It’s not quite the end of the year of the wood snake, but it is the end of the Gregorian calendar.
2025 was also a square year (45×45), and for the most part it has been a very good year.
We’ve filled it with family, friends, trips and also a few challenges along the way.
Once again I’ve found that I’m stronger than I think, and that aging isn’t a barrier to doing different things, however small or simple they may be.
I’ve made some fantastic new friends this year, and I’ve revelled in sharing Marrakesh with Kevin in the summer, and Dubai in November.
I’ve learned how fortunate I am with Kevin by my side as he is so supportive, and encouraging. We have enjoyed finding our niches in retirement, both solo and together.
Home is where my heart truly is, and with our three beautiful children and three gorgeous grandsons we are so thankful for the time we get to spend with them, creating and cementing bonds and making precious memories.
As we approach the year of the fire horse, I hope that we continue to watch our grandsons grow, our children to continue their parenthood journeys and for us to expand our horizons, and embrace fully what we have in the here and now.
Last weekend we drove to Charlbury to visit my cousin and his wife. It was a long overdue catch up. There was plenty of chat, laughter and reminiscing. He told us all about his work and passion for all things climate and railway. We’ve made a tentative arrangement for a summer visit. I love it here and the drive past the quintessentially yellow brick houses of The Holidayesque type ( although not actually where you are to believe it’s filmed) are the stuff of dreams.
An evening at the community pub in Stonesfield where we enjoyed fish and chips was thoroughly enjoyable before returning home to a roaring fire.
The next morning after a good night’s sleep, much needed, a healthy breakfast was laid on with more chat.
The view from the bedroom is always a favourite of mine, and the sun was shining which bode well for our afternoon to Blenheim Palace.
Blenheim Palace is a short drive from theirs and we met with Kevin’s sister and husband after a precarious walk from the car park. We made our way to The Orangery, recently built for our Emerald City themed tea.
Again more chat about families, homes and plans and dreams for the coming year. The food was delicious but secondary to the company.
We had a wander round the Christmas market and did think about going into the Palace itself, but we both had fairly long journeys home so decided to do that another year. Viv and I both bought a Christmas decoration which were personalised with our grandchildren’s names.
Home to a delicious cooked dinner and time with Brodie before his bedtime.
Sunday was spent clearing and tidying out the sideboard and cupboards under the island, and there will be a lot more over the coming weeks. A walk with Ralph and Brodie on a glorious evening before home to another dinner cooked by Nina.
It was a tonic weekend, a little battery recharge before the Christmas season, which although will be different in someways, but will still have those little quirky traditions that most families have.
A photo of Ramsay showing off his footie skillsBrodie resplendent in mulberry
We started our trip with a few nights in Dubai, my second time, Kevin’s first. We stayed at the RoyalMirage One and Only-the Palace. Our room was beautiful with everything we could wish for. As we arrived late it was straight to bed ready for the next day where we had a few things planned.
A bit of a lie in, breakfast was enjoyed then a taxi into the Mall. I never made it in June 24, so I made sure I visited this time. The wealth and opulence is staggering, overwhelming in fact. I’m glad to have seen it, but not sure I need to go again …..
I’d booked a fast track to visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 830m to the tip. You can view from floors 124 & 125 a mere 492m. The lift takes 35 seconds to get there, a spectacle in itself.
The view wasn’t great as it was a humid day, but still worthwhile. We had booked to be on the boardwalk for the fountain show, and we enjoyed the setting sun too.
A walk through the mall for a taxi back, and our driver was very intent on us taking a 4 hour tour the following day. Luckily we were already booked at the Drift beach club, so politely declined.
Thursday a beach club day, with use of a cabana we enjoyed the pool, Ultimate Provence, the food and the music. It was fun people watching as they strolled up and down, strutting their designer stuff in all shapes and sizes.
Dinner in the evening at the Euazone restaurant, called this as it is floating in water. Great food, and company with a golf buggy to and from the hotel. Our waiter was from Indonesia, so sweet and interesting to hear about why he’s working in Dubai and his hopes and dreams for a better life.
Next up was our flight to Hobart, via Sydney with a 4 hour layover. Disappointing that we could have caught an earlier flight by 2 hours, but I suppose it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Tired but excited we were met by Andrew, Amanda and Ramsay, and we made our way to her parents who had kindly offered for us to stay again. There was a full itinerary planned and many eatery options, subject to minor change depending on the weather.
We had the best time, we did an air walk in Tahune, we saw “The Wiggles “ live ( not sure we’ve recovered from that.) We did a rail track ride, visited Richmond, the East Coast, visited cellar doors for wine and cider. We did a thermal spa walk, visited a zoo, and an animal sanctuary with the tamest Roos. I picked up Ramsay from day care, we went to the park, and enjoyed time with everyone. We ate Greek food, Indian, Mexican and delicious local sea food and steaks. Tasmania has a lot to offer, I just wish I’d packed a few more warmer clothes.
I hope the photos show just how wonderful our time was. We are so grateful for the kindness, warmth, and planning that went into ensuring we had the best time.
All too soon our time in Hobart was coming to an end.
There was a drive to the airport, with traffic jams, which meant a very short time to say our goodbyes. It’s always hard to say those words, tears flowed, lots of cuddles and a certainty that we will see each other soon. Ramsay is a charming,inquisitive little boy. He took to us very warmly, and his giggle and smile are infectious. He loves to copy his Daddy and Pops.
Up next was Perth, and seeing our friends Gary and Arlene.
Arlene had never been to a cricket match, so Day 2 of the first Ashes test was a must. Little did we know how much of a day it would be. Two full innings after the first day.
Travis Head’s innings was superb, and the England bowlers couldn’t replicate their first day efforts. A relaxed Sunday followed with a walk after lunch at Hillarys beach club.
Monday, and our next flight to Singapore with a couple of days to relax before home. We visited the MBS shopping complex, our stay at the Fullerton Hotel in walking distance. I’d booked to do the walk in Gardens by the Bay, something I didn’t do in 2014. The views are spectacular and I tried to take it all in, and we visited the Observatory, which I foolishly thought was behind glass.
Dinner in the evening was at the Jade in the hotel, a quiet affair with an interesting menu.
Our flight home was very late on Wednesday so I ventured back to the Mall, and Kevin visited the Art Science museum.A saunter back to the hotel where we finished packing and showered before our last flight. A mere 13 hours later, after retrieving our luggage Craig picked us up and we arrived home safe and sound.
Whilst away, we had plenty of photos sent, which was great. It really was a fantastic trip, one I will treasure forever. We also had wonderful news of two baby girls being born into our family.
It’s been a long held dream of mine to go to Italy and learn some authentic Italian cooking skills, so when Honor met Sofia and they put together a plan, I was in.
My cousin Jo was to join us too, so we paid our deposit and kept up with a growing itinerary with excitement.
On Tuesday we arrived at Stansted to meet up with a few other participants and arrived after a slight delay to our venue, Corte San Rufillo. The rooms were exsquisite, I had a huge bed, a balcony, a bath and shower that had lights that changed colour. It was perfect. also my room name was Celeste.
Over the next three days we bonded as a group, characters galore, with some blossoming after being anxious about meeting new people. Many things were talked about, some very personal, and emotions were never far away. It proved that no matter where you are from, what you do, or how you live – we are bonded by struggles, life events and how we work through them. It is magical.
We’ve laughed, cried, eaten too much but it was so rewarding. I feel energised, grateful and appreciative of my family and support of friends.
The bread and pasta making were great too, I’ve learnt a few things, and came back with flour, olive oil and aceto and a tool to make styles of pasta. Sofia’s demonstrations, her joy and passion for cooking apparent. Her pride in her country of birth, the food, the culture evident. Honor was a supportive and able, glamorous assistant.
The truffle hunting was fun, and a chance to align with what nature can provide. I’m so very happy to have been, I felt at home and it evoked what life would’ve been like for my grandparents.
I wouldn’t hesitate to do another culinary, gastronomical experience and would recommend to anyone interested to just do it.
It’s been a busy few weeks, where I’ve visited Scotland, London, Whitstable and Suffolk, relived live aid, been to a baby shower, and enjoying Pilates so much.
I’ve had some hypnotherapy to help me with my fear of bridges and heights which has been tested, and successful.
River has started school, and is flourishing. Mondays aren’t the same but we’ve collected from school a couple of times which has been lovely.
Ramsay is walking so that’ll be fun when we visit them soon. He’s developing into quite a character and it’ll be great to spend time either with him.
Brodie is crawling and standing with an infectious smile and is a bundle of energy. It’s a privilege to spend so much time with him.
There’s been a few maintenance tasks in the house, and I’ll be making a list very soon of some ideas I’ve got for next year….
Here’s a few photos to savour.
My mental health has had a bit of a wobble, with a realisation of a change, not for me but the impact of it. Sometimes I become overwhelmed but I’ve spoken to my ‘crew’ and we choose to be happy, to try to control less ( good luck with that I hear you say), and go more with the flow. ❤️❤️❤️
Ten years ago today I began this blog, originally it was to be a written commentary of where I came from and how my life had changed, experiences and opportunities taken.
It was also a way to document what we were doing for Andrew in Australia, but very quickly it morphed into posts about life, life events, travel with a bit of reflection and introspection.
So here we are, a whole decade has passed: we’ve lost loved ones, both family and friends. There has been the addition of grandchildren, bringing a whole new dimension to enrich our lives.
We’ve been so fortunate to travel, we’ve retired and survived a pandemic!
End of June was Andrew’s birthday, his first as a Daddy. A working day for him having to travel. This was followed swiftly by Ramsay’s his first. Then it was mine, Theo’s our great nephew, and then Craig, Georgina’s partner.
It was strange to see so much of Ramsay’s party from afar, and the baby rave arranged after. Amanda had done a grand job with a lot of prep for the actual day and then the party, Andrew made the cakes, a colourful cacophony in a nod to Spider-Man. Ramsay certainly enjoyed himself and his customary big grin was very much on show.
My birthday was spent in Marrakech and I loved being away for it, a first for me. Even though we were only away for 5 days it felt longer and was relaxing interspersed with walking, eating, drinking and sunbathing when we could withstand the heat.
Georgina and Brodie were away with Craig for his birthday, all enjoying a first trip to Evissa. A great way to celebrate, his first as a Daddy. Brodie certainly enjoyed his time there as did Mummy and Daddy.
We had some lovely photos of River whilst we are away, and it’s such a joy to see him growing up. We have so much to enjoy with Ramsay and Brodie
Now a quieter time with George’s birthday at the end of July, and then the slew of August birthdays……
It’s incredible to comprehend that last year Ramsay had just been born, and Georgina had just announced her pregnancy and we have made so many memories with these three beautiful boys in our lives.
River starts school in seven weeks a new and exciting chapter for him, and a big change for us. It’s a reminder of how fleetingly they are small, and the importance to enjoy every hug, cuddle and moment spent with them.
A year in the planning after a member of the magical midlife group said she’d like to do this, there was enough of us interested to get a group together.
There was much talk of footwear, training, choice of sock, clothing, backpack choices, snacks and anything else in between.
On the 4th May, 14 of us met up in Baiona to walk the 128km to Compostela de Santiago in 6 days.
Hotel El Mosquito was ok, and restaurant was buzzing from our chat, some of us had met before, some only remotely, and the handout of our wonderful swimming caps.
Our first night saw the routine begin of packing our case for transfer followed by our day packs for walking.
We started the walk to Vigo (26.3km) following the coast and it was very pretty with a few additional sights along the way (iykyk). A stop to eat/drink and later an ice cream and we arrived at the busy port of Vigo. The final kms were hard, but we arrived to our luggage at the hotel atlantico. After a refresh and change, we sauntered to Rias Baixas1 for dinner.
Next destination was Arcade a modest 23km today. Off we went with a steep ascent and a better expectation of what our day would be like. Less coastal but still scenic. We stopped at Redondela for lunch and were quickly ‘pulpoed’ into a plate of octopus. Luckily one of our group spoke Spanish to wave it away, a very disgruntled gentleman, but we learned a valuable lesson.
Hotel Duarte had our luggage and we walked to Casa do Muelle for dinner. The wine, water and esterella sin alcohol flowed.
Wednesday morning and a modest 13.8km which fooled me into thinking our walk to Pontevedra would be easy. The terrain was harder with water, tree roots, ascents and cobbles. It was hard under foot and my feet were throbbing despite compeed, sock changes and paracetamol. We stopped at a coffee stop in the middle of the forest for a cuppa and the ground was uneven, Nicky was sitting when her chair gave way, and she put her hand out, which in turn unbalanced my chair. As she fell to the ground I was in slow motion falling with Karen trying to catch me. I ended up on the ground and smelt of coffee for the remainder of the day. Everyone was in fits of laughter, a bit of light relief. The walk continued but about half way through the day I had checked out mentally, I was going to look at flights home as soon as possible. We went for a late lunch and it helped lighten my mood when we were all offered a dessert, the choice was tarta, melon, and pina. Everybody seemed to get the tarta, which was a bit like Neapolitan ice cream, and it didnt matter that others ordered pineapple or melon. Later they were given tinned peaches and pineapple. Hysterical laughter washed the whole table. Something we will never forget.
Once at our hotel Avienda I didn’t go to dinner. I tidied my case, and called home. The encouragement and support I got from Kevin and Joe, that I’d also had from Georgina and the women I was travelling with made me rethink coming home. Yes it would be hard, tough and so out of my comfort zone, but I’d come this far, and so I decided to continue.
This is the drawing of melon!
Next up was 21.1km to Caldas de Rias. It was another full on day, with lovely views of the country. We arrived late afternoon at the Hotel O Cruceiro. One of the women had found thermal baths nearby and we booked slots to enjoy the respite from walking. We took along our bathing caps and had a very entertaining taxi ride to the baths. The thermal baths provided a relief. I had a Scottish shower ( never knew that was a thing). Hot jets at the top, warm in the middle, cold at the bottom. It was invigorating, and a foot spa after was just the ticket. Dinner at the Cafeteria Termas by the River was lovely. Lots of conversation and laughter flowed.
Padrón up next 18.6 km. Weather less clement so ponchos were packed. Again more inland with some interesting scenery and more pilgrims too.
Lunch at Buen Camino was delicious so ponchos on and off we went.
We arrived in Padron in the rain, the pension Jardin was like a 70’s throwback, no lift and we were up three flights of stairs! Some others had additional interesting quirks. Dinner after drinks at Botanico, was at O Secreto which was delicious and we were all set for our final day of walking .
Final full day walking 24.9 km to Santiago de Compostela. Breakfast was a fiasco, and didn’t get the day off to the best start. My blisters now had sister blisters. The pain was intense, my feet and ankles were swollen and my knee decided it had had enough. A lunch stop at O Camino was very welcome, with tears and laughter. The last final push was needed, we had enjoyed singing along many of our other days and this was no exception.
And then we were minutes away from our final destination. There it was in front of us. We entered the square expecting a serene quiet but due to a race being held later that evening we were heralded in by ‘Highway to Hell’. There were tears, hugs and congratulations all round. We had made it. We were the last ones to get our certificates on Saturday-even I ran the few yards to get it before closing time!
A celebratory drink then a cab to our hotel, Miradoiro de Belvis.
Another quick change then a walk, with screaming, bleeding toes to O Sendeiro. A wonderful restaurant with a private room. Food was outstanding and we all congratulated ourselves for completing the walk.
So we had all set out to do this walk, we all had our own motivations, we all had our own pace. It was so good spending time with these women, there was plenty of time for conversations, listening to stories of their lives, their families, their careers.
There was much laughter, tears, hugs and a realisation that we are stronger than we think. We take for granted so much of our lives and those around us that we love. I learned that I am so fortunate to live where I live and have an amazingly supportive family. I have many true friends and I have my health and the time to do so many things, and I messaged my family to tell them that.
The walk was harder than I thought, but I’m so glad I did it. I did wild wees, never thought I’d do that and so many of us had lots of conversations about our bowel movements, hence the title
Sunday was a chance to get ready to go home, have lunch and a saunter without a thought to walk any distance.
Home safe and sound and I’m sure we will all have our own memories and moments to cherish. There were so many different experiences we all had, so much to think about, to reflect upon, and so much to be grateful for.
Will I do something like this again? Probably not but I hope to keep walking once I can get my shoes back on!
Thank you to Jo, Honor, Becky (my roomie), Amanda, Jenny, Sarah, Tamara, Christine, Nicky, Julia, Yve, Karen and Dionne. It was a privilege to spend this week with you and to experience the Camino with you all. Buen Camino.
Well March has gone in a flash, and it’s been full with time with River and Brodie.
We’ve found new places to visit through the Essex Wildlife Trust, and River’s imagination just runs wild. It’s almost like he’s on a Minecraft set.
We enjoyed a trip to Twickenham to see England play Italy in the M6N. I was hoping for an Italy win, and the first half was close run , but England were much stronger in the second half.
Ramsay has been very ill, and had two trips to hospital with a couple of days stay. A worrying time and we felt so helpless but Amanda’s parents were brilliant.
Brodie is blossoming and is such a sweetie. Georgina experienced her first Mothers Day, a long held dream and she had the perfect day.
We’ve visited Barnsley and Leeds and enjoyed great food, chat with my cousin and her partner, and a trip to the Royal Armouries.
I had Honor stay with me at the beginning of the month and we did a 14-15km walk. She had a guest speaker give a session on how to walk ‘properly’ – who knew we were doing it wrong. On Sunday I had a twinge in my right thigh which curtailed a possible 10km walk, but I’m taking things a bit slower and will try again, as it’s 33 days until I start my Camino walk😬
Debbie and I went to the Park theatre last night to see Farewell Mr Haffmann. I wanted to see Nigel Harman, but didn’t realise he wasn’t in it until half way. It was funny, poignant and shows once again how we as human beings keep doing the same things to each other, despite history chronicling itself.
The weather is glorious, a treat to wake up and see blue skies, and go outside for breakfast and lunch. I’ve done a little tidy up, and I’m being rewarded with flowers from the bulb planting I did late last year.
I’ve ordered more plants and have a few ideas for changes. April is another busy month, and I have travel to book. Best get on with it!
It’s been over six months since we’ve had Ramsay cuddles, and we were all so excited for more and for Ramsay to meet River and Brodie and his great grandmas.
The flight over experienced a problem which meant route changes and a delay, but there was a houseful of friends and family eager to meet them when they arrived, tired but grateful. It was a joyous occasion for all.
Ramsay visited some great places; London Eye, London Aquarium, Colchester Zoo, Young V&A, Horniman museum, he ate wonderful food, and we all spent magical time together.
Ramsay is an adorable, sociable, smiley little boy. He was entranced by his cousins and enchanted everyone he met.
His Mummy and Daddy were so happy he brought them over, and they took him to Westminster bridge where Daddy proposed 20 months earlier.
The house is so very quiet now, where did the last twelve days go? I’m never very good at the goodbye bit at the airport. I just can’t express how thankful I am for them visiting, how much I love it ( I am refining skills to be utilised if I ever open up a B&B), and how much I will miss them. We will keep in touch by FaceTime, and planning our next visit very soon.
It has been an emotional time seeing all our adult children with their children. To think that last year we had one grandson, and now we have three. Watching them and their partners grow as parents, and embracing the changes and challenges that parenthood brings. It’s a privilege to be a part of their lives with these special moments and to make precious memories. I never take for granted just how fortunate we are to be able to share so much. Life can be overwhelming on occasion, and there is much in the world that is concerning, but there is so much joy too.
If I describe these as pocketfuls of happiness, then I’m rich beyond compare, with very deep pockets.
Ramsay is now home after a gruelling 40 hours, and reunited with Vinnie. I’m sure he’ll tell him all about his trip to the UK, and his adventures. see you soon little man, and thankyou for bringing your Mummy and Daddy over.
It’s been a busy month and this January has flown by. Time with River and Brodie and FaceTime catch ups with the smiley Ramsay. He will be over here in just over 2 weeks time. There is much to do in those two weeks, although the important thing is the precious time we will have together.
I’ve caught up with friends over the last few weeks which has been wonderful, full of baby spam and sharing plans, hopes and dreams for the year ahead. A trip to theatre to see The Importance of Being Earnest, which was superb! Ncuti Gatwa was brilliant.
Travel plans are starting to form, and in March it’ll be all systems go to book.
I’ve maintained, so far, twice weekly Pilates, and enjoy it immensely. I’ve written out my training programme for the Camino walk I’m doing in Spring, starting this Tuesday.
This month has been full of gratitude, for the people in my life: family, friends, opportunities, time, and health. The older I get the more I appreciate how fortunate I’ve been, the power of love, the importance of family and friends. Life isn’t all sunshine and smiles, but there is enough joy that outweighs any challenges.
Twelve days into 2025 and full of hope and optimism for what it may hold.
We’ve enjoyed time with River, FaceTime and photos of Ramsay and Brodie.
We managed a day trip to see Brodie too. All three are developing and changing and it serves as a reminder as to how fleeting these early years are.
I’m now in planning mode for February when Andrew, Amanda and Ramsay arrive. The chance to make special memories is bringing me joy.
I have a bijou trip away early February, and a trip to Scotland to pick up my Mum so she will be here to meet all her great grandsons. That’ll kick off her 90th birthday celebrations early.
No doubt this year will be full of many milestones: school for River, teeth, sitting, crawling, walking and talking for Ramsay and Brodie, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in these.
I’ve started reformer Pilates to help increase my stamina for my Camino walk, and to keep up with the grandsons. I was very pleased that I found somewhere to go, booked it, turned up on my own and did my first class. Just a few years ago I would never have done that without giving it a thought. I would’ve procrastinated, doubted myself, worried I’d be judged because of age, size, fitness. I am under no illusion as to what has made this difference-joining https://www.instagram.com/honestlywithhonor?igsh=cmUwd3hxbjdiNXdo magical midlife group. That fills me with optimism that I am at last comfortable in my own skin and won’t let me sabotage what I love to do.
What a year it’s been with travel, new experiences, memories galore and three grandsons to love. Loss of loved ones always felt keenly, but so many wonderful happy memories too.
The last few weeks we’ve had the privilege of time with River, Brodie and shared FaceTime with Ramsay.
Brodie is thriving, and Christmas and New Year were so special spending time with him, his parents and grandparents.
What will 2025 hold?
We have a few big birthdays coming up, a visit to Australia to plan, Ramsay bringing his Mum and Dad over, River starting school, and trips up to see Brodie.
I’m not one for new year resolutions, but I do want to be more in the moment, enjoy where we are now. Maybe we may look to move, or downsize? Whatever may happen it will be greeted with optimism, happiness and joy!
Happy New Year, and may 2025 be full of love, laughter and hope.
Watching your children become parents is the greatest gift and watching their children grow is the best feeling. My Dad used to say he never expected to live to see his become adults, and I wish and hope that I can too.
My little life 