Dramatis Personae

Well if I'm going to blog, I might as well introduce you to some of the characters who will - no doubt - inhabit it.

Firstly, the parental body. Dear Old Dad (DOD) and Little Mother, now in their mid-70's and still blissfully happy after more than 50 years of marriage. Enough to make a single gal break out in hives ...

Then there are the friends. I've no doubt that most of us have that special person in our lives who accepts us completely as we are, is not afraid of telling us when we are being a dickhead, but will rush to our side when misfortune falls. I am lucky to have several.

First is the Bestie, the little girl who moved in down the street when we were both 4 and has bossed me around ever since. Actually, this is not true. Her bossing days started to wane when I gained about six inches over her in height and nowadays I generally give as good as I get. But as a sparring partner, confidante and constant supporter she has always been there - wielding a flaming sword from time to time, but I have it on the best authority that this is good for the soul. She is the mother of one - Baby Angel, a 12 year old delight - and, due to her recent re-marriage, step-mother of three boys who, for ease of reference, I shall label Satan-Spawn 1, 2 and 3. I love kids ...

Then there's the DIVA (capitals required), a blonde, buxom, dramatic soprano currently suffering the indignity of being a haus-frau with three kiddies under 5. The eldest is a dead ringer for Little Lord Fauntleroy (and so I shall refer to him), while 18 month old twins, Hamster and Little Miss, keep her hands full. However, she is still to be coaxed into an improptu performance of 'Rusulka' when under the influence of buckets of champagne - supplied by moi for just this purpose (how evil!). Sadly, she lives many miles distant, but the joys of modern telecommunications keep us in touch daily.

Also many miles distant - although in a different locale - is the Banker. How many times have I heard friends and family moan "if only he were straight!"? But, of course, the truth is that this would completely stuff up a perfectly fabulous relationship. So we continue - both single, both somewhat obsessed by our work (although his significantly greater obsession is fuelled by his relative youth and vastly superior remuneration) and both happy to slip in to the familiar routines of comfortable intimacy whenever we contrive to spend time with each other.

Then there is the cast of characters that come with having possibly the most interesting job in the world. "Interesting", of course, often in the manner of that old Chinese curse ... but it's certainly never dull! More of this group anon ...