A day to remember

‘A day to remember’

“Wow! Did you see that? I’m sure that helicopters aren’t allowed to fly that low. I can almost see the person in the cockpit who’s flying it. Ok, ok, I’m keeping my eyes on the road, don’t panic. It’s not like we’re going that fast anyway. I knew there would be a lot of traffic. I said that we should leave earlier, didn’t I say that, Daisy? Oh, ok so you’re not talking to me now hey! I’ve told you before that I’m quite capable of driving. After all I passed my driving test and you did not so there. Why all the traffic anyway? Maybe there’s been an accident. I’m going to turn off up here and re-route our destination. We can’t be too far now from Windsor. May I remind you that it was you who wanted to go to Windsor remember. Walk round the castle, stop at the little tea shop, and have afternoon tea, take a party boat up the Thames tonight, and walk along the river.

Oh, dear god, more traffic lights! I’m not being impatient, and yes, I did crunch the gears, so stop tutting. Tutt, but you can’t talk to me hey! Just say something, anything, this trip has cost me my weeks pension I’ll have you know! No nothing. That’s gratitude for you!

What did you say, the dog? Well, I couldn’t bring the dog could I, he wouldn’t have been allowed in the places where you wanted to go. Yes, I know that he would have enjoyed the walk up the river, but what could we have done with him before and after. I’m sure he wouldn’t have been allowed on the party boat, and I don’t think the castle would have allowed him in either, do you?

Right, I’m going to park down Marks Road, we won’t have to pay the car parking charge there. Keep your eyes open for a space. Ah, you need to tell me before I go past it Daisy. Yes, I have got my driving glasses on, thank you very much! Here’s one, that’ll do nicely. Come on old girl, better get cracking if you want to squeeze in everything. Castle first or the afternoon tea? Ok the afternoon tea first it is.

Look at that love, all cut up into triangles, just as you like. Salmon and cucumber, ham and mustard and cheese salad hmm. Oh, the scones look delicious. You always like them with the little pots of strawberry jam and pots of cream, lovely. Oh, tea please, thank you. Bit drafty near the door, I agree. Perhaps the waitress could move us. Shall I ask her? No, are you sure? I feel better after all that love. I don’t know about you but I’m ready to look around the castle now.

Apparently, we can’t go inside today love as there’s work being done on one of the walls. That’s a shame isn’t it I really wanted to take you back inside there again. Still, we’re allowed to walk around the grounds so that’s something hey! Look at the splendid roses, all in that round bed. I might have a go with growing roses up the allotment, some day. Bert would be jealous if mine turned out better than his prize buds, don’t you think? You see that plaque over there, it tells you some history of the castle. Let’s take a look. Wow, the build started around 1070 and it says that it took 16 years to be completed. William the conqueror built it. Well, I did not know that.

Yes, yes, I’m keeping my eye on the time. Its nearly 5.30 so best we head off towards the river. The boat leaves at 6 and we don’t want to miss it do we love? Let’s go then, quick smart then we’ll get a good seat near the dance floor so that you can have a little boogie if you want to. No, I’m not dancing, you know that I’ve got two left feet.

This seat do for you love? I expect the music will start when we head off. God did you see that couple get on? It didn’t look like she was wearing much. I reckon she’ll get a chill. Her partner looks very smart. Remember when we used to go to the Ritz, back in the day? Now that’s what you call a dancefloor. You loved dressing up, and I loved being the man whose arm you held onto. I know, stop talking, you’re trying to take it all in. Listen, did you hear your name? The DJ just said, this one is for Daisy. I requested your favourite song, ‘Crackling Rose’ by Neil Diamond.

Well love, that was fun, bit of a blast from the past hey! Once we get off this boat, we’ll take that stroll along the river, shall we? I know, I know, watch my footing, don’t want a repeat off the day when I fell into this river. There dry land. That was nice of that man to tell those loud guys to stop pushing. For a moment there I thought I was going to lose you. Oh, to be that young and carefree again.

Let’s have a little seat for a moment, there’s a bench over there. I want to enjoy this walk down the river peacefully, after all it’s been a busy day, hasn’t it?

Full moon tonight love. See all the stars, so bright against the black sky. It’s a perfect night for a stroll. You ready for the last leg of the journey love? Ok let’s go then. Yes, I know the way, how could I forget, it was where I proposed to you 53 years ago. You said, why do you want to marry me? I said because I love you, today and forever. You smiled and said, that’ll do for me, and we laughed and kissed and drank the champagne that I’d stolen off my dad and hid in the picnic basket. I know I’m slowing down love. I can see the spot, but I don’t want to reach it. I know it’s time.”

Reaching the wispy willow tree with its long threads of leaves sweeping the ground Ernie came to a stop. He touched the old tree as though a faithful friend had held out a hand. Pulling out the burgundy-coloured urn from his bag he opened the lid. With Daisy’s last wish in mind, he sprinkled the ashes all around the tree as tears fell down his face. “Goodbye my love.”