Ahoy there, sailor

This week was another trip to Scotland for a sad occasion. My cousin Helen’s husband, Brian, passed away on 8th October. Brian had faced many health challenges over the last 30 years, and whilst both he and his family shared moments of anguish, these were met with stoical fortitude, humour, love and support. Brian ‘Andy’Continue reading “Ahoy there, sailor”

August 2024

These past 3 weeks have been busy. Busy prepping for a mini family celebration. Busy catching up with Amanda, Drew and Ramsay Busy having Mum stay Busy looking forward to doing Christmas by the end of October Busy planning what to do in Morocco Busy keeping most of November and December free We’ve also hadContinue reading “August 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”

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”

Recovery

So almost two weeks post op and every day I’m feeling a bit stronger. The first week left me feeling a wee bit sorry for myself, but a pamper session from my daughter and a visit to my cousin lifted my spirits. This past week I removed the wound dressings. I was expecting three smallContinue reading “Recovery”

Busy,busy, busy

The last three weeks have been full on, trip to the theatre, visit to Scotland, trip to Chelsea Flower Show, football, London, and Brighton. Mum is slowly on the mend, she enjoyed our visit and those of so many friends and family. Hopefully the assessments required will be carried out and the support needed putContinue reading “Busy,busy, busy”

Celebrations, coronations and a couple of breaks.

A busy fortnight where we have spent time with River, celebrated the coronation of King Charles III, visited family, I’ve visited friends, family, cooked, tidied, watched cricket, rugby and had some tests and scans after my February rib/back injury has not improved. Both our sisters have celebrated wedding anniversaries: one sapphire, one silk. Warmest congratulationsContinue reading “Celebrations, coronations and a couple of breaks.”

Two weeks with fancy footwork

What a fortnight of food, football and dancing. And walking too. Just before I left for Scotland the saddest news that Marion, Kevin’s step Mum, had died. She was a formidable woman who faced so many challenges in her life. She rose to each challenge and was also a great support and comfort to allContinue reading “Two weeks with fancy footwork”

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”

Keeping busy

It’s been full on these last few weeks. We have visited Barnsley, Leeds, London, Newcastle, a boat, a castle, theatre four times, eaten out, spent time with loved ones, caught up with dear friends and a work reunion. My cousin, Jo, also reached the dizzy heights of Kilimanjaro- what a fantastic achievement! It’s been funContinue reading “Keeping busy”

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”

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”

Retirement one year in

Well that year flew by, although it’s not been without it’s challenges. The relief of not getting up five days a week, to meet deadlines, smoke and mirrors, pulling rabbits from hats and spinning plates, is great. I don’t regret the decision to retire, in fact it’s one of the best I’ve made. I, andContinue reading “Retirement one year in”

Fathers Day 2022

A strange day although wonderful at the same time. Great to spend time with Joe, River and SpongeBob SquarePants! Also Georgina and Kevin. Although this wasn’t the first Father’s Day after Dad died, in some ways it felt as if it was, as I had made a card for last year. It’s those little thingsContinue reading “Fathers Day 2022”