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Dear Sarah,

 I'm just back from Germany - maybe on Thursday you felt a bit damp? (Of course not, lol). Steve and I went for the inside of a week (he's been excellent through all this) - it was a good journey both ways (except Calais again) and we pottered about while Marly was at work until Thursday afternoon when we went up to Rech. The bridge is completely gone now sadly but the whole valley is looking much better than it was even a year ago when we were there - there's still so much to do but at least now it looks possible that it will get done within a year or two now. Just as we got there it started raining. Steve, Jurgen an I were there first shortly followed by Rolf and Renate. Marlene went to collect Gabi from her physio session but waited for her outside while Gabi waited inside. Consequently, of course, they were several minutes later than the rest of us. Anyway, I took another packet of your ashes and gently tipped them into the Ahr just by your favourite spot and you and I shared a tot of Laphroaig. Renate brought some flowers for you too. I think they'll hang about there for a while, the river is very low at the moment. Maybe your spirit (or whatever) will hang about long enough for you to be happy with whatever reconstruction they do. The whole thing was so moving. I cried more than I have in weeks and had real trouble pulling myself together all evening. We retired to Ahrweiler (which I don't remember us ever properly visiting) for a very decent curry which I upset everyone by paying for. There was time for some wine and one or two of Rolf's stories (which he really must write down) before I had to go to bed before the early start home yesterday.

The house was quite cold when I got home, the weather has turned very autumnal now. I made a very nice lamb and baby aubergine curry tonight which will last me 4 or 5 days if I were to eat straight off, but I'll freeze it in portions of course. Football tomorrow - most championship games are subject to the Sky schedules now - and it's very odd to find someone in your seat each week. It's been at tricky start as we've played only top teams so far, mostly holding our own with 3 draws and one defeat. I can just see you with this year's team-sheet in front of you trying to both keep up with the game while trying to work out who's out there playing! Honestly, I'm struggling this year too. I have been waving to Jane though, which she likes.

Today has felt very empty after a busy week, even with much to do (and a bed still to make!).

Love always

Ric

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