There were many things about the States that Mum did not appreciate – Donald Trump springs to mind, and enormous food portions in restaurants. But she took a lively interest in everything and everyone, and liked to tell this story about an early visit to the States.   We were all at Joe’s parents’ house, and Mum was listening to Joe’s Aunt Josie describe a particularly energetic member of the family.  “Well,” said Aunt Josie, “ he always did have a bug up his ass”.  No doubt there was a pause while Mum took in this information, and Joe’s mother had time to feel mortified that Aunt Josie had used such language in front of her.  Mum excused herself and came over to talk with us.  She was hardly able to stop laughing, not just because of what Aunt Josie had said, but because she had very nearly replied “oh dear, how did that happen”?