My goodness, your way with descriptives just.. they leave me with few of my own. The kicking the shin part strikes home for me. The first time my Mom met my Dad's sister, her nephew ran up, kicked her in the shin as hard as hell and ran off while his mother smiled indulgently and said, "Boys. Whatcha gonna do." Seriously.

Well, not British. Hmm, got the right continent though that's not saying much huh. Still, I love reading those minor tells of yours. Actually adds to the fun, in my opinion.