Viv

I have known Viv for just over ten years. We met when my eldest daughter was about five months old (and apparently looking cool in dungarees!) and her youngest daughter was a couple of weeks old. We bonded almost immediately after learning that our respective husbands were both mechanical engineers. We each have a collection of 'being married to a mechanical engineer' anecdotes!

We both have four children though hers are older than mine. However - the two girls who met a decade ago are now best friends (forever!) and find an eight hour school day insufficient to say all they need to say to one another so weekend, evening and holiday get togethers are common!

Viv, of all my friends, needs coffee the most. I mean she really needs it! Even her children, when they were much younger than they are now, made the link between Mummy's general demeanour and efficiency and her coffee consumption! Caffeine doesn't affect her sleep thankfully or I suspect she would never sleep!

When it comes to sneaky coffee Viv usually has a cappuccino. She takes it with a little sugar. She can always be relied upon for good conversation! Not only does she have four children, and an engineer husband, to supply her with endless funny stories but she is also a teacher and, despite being extremely able, prone to entertaining 'interludes' of activity!

Viv is also one of the most selfless people I know. Unerringly generous with her time and any other resource she has to hand.

My life is certainly the richer (and easier!) for having her!