Didja miss me?

I've been playing host for the last couple of weeks, hence the silence on the blog front. My mother was over for a week, and the day she left two friends came up from London - they were staying in the flat so as a result I have two new fridge magnet sentences to share with you.

Albert's: Der Junge flüstert mit verlockender Zunge in einem Flut delikater purpurer Sprache. ("With enticing tongue, the boy whispers in a flood of delicate, purple speech.")

Matt's: Ne'er question a merry wanton maiden's bosom lest she beseech her villainous lordship come hither and curse this vile peasant who doth slander my seemly breast.

On a more serious note, my mother is doing very well. She admits she's yet to work out what to do with herself - we went to see Mrs Henderson presents and she's certainly no intention of buying a theatre, which is a relief! - but is very glad for the attentiveness of friends and family. Christmas was always going to be a bit strange, but my uncle's presence, not to mention that of two family friends, should at least help maintain our spirits.

Inevitably, with my mother around, it's been a busy time culturally. Besides Mrs Henderson, we went to see A man for all seasons at the theatre in Glasgow last week, with Martin Shaw superb in the lead - the final scene between the Mores was immensely moving, though as Mother pointed out, the circumstances had a lot to do with it. We also went to the Burrell Collection and the Choice exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy.

Next up is Keeping mum, probably on Friday.