Busy looking forward to doing Christmas by the end of October
Busy planning what to do in Morocco
Busy keeping most of November and December free
We’ve also had the saddest of news, with all that entails. This serves to remind us that life can change in an instant and how transient our hold on life can be.
Hold your loved ones close, tell them you love them, be kind and smile. Be joyful and permeate that joy.
I have to give some thought to putting words onto a card, but I don’t want to write about loss or sadness, I want to remember fondly, fun and laughter, and a gentleness.
A few photos there has been so many other things in the background and I’m grateful for family and friends supporting me.
I can’t believe that by the end of this year we will be the proud grandparents to 3 grandchildren. Georgina is expecting a baby in December. She told us on her birthday, but waited until twelve weeks to announce it fully. We are beyond thrilled and excited for her and her partner. She will be a fabulous Mum, a long held dream for her, and us, and we will support them in anyway we can.
No doubt the intervening months will pass quickly and Christmas will be exciting.
So with the news announced, we were on our journey to Tasmania to meet Ramsay. He was 12 days old and the emotion meeting him was overwhelming. This tiny little bundle ( I’d forgotten how tiny newborns are) was safely here and in front of us.
We met Amanda’s parents and Vinnie too. Gay and Mick could not have been more welcoming. Vinnie is a delightful dog and very good with Ramsay.
Gay and Mick opened their home to us and looked after us so well. Their generosity, hospitality and their candour both heartfelt and refreshing. There was plenty of laughter and we enjoyed our introduction to AFL.
We did and saw so much with them all and it must have been hard to adapt to having a newborn whilst taking us to places, and entertaining us. The fact they invested the time with us makes us very thankful.
We had so many cuddles and we saw raw emotion at times, doing their best, trying various things and suffering from sleep deprivation. Ramsay is adorable and thriving and I’m sure that they will find their rhythm with him, as they grow in confidence as parents. He is one very loved little boy.
Leaving them last Monday was very hard, especially as there will be so many changes over the coming weeks and months. Regular FaceTime and a visit in February to look forward to, will help.
I’m immensely proud of them both at their resilience and feel so much joy.
We broke the journey home by visiting friends in Perth. We last saw them 8 years ago, and it felt like it was only weeks. We enjoyed good food, met some of their family, and saw some of the attractions of Perth and Freo.
We are a little older, maybe wiser and our lives are richer in so many ways. Until the next time…
And with that we are home after a month away, it feels strange but we are looking forward to seeing River and the months to come.
These last few days have been a whirlwind. We’ve had three family birthdays ( our eldest son, mine and a great nephew’s) and our grandson decided to make his much anticipated appearance early on the 2nd July.
A very early morning message and then a call told us the news ‘ we’ve got a baby’. We already knew he was a boy, but the name was a total surprise to me
Ramsay Michael Morley
6 lb 9oz, at 8:11 am
I was very emotional, it had been a bit scary for them, but he arrived safe and sound, and Mummy did very well, in fact she looked amazing.
Ramsay was my maiden name, and Michael is Amanda’s Dad’s name, so very touched by the choices.
There will no doubt be much photo spam of Ramsay, who certainly has his Daddy’s facial expressions to a tee.
I have also been wined and dined with dinner out with Joe, Nicole and River for a pre birthday treat. We went to a lovely alfresco Italian in Maldon, definitely worth another visit.
Thursday was my actual birthday, and it was nicely chilled and a gorgeous sunny day. Dinner in the evening with Georgina, her partner and Kevin at Smith’s of Ongar was perfect with a chance to toast Ramsay too.
Friday I dodged the rain travelling to London to meet up with some ladies who lunch. We went to the Real Greek in Covent Garden and enjoyed chatting, listening and laughing about life and love.
Yesterday we had River and he picked some fruit from the garden, and enjoyed dinner so much he declared at the table ‘ you can make this again Morro’. Dessert was butterscotch angel delight with flake sprinkled on top. He ate 3 out of the 5, and loved eating it from a tea cup.
He entertained us and was so funny, his mind was doing somersaults as he continued to talk for ages. I read him The Elves and the Shoemaker, and when I’d finished he said I wish we were shoemakers.
The joy he has brought to our lives, and now with Ramsay my heart has doubled. Another precious little one to love, and to watch grow, as we watch his parents grow too. They are doing so well, I’m so proud of them both in the magical journey of parenthood. Can’t wait to see them all and to get our first hugs and cuddles.
Oh and England won on penalties to get through to Euro 24 semi finals…..
A busy week as we approach half way through 2024. A ‘trip’ in more ways than one, to Brighton, and we’ve watched three cricket matches. We watched U19 England v Sri Lanka, a convivial way to spend an afternoon. There were a few names to watch out for as stars of the future: Benkenstein, Mustard and Flintoff to name a few. We spent a day with River, and watched some cricket with Georgina. Today we caught up with Andrew and Amanda, on his birthday ( where did those 36 years go?), whilst they eagerly await the arrival of their son.
We have gifts and some clothes to take out with us, and I’ve had the chance to go through ‘vintage’ items kept.
Time does really go so quickly and it’s a privilege to be here to share in their next exciting adventure. Seeing your child become a parent is magical and to be a part of the journey with all the enjoyment that gives is priceless.
This year has been full of so much joy so far, no doubt there is much more to come. I’ve noticed that I laugh a lot more than I have over the last few years, which is a real positive. Life is good.
Going to watch a game of cricket yesterday I remembered that it was 43 years ago that I watched a match for the first time, and met Kevin’s family. It was daunting to meet so many new people, which I marvel at I just did it, as I must have been so nervous.
I’d never had any previous exposure to the game, but was very quickly encouraged to learn to love it as Marion, Kevin’s step mum, told me ‘cricket is his life’.
I learnt to score with coloured pens, and that got me out of making ‘tea’.
I still regularly enjoy watching cricket on tv and have travelled to many grounds to watch it ( probably more than Kevin).
We enjoy Essex Cricket membership and try to get to as many matches as possible.
But remembering days gone by didn’t stop there….
55 years ago to the day we moved from Scotland, to Maryland in London.
I made my first holy communion in the morning, enjoyed tea with extended family, then caught the overnight sleeper to begin our new life. It must have been daunting for both our parents who were very close to their families, both had 3 siblings.
I never really saw my parents as risk takers, but on reflection this decision, must have been huge.
Elaine was 3 and I was almost 8, and it must have been daunting for us, new home, schools and a new accent-but I thank my parents for how they managed the process and provided stability and opportunities that may have not been open to us if we had remained in Edinburgh or relocated to elsewhere in Scotland.
More than half a century living in England, although I still count myself as Scottish Italian. interesting how we can be shaped by decisions made for us, by opportunities that arise and what we see all around us.
I’ve been blessed with family and friends and as we are on the cusp of becoming grandparents again, I hope that our grandchildren can develop strong bonds with us and each other.
I’ve wanted to visit Dubai for a long time, so when Georgina suggested a ‘girls’ break for her 30th year, the answer was a resounding YES.
We booked in October and it seemed to come around very quickly.
We left Gatwick late on 31st May arriving the morning of the 1st June. An Uber to our stunning hotel ‘Atlantis the Royal’ provided a view of the metropolis that Dubai now is.
Check in was by Nikita, and a complimentary breakfast was provided. Our room was on Floor 41, with a sea view-perfect for sunset.🌅
Unpacking was swift as we found our bearings, we navigated the levels , shops, galleries and restaurants available. ( We didn’t find them all)
An afternoon on the beach beckoned, the sea felt like bath water. The food offering was delicious and the heat intense.
Dinner was booked for La Mar, the Peruvian restaurant. We dressed for dinner and we took the lift up to La Mar. The food was delicious and for me there were a few alcohol free options.
After a good night’s sleep we enjoyed breakfast and made our way to Nobu by the beach, pre booked. The staff prepare the loungers, and we were treated to various shots, ice lollies and cooling spray.
Georgina had booked dinner for Asia, Asia at the marina and we watched the sun set as the boats below glided on the water.
We booked a trip to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi ( pronounced Abu Zabi) which was worthwhile visiting, and wearing an abaya obligatory in order to enter. The white marble is beautiful to see and touch. The chandeliers are a sight to behold. It felt peaceful although the incessant pouting and posing for photographs of visitors for the ‘gram’ did detract from the serenity of this building.
We returned to the hotel for an afternoon by the pool, before dinner at Ling, Ling, within the hotel. we were thoroughly spoiled and a dessert to celebrate Georgina’s birthday was so sweet.
The evening ended watching the fountain show with music, colour and fire.
Tuesday saw us at The Royal pool, for the morning. Another lovely experience with staff, food and service of the highest order.
We had booked Cloud 22, which has an infinity pool, another ‘gram’ favourite. Six hours of music, food, drink, people watching, sun, pool dipping. I’m intrigued by the ‘cosmetic’ procedures that some have had, particularly BBL, each to their own.
Our final morning, allowed some time by the pool before heading to the airport. Checkout was smooth and the same person who checked us in. An uber to the airport and the flight home.
Four days flew by, but so enjoyable. Time to relax, chat, laugh, the occasional tear. It was magical spending time with Georgina, I am so proud of the woman she is, and it was a privilege to have this time with her.
Dubai was everything I hoped it would be, and there is so much more to see and do. Until the next time……..
Are they a chance to catch up with chores, family or friends?
Just spend at home or venture further afield?
I loathe them, perhaps because I think we should do something rather than stay in, especially in retirement.
So today I took myself off for a walk to our local woods. I took some photos, talked to myself about how I’m feeling, and to focus on the joys of life moving forward.
I cleaned out a cupboard and came across some old photos, they made me smile.
I can’t believe we’ve been back from our cruise almost 3 weeks: it’s certainly been pretty full on.
First day back and Georgina’s new car was hit, resulting in a lot of damage. Thankfully she was fine and that’s the main thing.
We’ve seen a lot of River, been to Brighton, Arbroath ( a 14 hour+ drive that I don’t want to repeat again), Lakeside and London.
There are lots of family birthday’s in April, five in total. This year we had a big one with Georgina turning 30.
There’s been time spent with family and dear friends, we enjoyed a Sunday roast, gardening and a trip down memory lane seeing Blue at the London Palladium. I’ve also participated in an online photography session which I’ve had a play with lenses and tips subsequently.
A spa day followed by dinner at Smiths of Wapping made for an incredible day. It was lovely to see how loved Georgina is and how her friends value her caring nature. She is an amazing young woman, who makes us proud everyday, deserving of all the love and happiness in the world.
I hope that May will be less busy, although I have a list of chores to get done before the 31st.
We arrived in Buenos Aires, and even though our hotel was a few minutes from the Port it took over an hour to locate the passengers to make the short journey. Once ensconced in the hotel Emperador we sat outside in the warm sun and enjoyed lunch and drinks.
Kevin and I went for a walk nearby, and on our return we enjoyed drinks in the lounge before getting ready for dinner and an Argentine tango show.
The dinner was fabulous, and the show very entertaining. They even danced to ‘Billie Jean’ by Michael Jackson. This was a perfect end to the most amazing adventure.
Next morning we had a fairly early start for the airport, with a delay at Rio too. We arrived home on the morning of the 6th of April.
This certainly was the most amazing experience, it felt like three different holidays. The buzz of Argentina, to the tranquility of the Antarctic, and the serenity of the Falklands. To see up close the wildlife and hear them too, to see them go about their lives was indescribable ( although I have tried). We’ve learned so much about the history, the science, the geography, climate and a whole lot more. We met some amazing people, some solo travellers, and an 82 year old lady with mobility issues, who fully participated in activities at sea and on land, crew and passengers making that possible.
I have so many highlights, possibly one for everyday. It truly was an experience of a lifetime, and I’m so happy that I was encouraged to go. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I certainly had to push myself on a few occasions, and the sense of achievement is immense.
Thankyou to Viv and Don ( and Kevin) for making the trip special, for the opportunity, the laughter and spending quality time with them. It was great that we faced the challenges of ice, snow and the cold. Well done to Don and Kevin for kayaking and to Viv and Kevin completing a polar plunge.
All that aside, it is great to be home, and to see and catch up with family and friends, who we missed immeasurably.
We spent two days at sea, filled with many activities, Viv and I even turned our hand at making towel animals. It was hilarious. Next time we have overnight guests I’ll be having a bash. 😂😂 There was a visit to the bridge, which was very interesting and informative. We learnt a little about hybrid power and how the ship is steered. It makes you wonder how on earth the explorers managed without all the high tech gizmos and gadgets. Our final evening of goodbyes to fellow passengers and crew, with the crew band raising the roof. On the morning of the 4th April I watched the sun rise as we arrived into the Port in Buenos Aires, Puerto Nuevo. It’s funny standing out on the balcony and it’s warm, and the port is large and noisy. So far removed from Antarctica.
We arrived in this port, and were able to disembark using the gangway. We had a 3 hour walking tour around the town, although as it was Easter Monday the Welsh tea shop was closed, so that was a little disappointing.
The town was founded on 28 July 1865, when 150 welsh immigrants arrived aboard the clipper Mimosa into the natural port Porth Madryn in honour of Sir Love Jones-Parry whose estate in Wales was called Madryn after the Welsh name for St Materiana. Conditions were difficult and the settlers had to dig irrigation ditches for their first crops.
The settlement grew as a result of the building of the Central Chubut Railway by Welsh, Spanish, and Italian immigrants. This line, opened in 1889, linked the town to Trelew via the lower Chubut River valley.
We did get a chance to visit the building where they teach Welsh still to this day, striving to keep the Welsh language and culture in this enclave. Whilst initially disappointed with this stop, since returning home we know of someone who actually has been out there and full of praise of the history and as a retired teacher does teach Welsh here.
We set sail again as the sun was setting, another two days at sea to our final destination of Buenos Aires.
As we make our way up to Puerto Madryn it’s Easter Sunday. We have in our room chocolate half eggs, filled with sweet treats, blown eggshell painting in the science area and we had booked the Lindstrom restaurant for dinner.
What an absolute treat, this was fine dining, and with the most amazing sunset too.
March 2024 really has been fantastic and sharing this experience with Viv and Don has made it very special.
Overnight with the weather being less kind, the captain and crew made their way to Carcass Island . The wind and swell made it too hard even for the tenders to get to land, so we moved on to try to land at West Point, again no joy, so we cruised around and were offered many on board activities: painting, wildlife walking, outdoor gym, food tasting, and knitting and natter.
That evening you could really feel the movement of the ship. Sleeping was difficult and fitful.
Despite the forecast the sun came out. A spectacular last landing at New Island saw us walk up the gentle slope through the tussock grass to see an amazing bird colony, hosting black browed albatross, rock hopper penguins, and Imperial Cormorants. A lucky few were able to spot one of the three resident Macaroni Penguins in the colony.
There is a museum on the island, hosted by a lovely couple, with some delicate items to buy.
The zodiac back to the ship was tinged with sadness as this would be our last landing like this. Our boots would have to be cleaned and returned.
My little life 