5.8 today - expected after kebab night (no pita) wine (2 large) and a few mixed nuts.
Thanks to those trying to access my leaflet. Leave it with me for a whole while I work on it!
In the meantime here is my.lastest social media post. Lots going on here so hence short message and BIG copy and paste!
EXTREMELY LONG STATUS ALERT, EVEN LONGER THAN MY USUAL!!!
VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
When I met Eric 33 years ago, we fell in love the very first night.....right after he told me he owned a jewellers . of course I'm joking. Not about falling in love that first night, but he didn't tell me he owned a jewellers, just that he worked in one. Eric would never lie, not in a million years. He is the most trustworthy person you will ever meet. An absolute diamond for a jewellers (see what I did there ). Not just trustworthy but great with customers (they love him, he is a real gem!!!), excellent phone manner (good old fashioned manners deserving of a gold award!!!).
Eric was employed as a working jeweller (repairing and making bespoke pieces) at the tender age of 15. He was trained by the best, Graham Clayton. He took to it well. Eric has always been good with his hands. He almost went into joinery after getting an O Level (old style GCSE). in woodwork, but as fate would have it he was suggested to Graham as having a wonderful character and great potential by Patty Ryan, who Eric worked for in a fancy goods shop in south shore from the age of 12. When all the other kids of his age were playing footy he was beavering away (not by choice, his parents thought it would be good for him!). Always had an amazing work ethic. Never late (believe me he is like clockwork!!!) And get this, 6 days off sick in 41 years! That HAS to be a Guinness book of records entry!
He LOVES his job. It's in his blood. He understands sentimentality like no other. People have brought in worn out family heirlooms, relics, broken bits and bats wondering if anything could be done as these 'bits and bats' hold precious memories in their hearts. Could any kind of magic be performed? They expected the worst. But Eric would look and say 'I can do it, but I cant guarantee it'. Tears would flow, jewellery brought back to life, treasured memories reborn. One very special piece being our own daughters. Her granny (my mum) got a necklace for her 50th from her beloved sister Bernie (my mum didn't wear jewellery, not even a watch) that was passed to my Amma on her demise, Eric made it into a bracelet and Amma has never taken it off, only when it needed a little TLC by the great man himself. It is my daughters most treasured possession, apart from her wedding ring. If you saw how thin it was you would realise what an amazing job Eric has done keeping it going. Eric just loves to bring things back to life. Or make something special. 'Eric can you make that necklace Holly Willoughby has on?' Reply 'yep!'.
Over 41 years there have been so many of these special moments. Then you have the last minute wedding rings, ring sizes just in time to say 'I do'. And so many rodiums (making old white gold glisten like new, speaking from my own experience, all my rings are second hand but you would never know). Other jewellers from the surrounding area bring jobs to Eric they wouldnt dare tackle. Too nervous of cocking things up. He does these jobs no problem (maybe a couple of swear words in between!). He is **** good. And that's an understatement.
I could go on about Eric and his time at Claytons all night but this status would also be in the Guinness book of records!
Eric has come to a turning point in his life. He is full of mixed emotions. He will be leaving the job he adores on 21st August. Not just the job he loves but the people, who are much more than colleagues. They are friends. Dear friends. Vicki is the no. 1 (or soon will be) His bosses Graham and Jeanette have been wonderful all down the years. They have always been so very good to us and our family and have given us some amazing memories. They treated Eric like their own. Eric took their sons to school as little ones and has watched them grow into fine young men who now have beautiful wives and children of their own.
This is a MASSIVE step for my Ezzy. But the time feels right. He has worked long and hard. Life is short. Carpe diem as we say.
There have been hard times for us financially and emotionally down the years but Eric has been our rock. And his job has given us stability. Eric you are amazing inside and out and we love you.
Eric's dad is now 90 and getting increasingly frail. His brother Patrick's health has taken a turn for the worse so now is a good time to change direction. Family is what it's all about, as tough as it is at times.
He won't be retiring completely and will be moving across to our small family business so he will have a new boss .. I believe she is quite a good boss, she runs with flexi hours and encourages lie ins and early finishes when the sun's out, she doesnt crack the whip (he might be disappointed with that one!) Generally quite easy going and enjoys the odd business lunch or 3 (did someone say Beachhouse) . But she does expect commitment. I think she is on a winner he has proved himself time and time again and of course part of his job will be taking a more prolific grandad role, both to our beautiful Willow and the new arrival expected very early January .. He will also be helping me with my work in the community with Diabetes Awareness and weight loss so it looks like he will be busier than ever! He has told me he is looking forward to Saturdays off, I replied 'dream on' .
So if anyone has anything they need Eric to look at LOOK SHARP! That said the business will still continue well after Eric has gone, and it is an amazing business.
SO PLEASE ALL BE UPSTANDING AND RAISE YOUR GLASSES TO THE ONE, THE ONLY, THE AMAZING ERIC SCOTT.
