“Tell me about yourself” I’ve always felt this to be an interesting opening question when I meet a new acquaintance. Last week His Nibs was at the funeral of our good friend Roy Williams. Sadly, in these strange days of Covid-19, only a few friends and family were allowed to attend. Him Indoors was very proud to have been invited. I wasn’t allowed to go, so spent the afternoon sat at home sleeping and contemplating.
I got to thinking what Roy would have said if The Boss had asked that question of Roy when they first met. Tell me about yourself. Now our friend Roy was a quiet man, full of Black Country humour and warmth. If any writer wants a good storyline for a book, Roy would be a good person with whom to start. His adventures in the music industry used to keep us entranced for ages. But what he would have missed out, being so modest, would be all his human strengths to which we should all aspire.
He was private, he knew world famous music stars, but never ever talked “gossip”about them, only about their musical talent and achievements. He was very protective of them. He was a gentle human being, a man who I never heard raise his voice to anybody. He was kind, always wanting to help if he could and never looking for thanks. He had a wealth of creative ideas that he didn’t force on you but quietly slip into conservations. He was a very special human being, somebody we can all learn from and I don’t think Him Indoors will ever forget him. I certainly won’t, folks like Roy Williams are rare and that is a sad reflection on the world in which we live.
The world itself seems to me to be racing on a path to destruction. I am an old chap – His Nibs isn’t so young either – and fortunately I’m not long for the world before I depart to doggie heaven. I expect to greeted by his girl Chris, upon whom I am relying to take care of me in the hereafter. She had better ensure a plentiful supply of sausages and beef, otherwise I may go seeking pastures new.
We have had a few visitors to keep the Old Boy relaxed. We had a visit from his son who always makes a fuss of me. I love Robert, his view of life is brilliant. His Nibs tends to the emotional, after all shouting at me when I wander on to our neighbours bit of the communal courtyard seems a bit harsh, whilst Robert understands my reasoning. Having said that, he failed miserably to leave me any of his Indian dinner whist The Boss made sure I had a few bits of Lamb Tikka Masala to lick up from his plate. I do love the sauce from the Vhujon!
We’ve been working hard this week – now when I say “we” I do mean that The Boss is on the computer and I’m lay on the floor beside him – composing letters to all the various supporters of the Festival. I do know what they are all about but I had a face to face lecture today that I must not say anything on this blog. Must be some serious news.
He’s been priming me for the return of footy on the TV. I’m not looking forward to him shouting but I suppose its better than a constant stream of the cry of “tossers’ whenever Bumbling Boris or any of his merry men appear on screen.
Although my personal view, acquired over several years of watching United with him, that actually will be his regular cry at a certain Mr Pogba in the forthcoming weeks.
Him Indoors may have certain talents but the practical side of life does not register high on his success scale. Hence the fact that we have been living with a tweeting fire alarm for about 18 months! After a time The Boss ceased hearing it, and I just learnt to live with it. All your friends complained but did Him Indoors change the battery? No he didn’t. A couple of precarious efforts stood on a chair both nearly resulted in disaster so he gave up. But, lo and behold, his son Robert turned up last weekend and had it sorted in five minutes. I should tell you, changing a plug was beyond The Boss! His Chris used to do all the practical things of life so he’s been very spoilt.
Not that I would know anything about being spoilt, would I?
Stay safe good friends, not long until the new Bob Dylan album. Excitement builds.
Woof! Woof!
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