My little life

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 from the pier.

We unpacked then caught the waterbus to the Rialto bridge.

We took in the sights and sounds, just amazing and found a restaurant to have dinner.

Replete we made our way back and enjoyed watching the setting sun.

Next morning an early start for the walking tour, and our guide didn’t disappoint. She really gave an insight into being Venetian and the advantages and disadvantages of being a population of 52800 with 30 million visitors a year!

A walk around and over bridges and we made our way to St Mark’s, not quite the wow I expected, but still impressive.

Next up a gondola ride- what a treat!

How they navigate those narrow canals takes skill and a certain amount of arrogance!

Lunch next and another walk around before the waterbus to Murano with more photo opportunities.

A freshen up and a mediocre dinner before we crashed after a full day!

Sunday was the Vogalonga regatta and that meant the grand canal was a no go area for most of the day, so we stayed on the lido.

I’d booked the panoramic view from the Fondeca department store for 6:15pm which meant an hour and twenty minute round trip for a 15 minute slot. The views were worth it, and the cruise ship was an added bonus?

A real highlight before the waterbus back where we got ready for dinner.

Over dinner Kevin and I discussed what were our highlights of the trip and Kevin said that looking along the Grand Canal felt like he’d stepped out of a painting, which I had to agree with. Magical!

We packed, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before making our way to the pier for our water taxi. It was late and I called what I thought was the number but in fact was the taxi driver in Florence, hence his shock when I was asking why he wasn’t picking us up in Venice ! 🤔🤔😂

What a week, what a trip. I truly feel at home in Italy, I feel I belong and luckily don’t have to wait too long to return!

Ciao for now 😘

The Italian Job 1

Thinking about holiday options, Kevin and I decided to go to Florence and Venice in February, and we used Franky Polaine to help get us booked up to visit in June.

We said our goodbyes and arrived in Florence at about 2pm, although we were delayed because a certain Mr Trump flew into Stansted!

We unpacked and made our way into the city to get our bearings for our walking tour the next day.

We changed for dinner at a recommended restaurant and enjoyed the food and wine!

Day 2 and the breakfast was plentiful and the view awesome. We met Leo our tour guide and he provided so much information, apparently the teenage mutant ninja turtles were big in Florence!

I’d booked La Traviata for that night and dinner. The opera was fab, the food not to my taste at all!

Day 3 and we were to visit the Duomo-breathtaking in more ways than one!

436 steps, I believe,to the top. Legs like jelly, but a challenge for me which I’m so glad I did it.

Dinner that evening was with a work colleague of Kevin’s and his wife. Food was exceptional! Company interesting and I learnt a lot about MotoGP racing.

Our last day comprised of a museum trip and another 400+ steps up the bell tower!

We had a table booked at the restaurant which was on the roof terrace and what a treat that was. The sunset, the food, wine and company made for one of the most romantic evenings ever. 💕

We packed ready for our next adventure – Venice. I’d booked the train so another experience to look forward to.

Team building for the future

Today we held interviews in school for a new Assistant Headteacher. It was a long, tiring day but full of hope for a wonderful time ahead.

Being a part of the process, hearing young professional people talking about their commitment, love and passion for their subject, student outcomes and their determination was truly inspirational.

Tough choices to be made but it bodes well for us as a team and as a school community.

As a faith school we pray together most mornings and this morning the Chaplain reiterated what a year 13 student had said in his last day with us. He had lost his father whilst at school, but he knew when he returned to school that he would feel safe, and loved as we had all travelled a path together. He was saddened that he would soon embark on a path that his father wouldn’t be a part of, although he was reassured of this that he would be.

An emotionally fulfilling indictment of why we work in education. 🤗

Arbroath are the Champions!

So the day had arrived for Arbroath to be crowned League one winners! After a breakfast of blueberry pancakes 🥞 we took our time to get ready, prepare dinner for later and enjoyed some quiet time.

Arbroath and Angus really has some beautiful places to see , with red sandstone glowing like an ember on the cliffs.

Time to go so we can get a seat!

Entrance paid we made our way to the stand. Music playing tunes like ‘I’ve got a feeling’ + ‘Heroes’ (always takes me back to Andrew and Lis’s wedding). Smokie Joe made an appearance!

The match began, 0-0 at half time, with a few goal opportunities gaining the ooos and ahs of the 1373 strong crowd!

Dumbarton then scored, but Ballantyne was sent off, some 7 minutes later and a penalty awarded, and duly despatched.

Tbh the result was immaterial, but it was good not to lose. Final whistle and a pitch invasion, the man asking the fans to leave the pitch was funny as was the blatant disregard. The podium was built, the players and management team were introduced and walked out to receive their medals.

Next was the ‘we are the champions’, the cup, the pyrotechnics, the jumping, the champagne!

A wonderful end to a fantastic season. I wish the team the very best and look forward to seeing them in the 2019/2020 season and whatever that may bring!

Dick Campbell the Manager

May the 4th be with you

I have always followed Arbroath’s football club as I was born in the town, even living there for a brief spell before our move to England.

This year they have been top of the league for most of, if not, the whole season.

So before they had officially won I took a risk to book the train to travel up for their last home game!

And they were champions with fixtures to spare, so I can’t wait to go to Gayfield today and see the football, the team and the trophy!

Their manager, Dick Campbell, has been shortlisted for PFA Scotland manager of the year-so possibly more celebration tomorrow if he wins!

I am fiercely proud of both my Scottish and Italian heritage and love my trips back ‘hame’.

I will no doubt have a few photos from today to share tomorrow. Until then c’mon the red lichties!

The water in Majorca….

I booked the trip for Georgina and I earlier this year to provide a few days break in the sun-epic fail on the weather front! Although I was prepared for sun we had little use of the below items.

Breakfast at spoons, a good flight and a private transfer, we arrived and were pleased with the hotel choice – pure salt Garonda, I used a travel agent, a one woman band, franky polaine, and she was great in her help!

We enjoyed a brief walk to see the sights, beach and local hostelries and then got ready for dinner which would be in the hotel restaurant.

We hoped that the weather would improve, but suffice to say we spent a lot of time in the spa!

We found a great place to eat, the ginger beach club, and enjoyed cocktails and food.

I’ve hinched myself happy and have a few plans on that front.

I learnt some new words, and I am under strict instructions not to repeat, we laughed, we cried and although the weather was poor the company provided the sunshine!

Only downside was the technical issue whereby we had no electricity at 5:25am when the alarm went off. No shower, no light, no power so iPhone torch slightly to the rescue.

The break was a real tonic and I am refreshed, tbh only momentarily, as a return to work quickly unravels all the relaxation.

Happy Easter to one and all xxxx

First quarter of 2019

I can’t believe that we are three months into 2019.

I’ve had two trips to Scotland, been to see some football, rugby and been to Lords for dinner.

We’ve visited Brighton, Arbroath, Ripon, Harrogate, Stow on the Wold and Charlbury.

We also lost our beloved Reggie, far too soon into his short but sweet life. We have his ashes and are looking at how best we can pay tribute to him.

Work has had the usual challenges, not least the year end to complete and budget to balance! Both are now done so I can look forward to what the next quarter will bring!

I have four trips coming up, some great things planned with friends, and a garden that is beginning to bloom. This always lifts my spirits as it heralds the hope of new life and the joy that can bring.

Can’t wait!

💔💔 Heartbroken💔💔

In September Reggie came into our lives, from the very outset, a lively kitten who was loved and loved unconditionally.

He had so many little quirks: he would always try to put any food that fell out of his bowl back in, would lick the tip of your nose, even place his paw on your face to move it round, and he continued to do both of these.

He would wriggle under the covers to snuggle into you. He’d eat anything so we learned not to leave any food out: a particular favourite was bread and most recently Parma violets!

As a family we all grew to love him. He loved to play and loved nothing more than to snuggle into you, or sit on your lap, always purring.

He had a weak little meow and once you picked him up he didn’t struggle to get away. He was such a delight. He was also fearless.

Last Tuesday he went out and it took until Thursday evening to find out what had happened to him.

With great sadness we know that he is dead, but Georgina has arranged for him to be remembered fittingly. She is an amazing young woman in how she has coped so far.

This has been hard for all of us who knew and loved Reggie, I have been unusually deeply affected by his passing, a life so short but so sweet and we will feel his presence forever. 💔💔💔

In your corner

I’ve had an incredible day today watching the last match in this year’s 6 nations. England were trouncing Scotland almost keeping the score the same as the minutes played tally.

I don’t know what Gregor said at half time, or what they said to themselves, but it worked!

Suffice to say England scored in the 83rd minute to draw although Scotland retained the Calcutta Cup.

I was so proud of the Scotland team and their efforts.

As Kevin and I walked to the station I checked my phone and read of another young man taking his life and I was shocked – he was 26, fit, good looking and living seemingly a charmed life.

I feel so sad for any family that has to go through this pain, I just can’t imagine how you would cope with such news.

As a mother of three, two of which are sons, there for the grace of God go I.

Why? What can change? Life for some is tough, does society place such high expectations of how we should look, what we wear, the car we drive, holidays? Does social media warp how life seems?

Life and people aren’t perfect, but there can be perfect moments in your life. We all can’t have everything and even those that appear to have it all, quite often that isn’t the full picture.

When we struggle we need to be sure that we can talk to others and not fear that it is a sign of weakness. I know I have in the past and have sought help on a couple of occasions.

Our mental health is so important, as is resilience and knowing who we can turn to.

I am a worrier and many a time my husband has helped me by saying that we can face things when they happen, don’t worry before they do.

The mind is such a delicate thing, no one really knows what is going on inside, and outwardly we can all wear a mask that hides our vulnerability.

So we need to be more open, honest and share our feelings, thoughts and fears.

Be in your mate’s corner, as you never know when you might need them in your corner.

A chance to relax

We are midway through March, this year is going so fast!

Today Georgina and I are having a spa day and we are really looking forward to it!

The challenges over the last few weeks have been exhausting but light is at the end of the tunnel and positive outcomes are aplenty!

The next few weeks/months provide so many wonderful things:

sport-rugby, tennis, cricket

travel- Scotland, Majorca, Italy

friends-Debbie,Jane,Elaine, and many more

music-rip it up, Hamilton

and family

( in no order of preference)!

There are also plans a foot for work on the house, and I will no doubt have to temper my brain’s ideas and vision with a budget ( a bit like a busman’s holiday)!

I appreciate that I am very fortunate in so many ways being able to do the things I love, and I will continue to take the opportunities as they come my way, enjoy and log in the memory bank.

A strange feeling

Today we drove over to Morden where Kevin’s mum and until a couple of months ago, his Nan lived.

His Nan’s house has been a constant in his life, and his Mum has lived across the road for over 20 years.

Nan moved to a lovely home and Val and her husband move out on Wednesday.

Driving over, it hit me that we will not visit there again.

I have so many memories from the first time I met Kevin’s grandparents in 1981, how welcome I felt even though the weekend was a leap into the unknown!

Kevin has so many childhood memories, of the garden, the house and the people that lived there.

We went over today to help clear the garage of Val’s house and to get the unwanted items disposed of.

Four trips to the ‘dump’ and other salvageable in our car we returned home.

It’s strange some of the things we keep, quite often, squirrelled away for months/years and when we come across them again we just can’t relinquish them.

I resolve to declutter as Easter approaches and to be bold. I don’t need things to remind me of happy times, sad times, places, and life changing moments-I just need those I love near me. Perhaps I’ll blog about it and how successful or not I’ve been!

Moving into March

After a busy half term the return to work has been even busier. To be honest it’s felt like longer than a week

Monday seems so long ago, there has been meetings, a 14 hour day, a conference, a long awaited job ticked off, tears, affirmation, a hair cut and also family time!

The weekend is quietish, although helping Kevin’s mum prepare for their big move next week!

2019 I’m ready for you

With the snowdrops blooming today, I have spent sometime talking to myself.

It’s time to embrace what this year will hold.

Kevin and I have enjoyed a few days away in beautiful surroundings and clement weather for the time of year.

I’ve missed my kids, pets but not work.

It’s been great to walk, clear my head and see all that nature has to offer, and the spark of new life and growth.

I’m going to start walking more often, drink less alcohol, eat better and look forward to plans I’m making.

Keep right on to the end of the road!

Half term

Since the turn of the new year it’s been frantic, but the weeks have flown by

The Guinness six nations has begun and half term has arrived!

I’ve noticed that it’s lighter in the mornings, darker later in the evening and even seen a snowdrop or two. That always fills me with joy.

I’ve also booked two holidays and planning another so feeling positive overall.

I’m working for the next couple of days and off to enjoy a treat from Christmas; the weather looks clement so I’m hoping for a chance to reflect and recharge.

I can’t believe that we are half way through another academic year, it all feels a blur.