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.
Almost a year ago today Georgina and River baked a rainbow cake, and if anyone would’ve told me that by ‘this time next year’ I would have two new adorable grandsons, I would not have believed them.
But here we are with Ramsay born in July and another born on River’s 4th birthday.
Brodie Paul Edward arrived safely on Sunday after being induced. Mother and baby are doing amazingly well, and he is a little poppet.
We travelled up on Friday spending a few precious hours with Georgina before she left for the hospital. Friday and Saturday were fraught with many messages and calls. News of the safe arrival, and that he was a boy, released happy tears and overwhelming pride. We caught up with Andrew and Amanda sharing our excitement and they had also spoken to Georgina. It’s only 10 weeks until the grandsons will all meet each other, how amazing will that be.
As it was River’s birthday we were travelling again to attend the family gathering, watched him open some presents, blow out his candles and enjoyed spending time with him. He is growing up so fast, with energy and a thirst for knowledge. His love of jokes, awesome communication skills, bodes well for his school journey next year.
Our birthday present this year was a trip to Lapland UK, for the following Wednesday, and Georgina had got him the elf hat to wear on the day.
As Georgina and Brodie were still in hospital we stayed a little longer with River, then drove back to our Airbnb.
Monday, a quiet morning at the barn, with excitement building to meet Brodie and enjoy cuddles, as well as give heartfelt congratulations to Mum and Dad in person. That newborn smell, the facial expressions, the little noises are just the best.
Tuesday we initially were disappointed that they may not be coming home, but at 10:28 we got the news they were coming home.
What a privilege to be there when they did, so so special. More cuddles, moments to savour, watching the new parents with their precious son, protective, tender and in their bubble.
Wednesday and time for us to go home and then travel to Ascot for River’s trip to Lapland.
Magical is the best way to describe our evening. Every little detail faultless, us as grandparents were brought to tears more than once with River’s reactions and interactions. A memory for life, meandering through the pine scented forest, walking into Mother Christmas’s kitchen, with a waft of gingerbread, the ice-skating and the finale of meeting Father Christmas.
Three precious grandsons in our life, making it richer in every way possible, whilst watching our children on their parenting journeys.
I couldn’t tell you how many miles we did this week, but every one was worthwhile.
So much can happen in 365 days, and I feel so blessed.
Last week Georgina had her baby shower, and family and friends did her proud, with decorations, games and their love and happiness for her.
I met Victoria early and we put the finishing touches to the venue, and awaited her arrival.
Georgina looked sensational and I was pinching myself that this was her baby shower.
With family travelling from Sussex and Surrey the M23 and 25 did their best to delay them, but they arrived.
I am so proud of Georgina and can’t believe we are less than 4 weeks away to meet this precious little one.
I feel the photos from the day give the sense of the love that was shared.
A big thank you to everyone who came, to Harry’s bar for the venue, colourful bites for the macarons, the gifts and the love. To have a child has always been Georgina’s dream, and we can’t wait to meet you! She will be the best mummy💕💕💕
I hope your life is full of ‘ I can’t believe I did this’ instead of ‘I should’ve done it!’
I saw the above words on a post on my friend Honor’s Insta page. Both her and Maria have been inspirational in encouraging me to do just that.
They cohosted a trip to Morocco earlier this month, which I had coveted for over a year to do.
I paid my deposit earlier this year, and with other travels and family excitement, I knew it was approaching, and really hadn’t thought too much about it.
There was a flurry of activity regarding hot air balloons, camels, camping and gardens, and before I caught my breath I was very kindly dropped at the airport by my cousin, after an overnight stay at her home, treated to a tagine for dinner.
Arriving at Marrakesh airport where I was met by my driver, Sharif, the heat, the noise alerted my senses to the exotic culture of this city.
The Riad Mur Akush, owned by Maria, provided a safe haven, and I met the women we would be sharing this experience with. I knew half of them, a pleasure to reacquaint with them, and to establish new bonds with the others.
Lunch and dinner delivered opportunities to chat, share and familiarise ourselves with our roommates. I shared with Jet, who I had met over zoom, a beautiful soul, passionate about photography and the perfect companion.
An early start on the 7th and a drive to where we would embark on our flight. It was dark, with a chill in the air, but the coffee and tea provided some warmth.
We watched the balloons inflating, with some beginning to rise. We were called to ours and we were assisted to get in.
Before we knew it the balloon was untethered and we softly drifted up. There were so many in the sky, a rainbow of coloured teardrops drifting effortlessly. The sunrise was stunning, the exceptional quiet (except when the propane burners were firing), the lack of a feeling of movement, and the bird’s-eye view, were beyond comparison to anything I had experienced. It was emotional for us all in the basket. Feelings of pure weightlessness, wellbeing, at peace rippled over me. As someone who suffers with heights/vertigo this was definitely life changing. I can’t believe I did this moment!
Breakfast with our group was much appreciated and as the day warmed up we all chatted excitedly about our trip.
Back at the Riad some of us were keen to visit the medina. The smell of rose, spices and petrol ( from the motorbikes that whizz past you constantly) overloaded the senses. Some people stopped, bartered, bought, others were there to peruse.
Some of us had booked to visit the Jardin Majorelle ( Yves Saint Laurent’s home and gardens). A good 30 minute walk, again exposed us to a vibrant culture, mesmerising at every turn.
The gardens are stunningly beautiful, the colour accents enhancing the hues from the sky. Photos don’t do it justice
The evening was spent dining out, and a belly dancing show. The women dancing with candelabra were a sight to behold, as they navigated the low lights, tassels and each other. The cash placed in the bras of the less clad ladies, was a juxtaposition with some of the cultural and social mores.
Another early rise as we embarked on our desert trip. We travelled by mini bus to our overnight stay at a beautiful hotel Xaluca Dades. We had comfort stops for toilet, coffee and WiFi.
The hotel had a stunning pool, but we arrived too late, so it was a freshen up and dinner.
Breakfast and we were off, ready to meet the camels, we stopped at Dades Gorge and enjoyed Moroccan pizza along the way. The chat was plentiful, swapping life stories, hopes, dreams, listening, offering support, counsel, laughter and pride.
And so after a slight detour we arrived to be greeted by the camels. We were all duly hoisted onto them, and the trek began. 90 to 120 minutes over dunes passing wadis, passing little campsites ( one even had a helipad)
After about 45 minutes I had to get off, as my saddle had a life of its own, after 15 minutes walking I ‘screwed my courage to the sticking place’ and got back on. I think another hour of laughter, frenetic noises as the camels went down the dunes, with calls of ‘lean back’, we arrived at camp. And wow!
En-suite facilities, carpets, a dining tent, fire pit. This was beyond all our expectations.
We got ready for dinner, waited on with delicious food, wine and ended the evening with a drum serenade by the fire pit. Exhausted we fell into bed, enjoying the comfy beds, and our luxury facilities.
We woke early with the chance to see the sunrise and we weren’t disappointed. Some climbed a sand dune, others sat atop a smaller one to capture and enjoy the moment.
Breakfast was welcome, and we packed hurriedly to alight the awaiting jeeps to traverse the sand dunes. Our driver was playing Bob Marley and the more we screamed/laughed the nearer to the edge of the dunes he went.
The majority of the last full day for many of us was spent travelling back to the Riad. A few were struggling with a virus, but we did our best to keep spirits high and we enjoyed a late lunch before arriving back at 830 pm.
Jet and I were too tired to go out to dinner, so we packed and retired early.
Monday 11th November started with a lazy breakfast, some goodbyes, and a trip to the Hammam. What a treat, the scrub, the exfoliation, massage to ease tired muscles from the camel trek and the journey home. Another trip to the souks, then to get ready to face the queues at the airport.
Jet by this time was quite unwell, but we managed to navigate the queues and enjoyed a drink before getting on the plane. A medical emergency made for a delay to disembark, and paramedics boarded to ensure those affected were treated.
I have so many photos, and so many memories of this trip. The warmth was not only from the sun but radiated throughout from the women in this group. Bonds strengthened, interests shared and a keenness to explore more places, meet new people and spread the word of this fantastic group of women.
I am very fortunate to be able to do these things, and hopefully give confidence to others to do more, live more and enjoy every moment ( may not ride a camel again though😱)
Morocco has truly been an amazing place to visit. I do want to visit again, with Kevin. The people, the history, the culture, noise, colours and cacophony that assaults the senses everywhere you look. Oh and there are loads and loads of kittens and cats
My little life 