I was a bit apprehensive about this year's TT. I didn't know how it was going to go - I knew that I would hate to be watching from the sidelines. But I had a shrewd idea that I'd have fun.
On Monday 30th May the girls and I went down to Billown to catch up with some folks at the Pre-TT Classic on the Southern 100 circuit - always one of Dobsy's favourites. It was good to chat with some people I haven't seen for a long time - Mike and Ange Hose, Bill Swallow, Roy Richardson, Matt Jackson.
We had time to put some grass seed on Dobsy's plot before the first TT practice. Children are irrepressibly buoyant creatures and after we'd forked, raked and scattered compost and seed it came to the 'treading' stage. Passers by might have been alarmed to see the 3 of us, bare-foot, dancing up and down the length of the grave giggling but I reckon Dobsy would have loved it for its innocent fun and hint of black humour! I'd bought "fast establish" seed but I had a feeling that, if I wanted it green before the blessing on Sunday, Astroturf would have been a better option!
The first solo practice was short - it started late after the sidecars and finished early due to hail!
The second practice night was sadly shadowed by the deaths of sidecar rider and passenger Bill Currie and Kevin Morgan. Not all of us knew them personally but the the whole paddock was a quieter place that night.
Through practice week I managed to make myself reasonably useful (I hope) in the paddock and somehow, between cooking the odd meal, fitting tyre warmers, carrying stands and popping out for Mr Sheen I kept busy enough that I didn't feel like a spare part.
I also spent time meeting up with old friends and enjoying the Island with Mum, Eadlin and Hillberry. These times were probably topped off by the walk (and run for me) between Glen Maye and Peel in glorious sunshine ending with an ice-cream.
I started Mad Sunday 5th June with a few quiet moments at Ballagarey before joining the gathering band at Lonan Parish Church. There were lots of positive comments about the headstone for which I thank Pooil Vaaish and especially Rosie for her personal and patient attention. Around 60 people were rewarded with some sunshine and I know others were stuck behind road closures (or went to Lonan 'Old' Church!). John Coldwell delivered a thoughtful, informal blessing. Thank you to everyone.
The afternoon was filled with fine food, wine and company thanks to Nick and Issy. Yet another
successful Mad Sunday bash. I'm only sorry I didn't see more of you through the fortnight.
I feel enormously thankful to uncountable people who helped me both in material ways and in spirit. Particular mention (in order of appearance!) to Mark Parrett, Doc Moran, Si Fulton, Paul Owen, Ian Barnes, Sue Lester, Tina Hampson, Debbie Baron and my long-suffering mum, Beryl.
All you others who made me feel a welcome and valued part of the TT will never be forgotten either.
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