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”

Seaside themes, Brighton, Buxton and Bakewell…..

We’ve had a wonderful three weeks whereby we’ve been to Southend, London, Oxford, Brighton, Dudley, Barnsley, Buxton, Bakewell, Helmsley and Thirsk. We’ve visited the seaside, the countryside, been to the theatre, watched some cricket and even been down a coal mine. We’ve spent time with family and friends, enjoyed fantastic food and imbibed maybe tooContinue reading “Seaside themes, Brighton, Buxton and Bakewell…..”

Where did March and April go…..

The last eight weeks have flown by with outings with River, trips to Scotland, Bruges, Spain, Surrey and Sussex. Our first tentative travel experiences were successful which have given me confidence to do more and soon. We’ve delighted in great company, fantastic food and seeing lots of family and friends. The weather has been greatContinue reading “Where did March and April go…..”

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”

So much to do and so little time

The car went in for a MOT two weeks ago, which was all good, and due to a semi conductor shortage we are unable to get our new car for another six months, but that should make it even more worthwhile when it arrives. We travelled back to Scotland again and it is good toContinue reading “So much to do and so little time”

Now is the winter of our discontent……

The title of this blog is the opening line from Shakespeare’s Richard III, but how would you read it? I read it as, although we’ve been through some challenging times, that better days are to come. I’m being positive, as it could be that we are to face even bigger challenges on the political landscapeContinue reading “Now is the winter of our discontent……”

Scotland the Brave

What a week! Elaine and I took mum home; she hadn’t been there since late June so we set priority on some tasks to complete. On Sunday we made a list and worked our way through during the week. We saw family, neighbours, enjoyed good food, and crossed things off the list. The priest whoContinue reading “Scotland the Brave”