My little life

Trauma, tea and treats

We woke early at our B and B, the gables, outside Lincoln and enjoyed a hearty breakfast after our 112 miles.

On return to our room I found my phone to be no longer operative😱

My mother in law, only asked on Sunday what I would do in such an eventuality and I said I’d be fine. To be fair the trauma only ensued in mild panic, with options discussed, one being to find an Apple Store in Harrogate.

The drive to Harrogate was filled with scenery and music from Calvin Harris to The Osmonds ah the memories of our youth!

Our first destination was to be Betty’s-has to be done! A queue for a cuppa? But not too long a wait, where we lunched very finely, followed by a fat rascal for Debbie and the macaroons for me!

Next was the Apple Store, where an Apple reset was required, shopping a distraction whilst the phone was resuscitated! Luke saved the day and the road trip for me!

An amble back to our hotel, with a spot of people watching along the way and some photo taking!

Happily esconced in our room we delighted in some pampering: face and hair masks, FaceTime to my mum and then dressing for dinner.

Debbie suggested the chateaubriand and as a virgin in that department, I gladly accepted her gastronomic experience.

What can I say, an inspired choice, delicious and probably a carlsberg moment for me!

After a ‘rest’ we had lemon tart to follow-sublime!

All washed down with fizzy rose!

What a treat! The sun shone and we have travelled quite a distance. Seahouses has a lot to live up to!

Taking the biscuit

After a night’s rest, we breakfasted, packed and were on our way. Yesterday we completed 86 miles and today’s destination was Lincoln(hence the biscuit reference!)

We stopped at the American Cemetery, rows and rows of marble crosses and stars for loss of life. Time to reflect, time to remember and just time to be.

It started to rain so we headed inside and it was beautiful.

We owe so much to those and although sombre it was worthwhile to visit.

Onwards to Lincoln, and a stop at Stamford. What a delightful town: full of quaint shops, bridges and some great photo opportunities. We live on a beautiful island!

Next up Lincoln and we enjoyed the many views of the cathedral as we tried to find somewhere to park . A walk up steep hill😱😱, a wonder round the cathedral. Just so beautiful, the stained glass, the ornate carvings and the feeling of serenity breathtaking.

Dinner was at cafe zoot, a recommendation, and didn’t disappoint. Liver parfait, Brie, lamb and beef suet pie was delicious. Creme brûlée was dessert and I washed mine down with prosecco.

The walk back down steep hill was eventful. Debbie laughed till she cried, I held on to walls,railings, anything. I have never been happier to see drainpipes!

Now happily ensconced in our b&b we are tired but have had another great day!

Cambridge – footlights

Day one of our road trip and our first destination is Cambridge.

Only 45 minutes from where I live and the sights to behold are wondrous!

A trip up the M11 and we arrived at the trumpington park and ride. Sustenance required and we chose too quickly an establishment to eat. Fare was okay but nothing more.

We took in the sights of academia wandering round the little nooks and crannies, whilst avoiding the rampant cyclists!

The walk was excellent and a return trip is definitely on the cards. A great cup of coffee at bould brothers and we were sufficiently replete to make the journey to Debbie’s cousin Kate, where we had our accommodation for the night.

Hospitality excellent, great food, wine and company

Guess who came to dinner!

Just simply wonderful!

Road trip:prequel

Tomorrow my friend Debbie and I embark on a road trip culminating in two rugby cup finals on Friday and Saturday, and I am so 😊

The trip came about after last year’s finals in France. I watched from afar as debbie posted of her travels etc, so we decided to do the trip, stopping off at a few places along the way.

Hopefully via a variety of mediums we will update on where we are and what we do.

It is unchartered territory to spend 8 days in each other’s company. I’ve been given strict instructions to switch my phone to silent at night so I will acquiesce.

It will be strange not seeing my family for over a week, but we have a great playlist or 5 ready, there will be laughter a plenty and no doubt new friends made.

One more sleep-I can’t wait🤗🤗🤗👏🏻👏🏻🏆

A Fond Farewell…

Seems impossible that the funeral was a year ago. Still missed and loved, Tony, but your legacy still lives on.

My little life

After the Bank Holiday we returned to school and ensured that all plans were in place for the funeral at OLI for Tony Ward and for the ‘wake’ to be held at the school after.

The sun was shining on Wednesday and the Mass, readings and eulogies were a fitting send off for him, and hopefully give comfort to his family in the future.

The stories recanted of a young Tony were funny and endearing and there was laughter as well as tears, and we were acutely aware of saying goodbye to someone very special.

As sad as it has been, Tony did not linger, he didn’t have to be cared for by loved ones, suffer indignity and a slow decline, and for that we are thankful.

Now we have to adjust to our ‘new normal’ and continue with his lifetime’s work!

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Mind the gap…..

Tonight I watched ‘Mind over marathon’, about 10 people who have mental health issues preparing to run the London Marathon.

I found it heart warming, emotional, inspiring as it shows how we can overcome things in life by feeling worthy, loved and how important it is to talk about these issues.

Struggle and stress are a part of life, for some more than others. Listening to William talk about the shock of the loss of his mother, still, nearly 20 years on, was truly touching. Rich, poor, old or young mental illness doesn’t discriminate.

The value of speaking to a family member, friend, professional, whoever it is, is irrelevant-it’s the talking that’s important. Listening too, if someone talks to you.

I have struggled on a few occasions with feelings of despair, lack of self worth and it is easy to spiral downwards. Most recently I realised that I was on that path again and with fantastic support from my doctor, family and friends I am climbing up the ladder rather than slithering down the snake. No doubt a throw of the dice can curtail that climb, but I know what to look out for, and perhaps I should take a leaf out of my Grandma’s book and just throw the board in the air and start again!

7 out if the 10 completed the marathon, their utter fatigue and joy tangible in equal measure: all felt they could take something to build on, and will be friends for life.

Truly remarkable people, I was momentarily tempted to run next year, but only fleetingly!

Cheers and well done!

A surprise flying visit

After a disastrous mothers’ day flower fiasco, I decided on a brief trip to see my parents and also be with my mum on her birthday, so flights, buses and trains were duly booked.

I left a gloriously warm and sunny England for a less warm Scotland, with a delayed flight all part of the experience.

The surprise duly delivered, there was a quick run through the Monday’s many culinary treats. First off was lunch with a couple of relatives and very pleasant it was too, although a glimpse of life as an octegenarian was disturbing! Bins: the variety of them and the £25 fee-first world problems! And it didn’t stop there with politics next, so I steered conversation to holidays and more fun topics

Lunch was followed by tea, coffee and large cream scones- why? Because they were free? 😲

Back home for a titivate then on to dinner at a favourite tapas restaurant in Broughty Ferry.

Scrumptious and plentiful where more cud chewing ensued, with the usual deprecation and laughter.😂😂🤗

A drive home, comfortably satiated and suitably hydrated after an early celebration for mum’s birthday, we settled down to watch the penultimate broadchurch episode.

Birthday girl was up, cards opened and a lovely breakfast was consumed. Plan for the day was a bijou shopping trip to finishing touches( a girl can never have too many bags, scarves or assorted trinkets for body or home!) then lunch at the townhouse.

Home and an impromptu visit from Mabel, more laughter then it was time for the station and begin the trip home.

Hugs, kisses, expressions of thanks and the warm feeling of a memory made and knowledge that we will be together in 8 weeks.

Train to haymarket, then airlink bus to airport, effortlessly simple. Time to browse in duty free ( sorry kevin! ) then good flight arriving early and great to be back, with Kevin’s cheery smile to greet me. Cuddles from Nina and a catch up from the last couple of days.

Short trip but sweet, I admit to being exhausted, but I am very fortunate to still have both my parents to share time with, however short it may be. Although with all we ate, it felt more like a week!

Spring and all it’s beauty

Spring has definitely sprung, and our garden is beginning to bloom. I love this time of year and the last few days have been unseasonably warm.

School broke up last week for the Easter break, but a few of us were back on Monday, me for the year end closure.

It has been frustrating and after 3 days of anomalies, network issues and mild panic, the button has been pressed and the new financial year begins!

Yesterday and today has brought deliveries of plants, much to Kevin’s chagrin, and they have been duly placed in their new home.

I can’t wait to watch them grow and provide texture, movement and aromas, a bit like children really 😉😊

I have a few visits over the coming week and I’m looking forward to some time at home too to recharge my batteries for the summer term and beyond.

But sometimes wouldn’t it be great to be a cat, be fed, watered and spend your days basking in the sun 😘😘

Making a difference.

I have been unwell over the last few days, which in no small measure, is due to my anxiety over today and the memorial mass for a much loved teacher

I have sourced some fantastic pieces and met some fantastic craftsmen.

The family planting the Himalayan acer

The benches by Martin Cook and his son Matt, and armillary by Robert Foster.

All have gone above and beyond to have everything at school for today.

I am thrilled at how well they have been received by everyone, I was mindful in my choices, of a man, who made a difference, who lived a humble life, who had exquisite taste and lived life his way.

I can’t imagine the family’s feelings of sadness and I hope their faith in each other will sustain them.

A life that touches others goes on forever!

He did, and it will!

Mother’s Day 2017

I’ve had such a lovely weekend….

Saturday was relaxing with a trip to Michaela’s followed by afternoon tea at Dandelion and Burdock in Stock. Since her career change in August, it has been so lovely to have weekend time with Georgina, and yesterday was no exception.

After the scrumptious fare, and as it was a beautiful day we decided to walk the 5 km home. Probably not the most sensible thing in stilettos but hey!

Joe had already bought me a beautiful orchid on Friday, which will have pride of place in the bedroom, and as he was ided he had to buy non alcoholic Shiraz!

One of the things that really annoys my friend Debbie when we go away is my phone pinging, and I have promised to set it to DND when we go away in May, but it was great to hear the noise this morning and see a photo sent from AUstralia of Andrew and Lis at a friend’s wedding at St kilda.

How fantastic to have been in their thoughts this weekend, although just being a part of their lives in any small way is so enjoyable. As they all make their way in life and tread different paths, I love to hear and see what they have done and share their excitement in what they hope to do.
Now for a glass of fizz or two to conclude the weekend.

Do something that scares you

I recently applied for a job and from 17 applicants, I was one of seven shortlisted.

Interview details were shared and whilst daunted, I was ready to accept the challenge.

As interview day drew close, I was tempted to withdraw, but they say do something that scares you, and it did.

To have to go to a different place, meet different people, be open, engaging, professional and mindful that you are promoting what you can offer, do and be in a competitive scenario.

Tasks, exercises, group discussion, socialising, presentation and final interview.

Down to the last two…. in the process the realisation that I still had more to give, plans to bring to fruition and student success to celebrate.

I’ve been scared enough for 2017.

No one was appointed, but the experience has not been in vain! 🤗🤗💕😉

Morse code…

Today I had my nails painted by the wonderful Yas and she was telling me that she recently attended her great granpops funeral – he was 99. She said she never realised so much about his life and was proud to hear so much that was recounted.

She said he had been something to do with Morse code and she was touched by words the celebrant said.

When visiting graves or seeing the memorial service booklet, the life span is shown as e.g 1941 – 2016 and he said that the dash represents so little written down, but means so much to those that have lost their loved one, as that dash represents their life, memories, achievements and love both given and received.

Today is St David’s Day, patron saint of Wales, and once again a memory of my friend Sian came to mind. Passionately proud of her Welsh heritage and one of my favourite photos is of her in her Welsh Rugby top. We are almost at the first anniversary of her passing and I am feeling it very keenly, obviously nothing compared to her family.

I have worn a daffodil today both for Marie Curie and for Sian.

As my timeline continues I thought of how that would look –

1961 … and in Morse code three dots represent the letter S, how fitting.

People come and go, friends are forever.

Reliance

Four weeks into 2017 and it has flown by.

I’ve been busy with work, and socially. Learnt how to make a box, made cards, caught up with dear friends, had Jay’s dad stay for a couple nights.

I’ve also singed my hair, been to the cinema and booked a holiday.

I have also been adapting how I work, being more disciplined in what I expect from myself and others.

I have realised that I need to rely on myself wholly, and not rely on others, quite often they have their own demons to battle!

I am taking charge of my life and feeling the benefits already.

I can’t wait for February!

Positives…

Almost two weeks into 2017, and no ofsted this year. Unfortunately so many people seem to have this nasty bug going around and it has meant visits have had to be cancelled, one in particular to see Bella!

But rather than be too disappointed, I have taken the time freed up to get other things sorted, one namely being our trip to Australia. As it’s our coral and Andrew and Lis’s wood anniversaries Great Barrier Reef and palm trees fulfill the presents!