Countdown to 2023

As we approach the last month of 2022, we crammed in a lot to November. A trip to Twickenham was up first with an average game of Rugby from England. View and weather though was good. We’ve spent time with River visiting parks, Christmas displays and Southend. I’ve seen Will Young, we’ve dined with familyContinue reading “Countdown to 2023”

Grief and the passing of time

The last two weeks have passed so quickly and I have been busy-perhaps too busy. Dad’s funeral was lovely, the sun shone, people came from afar and we feel we gave him the send off he deserved. I wrote and read the eulogy which hopefully had the right mix of humour, pride and love expressed.Continue reading “Grief and the passing of time”

Mothering Sunday

Originally Mothering Sunday was the fourth Sunday in Lent whereby people visited the mother church: where they were baptised or the nearest cathedral. Later it was when domestic servants were allowed to visit their mums. Mother’s Day is a modern concept and the two were combined, although in some countries they are celebrated separately. TomorrowContinue reading “Mothering Sunday”

September ahoy

Four weeks have passed as we approach autumn, and a new academic year with all that will hold. I’ve been busy at work with all the prep for the full return to school for students and staff. This has been a real rollercoaster and my days have been long and the anxiety huge. A floodContinue reading “September ahoy”

Advent week 3 ……..and sad news

Last Sunday was spent trying to prepare for Christmas visitations, but proved challenging. The week ahead was due to be busy both work and personally. Tuesday brought the saddest news of Kevin’s Nan’s passing, after a year and a day at the Sunrise nursing home. At 98 she has been a major part of Kevin’sContinue reading “Advent week 3 ……..and sad news”

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 onContinue reading “A strange feeling”

A trip home…

A message earlier this month from my Mum breaking the news of my dad’s younger brother’s death was a bolt out of the blue. A call last Thursday, 10th, saying the funeral was on the 17th meant a few internet logins with return tickets purchased and time off in lieu agreed. My Dad is theContinue reading “A trip home…”

Ninety not out

Today we visited Crawley to see my Auntie Alma on her 90th birthday. Her and my Mum’s brother Joe were married in 1952 and Alma is originally from Liverpool. Family had travelled far and wide including her eldest son from America, and family from all over the UK. We were awaiting the birthday girl’s entranceContinue reading “Ninety not out”

Keep right on to the end of the road……

Sunday arrived and we had beautiful weather for the Scottish relatives, friends and neighbours to celebrate the diamond anniversary. Food, drink and chairs were in place. Guests arrived and laughter rang out. We spilled over into the garden and it was so good to see so many smiling faces. I read a poem by BobContinue reading “Keep right on to the end of the road……”

Shine bright like a diamond….

My sister and I travelled almost 500 miles by road yesterday to be a part of the first celebration of our parents 60th wedding anniversary. What a privilege to be able to be here, and what an achievement! We arrived after a 12 hour journey, falling exhausted into bed. An early start today and aContinue reading “Shine bright like a diamond….”

Landscape

​On a recent walk to the Essex Cricket Ground I had to take this picture . What a haven in the middle of the city. The water, the trees and the railway line up on the bridge all components taking the eye on a journey.   I love the greenery against the red brick andContinue reading “Landscape”