beenablast – My little life

Paris in the springtime ( not quite)

Friday, an early start to catch Eurostar. The journey was good to St Pancras where we met Elaine and Jane. The weather was clement though chilly. We arrived at Gare du Nord and walked the 25 minutes to our hotel in Montmartre The staff were wonderful, very friendly and we settled ourselves in our rooms.Continue reading “Paris in the springtime ( not quite)”

All roads lead to Rome, but not without a bump

On Wednesday a change in plans for the weekend presented themselves and I was busy arranging accommodation in Rome ( over a 6N weekend). No mean feat, but I did secure some in a religious community near to where my cousin and her husband were staying. This was a huge departure for me staying somewhereContinue reading “All roads lead to Rome, but not without a bump”

Paris in the springtime ( not quite)

Bellrock and a Ruby anniversary

Last Sunday Kevin and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We stayed on the Fingal at Leith in the Bellrock Lighthouse Suite. I chose this as the Bellrock is the oldest existing rock lighthouse in the British Isles that is still an active lighthouse, is the tower on the Bell, or Inchcape, rock. This isContinue reading “Bellrock and a Ruby anniversary”

Seaside themes, Brighton, Buxton and Bakewell…..

We’ve had a wonderful three weeks whereby we’ve been to Southend, London, Oxford, Brighton, Dudley, Barnsley, Buxton, Bakewell, Helmsley and Thirsk. We’ve visited the seaside, the countryside, been to the theatre, watched some cricket and even been down a coal mine. We’ve spent time with family and friends, enjoyed fantastic food and imbibed maybe tooContinue reading “Seaside themes, Brighton, Buxton and Bakewell…..”

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.”

Yay! Retired!

Yesterday was my last day at work. A weird situation, with no office, laptop, phone or computer at my disposal, but it was a good day nonetheless. The last six weeks without students and staff, have given me the time to process retirement and to reflect on my achievements during my sixteen year tenure. IContinue reading “Yay! Retired!”

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……”

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”

There’s no place like home…..

It seems longer than a week since my last post, probably because it was so eventful. There’s been a few tears, and laughter but so pleased to be home. Last Saturday Nina and I enjoyed a massage, another day at the pool relaxing, enjoying the knee popping DJ ‘s tunes and just after the setContinue reading “There’s no place like home…..”

The Italian Job 2

We left Florence by train, and it is a civilised way to travel. Walking out of the station to be greeted by the sight of water was amazing. We bought a pass for the waterbus and we were on our way to the lido! Hotel Biasutti was quaint and not too far a walk fromContinue reading “The Italian Job 2”

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”