It started with the ping of an incoming text. I ignored it.
There was a second ping. I ignored that too.
“Simon,” said Julia, sternly, “you’ve got texts.”
“Yes,” I agreed, “I have.”
I turned over in bed. It was just after seven and I was planning on a lie-in.
“It might be important.”
“If it was important they’d ring.”
But by that time I was awake so I got up and read them.
It was Number Two Son telling me he was going to be late home from work because of an action-packed night shift. First there was a power cut, then the fire service had to winch a trapped customer down from a lift trapped on the second floor (or third floor as I believe the Americans say). This resulted in a broken lift.
They had a disabled customer in the hotel, so Number Two Son had to stay to ensure the customer had help to get up and down stairs if he needed it. Until he tookthis job I didn’t realise that they had an extra staff member in if they had a disabled guest. This is good service.
Blossom at Mencap Garden
Naturally, this meant I ended up going to fetch him. They managed to get a cleaner to come in early to cover so we were off by 8.30, just one and a half hours late.
As a small silver lining – it’s double pay, with Good Friday being a Bank Holiday. Silver lining for him, that is. I don’t get paid, I just lost my lie-in.
We’ve been shopping since then, gardened, cooked and had a discussion about my language after some advice I gave to a driver who got in my way.
Hopefully the rest of the weekend will be more relaxed.
Phew! What a time for your son. Also, enjoyed reading Jodie’s comments. Yes, that is how we would say it, but I love the wonderful variety of English, wherever it is spoken.
One word I’d like to see used more is fundi – found in South African English (a learned person). I believe this equates to maven in American English (I’ve never seen or heard it used in the UK) and guru, though guru always seems a but mystical.
Never heard of “fundi” either.
Always something new to learn…
Sure is!
If it weren’t for the drive, I’d recommend the beach at Flamborough for relaxation. Anyway, I hope there were no early morning calls today!
Nothing today as he had a night off last night. was off last night. 🙂
All to the good!
It does look like a plum. A fine shot. Did your language need to be more or less expressive?
I think “less expressive” covers her view. She also feels that it could do with a reduction in volume.
” First there was a power cut, then the fire service had to winch a trapped customer down from a lift trapped on the second floor (or third floor as I believe the Americans say). This resulted in a broken lift.”
Since we are discussing what Americans would say, here is my version (I am always interested in the differences.) First, the electricity went out, then the fire department had to rescue a customer from an elevator on the third floor. This resulted in a broken elevator.
That photo is stunning – is it a cherry tree? I have something similar in my yard in exactly that same state of bloom.
I think it’s a plum. The problem is that they are a bit mixed in the garden and I forget… 🙂
It’s surprising how many differences there are in such a short paragraph. If I’d written it 20 years ago I’d have said “fire brigade”, but “service” is taking over. 🙂
Isn’t it something? And we speak the same language! I do find the differences fun and fascinating. I tend to steal the good stuff.
🙂
I hope so. Excellent blossom pics
Thank you Derrick.
Your son does sound like he had more excitement than needed at work.
That was his view too!