Goodbye Val Doonican and Dr Zhivago in The View from the Terrace

It is getting more often that I look at the news and find someone I have loved has died. Just over 2 weeks ago it was Val Doonican whose show I watched for years in the 60s, 70s and early 80s. I loved his easy going manner and his lovely deep voice and, of course, the pattened jumpers he used to wear! I watched him with Mum in the 60s and early 70s then with Hubby in the late 70s and 80s.

Then last week it was Omar Sharif. I remember going to see Dr Zhivago with Hubby when we were dating. I fell in love with that film and with him. I bought the book and took it to London with me when I left home. It even partly inspired me to learn a little Russian. I found the book again recently when a local drama production wanted a 70s copy for a prop in a play, and finally read it right through. It is a very long book and quite difficult to read but really worth it.

The film seemed to always be there. I wanted to call our daughter Lara but Hubby didn’t agree. It was showing on TV the evening I told my mother-in-law that I was expecting our youngest. I must have seen it at least 10 ten times. I always think of that film when the daffodils come out.

I suppose as you get older more people you knew do die. It’s the same amongst friends. On a visit to an elderly cousin we drove passed the local crematorium and she said she always seemed to be going there nowadays.

I guess it’s a reminder of my mortality and to get on and do the things I want to do now. Well this year I went to Amsterdam, next year Paris perhaps, and I’d like to fly a plane, just once, one of those trial flying lessons would do, but I doubt that will happen now because of my health.