The Book of Ashes

The end of an era... 9:48PM

A lot has been happening recently. My Poppa (grandfather) died on the 29th April. It wasn't entirely unexpected, he'd had a number of strokes over the last few years and had needed round the clock care for the last bit. But still he'll be missed. He was a big part of our lives as we were growing up and he has created a dynasty (21 grandchildren and counting). I think I'm quite lucky in that up until now I've had all 4 of my grandparents. Poppa made it to 83 which was pretty bloody good considering the amount of salt he had on his meals and all the fish and chips he ate. I hope I make it to 80. I kinda have an idea what I might look like now. More about that later

The old mans game of poker... 9:55PM

Truely its cold now, the southerly sweaping through. Cold enought to snow, if only there were mountains on which to do. But I can't complain. I had an excellent Friday, poker with the mates, at the the old peoples home (Manson's place). I snuck out, zimmering down the corridor with a bottle of bourbon under my dressing gown. The nurses didn't notice I'd escaped and in the end I ignored my doctors advice, not to go all in as the excitement might be too much for the old ticker. It wasn't, and I won. Enought to pay for pizza and a round of drinks. There is luck yet you see, skill in the cards you choose, good fortune when the cards choose you. The old men had a great night out, 3 of us polishing off my bottle of bourbon. Hef was there, he promised girls but didn't produce, maybe he's loosing his style in his old age.