leukaemia-limbo-dance

Aiming for a bit of a wind-down after the ‘busyness’ of the last week or so, I had nothing planned on Monday other than a chat to Anita in the evening. Interestingly, I hardly knew what to do with myself, with all that time on my hands!!

I drifted about, checking my list of ‘things to do’, and then drifted about some more. Purpose. That’s the thing. We have to have purpose. And I must confess, that even my ‘to do’ list didn’t fulfil that particular need. Instead, I went into Solihull and did a bit of retail therapy. I relaxed, and tried to look at life from a different perspective.

The chat with Anita was fabulous of course and, between us, we nudged each other on to embrace the life we’ve been offered and to be glad in it.

Even more interestingly, (well, for me, anyway) is that I had little to do on Tuesday as well. My plan was to go to yoga class, but a doctor’s appointment cut across that intention; and the afternoon plan of coffee and cake with the neighbours, became a chat for an hour with one neighbour instead.

The afternoon was an enforced stay at home. I was waiting, all afternoon, for someone to come and fit a tracker to my new car. As the wait for my doctor’s appointment stretched on and on from 10.50 to 11.45, I was anxious about getting home on time for the promised ‘someone will be with you from between 1200hrs and 1800hrs’, and even texted my neighbour to keep an eye out for anyone arriving, with a request for them to wait.

Of course, they never turned up, did they? Ha! Call me a cynic but I am not sure I believed that the ‘van broke down.’ This, after I’d phoned them to chivvy them along – ‘They’re on their way and I’ll let you know if there’s a problem.’ Bah! Humbug…..

However, the ‘stay-at-home’ time was a good follow-on from Monday’s drifting about, and I got a few things done.

A Wednesday is usually a Freddie Day, but not today. Thus, I had more time at home – and I made the most of it this time! I pottered about – a spot of housework here (gosh, where did all that dust come from?); a few phone calls there; a tinker in the garden and a bit of grocery shopping. For a change, it all felt good – and the day was topped off with tea at Paul’s, then Quiz Night. Hmm…. I think the balance has been about right this week!

And on another note, a tradesman actually did fulfil his word and arrive at the agreed time today. I now have blinds in my family bathroom. Gosh, it’ll be usable soon….. who knew that 2026 would be the year, eh?

Take care everyone.

The days are whizzing past. That’s usually because there is so much going on!!! It might also be as a result of me slowing down maybe……?

Anyway, last week was another full diary of seeing friends and family, intertwined with a teeny bit of exercise; a spot of gardening; a couple of hours of child-minding and some prompting of the local drama rehearsals – a Midsummer Night’s Dream, courtesy of our AmDram group, Centre Stage.

A-week-last-Sunday, I had the pleasure of offering a cup of coffee/prosecco/beer to Margaret and Chris, to discuss our planned holiday together. Had a really lovely afternoon and we were actually able to sit out in the garden. For once, the sun was shining and warming the air up a bit. The time went so fast with all our nattering that no sooner had they arrived than, it seemed, they had to leave.

I already regaled you with my marvellous trip to Malvern for my visit to Richard and Jill on the following Monday. But what I didn’t say was that no sooner had I got home than it was time to go out again.

One of our ‘Exploring Faith’ Group has been unwell recently, so she’s now ensconced in Harper’s Fields Care Home where she seems to be having a lovely time! We were there to celebrate her 80th birthday. Glass of champagne, Pat? “Oooh, yes please!” came the very prompt reply. Bit of lemon drizzle cake? “Ooh, yes please!! It’s my favourite!” She knows how to live, that girl!! (As do we, who all said ‘yes please’ to prosecco and cake!)

Tuesday was a relatively quiet day, with my lovely gardener arriving at the crack of dawn to dig a big hole for my newly-acquired lilac tree. A spot of gardening was in order, and then an hour of gentle yoga. Not sure I did a lot after that…. might have had an afternoon snooze! Who? Me?

Wednesday beckons with the exciting anticipation of a ‘Freddie Day’. We have a little routine to encourage him into school, whereby Paul drops him off at mine and then we play a bit before I take him in. It’s always lovely and I’m learning Minecraft folks! And 99 Nights in the Forest. And quite a few other games whose names elude me right now.

At mid-day, Linda, she of college-crew fame, arrived for a cuppa. She’d been visiting her sister-in-law ‘oop north’ and broke her journey home on the way to Somerset. It was so lovely to see her and have a good old natter for an hour so. It does you good to see your friends even for a short time doesn’t it? It certainly did me good!

Thursday and Friday also galloped by with a natter at the French Conversation Group; a natter to another Anne who came for coffee and another sit in the garden; having my work cut out prompting the cast at Centre Stage; and meeting up in Banbury with a new acquaintance gained from the Silent Retreat I went on last year.

And the weekend? More lovely time with friends and family, of course! Dave and Chris came for the afternoon on Saturday and we put the world to rights. Not only that, they had sage advice for dealing with any low mood I might be feeling.

And the week was topped off with my goddaughter’s daughter’s christening (more cake!), before a Sunday Roast en famille at Paul’s. Is it any wonder that time is whizzing by? There’s never a dull moment!!!

Take care everyone.

At the end of December, just as I jetted off to Australia, Andrew jetted off to work in the British Virgin Islands. He wasn’t sure how long for, but he hoped it’d be for a while.

Four months on, and the boy is back! Thoroughly enjoyed the sun, the sand and the sea. He also enjoyed the gym, returning with rather excellent muscles…..

He didn’t enjoy the job quite so much though; the Organisation wasn’t as well organised as he’d hoped, and the rather relaxed approach to hospitality was not quite to his taste. Give him the high-octane atmosphere of a fine dining kitchen any day!! Let’s see what unfolds for him in the next chapter, eh?

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I thought I’d tackle the ‘floordrobe’ that I’d created the other day. Ha! Much easier said, than done. First, I had to get that feisty furniture fitted together.

The drawer, although now glued and mended, took a little bit of effort to get back into the body of the chest. It was proving unwieldy, and my arms were seemingly not quite long enough to shuffle the dratted thing into place. Eventually, and after much huffing and puffing, I fettled a solution involving a stool and some brute force. Ta-Da!! It’s in!!

Now, to dismantle the ‘floordrobe’!!

The highs and lows of every day living, eh? From excitedly greeting the jet-setter to a spot of DIY. Yin and Yang; the light and shade of whatever the universe throws at us. Keeps me on my toes, anyway!

Take care everyone.

I expect you remember Tracey Emin’s bed. I could never quite get my head round the concept that it was hailed as ‘art’. But witness my latest installations! I mean, this has got to be art, right?

This one, I’m calling Installation Number One. Or alternatively, Anne Sleath’s Pile High:

I crafted this unique piece in preparation for my little ‘Robocop’ to vacuum the floor. The boys gifted me the fabulous little cleaner for my birthday, last November. The only thing is, I like to pile everything up off the floor so that the machine can actually get at the floor. Otherwise, it does a little dance around everything and doesn’t quite cut the mustard. But boy, I can thoroughly recommend a robot vacuum cleaner. If you haven’t got one, think about it!!

And here, ladies and gentlemen, is Installation Number Two. Or alternatively, Anne Sleath’s Pile Low:

This installation is courtesy of the top drawer of the chest of drawers collapsing on me. There was a little bit of a tussle between me and the drawer yesterday. It refused to budge. It was having none of it. I tugged and pulled – and then I cajoled. Ha! That did the trick. But I had to empty both drawers.

On inspection, the top drawer’s bottom had sadly parted company with its shell; and the piece of wood supposedly holding it all together had gone the way of the rising sun – pointing east. I’m wondering though, if you think I might have overfilled the drawer? Hmmm…. might have, might have…….

Anyway, trusty Gorilla Glue, a whack with the hammer and the job was done. Drawer mended. Regrettably, the clothes are not yet back in situ. That’s just a job too far at the moment……. I shall proudly use the ‘floordobe’ for a day or two instead.

Take care everyone.

A car!

Last week, I bought a new car. Not a new, new car, but a new-to-me car. I thought I would put it through it’s paces on Friday when I drove down to Oxford to continue on with the Thames Path Walk. However, as it turned out, we didn’t go.

Ann texted me late at night on Thursday to tell me that Nigel was on his way to hospital with suspected broken ribs. Oh, Lord! That wasn’t good news; we abandoned our plans as well as my intention to try out the new car out just then.

Instead, I spent a happy hour or two pottering in the garden – gleefully pulling up ivy that has been choking the hedge, and tinkering with the flowerbeds.

Today, however, I got to try the car out by driving down to Malvern to visit Richard and Jill. The car behaved like a car should, and my nervousness at driving a new-to-me car soon dissipated as I enjoyed the journey there and back.

It was a lovely day – the weather was particularly pleasant; the company was very good and the pub meal was excellent. I really enjoyed it all. Especially as I was able admire the décor and sofa that Richard and Jill have installed in their lounge. This included their beautiful collection of artwork.

I admired all the paintings in the lounge and the art work in every other room in the house. It was just as if I was visiting an art gallery – it was absolutely brilliant.

Not only that, but the ‘art gallery’ had ‘grounds’. After we got back from the pub, we had a wander through their very beautiful garden, which has been so well-designed and tended that it’s a pleasure to spend time in it.

Jill was generous, as ever, with plants that she’d extracted from her garden to give to me. I have come home with some orange Day Lilies, some Michaelmas Daisies and some Golden Rod. Not new, new plants, but new-to-me plants. Cool, eh?

What a lovely, lovely day. Still counting my blessings.

Take care everyone.

At the beginning of February, I called up memories of my visit to Graham and Gail in Australia with the promise of writing a bit more about my trip ‘later’. So here we are.

Graham is a big fan of lawn bowling. It’s a big thing in Australia with loads of people playing the game. They have clubs galore across the country, which cater for the game of bowls as well as offering food and drink. The meals are exceptionally well prepared and, of course, you can buy a pint or a glass of wine to go with your meal, all at very reasonable prices.

I don’t know how Graham manages to play the game in the height of summer though. I mean, I was luxuriating in the 33-degree heat when I was by the swimming pool with a glass of bubbly, but to play in 36-degree heat with sun beating down on you? Not for me or Gail!!! We sat and watched and nattered in the shade!!

I do think Graham’s team is aptly named though……. tee-hee!!

(Just to clarify: the team are so-named because the club is located in a key cultivation area for macadamia nuts……)

Towards the end of my holiday, we went to Ballina. This has very fond memories for us because John and I ate in the clubhouse at that time, and we all had our photo taken with the river as a backdrop. Many years later, Paul and his family also visited the same venue and had their photo taken in the same place. And in 2026? Yep! You guessed it – we were drawn to the very same spot…..

I never did quite get the sea-swim in that I was after though because, do you know what? The sea was too dangerous every time we went down to it! Red flags or ‘beach is closed’ signs greeted us each time we thought it’d be ace to get in. The best I managed was a fabulous swim in the river estuary flowing out to sea. But I did enjoy a good sea-paddle whenever I could….

It wasn’t all sun, sea and sand though. We visited ‘The Crystal Castle’ one day. Wow! That took my breath away! There were massive rocks/geodes with absolutely gorgeous crystals inside, all set in a beautifully laid out garden for us to wander around. Gail said, “I thought you’d like it.” No, I didn’t like it…..I loved it! She knows me too well, that girl!

Not the best photo but this is a huge geode into which you could climb, all filled with twinkling amethysts. Glorious.

Alongside the crystals there were some amazing fossils too, as well as a labyrinth, which I enjoyed (apart from the loudly chattering family nearby…..) and a bamboo walk. Can you spot Graham anywhere?

Eeeh, it were a lovely holiday!! The Chapmans did me proud. It was hard to say goodbye to them and big, squeezy hugs were given and received at the airport before I quickly went on my way before the tears could flow. Great, great memories.

Here’s to next year?

Take care everyone.

Mostly, since I came back from Australia, I have enjoyed the comfort of my bed or the sofa – although there have been some exciting times in between.

Clinging to my bed or sofa has been enforced by a variety of respiratory viruses and UTIs – and I have thought, on occasion, that I would never be well again. However, the sun has been shining for a couple of days; the air temperature is warming up a little; and I have been well enough to potter about in the garden. So things are looking up.

I had thought that the trip to Oz heralded the omen of a good year ahead. As it has turned out, it’s been sluggish, despite some great moments along the way such as the week away at Ragdale with the College Girls. Much to my relief, I managed not to pass my cold on to Anita, who is immunocompromised, and we all had a very nice time together. It transpires that we have known each other a very long time – it will be 55 years in September – so we plan an Emerald Anniversary Celebration. Who’d a-thunk it, eh? Friends all these years. Wow!

And then there was the get-together with my old school friends at my house. What a weekend that was. So very lovely. It was fantastic to be together again and to remember how much we enjoy each others’ company. And that’s another milestone – we have known each other since I was twelve. Crumbs! That’s over 60 years….. who’d a-thunk that?

I often say that my amazing friendships are like a comfy, well-worn slipper. We just slip into easy conversation and feel so easy in each other’s company that it’s like a warm hug. Marvellous. Lucky me.

Maybe the year hasn’t been so bad after all? Kicked off with sibling loveliness, followed by a couple of get-togethers with much-loved friends. And then of course, there’s the family who are always there….. Yep, need to count my very many blessings.

Take care everyone.

I love a bit of poetry. One of the Book Club members asked if I’d like to join the Poetry Group? I said ‘Yes’. It turns out the group consists of the organiser, she who invited me to join, one of the local vicars and me. Just the three of us.

Actually, it’s quite nice because, although I didn’t know it beforehand, you take one of the poems ‘wot you have written’ and offer it up for critique. Hmm, that bit is scary.

Anyway, the upshot is that, because it’s 2026 and one hundred years after me Mum and the Queen were born, I thought I’d share the recently critiqued, but not recently written poem. As you will see, it was written in hope and expectation……

Keeping Going

Here's a letter for you. 
It's a good one, I can tell.
The envelope is cream vellum,
The address is hand-written, 
And there's a proper, 
Queen Elizabeth postage stamp.
And see, a proper post-mark too.

A smile of pleasure on her face,
Then curiosity.
Who can it be from?
I don't recognise the hand-writing.

She takes the treasured letter.
She holds it reverently.
And, lifting her glasses to see,
She asks, "Is it really for me?"

It is. It is. Look, see.

She peers at the postmark - 
It's London - that's strange -
I don't know anyone in London.
The friends I knew there
Are all dead, you see.
I wonder who it can from?
And who would be writing to me?

She turns it over
And sniffs it.
She turns it again and shakes it.
She bends it,
And peers again at the post mark.
London? Can it really be for me?

It is. It is. Look, see.

There's your name, your address.
Look, look, see?

Oh, yes! It's my address!
Oh yes! It's my name!
But I don't know anyone in London.
The friends I knew there 
Are all dead, you see.
Open it, Mum - gently said -
Let's look, let's see.

A rustle behind her,
And the carer passes a knife.
To open it, Mum - so gently said,
Let's look, let's see.
But it's not my birthday!
It is, Mum, it is.
Look, see.

But who's it from? 
I don't know anyone in London
Except the Queen, 
Who's the same age as me.

She's sent you a card, Mum. 
Look, look, see.
It's from the Queen,
To wish you a happy birthday.
Oh, how nice! The poor old duck,
She's getting on a bit isn't she?

Yes, Mum - smilingly said,
She's 100 - just like thee.

A warm, firm hand was placed on my shoulder. I lifted my weary head from its resting place and looked up. It was Paul. What an absolute sight for sore eyes after a long return flight from Oz. Just as the the trip had started, so it finished. Looking into the eyes of a loved one on arrival, with joy and relief.

I’d landed in Brisbane just 4 weeks earlier and looked into the eyes of my brother. Grinning like Cheshire Cats, we’d hugged each other hard. Pulling away at last, Graham gestured to Gail, who was following up the rear, and we, too, looked into each others’ eyes and hugged hard. There’s nothing like it. Soul to soul, we were thrilled to see each other.

And so it began. A month-long delight of sibling togetherness. New Year’s Eve kicked off the celebrations and we didn’t stop until it was time to come home.

The Chapmans in Oz certainly know how to live and entertain. They are absolute masters at it. We barbecued; swam in the pool; lunched; visited local points of interest; bowled; submitted ourselves to aqua-aerobics; and visited friends. We held craft mornings; lunched some more; yee-ha’d our way through the Outback Show; inspected G&G’s ‘estate’; visited churches and galleries; and oh…. so much more – getting sozzled at a winetasting; admiring waterfalls, crystal gardens and a natural bridge. It was all marvellous.

Gail asked me what I’d liked best about the visit. Well, naturally, the best bit was spending time together. And then I started to enumerate the things I’d enjoyed….. and found that I was listing it all.

We didn’t go mad sightseeing. We’d done that when John and I had visited previously. Apart from a few days at the Gold Coast, G&G lived their normal lives and I joined in, which was just right.

At the Gold Coast, we took the AquaDuck and had a trip through the streets before plunging into the sea and powering upriver.

We sailed past the houses on the waterfront, which had been worth a few quid not long ago, but are now worth millions. What struck me was the high-rise nature of the area now. Glossy and monied.

But still the Surfer’s Paradise.

A trip to Tambourine Mountain followed, with a lot of wine-tasting and being pickled by the end of the day – as you can see by the very cheesy grin I’m offering….. oh, what fun!!

We then experienced that beloved show – the Australian Outback Show – which didn’t disappoint. An arena full of horses, cows (my favourite!), birds of prey, dogs and people all narrating the agony of trying to hold it together whether there’s drought, or flood; or when the banks foreclose. And then describing the struggle of passing the land and its living on to the next generation. An historic story, but still all very relevant now and great fun to watch.

And so back to G & G’s pad, with its fabulous views and facilities. Despite being pretty much in the middle of nowhere, the pad is lovely. Relying on rainwater and solar energy there’s a lot of attention paid to their usage which, of course, I am not used to. I suddenly found that actually I’m a profligate user of both water and electricity here in the UK…….. sticking the washing machine/tumble dryer/dishwasher on at any time of the day!! I learned that I probably should do better.

But what a view overlooking the valley from the back verandah. Absolutely stunning. With 17 and a half acres of gorgeous garden, the view is uninterrupted.

And then there’s the pool…….such a hard life. After a day of a few jobs, perhaps a lunch out, it must surely be time for a swim? And a G&T? Or perky prosecco?

Ambient temperature: 33 degrees; Pool: 29.8 degrees; Prosecco: 5 degrees.

And, obviously, there’s lots more to share – I mean, I haven’t touched on ‘The Everyday Story of Australia Folk’ yet! I will, but in another Blog.

All this was just the start of my 2026. Couldn’t have asked for better – it has certainly set the tone for what I hope will be a good year.

Happy New Year everyone. May you and yours enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead.

On this day, two years ago, we were sleep-deprived and drinking copious amounts of tea. Then, as now, the leaves were tumbling from the trees and bustling along the pavements. Not that we were enjoying a walk amongst them. Rather, we were saying our goodbyes to the ol’ man and sipping tea in the belief that a cuppa would make everything alright; make us feel better; or lift our spirits.

Two years. A time lapse. But not a memory lapse.

The time lapse has somewhat softened those hard edges that were so very raw at the time. And the difficult memories, although they pop up unexpectedly and still frequently, have lessened the impulse to ‘stop the world, I want to get off’. But at this time of the year, we are pulled back to the moment when we all thought our world had actually stopped.

John stepping out of our world was never something I’d want to contemplate. I could never imagine a life without him. But here we are – carrying on and, despite the John-sized hole, making the most of what life has to offer us.

We are able to enjoy family time and love being together. We are able to enjoy the company of our friends and laugh together. We are taking in all that life offers or throws at us. The ol’ man would be pretty pleased, I think, at the good lives we’re leading. His wish was for us all to be happy – and generally, we are.

So on this day, remembering the vigil we had kept and tight bond we made as John passed away, I thank the Lord for the life he had created for us all.

I know it’s such a cliché that he is so very much missed, but oh, very much not forgotten. His essence continues on in us all.

Goodnight, my darling one.