I’m on my way home after a few days away. I’ve had a wonderful time but, as things invariably and quite rightly should, it came to an end.
I have taken the train journey out of and back to Cornwall, many, many times. Sometimes alone, often with OH and occasionally with family. As my dad worked away, he was also a frequent railer, returning home on a Friday night and leaving again on a Sunday. It must have been exhausting. But he was a sociable man and I’m sure he would have enjoyed the company of other travellers, just as I do myself. In this we are similar, but we differ in our love of routine. He did, I don’t. One such custom was set in stone, sandwiches were scheduled for Teignmouth. If I travelled with him, I would argue that our train had left later than usual or simply that I was hungry and surely I deserved a vote in this democracy. He was not to be swayed. And anyway, who had said it was a democracy?
One day, when I was in my early twenties, he drove me to Penzance train station, helped me onto the train with my luggage, made sure I was comfortably seated and no dubious characters were in close environs and we said our (possibly on my part) teary farewells. When he had left, for reasons of emotional comfort, m’lud, although admittedly still in the station, I unwrapped my sandwiches. I was just about to take a bite when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my horrified dad on the adjacent platform. He had rushed round to wave again from a different angle. Although I am no lip-reader, there was little doubt that he was mouthing “Not ’til Teignmouth”
Although my dear dad died many years ago, today I waited until we had pulled out of the station before I started on my sandwiches. It sparked this happy memory, and as I munched was sure that somewhere he was shouting “We’re not even close to Teignmouth!”.
Off The Edge Gardening 
The post title is a true rarity, at least in your existence! 😎
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It should have read “no”
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Love this and your happy memories 🥰
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Lovely, poignant, post. xx
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This made me laugh.
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Caught in the act and I was never allowed to forget it! 😁
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Its these little things that bring such joy. But why or why are sandwiches still can’t be left till the right time, I am the same!
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😂
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What a lovely memory
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Thank you 🙂
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A beautiful, small memory, something special to return to every now and then.
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What a lovely story to read on a dreary Monday morning!
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I am glad you enjoyed it. Let us hope for a less dreary day next Monday x
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And I love these little glimpses of the past. Sometimes I wonder if they are true or not. Then I ask my mum and she says “yes, I had forgotten about that but, yes, now I remember”.
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What a beautiful story.
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Thank you Lisa 🙂
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I love this post! Thanks for sharing the story with us x
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😘
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I know your feelings about early lunch. Whenever I travel by train from Liverpool my ‘carry out’ is always eaten and digesting before we even get to Crewe! Enjoy your blog very much-thanks
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I am not alone! Thank you 😊
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