
As you know, I am a very sensitive person. I like to think others come to me because of my gentle nature and empathy. For this very reason I was very concerned about a conversation I recently had with Ali, my gardener and Bernard, my photographer. Things are a little quiet at the advertising agency at present, so Bernard has been out getting his boat ready for the season. He does so love his sailing.
Ali and I were enjoying a very nice German Riesling in the garden, talking about plans I have for the arboretum, or scrub land as Sylvester rather ignorantly refers to the more unkempt section at the bottom of my garden.
âThe Germans really are talented wine makers,â I said as I surveyed the wild flowers.
âIndeed,â said Ali, in his heavily accented Syrian English. âThis is a very âHĂ€nde hochâ.â
âAli, I donât think you can say that. Weâre all on the same side now! Is it racist? I donât know. Besides,â I added, âyou drive a smart car. Isnât that made by Mercedes?â
âOh, Iâm sorry. Itâs my English, you know,â mumbled Ali. I am concerned about his language skills, but I some times suspect he may be trying to pull the wool over my eyes.
At that very moment Bernard appeared at my Garden gate looking most concerned. I invited him in and sat him at the garden table and asked what on earth could be the matter.
âWell,â he started, looking very downcast, âI think I may have upset someone down at the sailing club.â
âHow on earth did you do that,â I asked, eager to help, as ever.
âI was trying to be helpful,â said Bernard. âIt was the Commodore. He was moving his boat, and I offered to lend him a hand.â
âBernard, that sounds very kind of you,â I observed.
âYou obviously donât remember I introduced you to Andrew a couple of years ago at the year end dinner. You remember, he was the guy with only one arm,â replied Bernard awkwardly.
âOnly one arm,â I said slowly. âAh, yes. I remember now. And you offered to lend him a hand?â
âYes. It just, sort of, came out,â he continued. âAnd things got a little chilly after that.â

âAre you sure he took offence,â I asked. âIt might be that youâre imagining this. Heâs probably just fine.â
At this point Ali chimed in, âYou offered to help the fellow. Whereâs the âarm in that?â
I fixed Ali with a cold stare.
âAli, thatâs not funny,â I said.
You can see the sort of dreadful thing I have to put up with. However, on a brighter note, I am thrilled to say my Premium Program for women is going very nicely. If you know anyone that would benefit from this great program, be sure to suggest they visit my Patreon and look for the $5 a month Package, which is especially for them.
Auntie Kittie has a great new diary entry today, so if youâre a member be sure to check it out.
Have a lovely weekend, stay safe and get a vaccine!
Fiona
PS â Yes. Be sure to get a vaccine. I said that. And I had mine about 10 days ago. Itâs about the most satisfying prick thatâs been in me in a while!