Sixty-suchlike, so forth and counting.....

 A recent celebration reminded me, as if I needed it, that I’m of another age altogether. Why? Well during a conversation I was asked whether I liked Crosby, Stills and Nash?

‘Why yes!’ I responded with enthusiasm.

‘Which of their hits do you like most?’

‘Um…..Bing Crosby…"When the Blue of the Night" Beverly Sills…"Willow, where we met together" and Heddle Nash singing in "Dream of Gerontius".’

The look I received was one of immense pity, and was quietly informed, not only was I without hope, but it was Stills not Sills!

I stared wistfully into the glass of Fitou I held.

The passage of time is sometimes hard to bear. Surely it was only yesterday, I strolled down the Strand, having visited my agent – the prospect of a summer season smiled at me from across the approaching year. Hurrah! To Villiers Street I went, a certain hostelry beckoned.

Yes, the sun shone most days, and 60 whatever - was positively an aeon away!

I have to say, I’m extremely happy to have young Bingo about, he certainly lifts this ‘old poop’ - as the lad frequently calls me! You see, it’s the joy of that young scamps enthusiasm, that positively warms the cockles of this aged bloaters heart. You’d have to be an absolute stone-heart, not to be swept up in his delight of literally everything that takes his eye.

　                                       ………


I was returning to the table on which the bottle of Fitou was parked, when a voice said….’don’t you simply adore John Paul…….’

‘Satre?’ I ventured.

‘No, no! John, Paul, George and Ringo!  It’s over 50 years since Love Me Do.’

‘Ah.’

I settled on a couch, the wine quietly restoring my dampened spirits. A nose nudged my knee.

‘Alright guv?’

I sighed.

’I guess so Bing.’

‘It’s not quite dark yet, fancy a bit of kick and chase?’

‘Well……?’

He was already outside with his favourite ball, before I’d drained my glass!’

'C'mon guv, let's be having you!!