Not long after I finished that, an elderly gent on a plot about 3 up from me started trying to talk to me, which was really awkward because he has speech difficulties, I have hearing difficulties and the wind was blowing his voice away from me. I really didn't feel up to coping with the whole talking thing, and was feeling a little weary and was desperate for a coffee anyway, so I decided it was a good time to leave.Gets to the gate, and there's a sorry-looking bloke sitting on his bike just about to leave. I'd never seen him before, but it was obvious he was from the allotment so I exchanged a little small talk - which turned into him telling me about his father's recent funeral, marriage breakdown, etc., etc. I listened kindly, for he obviously needed to tell someone his woes, and despite only having one decent ear, I'm actually a pretty good listener. But really, I just wanted to get home and sit down with my cuppa.
Then came the bike ride home - head wind nearly all the way (about a mile!). My little legs were like jelly when I got home. I put my bike away, staggered to the back door, turned the handle and started to walk in. It was locked and I banged my head
I wouldn't care, but it was me who locked it! I found my keys, tried using the wrong one, then I dropped them, then I couldn't get the right one in the lock. And all the time I was messing about outside the door, there was my little Katie, looking at me through the window with a huge smile on her face and holding out my slippers. Oh, it was such a welcome sight. 
Isn't it lovely when someone pampers you?BTW, does anyone have any suggestions for communcating with someone who has recently lost the ability to speak? He can understand well, and he knows what he wants to say but he can't make the words. Although I know a little sign language, it's clear that he doesn't. He's trying hard to get his speech back, but in the meantime it's a bit hard going. Anyone have any experience of this and some advice, please?
