Mr. Robbie Burgess 15.08.07

I thought I might dish the dirt on my legend of a step-father, Robbie. I don't think anyone will mind me saying that there is only one Robert Burgess and when they made him they broke the mould! I've never met such an unusual person! He and my mum, although they seem like they are complete opposites, actually have a lot in common! For a start, they are both expert hoarders, and myself and my sister have been clearing out rooms full of train magazines, model railways, family tree magazines and paperwork, CDs and doctor martin shoes! It is much easier to clean the house when they are away, because Robbie doesn't like it when we clean. He likes to clean in his own way, which consists of putting things in places that no one would ever dream of finding them! The rest of the family like to call him Mr. Squirrell! Mum seems to have become rather interested in trains nowadays too; if Robbie is sitting reading one of his railway books or magazines, my mum can often be seen sneaking a peek over his shoulder! Robbie likes to talk...alot! :P He will often get mum cross by starting a group discussion on the most random of subjects, whilst my mum is trying to watch one of her programmes on the television. He's probably the funniest, most bubbly person I'll ever have the pleasure of meeting, and Laura has now almost perfected the art of impersonating his mannerisms!

A Day To Myself 23.06.07

I have the day to myself today - luxury. Robbie has gone by train to Paignton for the day accompanied by half a dozen young ladies and Sam (well someone had to keep Robbie in order!). It involved an early start for everyone and I was woken at an impossibly early hour by the alarm clock duet, we have one clock to wake the other clock, and being a 'belt and braces' sort of person Robbie sets the alarm on his phone too! Having exhausted the possibilities of the snooze button I gave in to the inevitable and got up. Robbie was the last to be ready as usual, Laura and Sam were waiting by the door while he was dancing around the house in his knickers making incoherent noises which conveyed a general impression of panic. Eventually he was ready and despite the delay I left them at the station in time to catch their train.

I hope Robbie doesn't misplace any of his clothes today. Last week he went to Walsall but he left his jacket on the train and it went to Euston. Well, it makes a good excuse for a trip to Euston I suppose!

Robbie rang me a couple of hours after they got to Torquay to say he was having the time of his life!