And what a week

Last week we were awaiting ‘confirmation’ of our next Prime Minister. Liz Truss was duly announced last Monday as the winner, and on Tuesday she flew to Scotland to meet the Queen. Whilst frail, Her Majesty smiled and did her duty and no one thought that her death would be announced a matter of hoursContinue reading “And what a week”

Two weeks, two countries, two birthdays.

Andrew came to visit, the first time in four years, and three years since we last saw him. There was lots of catching up with family and friends in Scotland and England, so lots of miles covered. My mum was thrilled to see him, and we visited Dad’s grave which was poignant. Andrew taught KevinContinue reading “Two weeks, two countries, two birthdays.”

2021 …..

With 2022 almost upon us, time to reflect on, for me personally and us as a family, what a year 2021 has been. The challenges, as for many others, have been multifarious, each with their own mini challenges within. We have been through a whole gamut of emotions: disbelief, shock, anger, surprise, grief, sadness, helplessness,Continue reading “2021 …..”

The Big 60-I’m a Yankee Doodle dandy……

For my 60th birthday yesterday I hosted an outside gathering to celebrate. The weather forecast had been good for the day, then it changed to rain and thundery showers. The canopy I ordered was delayed so I was in disarray that the gathering may not happen or we would be very wet. My wonderful hairdresser,Continue reading “The Big 60-I’m a Yankee Doodle dandy……”

Almost midway through 2021

It’s the last weekend of June 2021 after a busy fortnight. Mum had her op on the 16th and it was successful. She is recovering well, well enough to travel down south for a bit if R&R. Hopefully she will regain her strength and progress every day. The hurly burly of life is in fullContinue reading “Almost midway through 2021”

A whirlwind week

This is my first experience of arranging a funeral and thanks to Dad and his comprehensive list, a wonderful funeral director and priest it has not been as hard as I had expected on a practical level. Elaine, Mum and myself have broken things down into manageable chunks and each day have achieved something. MyContinue reading “A whirlwind week”

Exciting times ahead

I have spent the last few months (the last year really) wrestling with a decision. And the Easter break gave me the impetus to go for it, so decision made. I handed in my resignation on Monday to retire this summer. The relief was palpable and instant. I’ve been associated with the school for 22Continue reading “Exciting times ahead”

Mothering Sunday

Originally Mothering Sunday was the fourth Sunday in Lent whereby people visited the mother church: where they were baptised or the nearest cathedral. Later it was when domestic servants were allowed to visit their mums. Mother’s Day is a modern concept and the two were combined, although in some countries they are celebrated separately. TomorrowContinue reading “Mothering Sunday”

A week and a half

It’s been a week full to bursting. Plenty of downs and ups, and with the vaccinations moving apace, I could be done and dusted by my birthday! A wedding invitation last week to Spain, and I’ve sent off for my new passport, booked flights and accommodation-a real leap, or that’s what it feels like, intoContinue reading “A week and a half”

Remember, remember the 5th of November…..

As we approach the 5th of November will there be Gunpowder, treason and plot, as we, from that date, return to lockdown for at least four weeks? I have spent the last fourteen days with my parents to support them at a time of uncertainty and with a few issues, with the groundwork put inContinue reading “Remember, remember the 5th of November…..”

What a week….

It was my birthday last Saturday and I was hoping to celebrate with a party, social distancing put paid to that, but a few visitors on the day made up for it, and I have already ‘saved the date’ for next year! Especially as it’s a big number! A week full of highs and lowsContinue reading “What a week….”

It’s life, but not as we know it….

These last few weeks have been extraordinary. The daily challenges faced, the communication updates and the stark reality now of changes that may become more of the norm – I hope not though. With schools now ‘closed’, but still open for certain students, structure will need to be maintained. As we approach the end ofContinue reading “It’s life, but not as we know it….”

Ninety not out

Today we visited Crawley to see my Auntie Alma on her 90th birthday. Her and my Mum’s brother Joe were married in 1952 and Alma is originally from Liverpool. Family had travelled far and wide including her eldest son from America, and family from all over the UK. We were awaiting the birthday girl’s entranceContinue reading “Ninety not out”

Legend of Upton Park

I attended St Angela’s convent school in Forest Gate and knew well the Upton Park/West Ham connection. Trevor Brooking was and is a legend! Kevin and I were celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary and went to Vita Bella to dine. Seated at our table there was a table to my right comprised of Grandparents, uncle,Continue reading “Legend of Upton Park”