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”

The Drake’s Passage 1 and our first landing

The captain kept his word and with it being Drake Lake, the time was made up to arrive at Half Moon Islands. We saw and heard our first whales and icebergs galore as we glided into our anchor point. The peace and tranquility was phenomenal. The depth of colour of white and blue extraordinary. IContinue reading “The Drake’s Passage 1 and our first landing”

Getting set for Antarctica

We booked this trip to cruise with Hurtigruten expeditions and our ship is the Fridtjof Nansen ( an intrepid explorer). We embarked on the ship and our cases were in our cabins. We did the ‘housekeeping’ elements and made our way to the cabin via the very impressive lift. A sail away was arranged forContinue reading “Getting set for Antarctica”

Busy,busy, busy

The last three weeks have been full on, trip to the theatre, visit to Scotland, trip to Chelsea Flower Show, football, London, and Brighton. Mum is slowly on the mend, she enjoyed our visit and those of so many friends and family. Hopefully the assessments required will be carried out and the support needed putContinue reading “Busy,busy, busy”

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”

Living life with all it has to offer

I started this blog originally to be a chronological edict, but it soon became a written commentary of what I was doing. In part it is so that when I’m no longer here there is something written down for my family to revisit, the other reason is it’s cathartic to write things, especially when timesContinue reading “Living life with all it has to offer”

Time flies

I can’t believe it’s been eight weeks since my last blog. We’ve been busy with birthdays, trips to London, seeing family, friends, cooking, eating, planning trips: one which is far flung. Exciting times! January seems to be so much longer than 31 days in some ways, but seeing bulbs popping up in the garden remindsContinue reading “Time flies”

Bellrock and a Ruby anniversary

Last Sunday Kevin and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We stayed on the Fingal at Leith in the Bellrock Lighthouse Suite. I chose this as the Bellrock is the oldest existing rock lighthouse in the British Isles that is still an active lighthouse, is the tower on the Bell, or Inchcape, rock. This isContinue reading “Bellrock and a Ruby anniversary”

Retirement one year in

Well that year flew by, although it’s not been without it’s challenges. The relief of not getting up five days a week, to meet deadlines, smoke and mirrors, pulling rabbits from hats and spinning plates, is great. I don’t regret the decision to retire, in fact it’s one of the best I’ve made. I, andContinue reading “Retirement one year in”

Fathers Day 2022

A strange day although wonderful at the same time. Great to spend time with Joe, River and SpongeBob SquarePants! Also Georgina and Kevin. Although this wasn’t the first Father’s Day after Dad died, in some ways it felt as if it was, as I had made a card for last year. It’s those little thingsContinue reading “Fathers Day 2022”

Three weeks in to 2022

It’s been a busy three weeks. We’ve established a routine for looking after River, and we’ve enjoyed time with family and friends. There’s been lots of cooking and tidying, and also plans made for trips in the coming months. It’s been quite weird looking at things to book and places to visit, but the excitementContinue reading “Three weeks in to 2022”

2021 …..

With 2022 almost upon us, time to reflect on, for me personally and us as a family, what a year 2021 has been. The challenges, as for many others, have been multifarious, each with their own mini challenges within. We have been through a whole gamut of emotions: disbelief, shock, anger, surprise, grief, sadness, helplessness,Continue reading “2021 …..”

Day after Boxing Day

A trip to Harrods on Saturday 18th with Georgina was, as always, so enjoyable. The store was busy which was surprising with what had been in the news recently. After travelling to Scotland and back in two days, Christmas prep began in earnest and with River for two days it was busy, but fun too.Continue reading “Day after Boxing Day”

December around the corner

In the last three weeks I’ve enjoyed two trips to the theatre in London, been to Murrayfield and been to Scotland and back. The next three will be full of all things Christmas preparation (hopefully) and a chance to take things a little easier. A trip to see Pride and prejudice sort of, began withContinue reading “December around the corner”