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.Continue reading “Romagna/Tuscany metreat 2025”
Tag Archives: #mentalhealth
A decade
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,Continue reading “A decade”
Camino: blisters, bowels and bladders
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 ofContinue reading “Camino: blisters, bowels and bladders”
We’ve blinked and it’s April
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 theContinue reading “We’ve blinked and it’s April”
An unusually quick January
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 haveContinue reading “An unusually quick January”
A new year full of hope and optimism
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 yearsContinue reading “A new year full of hope and optimism”
2024 – a dream is a wish your heart makes……
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 NewContinue reading “2024 – a dream is a wish your heart makes……”
Ahoy there, sailor
This week was another trip to Scotland for a sad occasion. My cousin Helen’s husband, Brian, passed away on 8th October. Brian had faced many health challenges over the last 30 years, and whilst both he and his family shared moments of anguish, these were met with stoical fortitude, humour, love and support. Brian ‘Andy’Continue reading “Ahoy there, sailor”
Tragedy: a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering
On Wednesday night Georgina called me with the saddest news: the death of Liam Payne from 1Direction. Georgina has been a fan from 2011 and beyond their hiatus in 2016. Five young men of similar age to her, she met them in March 2011 and again in March 2012. We followed their journey to stardomContinue reading “Tragedy: a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering”
To the Falklands
Two days at sea after our amazing five days in Antarctica. Travelling across the Scotia Sea, with conditions due to change, for this time of year, still relatively easy. I did wear my sea sickness bands though. The crew are adept at providing activities and lectures which helps pass the time. With specialists on boardContinue reading “To the Falklands”
Approaching the Ides Of March
The saying is Beware the Ides of March (15th March), but I don’t want to dwell on a negative connotation. February with extra day has come and gone, and March is going to be full of lots of exciting things. I definitely feel a lot better this week, and have managed to get a fewContinue reading “Approaching the Ides Of March”
Recovery
So almost two weeks post op and every day I’m feeling a bit stronger. The first week left me feeling a wee bit sorry for myself, but a pamper session from my daughter and a visit to my cousin lifted my spirits. This past week I removed the wound dressings. I was expecting three smallContinue reading “Recovery”
Celebrations, coronations and a couple of breaks.
A busy fortnight where we have spent time with River, celebrated the coronation of King Charles III, visited family, I’ve visited friends, family, cooked, tidied, watched cricket, rugby and had some tests and scans after my February rib/back injury has not improved. Both our sisters have celebrated wedding anniversaries: one sapphire, one silk. Warmest congratulationsContinue reading “Celebrations, coronations and a couple of breaks.”
All roads lead to Rome, but not without a bump
On Wednesday a change in plans for the weekend presented themselves and I was busy arranging accommodation in Rome ( over a 6N weekend). No mean feat, but I did secure some in a religious community near to where my cousin and her husband were staying. This was a huge departure for me staying somewhereContinue reading “All roads lead to Rome, but not without a bump”
My little life 