Relationship news in Dad's little black book

There is something quite charming and also poignant about Dad's little black address book with its side bars about the people he and Mom knew.

He would jot down when he last saw them, or add some news and as they passed, cross out their entry.

I read this entry tonight next to the details for Liz Vale, which made me grin.

I remember Dad calling me all excited about having met a woman in the mid 1990's a few years after Mom had died, they had bridge in common.  She moved in with him and we were all pleased that he had found companionship.

This entry in his notebook is from December 1997, she had given him 'words and said she was moving out, "I agreed"'.

He writes, 'still friends but platonic only.' Nice to know Dad!

The note is then updated in the May of the next year, just to let the reader know that Liz is still hanging on, Dad's view is 'Keep as is, friend only.'

Liz has kept in touch with Dad all these years and every now and again pops in to see him in frail care.

Doreen and Dad with Liz Vale.