Roxy Fans My Pride

Cymraes told me today that Roxy has given her baby's middle name after the first element of mine (and no it is not "Sword").

That makes me feel proud on different levels.  It is flattering in itself, but given that Roxy is my goddaughter it makes me feel that my warmth towards Roxy is extended into the next generation.

Roxy's mother, Lindylu, was close to me when I was a child.  She is the youngest of my mother's brothers and sisters and was omnipresent when I visited my Nan as a child, as she was still at home.  She also used to babysit for my sister and I on a regular basis before our family moved to London.

That family bond has always been strong and has been fuelled by us staying regularly at their house on trips back to Wales before my parents moved back.  We used to stay at the "Butcher's" too.

My earliest recollection of an "event" involving Lindylu was when she threw a teenage tantrum with her knitting and my nan took it off her and threw it into the fire.

My reaction (as a four year old) was to go up behind my nan and bite her leg.  I drew blood.  This was despite the fact that I cherished my nan.

My nan exacted revenge by walloping me with the "boiler" stick.  You will have to remember the days before automatic washing machines to understand that one.

Parenting was rather different in those days though I clearly got what I deserved!

All this action took place in my nan's house, which is now Lindylu and Yorkshire Boy's house and also where Roxy is currently based.

The house was at the foundation of what was a very happy childhood start to my life and I hope that it provides a good start for Roxy's new arrival too.