nice in North Vancouver, convenient for the city, for the mountains, for Stanley Park etc. etc.  Still, we’ll have to wait and see.  Followed a sign that said Pitt Lake – it took us all along these quiet farm roads that were getting nearer and nearer to the base of the mountains.  It was also getting colder!  Found it after quite a drive and it was quite lovely.  A great big lake right at the foot of the mountains and it looks as though you could walk for miles, but it was now quite late in the day, so we didn’t go too far.  I drove the TR6 back along the quiet roads.  God, it’s going to take me a while to get used to it.  I was really uncoordinated!  Because I was on the other side of the road and the other side of the car, my feet wanted to do different things.  I kept pressing the brake pedal to change gear!!  I don’t know how Vince takes to it so easily.  I guess being nervous doesn’t help.  This evening went to see a funny film “Nun’s On The Run” – it’s Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane.  I didn’t think I’d enjoy it much, but I did.

Nuns on the Run

Got your letter today.  Again, it was so great reading it – I get so disappointed when I get to the last page though, so I read it all over again (several times).  I’m sure the letter smells of your perfume Mum.  You know I told you, you always smell nice, well this letter definitely smells of your perfume.  Did you spray it?  Anyway, I keep smelling it because it’s comforting.
Glad to hear you’re reading up on everything Canadian and wow that Vancouver featured on Holiday ’90.  Sadly, we have not seen any of the ice-skating because we didn’t have a tele – but we do now!  It made me laugh that you’ve been cheering on the Canadians!  Glad to hear you’ve put your first super on the beehive – don’t forget I want some of your first honey when you come visit.  You sounded so disheartened in your letter at not selling the house yet.  You mustn’t give up though – it will turn out alright in the end.  And if you do happen to lose Briar Dene, it just means you’ll find something even better.  You could always move to Vancouver??!!  I’ve been told you can do very well with bed and breakfast on Vancouver Island, as it’s very English over there and property is extremely cheap.

Sunday, 25th March 1990
Took the Skytrain to New Westminster Quay.  It took about half an hour.  It’s by the water, like Lonsdale Quay, but it’s not half as nice.  Had a wander round and got some lunch, then went on a coastal patrol boat that was docked there for people to have a look around.  Went to the Woolstones for dinner but left earlier because of getting up for work in the morning.

Vancouver Skytrain

Monday 26th March 1990
My first day at CKVU.  Gail, the lady I work with is a really sweet and nice person.  She showed me around the building and introduced me to everyone, although it will be ages before I know who everybody is!  They have two studios there, one that they use every day for the news and a couple of talk programs and a larger one that’s used on occasion for game shows etc.  Did quite boring work today, but I didn’t mind, it was nice to not have so much responsibility for a change. The day went very quickly, and it seemed really strange to finish at 3 pm.  But it was a nice sunny warm day, so I felt really free!  I went into town and then to Lonsdale Quay and really enjoyed myself.  Vince picked me up as I was walking home from the bus-stop.  He had a pretty good day too.  Sheila and Patrick came down to us for a change after dinner for a cup of tea and a chat.  Patrick has got new teeth – he’s had a gap at the front for a while now, so he looks much better.  He’s a messy eater though and talks with his mouth full, so I can’t look at him!  He’s a funny little man (although very nice) – he looks like a Leprechaun.  Vince does a pretty good impression of him!

Tuesday 27th  March 1990
Had a nice day at work again.  A couple of people came by my desk and said that if I ever need any help to give them a call.  People are just so friendly.  Went into the library to write down some more refrigeration companies from the yellow pages in case Vince needs them.
Got home to find Vinny Ninny with a bad cold.  Went shopping to Save-On and had a great time, bought lots of bits and pieces like a few loose herbs, some tubs of jam and marmalade and some fill-it-yourself fizzy drink.  We got strawberry and pina colada, but there are about 20 flavours to choose from.  Spent about an hour shopping!  “Oh, what did you do this evening, Jo?” “We went to Save-On and had fun shopping!” – mad, aren’t we?

Wednesday 28th March 1990
Was a lovely day again and after work went to Lonsdale Quay to shop for your Easter presents!  When I got home, Sheila and Patrick were sitting on their garden hammock having a drink.  I went out to say hello and they talked me into having a glass of wine, so we all ended up sitting round the garden table, then Vince came home, and they gave him a beer.  It was a lovely mild evening, so a drink and chat was quite nice.  Well, they chat, and we listen – ha ha.
Went to register for a computer course and managed to get a two-day one, which is better than a few weeks and means I can go onto the next level quicker.  I’m using a word-processor at work, so it will be useful.  Vince had a good day at work, and they are talking about giving him a bit more money and hopefully doubling his salary by the end of the year.

Thursday 29th  March 1990
Had to fill in lots of forms for work today.  It’s good though, I get medical and dental benefits for myself and Vince.  Also, if you pay $3.00 a month out of your salary, it means that everyone gets a birthday cake on their birthday or they send flowers on occasions.  Also, you can join a group and they organise outings, such as picnics etc. so that’s nice.  Found out today I will be working 9.30 till 3pm now, so I’ve gained half hours pay a day already.  Stayed in this evening with a lovely fire – Vince is getting quite good at building them now.

Friday 30th  March 1990
Quite busy today at work.  I could have easily worked full-time.  One of the men who works there, Oliver, showed me the TV Studio (inside) where they shoot the news and chat programs.  It was quite interesting.
Got home to find Vince watching tele – his boss has lent it to us which is nice of him.  Went out to dinner at Café Nairobi – it’s East Indian food with a difference and it was really good.  Heather had given us a voucher from the paper, so we got $10 off.  I watched Dallas when we got home.  Hooray!!  I was a bit confused as I’ve missed a few weeks now.

Saturday 31st March 1990
Carolynn wasn’t going to aerobics, and I had every intention of going, until I got up.  Then, I decided to go back to sleep.  Naughty me!  Cheryl came round, she and Carolynn are holding a surprise party for Heather and George tonight as it’s their 30^th wedding anniversary.  Vince and I have the job of putting up decorations and balloons, while they are all out for dinner!  We also had to keep the cake and take it round with us.  Anyway, there we both were letting in all these guests we’d never met!  Mind you, everybody knew about us.  People kept saying to me “Oh, so how’s it going at CKVU?” and I wanted to say, “How the hell do you know?” except it’s very obvious Heather talks about us to everyone which is quite flattering really.  I wore my new outfit that you sent me, and I think almost everyone there said how lovely it was, so of course I told them very proudly that my Mum and Dad had sent it for my birthday.  Heather said, “Wow, your Mum sure knows your size and what suits you!”  Anyway, Heather and George were really surprised when we all jumped out.  It turned out to be a good party.  Wish you could have been there.  Some of the elderly couples there were so funny – they sound and look like the typical kind of couples on American TV series.  I was probably really staring at them: “Oh my dear, your outfit is just goooorgeous!” (You have to read that bit in a Canadian accent).  One of their neighbours is an estate agent, so is going to keep his eye out for us for good bargains, when we are ready to buy.  When I went to the kitchen to do something, I found Smokey Cat cosily nestled on the kitchen window-sill.  Cheeky little bugger!  He really does take liberties these days!!

Us at The Woolstone's surprise Anniversary party - on dear - my perm!!

Sunday 1st  April 1990
Was lovely to speak to you when you called, and Nan too.  You sounded very happy, so I was happy!  We had just eaten some waffles for breakfast with strawberry and apple jam (Save-On), but Vince had maple syrup.  Went to Granville Island to have a look around.  It was very busy as the weather was nice.  Vince showed me a very nice boat that he had worked on in the week – it’s lovely.  We wouldn’t mind a nice boat (when we’re rich).  Vince is quite pleased because he hasn’t done refrigeration on boats before, so it’s something new for him, plus nice scenery.  Went to look at some older houses on the North Shore.  One wasn’t too bad, and we could have done a lot with it.  It had plenty of garden, so you could extend, but at least the houses were affordable, so there’s hope to stay over in this direction yet.
I drove the car out on the highway (slowly) and I quite enjoyed it.  Vince is quite good, he keeps telling me to relax and not to worry about it, but I think my knuckles were white!!  I felt much better driving it today though.  This evening watched a film “Moses” – I’ve never seen it before; it was very good.

The Beautiful North Shore at Night

Monday 2nd April 1990
Quite busy at work today and it’s getting quite interesting too.  When I got home, Patrick asked me if I wanted a glass of wine in the garden.  I said ‘no thanks’ because I was tired and would probably fall asleep.  Sheila offered me a soft drink which I accepted, then she said she’d put a little wine in it anyway!  Blimey, you can’t win!  Anyway, she came out and had put in it, mango juice, wine, vodka and some angostura bitters.  It was actually delicious, but I mean REALLY!
I drove the car to Deep Cove and then we stopped at White Spot for a burger dinner.  Forgot to get anything out the freezer you see and with no microwave, what can you do but go out?!

Tuesday 3rd April 1990
Was talking to one of the audio men at work today and he said that any time I want to go into the studio to watch a program I can, so I might take him up on that.
After dinner, we dove to Prospect Point in Stanley Park and watched the sunset, it was just beautiful.  We never have the camera at the right times though.  Drove round a bit to Lost Lagoon then walked right round it, there are so many ducks on the water.  It’s so pretty and as we walked round one side, the sun was setting through the trees and was reflected on the water and then when you reach the other side, the City lights are reflected – it’s lovely and very romantic.  Afterwards, we drove around the park and you can see the lights of the City and the Lion’s Gate Bridge – I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of how pretty it looks.  Everything I see, I just keep saying.  “I wish Mum and Dad could see all this”.
Got your next letter today.  I must be getting a bit behind with this one.  I’ve just got back into routine after starting work.  I will post this off tomorrow.    Oh, Mum and Dad, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve lost Briar Dene.  I know how much you both wanted that cottage.  I wish I could give you both a big hug and tell you not to worry, please don’t lose heart.  To answer your question: I had 19 birthday cards, not too bad for long-distance!  The picture on the card you sent me was beautiful.  I am sorry, but I did have a really good laugh about the kid in the supermarket being sick and it splashing on your leg.  I’m sure it wasn’t really funny at all, but the way you wrote it was hilarious!!
I will finish now as I think I should get this letter off to you.  Don’t be disheartened too much, everything will turn out okay one way or another, so keep smiling.

Prospect Point in Stanley Park

Sign-off from Jo

In Which Mum Takes A Honey Bee For A Ride

Starring roles:

Pat and Mick (Pat is Mum's work friend and her husband, Mick)
Angie (also a work colleague and a chatterbox)
Old Face Ache (Mum's boss at the Dentist)
Sheila and Pete (Dad's cousin Sheila and he husband Pete aka P.J. from P.J. and Rose)
Nanny Maisie (My Dad's Mum, who sadly died when I was 3 years old)
Great Nan (Alice) - Maisie's Mum.  A beautiful twinkly-eyed lady who passed away when I was about 15)

Mum:

Our Dear Joanne & Vince,

Sunday 18th March 1990
It's  so hard to start a letter.  It's the most difficult part of letter writing!  Anyway, here we go again.  Went shopping on my own on Saturday because deep down I know Dad doesn't like coming.  It was a beautiful day and Tommy Tortoise really enjoyed having a good feed up.  I could hardly wait for Saturday night, I get so excited when it's time to ring you and very emotional.  God, what would we do without the telephone?  We are very pleased about your car.  I can just imagine you driving about in that - Dad and James said you are both Canadian Yuppies, but I think Dad is a bit jealous!!  What colour is it?  It sounds red to me.
Went and picked Nanny up before dinner today and took her to the Chatham Crematorium to put a plant by Grandad's plaque.  She kept saying no-one had taken her to see it yet.  We told her that we had taken her down before Christmas and said 'don't you remember that Joanne came with us?' but she insisted that she had not seen it.  Poor Nan.  Anyway, I gave Grandad your love and told him you and Vince are doing very well and that you are both happy.  It was so warm, I was walking around in short sleeves.  We will probably have snow at Easter, because this weather is too good to last!!!

Monday 19th March 1990
A very Happy Belated Birthday to you.  Wish we could have been there to give you hugs and kisses, but am sure Vince did that anyway.  Hope you liked your pressies, it's hard trying to pick something when you are not with us.  Hope you had lots and lots of cards, sorry we missed you when we rang, but was nice to hear Vince's voice.  Hope you did well with the interview, you had to leave very early.  I was going to ring about 3 o'clock our time, but thought you would still be in bed!  Are you going to go somewhere nice for dinner?  Hope you do, we will be thinking of you.  Now that you have a car, can you drive it yet or have you got to pass your new test first?  Hope it's nice and easy.  What I want to know is: how are you going to get us all in a two-seater car when you pick us up from the airport? Ha ha.

Tuesday 20th March 1990
Just got out of bed when the phone rang and James said 'it's Jo'.  What a wonderful start to the day.  Really pleased you had a lovely birthday and liked your presents.  Tried to find the restaurant you went to for your birthday, but can't see it in the booklet.  You will have to tell me what you had to eat and what other presents you had and how many cards.  We were hoping we never had to say this, but we have had bad news.  We have lost Briar Dene, the house in Yorkshire.  Mrs. Hilary rang and said how sorry she was.  Well you can imagine how we felt, apparently this couple came to see it, liked it and bought it, just like that.  I have very mixed feelings: I feel so sad and I feel angry that there is nothing to look forward to.  I loved that cottage so much and I felt it was ours.  I think there is definitely somebody up above who does not want us to move.  Maybe it's Grandad and he wants us to stay because of Nanny. I prayed every night for Briar Dene - now that you and Vince have gone, I don't want to stay here.  I think if it was not for leaving Dean and Nanny here, we would be with you tomorrow.  You definitely both did the right thing by going to Canada.  Poor old Dad, it's 10.30 pm and he has been out in the garage mending his bike since he came home.  He's got it in bits, think he will be out there till midnight.  Think I better take him a coffee out.

Wednesday 21st March 1990
Not a very nice day today, raining on and off.  Went to pub with Pat and Mick today. You know I told you Mick's Dad died?  Well Pat and Mick have been round to his Dad's house sorting it all out - we had such a laugh talking about all the old photos of Mick when he was a boy.  Vince would have had a good laugh too.  Angie had a bit of a bang in her car and has now got a collar round her neck because she jarred it badly.  Hoping it might keep her quiet for a while HAHA. Not much happened on Dallas tonight, well not enough to tell you about.  Dad's been out working on his bike again tonight, but just came in and thinks he's mended it.  He won't know until the morning when he uses it for work.  Hope it will be OK, otherwise I will have to get up at 5 am to take him.

Thursday 22nd March 1990
This afternoon, went up to see Nanny - it was quite hard going to make conversation with her today.  She said she's sent you a second letter, but I don't know whether she has or not, you'll have to let me know.  On the way home, took the car through the car wash, it was so dirty.  It rained the other day and brought down this fine dust with it and the car looked disgusting.  Think I'll tell Dad I cleaned it and he will think how good I am (nasty me HAHA). I have just watched Neighbours, it was so good - they have just celebrated Christmas, it was lovely and made me a bit tearful because I was thinking how wonderful this coming Christmas is going to be and it's getting closer all the time.

Friday 23rd March 1990
Today is the end of two lovely weeks of working without Old Face Ache - wish he would retire and let us run the practice, it runs better without him and it's a happy place to be.  When he's there, it's so 'proper-like' because he is such a pompous and boring old bugger. Went to Sainsbury's shopping straight from work.  Some stupid kid, sitting in the trolley at the cash register and stuffing his face, was sick all over the floor and as it hit the floor, it splashed all up my legs.  Oh God, I felt sick myself!  Had to shower when I got home.  James was late home from school today, he had detention!  He would not say why (of course it was not his fault?!!).  I have just come back from posting off your Easter pressies - hope you like them.  I know Vince will. Do they have Easter eggs in the shops there?

Saturday 24th March 1990
Raining today.  Postman just delivered a nice little letter from Smokey Cat.  Did you know he sent it?  He's got so clever since he has been living in Canada.  He has even put his paw mark on it, bless his heart.  Please give him a kiss from us.  Went shopping on my own again today.  Dad's working till 5pm.  When I had finished shopping and went back to the car, there was one of my bees sitting on the back shelf.  She must have flown in yesterday when I was unloading my big shop.  Anyway, when I got home, I took her out and put her back near the hive.  She seemed OK - hope she doesn't tell them all about the trip, I may have a car full next time!  Had a nice relaxing afternoon with my knitting - watched an old black and white film (Anne of Green Gables) I do love the old films.  Oh I forgot to say Nanny rang this morning, she was crying on the phone because she was so happy she'd just had a letter from you.  She said she was going to take it to Bingo with her to show everyone the photos.  I think it makes her feel proud to have letters from Canada and keeps her happy as well.  Went to Sheila and Pete's tonight for dinner and two more friends of theirs, who used to live in Joydens Wood, but now live in Hextable, were there too.  It was a really good evening, we enjoyed ourselves very much.  Got home late and the clocks had to go on one hour, so not much sleep tonight.

Sunday 25th March 1990
Quite tired this morning after a short night and poor Dad must be very tired as he had to get up and to go work.  Opened your Mother's Day card whilst eating my breakfast, such a beautiful card, thank you both with all my heart, the words were so lovely.  Yours was the only one I got, did not expect one from Dean and did not get one from James, he would rather spend his money on food!  I took Nanny a nice plant up in a pretty pot, she seemed pleased.  From there I went to Streatham Crematorium to take a plant for Nanny Maisie and a plant for Great Nan.  Gave them both your love, I also took some photos as thought you might like to keep one.  Will send them with next letter.  On the way home, I drove along the bit of road where you suddenly said to me "Mum, Vince and I are thinking of emigrating to Canada".  Remember?  I'll always remember it so well, but I never thought it would happen!  Well there was such a lot of blimin traffic.  Took me ages to get there and ages to get home - I expect everyone on the road was travelling to see their Mums and Nans.  So nice to hear your voice when you rang and am so pleased you are both set up now.  Your job should be interesting, might even see you on Canadian TV - it will be nice to tell people when they ask "What is Joanne doing now?" and I can say "Oh she's working for a TV station in Canada".  I bet Vince is pleased with himself now that he is working, you have both done extremely well and we are very proud of you.
We have just watched Karate Kid 3 - was not as good as the other two, he has put on quite a lot of weight, but I still like Mr. Myogi, he's very cute.  There was one film on the trailers called "The Bear" it looked very good, but it might be a bit sad.  Don't think we, or you, had better watch it.

First Mother's Day card I sent from Canada - I remember tears sliding down my face in the shop when I bought it x

Monday 26th March 1990
Old Face Ache was back today, he's not very suntanned ("we did an awful lot of sight-seeing you know, Mrs. Figg").  I said in answer - "Oh really Mr. Torry, how nice!".  We were all trying to keep out of his way, he even had to make his own coffee, he probably wishes he was still on holiday.
Well, Dad's just off to work now (nights) so I will close.  More news to follow soon.

.

Mum and Dad's sign-off 26.3.90

In Which We Get Jobs And Buy A TR6!

Starring roles:
Nanna - Heather Woolstone's Mum, but everyone called her Nanna.  A really lovely, elegant lady.
Gail - CKVU - Assistant to the President General
Sheila and Pete - we called them Auntie and Uncle, but Sheila was my Dad's cousin.  Pete, a musician, playing the electric accordion, now performs in a jazz duo with my daughter, Emma Rose (PJ and Rose)
Sheila and Patrick - the couple whose basement we are renting currently (not to be confused with Sheila and Pete!)

 

Jo:

To my Dearest Mum & Dad,
Hello - still missing you both enormously.  I guess that won't change, but hopefully, it will get easier to bear.  I just wish that sometimes I could reach out and touch you, or call you just when I feel like it, for a long chat.  Oh, I'm sorry, I've probably depressed you both now!  I'm having a bad day today.  I do love getting your letters though and I love writing them back.  I think I must ramble on a bit - I just don't want to miss anything out!!

Saturday 10th March 1990
Got up and went to aerobics.  I have to be there for 9 am, so it's quite an achievement for me on a Saturday morning!  Met Vince afterwards and he, Carolynn and I went for breakfast at Cafe Boulevard in Edgemont Village.  It's a really nice little village - it's up near the Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Got back to find out that Heather's Mum had a slight stroke, so they were all quite worried, but she's almost okay again now.  We got invited upstairs to Sheila and Patrick's for some home-made blackberry pie and ice cream, it was quite yummy.  She picked the blackberries down near one of the beaches.  She does quite a lot of baking.  Went to Stanley Park and saw the big bear - I feel quite sorry for her being there, but she seems quite happy.  She has a cub who was so cute and the mother was laying flat on her back and wriggling around, it was so funny.  I'd love to cuddle her and by the way, she has enormous paws.  Went on the miniature railway and saw Bison, Wolves (all in cages of course) and lots of bunnies hopping around.  The rabbits are not the normal brown kind, like in England, they are all colours and patterns, like pet rabbits. It was a lovely little ride, apart from all the noisy Canadian kids when we went through a tunnel.  And to think we'll be having Canadian kids one day too!  Went out for a Chinese Meal in the evening and to see "War of the Roses" at the cinema.  It started off well, but turned out rubbish.

Miniature Scenic Railway in Stanley Park, such a lovely little ride

Aerial view of Stanley Park - the most amazing place to visit and right on our doorstep.

Sunday 11th March 1990
Got the bus into Port Coquitlam to see what the area is like.  It's probably half an hour drive in good traffic.  Well, when we got there, it seemed like the end of the earth.  It was like a ghost town!  So we got another bus and got off at Coquitlam Centre which is a great big shopping centre.  Had some lunch and a look around.  We planned to look at some open houses today, but without a car it was impossible.  Waited nearly a hour for a bus home (Sunday service doesn't change across the world).  I HATE waiting for busses!!!  I haven't cooked a Sunday roast yet in our new place, mind you I can't say I've missed cooking it, but I don't mind eating it!

Monday 12th March 1990
Vince went to work with a man from Cool King Refrigeration.  He finished just after lunch because there was no work in.  He thinks this guy is stringing him along a bit.  He wanted Vince to work a couple of months with him before he would tell him what his wages would be, which really isn't on.  If only the Union would pull their weight and find him something.  The temp agency called me to say they have work for Thursday through to the following Friday, so that's good.  Sat in the garden in the afternoon to do some letter writing, it was really warm and sunny, and from where I was sitting I could see a mountain peak covered in snow!

Tuesday 13th March 1990
Both got up early and went into town.  Vince got booked in to take a TQ refresher course at night school, ready for his next exam. I tried to to find out about a word processing course, but couldn't find one that was suitable.  In the evening, Vince wrapped up my birthday present so that it could sit it with yours!  After reading your letter, we realised we had forgotten pancake day, so Vince went over to the corner shop to buy some flour and lemon, and I made some.  They were yummy!

Wednesday 14th March 1990
Had a look around town today and looked at some TR6's which were very nice but a bit tatty inside.  Went to the Pacific Centre Mall which is a really lovely and all done up inside like brick houses.  There are some really good shops and one in particular which sells all sorts of cottagey bits and pieces - you would love it.  Met Heather on the seabus on the way home, she was pleased to see us, she says she really misses us being there.  She had been for an interview at the Sinclair Centre in the Refugee Department.  Met George at the other end and he told me CKVU, the local TV station, had left a message on their answerphone to say they wanted to interview me.  Well, I was pleased, but Heather was ecstatic!  She sure does get excited about things.  By the way, she can't wait to meet both of you.  Anyway, rang the TV company from Lonsdale Quay and I have an interview on Monday.  Bought a pizza, one of the ones they make up there, and then had that for dinner when we got home.  Sheila invited us up for dessert, I didn't really feel like going up, but it was worth it - she made chocolate mousse with grand marnier in it, with raspberry and loganberry sauce and ice cream.  It's her own recipe.  You do have to say you're leaving about 1/2 hour before you want to though because it takes that long to get away.  They're really sweet, but they can't half talk and sometimes it's irritating!  I think they forget that we're married adults - they say "are you sure you're warm enough" and "do you know what bus you're getting?".  Vince says it's the Irish in them haha.

Pacific Centre Mall, Downtown Vancouver

Thursday 15th March 1990

First day at work.  I'm working at a shipping company, Montreal Shipping, and I'm just sending telexes and also answering the reception phone at lunch time.  It's on the 28th floor of Harbour Centre and the view is just magnificent.  It looks out over the North Shore across the water, so you can see the mountains, Lion's Gate Bridge and Stanley Park.  Unfortunately, I don't get to look at the view whilst I'm working, but it's probably just as well as it would be a huge distraction!  Today, I spent learning how to use the switchboard.  The receptionist is a really nice girl called Jennifer, who is about my age.  It's quite complicated, but should be quiet in the lunch hour.  Worked 8.30 - 4.30 today, which is quite nice hours except for the getting up at 6.30!  But I enjoy getting the seabus to work because of the beautiful scenery on the way.

Harbour Centre, Downtown Vancouver

Friday 16th March 1990
Spent today on the telex with the girl I'm taking over from next week.  It's really boring, so thank goodness it's only temporary.  The telexes are easy to send, but there are four copies of everything that I have to distribute and that part is tricky.  All I can say is if the wrong person gets something, they'll have to give it to the right person!  Vince met me from work and we went to see "The Hunt for Red October" at the cinema - a really good film.  Went to White Spot for dinner afterwards - they do great burgers and have a special sauce called Triple O Sauce!!

Saturday 17th March 1990
Did my aerobics class but the fireman was not there, so this little Chinese girl took the class and she was a real killer!  I think she was hyperactive, she just didn't stop and she smiled the whole way through.  I tried to smile, but think it was a grimace!  Met Vince afterwards and we went to look at a TR6 that was advertised in the paper.  It has been kept really well and has hardly a spot of rust on it.  It's a red 1969 convertible and it's cheap.  We decided to buy it - Yippee! But firstly, we have to sort out the insurance and registration document, so we will go back in the morning.  Got home and on the dot of 4 pm, you called!  It's nice that you can call us on our own phone at last.  As always, it was lovely to hear your voice, I just want to keep chatting though!  This evening, Carolynn picked us up and we went to see a film "Driving Miss Daisy" which starred Jessica Tandy and is just a sweet and lovely film.

Sunday 18th March 1990
Went to pick up our new car!!! It was so great to eventually drive this car away, after relying on public transport for so long.  We put the roof down, because it was sunny, and drove down to Deep Cove.  Cor, it was brilliant and it runs so smoothly for its age.  I'm not brave enough to try it yet, I want to take it somewhere quiet first, plus I need to buy a cushion as I can't see over the steering wheel!  Drove to the Woolstones who all ran out to oooh and aaah and wow at the car.  They thought it was brilliant.  They gave me flowers and cards and a birthday tea and even a cake with candles.  The cake was just fresh cream with chocolate inside - a good few calories in there I should imagine.  Got home late-ish and tried to go in quietly, but Sheila came rushing out to look at the car, so ended up having a cup of tea upstairs.

Monday 19th March 1990
MY BIRTHDAY - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!  Had to get up early because of my interview.  Vince made my breakfast and I opened my cards.  Had a little cry when I opened yours and James's.  They were lovely.  Was going to ring you, but I would have been rushed and I was feeling tearful, so thought it would make me worse and my makeup would run!  Well the interview at CKVU was short and sweet.  The position is only part-time, 10-3, and it's a bit more junior than I would like, but it's a start and it should be interesting.  There's also the possibility of it becoming full-time and getting more responsibility.  I have to go back tomorrow to meet another lady.  Vince met me from work and we went out for a meal at 1066 Hastings Restaurant.  You would have loved it.  You sit in big high-backed armchairs and our table was in front of the fire.  Came home and opened my presents - cried again!  The clothes are so pretty and fit perfectly, they are just what I would have picked myself.  Thank you so much.  The clown from James was so sweet too.  Vince bought me a crystal perfume bottle with a pewter lid and from Dean and Donna I got some eye shadow, some makeup brushes and a Harrods key-ring!  When I rang you, I was so glad to speak to you on my birthday and to James too, but a shame Dad wasn't there.  I wish I could see you all so badly.

Beautiful birthday gift from Vince which I still have

Tuesday 20th March 1990
Went back to CKVU for second interview and they offered it to me there and then and so I decided to take it.  I'll be working in the Administration office for the President General and his Assistant, Gail, who is a really nice person. At first I'll just be doing boring tasks, but hopefully that won't last long.  Had a pretty busy day at Montreal Shipping, I'm so glad it's only temporary though.

Wednesday 21st March 1990
Mandy phoned in the morning to wish me belated Happy Birthday.  Had a bit of a natter, she was obviously calling from work, as wasn't in a hurry to hang up.  Vince went off to see a refrigeration company in Deep Cove, called Domcom.  He has got a position as a helper, which is not really what he wanted, but at least it's his trade and he can gain some Canadian experience till something better comes along.  So we're both working now anyway.

Thursday 22nd March 1990
Forgot to tell you that Vince has been given an enormous van for work, so we are now a two-car family again!  Had a not-so-busy day at the shipping company.  The people there are really nice and they all keep asking about England.  Two of them were born there!  They all keep commenting on my clothes or my shoes, they really seem to like what I wear for some reason and was told I'm always coordinated!  Vince got home around 8 pm and had a good day, he got some overtime today anyway.  It seemed funny to see him come in with a grubby face and hands - he's been clean for so long! Ha ha.  Spent the evening in front of the fire finishing this letter.

Jo signing off x

Mum:

Our Darling Joanne and Dearest Vince,

Wednesday 7th March 1990
Hope you are both settling in well, you have been in your new home for a week - does go so quickly.  Glad Smokey cat has taken to it well.  On Tuesday night we watched Holiday '90 - they took a train from Calgary right through the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver.  We can only say one thing about it, it was breathtaking and you are both very lucky to be a part of it.  Dad is on holiday again this week so he came to the pub with Pat, Mick and me today and I bought him lunch!

Thursday 8th March 1990
It's such a beautiful day today, the bees are bringing back such a lot of pollen.  Their little legs are wearing their yellow wellies.  We have to do the first disease test today and send a sample off to a bee specialist, will let you know the outcome. You have to sedate the bees using tobacco smoke, 1/2 oz of St. Bruno!!  Has your snow gone yet and what is the weather like now?  I should imagine that Stanley Park is very pretty in the Spring, I have been reading about all the parks over there and can't wait to see them.  We have been watching the Canadian ice skating from Nova Scotia and I said to Dad, maybe we'll see Jo and Vince (he called me a silly cow - rude, haha) - but we have been willing the Canadians to win!

Friday 9th March 1990
Heaven!  Mr. Tory, old fish-face, face-ache, has his last day of work today for two weeks - I will actually look forward to going to work on Monday morning!  I bet you're enjoying not doing the long commute to London anymore, you must be feeling quite relaxed and glowing with health by now?!!  When Dad and I were shopping this afternoon, Dad found a £5 note in the carpark, good job James wasn't with us, he would have seen it first haha.  Dad bought me a very pretty bone-china mug with bees on the outside and inside.  Dad has just come back from the Doctors and had his ears blown out as he calls it!  He feels a bit better now.  Kirk Browning from Canada has just won the gold medal for skating - that's the first time I've ever heard the Canadian National Anthem, it's a nice piece of music, not boring like "God Save The Queen"!

Saturday 10th March 1990
Shopping day again - Dad came with me today, but he trots around so fast, we don't have time to stop for tea or coffee.  He says we don't have to pay them (tight bugger) when we can have a drink at home!  Rang Bee Dave and he said not to do the disease test because of the young bees, it might harm them.  We've put on the first hive extension today, so it gives the bees plenty of room now.  Went to visit Sheila and Pete tonight, had a nice chatty evening.  Sheila loved the wedding video and they send you and Vince their love.

Mum liked to send me amusing cuttings from the English newspapers!

Sunday 11th March 1990
Not done much today, I have been very lazy.  Watched a film this afternoon (Reach For the Sky) then you rang.  Wonderful to hear your voice once a week, makes me feel so happy.  When we rang and missed you last night, I had a chat to Sheila, she sounds so nice and she said it's lovely having you both there. She also invited us to dinner when we come to see you.  God, I wish it was soon.  I am so pleased you got your parcel in time for your birthday - it got there so quickly, we were surprised.

Monday 12th March 1990
Beautiful day again, Tommy Tortoise came out again and ate some cucumber - I gave him a nice wash.  This evening we went to The King's Head in Bexley with the Bee Club, there were 46 of us.  It was a very good night and needless to say our table was the noisiest!  James had some friends round while we were out - they watched a film and drank all our coke and orangeaid!!  But there was no mess, only empty glasses, thank goodness.

Tuesday 13th March 1990
Very cold and damp today.  Went to have my hair cut and saw Bill and he sends his regards to you both.  He said if there was one place in the world where he would like to live, it would be Vancouver.  He wants to know if you're coming back for your hair cuts?!  I told him with all his money, he could open a salon in Vancouver!!  Went for a talk at Bee Club on how to identify the pollen loads the bees bring back.  Dad wasn't with me because he's on nights, so went on my own and got lost as it was in Beckenham!  But I got there in the end and the talk was very interesting.

Wednesday 14th March 1990
Pay day and Pub Day again!  Dad went to the doctors again about his ear and he's been given some more antibiotics, so hope that clears it up, it has been giving him a lot of pain.  We had a phone call from a man who wanted to come and view the house, so I rushed around and made it look neat and tidy and yes you've guessed it, he didn't turn up.  I'm getting really fed up about the whole thing.  I've got this deep feeling that we are going to lose Briar Dene in Yorkshire.  If we do, I think we'll give up and stay here.

Thursday 15th March 1990
Another gorgeous day.  When I came home from work, Dad and I went to Hall Place and walked around the gardens.  There were so many flowers and so much colour, it was so pretty.  We were literally walking among the daffodils.  Went up to see Dean tonight and took Nan with us.  DJ looked nice and cuddly, he had just had a bath and smelled baby clean.  Dean kept asking about you and Vince.  They now have a nice glass cabinet and have put all the glasses you gave them into it - at least we can have a drink out of a glass and not a mug now.  Haha.

Friday 16th March 1990
Your letters and photos came today.  James was over the moon with his.  Won't let anyone touch it.  I love your letters, they are so long and interesting and gives us such a good insight to things that you do and see.  The photos are absolutely beautiful, just can't believe all that snow and your new home looks and sounds really gorgeous.  The kitchen looks so big and we are very jealous of the open fire, the lounge looks very cosy.  Love the pictures of Smokey Cat, bless his heart.  Our bee meeting tonight was at Hurst Place, Sidcup in Room 14 - do you remember that room where you used to have dance lessons?  It brought back a lot of lovely memories and I found myself staring at the floor, thinking my little Joanne's feet had danced all over it, I could even picture Miss Mabbott sitting by the window.
Another parcel is on its way to you both - Easter prezzies!  Well my Darling, we hope you have a wonderful birthday, wish we could be with you.  Will close now until next letter.

Sign off from Mum & Dad xx