In Which It's all about Bees, the Dentist and Snooker

Starring Roles:

Nanny - Mum's Mum

Jean - Neighbour and Mum of one of my old friends, also called Joanne

Pat - Mum's friend and work colleague, and Mick - Pat's husband

Don and Denise - Mum's brother and wife

Old Face Ache Torry - Mum's boss at the dentist where she works

Angie - work colleague from dentist

To our Dearest Joanne/Vince,
Hello again, hope you are both well and that you had a lovely Easter.  Hope you didn't make yourselves sick with all the chocolate.  We always look forward to Easter because it is the first holiday of the year and it goes so quickly.  We are all missing you so much, so I don't mind how quickly the time goes, it just means Christmas will come round faster.  Trouble is we will get older quicker!

Tuesday 17th April 1990
Easter over, but I don't go back to work till Wednesday.  I took an extra day off and was very lazy, but very nice it was too.
I saw Jean this afternoon with Justine's little girl.  She is looking after her for the week.  She is a funny little thing, spitting image of Justine when she was little.

Wednesday 18th April 1990
Postman got me up this morning, he had your parcel.  James and I were both trying to open it, we were both so excited!  It was lovely and I won't eat my share of the little eggs.  I will leave them in the little wooden basket which is so sweet and I adore the little Chick, he is so lovely and cute.  I am putting him in my glass cabinet.  I gave him a little kiss and said welcome to our home, just in case he is missing all his little friends.  The words in the card were very sweet.  Thank you both so very, very much.
Went to the pub with Pat and had a good natter, was talking about you and Vince and bees.  She should be getting her new bees soon, so will be back in business.
James and Darren went to meet two girls in Hyde Park today.  He came home for his dinner and now has gone to a fair in Danson Park.  Sorry I forgot to say, James wants to thank you for his chocolates and chick.
I've just watched Dallas and I'm very confused.  You said that April is pregnant, do you know whose it is?  Because she's not with Bobby anymore and do they get back together?  I do hope so.

Thursday 19th April 1990
Not a bad day today, sunshine and showers, but the showers are very cold and wintery.
After work, went and had my second nail check, she said my own nails are coming along nicely.  I have got so used to the ones I have on, I actually forget they are there and literally do everything with them.
Went to see Nanny this afternoon and gave her the Easter card from you and she had a little tear.  Don and Denise took her out on Easter Monday.  Surprise!  Went to some big garden centre and had lunch.  She said she enjoyed it.  She's having a new trim phone put in on Friday.  Don said it is too cold for Nanny to sit in the hall when she's on the phone, so she's having it in the sitting room. So I would imagine he's paying for it if it was his idea!  Oh God, that means she will be ringing me all the time now, until the novelty wears off!
Dad nearly made me sick tonight, making his sandwiches for work, with that awful stilton cheese.  He got it from Bob at the Bee Club - God, it's disgusting!

Friday 20th April 1990
I can hardly believe it's Friday again.  Makes you wonder how we get through all that food I bought last week.
Old Face Ache Torry is a Grandad again, his daughter, Monica, who is the same age as you, has just had a little girl.  He is a funny old bugger, you would think he would come into work and tell everyone,  but oh no, not him.  He told Pat in the surgery, as if it's a big secret and no one else must know, but Pat tells us everything.  He doesn't speak to me very much these days, I think he's got the message that I don't like him very much!
James has been working up the butchers all day again.  He must be hard up after what he said about it last time haha.  He's gone to Danson Park Fair again tonight to spend his wages.
We have just had the Royal film premier of "The Hunt for Red October" in London, so we must be behind you in the film world.  It looks as good as you said, so looking forward to seeing it.  I do like Sean Connery (he has such a sexy voice).  A good film to look out for is "Mountains of the Moon" - it's supposed to be spectacular.  You may have already seen it, I think it's a true story.  

Saturday 21st April 1990
Dad working till 11 o'clock, so went shopping on my own and I must admit it is the day I miss you most, especially when I walk past where we used to eat.  There's such a lot of pretty clothes in the shops at the moment that I wish I had such a lot of money to spend, as we always used to say.  This year's fashion seems to be very flowery designs of mixed colours.
Went to Bee Club this afternoon, not so cold as last week.  Where we park our cars, opposite the entrance, there is a big tree which is hanging over the roadway.  The high winds we had made it more dangerous, so Mick said he would saw it down.  He was about 15 feet up the ladder, sawing this big branch off, when it fell onto Mick and knocked him off the ladder.  He was stunned for a moment, had some nasty grazes and I'm sure he was hurt more than he let on!  Poor Pat just stood with her mouth open and said "oh my God".  We will probably laugh about it next week!
James is working all day at the butchers, he has offered him a permanent Saturday job and James said yes.  Oh well, that's good then!

Sunday 22nd April 1990
Dad working till 6 o'clock.  James out with Darren, so on my own again.  Will be nice when the weather turns warm and I can spend Sunday sitting in the garden and have salads for dinner, instead of cooking roasts.
Did nothing much until you rang.  Took me by surprise, but was lovely to hear you talk all about the house you went to look at.  Now that your furniture is there, I suppose you both would like to get your own house as soon as possible.  James has just come in.  I gave him your love, he was sorry he missed you.  He is actually getting his own tea because I am busy writing this letter.
It was the London Marathon today.  Dad and I gave it a miss this year.  He wouldn't be able to keep up with me anyway, now he's put a lot of weight on.  Haha.

Monday 23rd April 1990
Boring morning at work.  Saw Mick, he has actually got quite a few bruises, but he was up the ladder again this morning at work, clearing the gutters.

Came home and found out James had your letter.  Quite interesting reading your TV schedule.  There are quite a few programs that we have too.  Anyway, James can get writing now and tell you all his news.

Dad and I walked up the woods this afternoon to collect some old dry rotten wood to put in the bee smoker because we have been told by the Bee Inspector that it is good for the bees.  They seem to prefer the smell to corrugated cardboard, so we shall see next time we use it.  Our milkman is absolutely fascinated by the bees.  He he delivers the milk, he stays and watches them for about half an hour.  Hopefully he doesn't get stung, otherwise he'll be leaving the milk at the front door!

Tuesday 24th April 1990
Came down the stairs this morning, just as the postman put your letter through the letterbox, so I took it to work to read.  Would you believe it, I was so busy I didn't have time to read it.  Good job I didn't read it at work as it was so long it would have taken me all morning (well you know how slow I am at reading and I read every bit twice to make sure I haven't missed anything).
Went through the beehive when I came home and saw the Queen, who looks fine and seems to be working well.  So that's good.  Poor Dad got stung twice on the same hand, so much for the dry wood we got yesterday.  At the moment, one bee is dive-bombing the kitchen window!  Help!  And I need to get my washing in.
Sat and read your letter - can't get over all these restaurants you keep going to, there can't be that many left for you to try.  At least when we come at Christmas, you will know the best ones!  Diana Ross sounded good, blimey you've only worked there a short time and already getting free tickets. You certainly know how to pick your jobs, but good for you because you deserve the best.  You will definitely have to take me to the Music Box shop, it sounds great.  Is the Body Shop just the same as ours over here?  Oh and I just have to visit Mavis Street and take a photo!  I would love to have seen the Easter Egg Hunt, sounds great fun, although I'm not sure I would have liked to have been on the suspension bridge with all those people!!  
We were going to pop up and see Nanny this afternoon, but after reading your letter over and over, we didn't have time.
After Dad went to work, I sat and watched snooker.  It's the World Championship and Steve Davis is doing well at the moment.

Wednesday 25th April 1990
Pay day again.  Good O! Very warm and sunny today.  Went to work without a coat, but it's not meant to last.  Typical! 
Went to the pub with Pat and a lot of people were sitting in the garden.
Went to the shopping centre afterwards to try and buy a pair of slacks, but couldn't find anything that I liked.  Typical again!
Came home to find poor Dad's hand and arm really swollen.  He'll have to get some thicker gloves like mine, especially if he's going to react like this to bee stings!
Took Sam and Caz to the vets this evening.  Caz had his claws clipped and the vet said they were not flea bites on Sam, but little mites that got into his fur, making him scratch. You can't see them with the human eye.  Poor Sam did look quite indignant when the vet put the thermometer up his bum!  Poor thing, but he's got some pills to take so will hopefully feel better soon.
James is going to ask you to help him draft a letter out (in his letter to you).  He thinks he would like to be a Blue Coat.  He got the idea from you when you said he had a screw loose, so he thinks he could be the camp's idiot!!  I would agree with that and I'm sure you do Vince!  But Dad thinks he has to be 18 to apply - still it won't hurt him to write off and find out.

Thursday 26th April 1990
A nice morning at work without Old Face Ache.  Michelle, one of the dentists went to see Miss Saigon last night and said it was brilliant, but very sad.  I think I would like to see it, after I have seen Phantom of the Opera.  James wants to see it with me.  He really surprises me as he has such mixed taste in music.  One night he's got head-banging music (trash) blaring out, the next he's listening to Modern Romance - well there's no comparison at all is there?  
Went up to see Nanny this afternoon.  She looked and seemed quite well.  She has her new phone, but it is still in the hall.  It's a posh one, dark red.  She has not rang me since she's had it.  Perhaps she doesn't know how to use it?
James rang Pontins when he came home from school.  They said he was too late for this year, but would send all the necessary paperwork to him so he can read up on it and apply in February when they start auditioning.  He seems very keen at the moment, but you know James, it could all change tomorrow! 

Friday 27th April 1990
A lot of excitement when I got to work today.  We have been burgled again.  They got in through the new fence in the car park, broke in the back door and smashed the inner door.  They took the petty cash, which was not much.  You never know what's going to happen next in this place - we really need a burglar alarm.  The funny thing is, when Mick put the fence up, he put barbed wire on the top so no-one could climb over, but the clever buggers cut a hole in the bottom and crawled through!  The police seem to think that whoever it was, knew what they were after.
It was Angie's last day today, she is going on holiday to Spain to see her Dad for a week, he lives there now. She was getting so excited you would think it was the other side of the world.  I said "Angie, if Joanne and Vince moved  to Spain I would be over there once a month for a long weekend!  So good job you moved to Canada eh Vince!!
Went to Sainsbury's after work (boring).  Thought I had a cheap week and blimey it was more than it usually was.  Sitting here writing this and consoling myself with a brandy! 
Poor Steve Davis lost his match against Jimmy White  It was 14-16, so he did well.  Now he is out of the championship I don't want to see who wins, 'cause I only like to watch Steve.  Boo Hoo!

Saturday 28th April 1990
My Saturday for working with Old Face Ache.  God, it was horrible, like being in prison for a day.  Still it's over now for a few months.
Came home and had something quick to eat, and then rushed to Dartford.  Bought myself a pretty skirt round the market.  After that, went to Bee Club, half-hour late!!  It was very enjoyable though.  Mick's okay now after his fall last week.  He mended the club's lawnmower this week, he seems happier doing something like that than going round the beehives.  Pat has got her bees now at last, so she's happy.
On the way home, we called in to Sylvia and Gordon's - you know the ones that live round near Joan and Ron's.  Their bungalow backs onto the woods.  We went to see their beehives 'cause they kept saying come round.  Well, their garden is just beautiful, a pond with trickling waterfalls and very pretty flowers everywhere. The beehive is in one corner and the bees look very content with the woods behind.  Very peaceful, ah lovely.  Came home and felt sorry for the bees in our little garden with noisy kids next door.

Sunday 29th April 1990
Got up this morning to a really hot beautiful day.  Actually enjoyed cleaning the brass on the front door.  It's going to be roast beef with salad today.  The garden is looking quite pretty with a few flowers out.  The bees are flying, Caz the Budgie is outside in his cage with the bird bath in it and Tommy Tortoise is marching up and down, Lazy Sam cat is laying in the shade washing himself.
Went to get Nanny and after dinner went to Knole Park in Sevenoaks.  We haven't been there for a while.  Well we were so shocked at the sight of the devastation from the hurricane we had two years ago.  It was terrible, there must be 90% of the trees down.  They are starting to plant new little trees but it is going to take at least 200 years to get it back to how it looked.  The poor deer can't even hide in the trees now, it was so sad.  They must have been so scared when the storm was raging.

Nanny Annie and her dog Judy, Knole Park, Sevenoaks

On the way back to the car, I was running and skipping because of ringing you when we got home.  I was so pleased and excited to hear your voice - it perks me up for the whole week.
Watched the snooker final in the evening and Steven Hendry won.  Still my Steve (Davis) will win it back next year.  Poor Nanny fell asleep on and off while snooker was on.  I think we wore her out, she walked about 3 miles which was really good for her age.  She has not said any more about her boyfriend and she has changed her mind about Don and Denise living with her, she wants to be on her own.

Well my Jo and Vince, I think I better finish this letter.  I seem to get carried away.  Keep up the good work both of you.  Love and miss you very much. 

Sign-off 29th April, 1990

In Which We Fall Into A Routine

Starring Roles:
Carolynn - our friend whose family we stayed with when we first arrived.
Cheryl and Sean - Carolynn's older sister and her boyfriend
Heather and George - Carolynn's parents
Gail - work colleague at CKVU
Nana Ella - my step-Nan, married to Grandad Doug (my Dad's Father)

Riyaz - friend of Carolynn's

Dear Mum & Dad,

Off we go again.  I think we're becoming expert letter writers now.

Tuesday 17th April 1990
The weather was very dull this morning.  There was a storm in the night but I didn't hear it!  It's quite fascinating here even when the weather is dull because the clouds hang around in the mountains as if they're caught on the trees.  Mind you, sometimes the mountains completely disappear along with the city!

Grouse Mountain - which disappeared completely when it rained.  Like a magic trick!

Posted letters to you and James this morning.  I find it quite amazing watching the letters go into the box, knowing that they'll be popping through your letterbox in a few days.  I picked up some photos this afternoon, so I'm enclosing photos of the car at long last, plus a few others too.  I've written on the back again.
We had a letter from Tommy and Marie today and one from Hayley and Paul.  Hayley has drawn us some lovely pictures.  She's drawn a picture of Vince and me in the plane and she wrote "Vince and Jo went to the airport and they took everything they needed".  Isn't that sweet? She's also drawn a picture of Smokey Cat, a picture of a house with Vince, Smokey and me in it and a picture of the mountains.
After dinner tonight, we walked around the streets near here.  There are some really lovely houses.  We found some plots of land that were for sale, so we're going to phone tomorrow to see how much they are.  We've been thinking about buying a plot of land and having a house built, but all these are just thoughts at the moment.  I think we're pretty sure that we want to stay on the North Shore though.  It's just so nice!

Wednesday 18th April 1990
Had quite a busy day at work today.  Don, the boss, is going off for a trip to England and Ireland today (lucky thing).  He asked me to recommend a few places he should visit.  He wants to go to Greenwich and do the boat trip to Tower Bridge, so I told him to go to Greenwich Market, Greenwich Museum etc.  It's funny talking about those places, they just seem so near.  Wish I could have gone with him and visit you all!  Oh well!
Decided to take the SeaBus home today, so went to Lonsdale and bought a pizza for dinner.  Missed one bus home, so went to sit by the fountain and look at the City view whilst I waited for the next one.  Went to Save-On after dinner.  I can't seem to find any Worcester sauce anywhere, but Vince has seen some in a restaurant, so I guess you can buy it somewhere, just need to find out where.  After we've finished the chocolate that you sent for Easter, I'm going to cut out fattening things.  I've put on so much weight that my clothes are beginning to feel uncomfortable!  I'd never get into the beautiful outfit I had made in Thailand at the moment and would definitely not wear a bikini!!  Vince can pinch more than an inch round his waistline too!  Those chocolates you sent are delicious though.

Vancouver Seabus - I loved taking this ride to and from Downtown Vancouver.

Thursday 19th April 1990
Two people at work admired my Easter earrings today, so you chose those well.  Gail said today that it looks as though I will be going full-time soon, that's good, although I am enjoying leaving at 3pm! The extra money will help though.
Well it's rained non-stop today and looks like it will rain all night.  At least it's not too cold.  I think it's a night for staying in with the open fire!! Smokey doesn't like it when the fire's lit, he stays out of the room.  I think it's the crackling that puts him off.  
I've just had a call from the shipping company in Vancouver (8:45 pm) and our furniture has arrived!  I was really surprised as it's only taken about 6 weeks!  Unless they shipped it earlier than planned perhaps. It will have to go into storage for a while anyway.  At least it's here safe and sound.  Vince has gone out for a drink with his boss's son, so it's just Smokey and me tonight! Forgot to say, on the bus on the way home, a taxi reversed right into the side of the bus!  The bus driver was so rude to the taxi driver (I felt like reporting him to the bus company)!  He was shouting "do you have ***t for brains" and them told him to "***k off".  Charming!!
By the way, Smokey proved me wrong and sat in the lounge with me tonight while the fire was lit.  Must have been because Vince was out.  Ha Ha!

Friday 20th April 1990
Isn't April flying by?! Isn't time flying by? GOOD! I'm going to start writing on the back of the paper from now on in this letter as I've just read an environment leaflet which says write on both sides of the paper.  You're very good as you do that already. 
Vince has now got a phone in his van (what a show-off). They're preparing him for when he's out working on his own.  Today he worked on a big luxurious boat on Granville Island.  He said it was as big, if not bigger, than our old bungalow.  I miss our bungalow, it still seems strange that we're not going back to it.
Went out for a meal with Carolynn, Riyaz, Cheryl and Sean.  It was a cheap little café type restaurant that did Indian, Thai and Chinese food.  It only cost about £5 each but it was really good.  After that we all went on to a night club called "Soft Rock Café".  Most of the music was quite awful, but James would have liked it!  We did have a good time though and I had a bit of a dance.  We met a couple more of their friends too and went to bed at about 2am.  Yawn!

Saturday 21st April 1990
Laid in this morning and gave aerobics a miss.  I don't think I would have been up to it.  I think I must be getting old - 3 glasses of wine and a late night and I can't cope!!  Poor me, haha.  Carolynn has gone off to Montreal and Quebec today, so I didn't have time to meet her this morning.
Vince and I went into town and we bought some stuff for our keep fit.  Vince bought some trainers and shorts and I bought some stretch shorts.  So now we're all ready to get fit.  Yes, I know, it's about time Vince joined me, isn't it?  He's going to use the weight machines while I'm at aerobics and he's going to start jogging too.
Fell asleep when we got home, for half an hour, then cooked some cod for dinner which Smokey thought was for him.  He really likes the sound of his own Meow lately, wish he'd learn to speak human.  Vince gave in eventually and gave him some fish and the little bugger turned his nose up at it.  Huh!  Watched a film on tele called "King Kong Lives" a continuation from the old film.  It was very good but sad and I cried of course!

Sunday 22nd April 1990
It was lovely as always to speak to you both.  Wish phone calls were cheaper though, so we could talk for longer.  Went to the tea house at Fort Langley and Vince fixed their fridge, well almost, it needs a new condenser.  While Vince was doing the fridge, Faye, the lady who runs it, put me to work too!  I laid the tables for her, then did the fillings for some pecan tarts and sliced some oranges.  She gave us $5 on top of what Vince charged her because I'd helped her.
Went to look at the house I told you about on the phone, it wasn't as good as we expected which was quite a disappointment.  The outside was really nice, so was the garden and the area is lovely, but the inside was very small.  It had a large unfinished basement that could be developed but with a lot of work.  Looked at a couple of other houses too, but nothing special.
Took Smokey out for a drive in Vince's van to show him some scenery.  He wasn't very impressed though.  First of all he hollered his face off! (He probably has bad memories of travelling since the plane), then he got a bit more interested and kept bobbing his head up to have a look and then bobbing it down again.  He was very glad to get home again to say the least!
Tonight we watched the celebrity Earth Day Special.  Did you have anything on your tele about it? I'm sending you this leaflet that I got from work (that I was reading earlier).  I've met this Jim Hart who hosts "Eyes West Earthwatch" - he's a very nice man.

Monday 23rd April 1990
Had a one-day computer course today, so no work.  It was so boring, I nearly fell asleep!  Also it wasn't that good because we had a different teacher in the morning to the afternoon, so it was a bit confusing.  They did lay on some sandwiches for lunch though, but I'd taken a packed lunch because I didn't know! The second teacher was a right little smart arse - and funny enough his name was Ed Smart haha!
Cooked a nice shepherd's pie for dinner tonight.  I was quite impressed!  Went out for a short drive to look around the new housing estates.  Two years ago, we could have afforded them, but not now unfortunately.  Maybe in a couple of years when Vince makes me rich!

Tuesday 24th April 1990
Back at work today - Gail said she really missed me, which is good.  Got home in record time this afternoon, it just depends on how the bus connections work out.  I had a feeling there would be a letter from you today, so I rushed to look in the mailbox and there was!  I'm always so excited to open it, but then also like to prolong it, so the reading isn't over too quickly!  
What a really wonderful letter!  Well they're all great, but this one is so long - like a book! I almost feel as though you're chatting to me and I can hear your voice when I'm reading it.  Vince was pleased that he got so many mentions in it!  By the way, your letter smells lovely again and it does make me feel closer to you.  I close my eyes and imagine that you're standing there with me - I wish you were.  Well, fancy Nan having a man-friend - I don't suppose it would do any harm if she lived with this man for companionship, but I hope he has a lot of patience! I would loved to have seen Nana Ella again.  Did you take any photos of her? I was talking to Vince and her and Grandad Doug.  It's such a shame about what happened and him going off in a huff.  He was such a nice Grandad and funny too.  
By the way, we've decided to have our furniture delivered here as storage is expensive!  The boats that Vince works on are yachts.  Vince's boss's son has a boat and said he would take us both out in it (when the weather is nice though). We did have a good laugh about James working in the butcher shop, I can just imagine him heaving and nearly being sick!!  Oh dear!  Is that a permanent Saturday job or just a one-off? Glad your bee test was okay, can't wait for our first jar of honey.
Popped in to see the Woolstones.  Met George's sister, Joan, who lives in Kamloops.  That's in the interior of British Columbia.  Gave Heather a copy of the photos from the surprise party.  We were the only ones with a camera, so they were lucky they got any photos at all!  Heather asked what's new with you two, so gave her an update.

Wednesday 25th April 1990
Rained very hard today.  I went to a secretarial seminar that CKVU sent me on.  It was in a hotel and was quite interesting.  It was a talk on secretarial efficiency and how to best work with your boss and other people in the office.  They also laid on a very nice lunch.  Met an English lady there who used to live in Bromley - small world isn't it? She gave me her phone number in case I ever want a chat and a Canadian girl also gave me her phone number.  Everyone here is so open and friendly.
Smokey went to have his teeth cleaned today.  He's now a bit dopey and is staggering around from the anaesthetic, but he does have very clean teeth! They were cleaned and polished down so there were no rough edges that the food can cling to.  It cost $111.00 - we just had a heart attack!  
Went out to eat at White Spot because we forgot to get anything out of the freezer this morning.  Excuses, excuses, I know!  Heather called to say Carolynn had befriended two people on the plane to Montreal - she must make a habit of it.  I'm certainly glad we met her on the plane when we came on holiday.  It gave us a place to stay, nice people to know and led to us being able to rent this place from Sheila and Patrick.  We have been very lucky.

Thursday 26th April 1990
Back to work today.  Vince picked me up after work and we went to customs to get our furniture cleared.  Got charged $300.00 for duty on Vince's amplifier.  Bloody hell! Good job we're not storing our furniture now that's all I can say.  Vince had to do one more job after that, so I went to the mall in Coquitlam, it's quite an impressive place.  This evening went to a Linn Hi Fi evening which was very boring, even Vince thought so, but we did get two glasses of wine out of it at least!  Had dinner out in Red Robin.  Vince works in these restaurants all the time - no discount though, haha.  They do some very sticky and very fattening desserts.  James would love it for sure!

Friday 27th April 1990
Called the warehouse where our furniture is.  They are delivering everything tomorrow morning.  I'm quite excited now!  We'll have to stuff everything into the second bedroom, but the wardrobes and drawers we'll put in our bedroom because there's room and we can use them.  It will be nice to choose something different to wear.  My work outfits are a bit limited at the moment.  Smokey's looking forward to getting his scratching post and of course Vince is dead excited about his Hi-Fi.
We're going to order in a pizza tonight and stay in with the fire and the tele as it's cold and raining outside. Brrrr.  There's a film on tonight "The Beach Boys Story" so that should be good, I hope.
Well, I'll end here.  I almost hate ending a letter as much as I hate putting the phone down.  All the time I'm talking or writing, I feel close to you.

Sign-off from Jo x

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