My little life

It’s not what we have, but who we have in our lives that matter…….

Yesterday we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with our niece, nephew and their son, great to chat, laugh and enjoy time together.

Joe was here for a short while and Nina for longer and I was grateful that they were with us.

Just after they left Nina came downstairs to say that Caroline Flack had died. Caroline was an actress, a successful tv presenter, and winner of SCD. She had enjoyed celebrity and non celebrity romances, with many lines written about wrongs, rights and most recently, the troubled issues before Christmas.

This resulted in her stepping down from her job and no contact with her current boyfriend.

These last few weeks must have impacted further on her, very probably, fragile mental health. I have no doubt that friends and family were there, but it’s what’s going on in your head that makes it so hard to cope.

She was beautiful, had money, was good at her job, had worked hard to get there, and there are so many others that aren’t famous that take their lives daily too. It is vital that we all have/find inner peace.

We must all think twice about what we write, and say to others. We need to reflect on how that would feel if we were the recipient of those words/actions.

We never truly know what is going on in other people’s lives, how some wear a mask to cope, nor how some find the strength to carry on whilst others take a permanent decision, chosen in despair in a temporary moment. (Accredited to Susie Susie).

No one deserves to feel that alone.

There should be no blame apportioned to anyone.

Life is a precious gift, we need to respect differences, embrace life with all it’s facets. Life can be tough, throw curved balls, but it can provide a rich and varied sweetness if we stop searching for perfection, be content, don’t compare, accept that we can change how we react and feel about things, just be, enjoy the seasons, our friends, and family.

I have just finished a course of counselling, provided by my workplace as whilst my work wasn’t impacted, I knew from summer last year ( longer to be honest, but kept dismissing it) that I was struggling with a variety of things. It was a rollercoaster which midway through were tearful, gut wrenching sessions, but I have realised that I can’t save/rescue people. That we are captains of our own ship. By reflecting on a few key questions I now write down what I feel: cathartic on its own, but also a point of reference. I feel I’ll always have these struggles but I have love in my life and my family see the signs before I do and help me.

Social media can be great and we can make friends with people we may never meet. We can be supportive, non judgemental and enjoy sharing experiences and ideas.

The picture perfect photos are a snapshot in time, not real life and I know that, but for some that is the reality they seek and it can be devastating when that isn’t so.

The evening ended speaking to Andrew and Lis in Australia, hearing their news and Kevin updating them on the roads being dug up! I am so looking forward to seeing them over Easter ( Andrew and Lis-not the roads)

A few more photos of special people, not exhaustive as some don’t like their picture being taken

January blues…..

Apparently Monday was the worst day of the year, but in an effort to be positive I ignored that and will concentrate on what is good – and there’s plenty!

A busy two weeks with a goodbye to a loved one, and news of another extension to the family!

We celebrated Kevin’s Nan’s life and although a select gathering there was much love from all there for someone special. The eulogy was delivered with only one waver and I hope I did her proud.

It was great to be together and to share a moment or two to reflect.

Progress in the house is less frantic, but with weekly tasks we are getting there.

I did a 2 hour modern calligraphy course which I now have to practice for fluency, which hopefully will provide a release and a new strand for my card making.

Georgina and I have enjoyed cooking together and this is where the new kitchen space is coming into its own.

Work has been busy and with a planned trip to Scotland in March arranged I’ve taken the plunge to ask friends to dinner.

I don’t want to be as busy as last year as I want us to enjoy quality family time together. I haven’t been successful in the Wimbledon ballot this year, but who knows, that may change, fingers crossed.

I have a big birthday next year and I want to kick it off this year followed by a year of treats ( a few big, but mostly small) so a list is a must to begin preparations.

Yesterday we went to London to see Uncle Vanya, a Checkov play. Now I’m not going to lie one of the reasons to see it was a certain Richard Armitage in the cast. The cast and staging were brilliant and even though set over 100 years ago, in many ways things haven’t changed: people’s hopes and dreams, life, love and searching for a better one.

A quick trek across London to meet friends to celebrate Burn’s night: what a treat it was. The address to the haggis, food, whiskey and company were all excellent!

Lots of conversation and talk of big birthdays and travel, places still to see, things still to do.

The coming week work wise is manic for us both, and we are also looking forward to the start of the 6Nations rugby!

New year but no resolutions, just happiness and peace

Already ten days in for this new year and decade, and had a few ups and downs: the nature of the beast.

Ruby has been spayed and hasn’t been out for 9 days.

We’ve ordered our new sofa so now we have to stop the cats using the furniture as a scratching post!

Back to work for me and it’s been a struggle and also I had my first of six, counselling sessions.

I’ve written a eulogy for Nan’s upcoming funeral, booked myself on a modern calligraphy course, sorted bar stools and cooked for the coming week as well as prepping for the ikea stuff coming on Monday.

So much to think about and also to start planning for the next stages here at home. Wish us luck! Xx

As we await 2020 and all that can bring…

As we are about to move from this year to the next, I thought I’d just write a précis of the year.

The year itself has already been well documented with the majority of the events with photos.

It started as it ended with a sad loss of dear family and also the tragic loss of our darling Reggie, the kitten, after only seven months, but we now have Ruby to fill the the void.

There’s been travel, Kilimanjaro, new job, fresh challenges, sport, a new baby in the family, fun with family and friends, so whilst it has been a tough year in some ways, I have much to be thankful for.

My mental health had a downturn in the summer, but with support both at work and at home this is improving.

The distraction of recent home improvements have provided motivation to look forward and allowed me to realise what I have, who I am surrounded by and also what I can achieve. It’s been nine weeks, with a full time demanding job and a family to look after: I’ve loved every minute of it (although that may not quite how others remember it!)

I can’t wait to see what 2020 will bring both personally and professionally and I wish everyone a happy and peaceful new year ! 💕💕💕💕

Advent week 3 ……..and sad news

Last Sunday was spent trying to prepare for Christmas visitations, but proved challenging.

The week ahead was due to be busy both work and personally.

Tuesday brought the saddest news of Kevin’s Nan’s passing, after a year and a day at the Sunrise nursing home. At 98 she has been a major part of Kevin’s life and mine too.

I have so many fond memories, some funny, some touching. A formidable woman ahead of her time. It was a privilege to know and love her. Marjorie Josephine Norton we will miss you.

Wednesday and a school trip to see Wicked, another enjoyable sunny day in London: good job as we did over 10,000 steps.

Thursday and it was all go at the house with the worktop delivery!

Friday and the end of term, Christmas nails and our first meal cooked in the new kitchen.

This morning brought a delivery of some goodies, a start on the rehousing of kitchen items into cupboards and drawers. No way are we anywhere close to finishing it, but bit by bit we will get there.

Tomorrow and a trip to Surrey beckons.

Xxx 💕💕💕💕💕

Second week of advent….

Another busy week for us beginning with my annual wreath making sojourn.

So therapeutic: 3 hours of creativity, convivial company and mulled wine!

Had the idea of the feathers last year but couldn’t buy them in time, so I bought them in the summer to be prepared.

Monday saw the lighting if the second candle on the advent wreath, which couple with Christmas dinners that week really set a festive tone.

The kitchen was duly delivered and work is progressing nicely although still five days to wait for work top but that is still earlier than predicted.

Thursday saw a trip to London for hubby’s Christmas do at Boisdales. A first for partners to attend and it was lovely!

Friday I felt a tad fragile and after a few hours at work had to retire 😔.

Next week hopefully there will be more photos of the finished remodelled area. Still a lot to do, things to buy and prepare for the Christmas festivities. Luckily I’m not doing Christmas dinner but I have a few little surprises to sort.

First week of Advent

Had a wonderful day last Sunday with our dear friend Jane, so lovely to have a proper cooked meal and sit to eat at a table! Fingers crossed not too long to wait now!

First day of advent and I ordered a wax melt calendar from the @thewildwaxmeltscompany.

It’s been a busy week with meetings, contract negotiations, choosing all sorts of things for the house, small changes and the SLT night out followed by afternoon tea at Harrods. Quite frankly I’m exhausted, but yesterday was so much fun with my beautiful daughter and we spoiled ourselves a little too 😉

With the house remodelling I’ve started a separate insta account and delighted that that now has…..

Another busy week ahead with major changes as the kitchen will be delivered on Tuesday! We all can’t wait 😊

As we approach December

After a swift but delicious breakfast last week we said goodbye to Elaine and spent the rest of the day sort of tidying up, well as much as we can.

Ruby decided to leave her Mark for future residents to find!

Sunday was busy with some family time and Sunday roast at the Bear Inn Stock. It’s so nice to sit down and eat lovely food, and hopefully not too long until we do again in our home.

We made a trip to Maldon and lights were purchased with a flurry on amazon – so with delivery in the coming week we are ready for them to be installed!

We also had Sky installed on Monday and spent a convivial evening with food and choices.

Deliveries Tuesday were exciting after a busy day at work

I was saddened to hear of Gary Rhodes’s passing; a real hero of mine in all things culinary. At 59 he lived to the full, and his family and friends will feel his loss immensely.

The tiling started after my concerns on the colour but this was overcome by reassurances by Stuart.

Thursday and a colleagues birthday and a gift purchased from @pourdiaroma was wrapped and given. It smelled divine so I hope they will be enjoyed!

Friday was a busy day with a long to do list, which I managed to complete apart from the ironing. One circuit keeps tripping out so it’s a major thing to do washing and drying as it’s a complex operation of juggling plugs and extension leads!

Choices again to made and then an early night to be up at three am 😱 for the school trip to Lille Christmas Market.

The weather was lovely, sunny but crisp, the students were great and Lille resplendent, although the market was fairly small.

We arrived home at 9:00 pm I was absolutely shattered, so another early night! I’d love to try another venue next year maybe in Germany!

Getting plastered!

Another full week of work, journeys, and decisions.

Saturday was a trip to Twickenham to see Fiji v Barbarians, a slow burner but an exciting finish.

Sunday was a trip to look at flooring options with the decision in the balance

I made a few cards: my first foray into Christmas!

Door choice was the next decision followed by a few late nights and dodgy dinner choices

A beautiful Wednesday morning meant a journey to work filled with the frisson of things getting done. On my return home a parcel of my wax melt advent calendar from the wild wax melt company

Delicious and I can wait for the 1st!

Thursday and the bifolds went in, a momentous day. A trip to London to see old work chums at the pitcher and piano in Cornhill. Great company, food and looking forward to April’s next meet.

I did get a little tipsy and very sleepy when we got home!

Friday and GDPR beckoned, a shorter working day, nails and then home to find the plastering of the remodelled area in progress!

A damp evening ensued with a fuse tripping every few seconds. My sister came up from Brighton and we enjoyed a Chinese takeaway with a bottle of white.

No telly so we talked in the cramped dining room, surrounded by boxes and other detritus!

Acupuncture this morning then breakfast in town!

A window, a kitchen and exciting times ahead

Another full on week with much time spent in getting a kitchen sorted. Thanks to Wren and our builders we should, fingers crossed, have it installed before Christmas. I still have to sort out the flooring though!

Georgina met Oliver and is besotted. She also met her friend’s new puppy and similarly besotted too!

We spoke to Andrew and Lis celebrating their 7th wedding anniversary! It’s gone so quickly too.

The week has flown by. A trip to the nurse, tiara wearing, a half a day update course re being the EVC ( educational visit coordinator) at work, trips to kitchen suppliers, food, made Christmas gin and also a leak!

Friday was spent liaising with the plumber and the builder, send off for flooring samples.

Yesterday was a welcome break and a trip to Twickenham. It wasn’t raining and the match was good with an exciting flourish at the end.

There was also another anniversary with Kevin’s mum and he husband celebrating 45 years – sapphire, anniversary.

Today will involve the usual tasks, although cleaning isn’t one of them!

I will also make a few cards. All the instagrams showing trees and decorations going up make me envious as it is unlikely that I will do that this year well at least not until Christmas Eve probably.

Progress report

Another full week has seen ups and downs but excitement too.

We met Oliver and what an adorable wee man he is.

Proud great auntie and uncle moment!

Georgina walked up Snowdon and loved it; so glad to see her challenging herself.

Work has been manic with meetings after school and challenges that really have pushed the boundaries

Progress with the remodelling. Joseph challenging himself too

Memories from 2 years ago and our stopover in Hong Kong airport.

Ruby has been enjoying her new surroundings

We’ve gained and lost a window!

My nails are on point and today saw a frenzy of activity with all things house related, after a Cinderella facial!

So home to make dinner on the hot plates: spaghetti with blue cheese and broccoli followed by apple strudel!

Head spinning with all the decisions, but such a buzz!

Remodelling take 3

Another busy week which entailed work, canopies, trip to the financial advisor and the remodelling began on our home.

This will be the third time: our first one was in 1994, the next in 2008.

I have been toying with the idea for some time, and we finally made the decision to go ahead.

One of the things that came to light was a section of the wall that my sister stencilled/painted in 1994.

Thursday saw a trip up to London to see BIG, pressie lunch at Bills, followed by 9to5 at the savoy theatre!

Great shows, great company and a fab time, and a distraction from dust.

A visit on Friday from a kitchen company, in fact two. Now just to see the cost.

Today was an early start to watch RWC final, unfortunately RSA didn’t read the script for an England win, and after such a superb tournament England lost to the better team.

A visit to the kitchen showroom and a bit of VR, next a darkened room for Kevin to lie down in.

With limited cooking/kitchen facilities I rustled up dinner and cooked a few meals for next week, after that we will have to wait, as I have sold the cooker and hood!

We watched the fireworks from inside, with the fur babies safely inside.

I’m sure next week will provide some interesting times, as well as the return to work.

More Rugby, meetings and a new arrival….

A bit later this week for my blog, but as I have a few minutes before making dinner, so hope I can fit everything in!

Firstly the joyous news that Victoria and Andy we’re safely delivered of their son Oliver Arthur. Welcome little man, you will be loved and cherished I know for sure.

After watching England beat Australia in RWC World Cup quarters we made our way to family in Surrey and then onto Brighton.

Always good to catch up and Elaine and Jane did their usual fabulous spread: Cajun prawns, monkfish tacos and blueberry cheesecake.

Breakfast the next morning was eaten whilst watching Wales play France. It was close but Wales just nudged it.

The week was full of meetings at work, two very late nights, a face pack, an OH referral, a crucial school appointment and financial wizardry!

To be honest by Friday I was exhausted. I left work early and did some housework, made a summer pudding then got ready to travel to London to meet Kevin and friends Bev and Neil.

I’d booked Frog by Adam Handling and we were looking forward to it. We settled on the 9 course meal with matching wines. It was brilliant, a real taste sensation and a sense of theatre with every course! I loved every moment, great to catch up too.

We were late home and had an early start to watch England play the all blacks for a place in the final. It started well but I had to listen to the second half whilst getting my nails done!

After that a quick turnaround to travel to Crawley to visit my cousin Jo and her husband Jules.

We enjoyed great food that was a homage to our late grandmother Valentina who died 50 years ago on Wednesday. It was delicious and plentiful. A game of gogglebox afterwards was entertaining and another late night but with the clocks going back we had a cheeky extra hour.

Wales were playing South Africa for a place in the final so an early hot tub with Buck’s Fizz started the day off. We watched the rugby and enjoyed a hearty breakfast, but South Africa brutally beat Wales, although only just.

Once home we had plenty to keep us busy, more will follow over the coming weeks of remodelling of our home-must be mad!

A new framework

A whirlwind week after a wonderful weekend, where we saw the Waitress and dined with dear friends. We hadn’t seen Colin and Sarah since March, and it was great to catch up. The waitress was fab too: risqué, funny and tear jerking at times, just as in real life.

On Sunday we watched a thrilling rugby match in the RWC. Japan v Scotland, a must win for Scotland, but not to be. A disappointment for me as a Scot, but Japan were stratospheric.

Monday was as usual , but on Tuesday we got the call from Ofsted. It was to be a deep dive inspection and Tom’s first as head. Suffice to say the challenge was on, meetings and an inspirational rallying call.

Wednesday and Thursday were very long days, with the sixth form open evening for added stretch and challenge 🙃

It was rigorous and robust and students, staff and governors played their part.

We have to wait for two weeks for the final judgement, which we will share with all stakeholders.