I recently gave you a 'cast list' for Don't Panic. RTFM. You can find it here.
Gay George and Gay John moved out of the office not long before Christmas...but we've kept in touch. They decided that they'd like to have a virtual office in readiness for George moving to the country.They're good guys, really good fun to have around and I think of them as friends.....even though Jon's share tips are to be avoided like the plague...as are his betting tips. I can't tell you how much I've lost through his recommendations. Whenever I bit and went with one of Jon's tips, a wry smile would come over George's face as he himself firmly zipped up his wallet and put it in his pocket.
Since they moved out, we've saved a fortune in tea costs. These two are chain-tea drinkers. They are never without a mug of PG Tips in one hand. When they first arrived, I thought I could handle it and tried to keep up with them...but the exercise I got from running backwards and forwards to the toilet was wearing me out. The dishwasher could barely keep up as well.
When it came to food, lunchtime would always be a hot dog. Day in, day out. The smell was tantalising And this was frustrating because they would eat lunch at no later than 11...so I had to stick it out for another couple of hours. Eventually they decided to vary their diet and would wander down to Sainsbury's to see what was on offer. Anything cheap was good. Sometimes they would come back with half a dozen shepherd pies which would keep them going for a few days.
Sport was always a hot topic...I could join in using my best 'blokishness', but really didn't have a clue - Cricket, Football, Rugby were daily conversations. Tennis less regularly...but eventually I found I could express an opinion on whichever team or player and they were wise enough to just nod and agree. On other topics, the debates could be lively. George was invariably vitriolic about anything where he had an opinion...trying to get a word in edgeways was nigh on impossible. We shared a common view on bankers and politicians.
I was due to meet up for a beer with Gay George, but surprisingly hadn't heard from him.
I got this e-mail last night from Jon
"George has had an accident and been knocked off his bike. It happened last Friday and he hasn't been conscious since. There is some pressure on his brain so they are treading carefully. He has facial fractures and fractures to the hip and pelvis. Will keep you posted"
George is married, in his mid-30's and has two young children. He cycles everyday - their business is 'inventory clerks' so they would go from property to property on folding bikes. George wears a helmet.
I'm knocked for six by this...and desperately hoping he pulls through. I hope his wife and family are coping, it must be really traumatic for them
