Lav'ly daffs - 3 for a paaaaaaaaaannnd! And other things...

I have stolen this quote from Tim's blog because I laughed out loud when I read it...

"The loud flower selling woman outside Beechwood Place Cheltenham can once again say 'On yer Daffs, on yer daffs, three for a paaaaand.' What on earth is she going on about? What's on the daffodils? It's the same scene every year, and I can never crack the code."

It is so true!! almost every day I meander past this lady and JT has noticed recently that depending upon the day and the time of day it differs as to whether you get "two bunches for a paaaaand" or three! Fascinating.

There are many 'characters' in Cheltenham and I have just noticed that yet another new group has appeared on Facebook in tribute to little old Derek, the old man with a shopping trolley who laughs at everyone and everything!! Every now and again he will park his trolley in the middle of the street and (whilst still holding on to it) will shout at some pigeons and then utter his famous "ehh ehhh ehh ehhh!" laugh before toddling on.

Derek is an interesting character, he is a bit like a frog who is really a prince. People look at it and think "ahhhh a frog - sweet!" but it is sitting there giving you a reproachful look saying "if only you knew..." Yes, Derek is rather eccentric, but has certainly not given up on life! He actually lives in a very posh house on a very posh road in Cheltenham (when he is not ambling around town or the Bath Road). He loves classical music and often attends my Dad's concerts in the Town Hall and Pump Rooms!!

WOW! Since writing this post I read on Facebook (when trying to find a photo) that Derek (formally known as 'the laughing millionaire') was last seen pushing a lawnmower (with the engine on!!) around near Christchurch, trying to mow the tarmac!! I thought it was a joke, but here is the photo... He is totally cool and always up for a conversation even if you have no idea what he is saying! Someone has even YouTubed him...