Uncle Albert's Last Laugh

Timbo · March 18, 2017

Weeks turn into months and I'm slowly getting towards sorting the last of Uncle Albert's belongings. There is still the odd 'pang', so to speak, usually about now on a Saturday morning, when I suddenly start to panic thinking I should be doing the old boy's shopping and nipping up to see him. And then the whole process of feeling 'raw' starts all over again. So I was more than due a bloody good laugh when I was contacted by my friend who is also Uncle Albert's solicitor. I was expecting the last of Uncle Albert's small estate to be popped into the bank.

"How's the boat coming along?" asks the solicitor.
"Huh?" the question had come out of left field somewhat.
"I said how's the boat coming along? Any nearer to putting it back in the water?"

Of course now that we are talking 'boat' I can warm to the subject.

"It's going to be a while yet, still trying to sort out time to get down to Norfolk. Materials and logistics etc. Why do you ask?"
"Well your Dad left instruction..." the solicitor started.
"Yeah I know we discussed it but I'm not putting the old bugger in my bilges as he will bung up the pump. I spoke to Doug and we are putting him in the keel..." I interrupted.
"No, no it's about his estate." said the solicitor interrupting in turn.
"Yes, what about it?" I asked warily.
"Well I've collected in all monies." said the solicitor somewhat hesitantly.
"And?" I asked knowing something was afoot.
"Well your Dad has instructed that you don't get it until the boat is back in the water." chuckled the solicitor.

Now we are not talking a lot of money here and it wasn't until I was telling Polly the tale on the phone yesterday, and having her laugh like a drain, that I appreciated Uncle Albert's conniving, devious genius, and just how badly the old boy wanted to get to his boat. Did I laugh? Long and hard until tears streamed and my sides ached. Uncle Albert certainly got the last laugh. OK Dad, I'll play the game! :naughty: