Remember, remember the 4th of November ( well practically all of it)

November 25 Dubai, Tasmania, Perth, and Singapore

Romagna/Tuscany metreat 2025

It’s been a long held dream of mine to go to Italy and learn some authentic Italian cooking skills, so when Honor met Sofia and they put together a plan, I was in. My cousin Jo was to join us too, so we paid our deposit and kept up with a growing itinerary with excitement.Continue reading “Romagna/Tuscany metreat 2025”

A decade

Ten years ago today I began this blog, originally it was to be a written commentary of where I came from and how my life had changed, experiences and opportunities taken. It was also a way to document what we were doing for Andrew in Australia, but very quickly it morphed into posts about life,Continue reading “A decade”

Camino: blisters, bowels and bladders

A year in the planning after a member of the magical midlife group said she’d like to do this, there was enough of us interested to get a group together. There was much talk of footwear, training, choice of sock, clothing, backpack choices, snacks and anything else in between. On the 4th May, 14 ofContinue reading “Camino: blisters, bowels and bladders”

We’ve blinked and it’s April

Well March has gone in a flash, and it’s been full with time with River and Brodie. We’ve found new places to visit through the Essex Wildlife Trust, and River’s imagination just runs wild. It’s almost like he’s on a Minecraft set. We enjoyed a trip to Twickenham to see England play Italy in theContinue reading “We’ve blinked and it’s April”

An unusually quick January

It’s been a busy month and this January has flown by. Time with River and Brodie and FaceTime catch ups with the smiley Ramsay. He will be over here in just over 2 weeks time. There is much to do in those two weeks, although the important thing is the precious time we will haveContinue reading “An unusually quick January”

A new year full of hope and optimism

Twelve days into 2025 and full of hope and optimism for what it may hold. We’ve enjoyed time with River, FaceTime and photos of Ramsay and Brodie. We managed a day trip to see Brodie too. All three are developing and changing and it serves as a reminder as to how fleeting these early yearsContinue reading “A new year full of hope and optimism”

Santas, scents, miles and birthdays

Almost a year ago today Georgina and River baked a rainbow cake, and if anyone would’ve told me that by ‘this time next year’ I would have two new adorable grandsons, I would not have believed them. But here we are with Ramsay born in July and another born on River’s 4th birthday. Brodie PaulContinue reading “Santas, scents, miles and birthdays”

Ooh baby, baby

Last week Georgina had her baby shower, and family and friends did her proud, with decorations, games and their love and happiness for her. I met Victoria early and we put the finishing touches to the venue, and awaited her arrival. Georgina looked sensational and I was pinching myself that this was her baby shower.Continue reading “Ooh baby, baby”

I hope your life is full of I can’t believe I did this, instead of I should’ve done it! Morocco, November 2024

I hope your life is full of ‘ I can’t believe I did this’ instead of ‘I should’ve done it!’ I saw the above words on a post on my friend Honor’s Insta page. Both her and Maria have been inspirational in encouraging me to do just that. They cohosted a trip to Morocco earlierContinue reading “I hope your life is full of I can’t believe I did this, instead of I should’ve done it! Morocco, November 2024”

Welcome to the world

These last few days have been a whirlwind. We’ve had three family birthdays ( our eldest son, mine and a great nephew’s) and our grandson decided to make his much anticipated appearance early on the 2nd July. A very early morning message and then a call told us the news ‘ we’ve got a baby’.Continue reading “Welcome to the world”

Week 26 of 2024

A busy week as we approach half way through 2024. A ‘trip’ in more ways than one, to Brighton, and we’ve watched three cricket matches. We watched U19 England v Sri Lanka, a convivial way to spend an afternoon. There were a few names to watch out for as stars of the future: Benkenstein, MustardContinue reading “Week 26 of 2024”

A day to remember

Going to watch a game of cricket yesterday I remembered that it was 43 years ago that I watched a match for the first time, and met Kevin’s family. It was daunting to meet so many new people, which I marvel at I just did it, as I must have been so nervous. I’d neverContinue reading “A day to remember”

Bank holidays

Do you like them or loathe them? Are they a chance to catch up with chores, family or friends? Just spend at home or venture further afield? I loathe them, perhaps because I think we should do something rather than stay in, especially in retirement. So today I took myself off for a walk toContinue reading “Bank holidays”