Cafe Conversations - Part 3

Table 8 – Ancestry

Well Tom, what have you been up to since we last met?

Been rather busy actually researching my family tree

How far did you go back?

Well, I went back to the 1801 census and found a link with my family on my mother’s side

Find out anything interesting?

I did as a matter of fact

Come on, let’s hear it!

I discovered an unknown male second cousin living in Norwich

Did you contact him?

I did – I sent him an email to tell him about our family connections

Did he get back to you?

Yes he did – Turns out he’s a retired QC who successfully defended a few high profile clients – His wife sadly died last year and they have no children

Will you meet up?

Already have – Paid him a visit last week

And?

He’s a really nice chap who, would you believe, looks exactly like me!

Really!

We could be mistaken for twins!

Amazing how those genes carry on through the generations

Isn’t it

Will you keep in touch?

We’ve invited him to spend Christmas with us

That’s nice

I think I’d better make him wear a name badge so my so my wife doesn’t get us mixed up!

Good idea! – She might prefer him to you!

That’s what I’m afraid of!

Table 11 – Budgerigars

Hi Helen over here!  – You managed to find this place then!

Yes, I think I’ve been here before

Great décor don’t you think – I love those murals and the rustic table and chairs

They’ve even got a caged budgerigar

Yes, don’t see many of them these days – they were very popular when I was a kid

Did you have one?

We did as a matter of fact – we called him Buddy

How original!

In fact, I bought him with some birthday money

Were budgies expensive?

Actually there’s a bit of a story around what I paid for Buddy

Go On

Well, the pet shop had two birds in the one cage and I asked the owner the price of each

What did he say?

He said that although they were identical looking sibling birds about three months old, one was priced at £2 and the other at £3.

Why was one more expensive than the other?

Because one was on higher perches!

You’ve made that up

Of course I did – It’s a good joke though

If you say so.

Table 3 – Infinity

What do you want to drink then Sam

Can I have a coke please Grandad?

I don’t think your mother would approve

We don’t have to tell her!

So how’s school then Sam?

Okay, but a bit boring sometimes

What’s your favourite subject?

I like maths – Our teacher Mr Hinchcliffe is really good

I used to like maths when I was at school

Mr Hinchliffe’s got a dog named Molly

Has he! - What are you learning in maths?

We’re learning all about big numbers

Tell me about them

Well there and hundreds, thousands, millions and even trillions

Trillians are really big

Yes they are – What is the very last number Grandad?

There isn’t a last number – numbers go on forever

But there must be a last number Grandad

Sorry but there isn’t – It’s called infinity

I think you’re wrong Grandad

Well ask Mr Hinchliffe and see what he says

I will and he’ll tell me I’m right

How about a piece of cake to go with your coke?

Yes please Grandad.