Do you remember when shops were shut on Sundays leading up to Christmas? Now no more. Every day is a shopping day.
Do you remember when there were postal deliveries on Sundays in the lead up to Christmas and two deliveries on most days?
Oh how the times have changed.
The Christmas tree is up, the lights are shining, Father Christmas has announced that he will be riding round the village on December 23rd. What more can there be?
Well on Sunday I'm popping over to Wymondham to see my favourite all time film on the big screen. I watch It's a Wonderful Life every Christmas but have never been to a public showing. Just remember:
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings."
"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. And when he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
"What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word, and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down."
Just three of my favourite quotes from the film. There's plenty more.
Sadly I think all the actors/actresses have gone apart from Karolyn Grimes who played the youngest of the Bailey children Zu Zu. She is now 83 years old. Remember Zu Zu's petals? If you've never seen the film you won't have any idea what I'm talking about. If you have seen it you will know exactly.
A number of years ago I wrote to Ms Graham. I can't remember how that came about but I'm sure I told her that I loved the film. She replied and was very gracious. She referred to James Stewart as Mr Stewart and was very respectful.
James Stewart is one of my heroes and has a close connection with Norfolk, having been stationed here during the Second World War.
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I often think the word babysitting is a nonsense. What did you do last night? We went babysitting. Actually we went to look after granddaughter Poppy which involved her beating me at a spelling game and me beating her at Yahtzee - a kind of honourable draw. Anyway I've never ever sat on a baby.
We also did an online quiz to find out which Hogwarts house we would be in. I got Hufflepuff and the following words:
"Congratulations, you are a true Hufflepuff! Your answers show that you value hard work, patience, loyalty, and fair play. You have a great capacity for empathy and are always there for your friends. Hufflepuffs are excellent team players and are often the glue that holds a group together. You believe in equality and have a keen sense of justice. Remember, Hufflepuffs are particularly good finders!"
I have to say I like that. If only I was that good.