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”

Week 26 of 2024

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, MustardContinue reading “Week 26 of 2024”

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”

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”

And what a week

Last week we were awaiting ‘confirmation’ of our next Prime Minister. Liz Truss was duly announced last Monday as the winner, and on Tuesday she flew to Scotland to meet the Queen. Whilst frail, Her Majesty smiled and did her duty and no one thought that her death would be announced a matter of hoursContinue reading “And what a week”

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”

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 …..”

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……”

Yay! Retired!

Yesterday was my last day at work. A weird situation, with no office, laptop, phone or computer at my disposal, but it was a good day nonetheless. The last six weeks without students and staff, have given me the time to process retirement and to reflect on my achievements during my sixteen year tenure. IContinue reading “Yay! Retired!”

Resilience 2

2021 has been, so far, a year of so many difficult challenges and the last few weeks have provided a few more. I know that this is life, but so many in such a relatively short space of time. We, as a family, and as individuals have been sorely tested and I have to say,Continue reading “Resilience 2”

Almost midway through 2021

It’s the last weekend of June 2021 after a busy fortnight. Mum had her op on the 16th and it was successful. She is recovering well, well enough to travel down south for a bit if R&R. Hopefully she will regain her strength and progress every day. The hurly burly of life is in fullContinue reading “Almost midway through 2021”

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”

Another trip to Scotland, another hospital

We had lovely weather for our day trip to Brighton. River met Great Aunts Elaine and Jane and we had a lovely seafront stroll, ice cream and the usual wonderful fayre to eat. Sunday and a trip to Hopefield sanctuary to see the donkeys, pigs, llamas etc. River slept through. Monday and I was earlyContinue reading “Another trip to Scotland, another hospital”