I've been away but now I'm back!
And looking forward to the weekend so much.... IT'S UNREAL MAN!
But first I must engage in a wee bit o' tittle tattle...
As mum and I fell through/out of the eye hospital's heavy doors I saw in the misty damp distance a black cab. Me say YES so......with my coat flung about and Mother with her one good eye I waved like a Star on the Red Carpet hoping Crazy Cabbie man would take pity on us, pull over and stop in the NO STOP area.
He did and what a character he was.
Before asking what particular road we required, he told me I looked exhausted and there and then, in a sort of no stop zone, poured, from HIS polystyrene cup into another polystyrene cup, a good 6 inches of steamingly hot coffee. I was stunned. But then...blessed and thanked him and, with a new found faith in mankind, shoved Mother onto the seat whilst holding onto the warm white cup of goodness.
I could easily love this MAN.
Anyway he shot off at a rate engaging in non-typical conversation which went something like this...
(Make allowances for roughly remembered conversation this is due to temporary memory loss and not enough carbohydrates.
St Cabman " You alright back there?"
Bewildered shattered me "Yes and thanks for the sustenance"
Giggle giggle.
"St Cabman "You from round these parts?
"You what?"
"Not a London gel are ya?"
"Hold it right there sunshine, I am a London gel born and bred. Mate."
Laughs sweetly whilst gliding around a cyclist.
"So where you bin today then?"
(Flipping cheek these cab drivers have, but one such as this is worth sharing a jest or three with...)
"I have been south of the river and am now the other side of the river with a one-eyed Mother who needs to get home Pronto. Dear."
"AAHHHHHH! You're funny" The Saint said
"You got a boyfriend?"
Well....that made gooey eyed mum laugh. Miracle.
"I love all men especially cheeky chappies like what you are"
Another gutsy very loud laugh....from the grey haired driver.
By this time we were crawling past Paddington Station and likkle emotionally drained moi was on her last legs and mum, bless her scarred and battered one eyed head, was heaving with various pains and afflictions. And it's at times like these that I want to love love love, even bawdy taxi men. Just a particular trait of mine...when life is scaring the hell out of one I do take on the garb of romantic/wisewoman/jester. Anyway I digress. Back to the yarn...
He continued. Driving and Talking...
"So where you from now then?"
"Essex"
OMG I shouldn't have uttered the E word on account of it bringing out in him every Blonde Essex Girl joke.
I interjected loudly...
"I AM NOT AN ESSEX GEL, WELL NOT REALLY. I HAVE RUBY RED LONDON BLOOD FIGHTING TO GET ROUND MY FURRED UP ARTERIES, SO STOP IT YEAH WITH THE WHITE STILETTOS JOKES. You are an angel though" I said misting up the glass which divided him and I.
BUT.
It was when we arrived at our destination that St. Cabman (Bill) became an Angel...
As he knew I'd be travelling back to Sarfend later that afternoon he offered to pick me up after I'd done me mum's shopping and drive me to Liverpool St station... on account of my wit.
But the best thing, the very best thing was that he slashed the fare by half:)
I nearly choked with emotional utterances about generosity and how East London boys like him made me proud to be English. (He resides in Docklands. Rented accom.)
And so after dealing with my sweet but definite 'no thank you darling' he helped with the bags.
And had the last word.
"Don't cost anything to be cheery" he said and then couldn't get back in his cab on account of locking the driver's door...:)
But with an optimistic valiant wave he jumped in the other side and flew away like the Angel he was.
Bless you Bill x
I am in a positive mood tonight, on account of Bill and all other Male Saints I know so will indulge in tea and a film with a Supernatural bent.
Cheerio:)
