Gallivanting…… Part One…..

In January, in the aftermath of activity following John’s funeral, all the preparations for Christmas and the busyness of Christmas itself, I wondered whether the New Year might be very challenging. Would I be lonely? Would my brain get into gear? Would I be wallowing in self-pity?

I didn’t want any negative stuff, so I told myself that I would plan at least one thing to look forward to every month. Good plan, eh?

Ha! One thing per month? Honestly, I’ve been everywhere and done lots of things each month since I made that promise to myself. So much so, that my feet have hardly hit the ground – and the admin is piling up behind me!! Eeek!

January whizzed by in a flash with friends coming to stay – Fran called in and stayed over on her way to do some work in Birmingham; and George and Sue came a few days later for a couple of days. I had coffee with Chris Hunnisett and then met up with Dave and Chris; then there was a curry night with the old OCR crew and, before the month ended, I went out for another cup of coffee with a former colleague, John Plunkett – and an evening meal at Margaret and Chris’s. I mean, one thing to look forward to would’ve been good, but there was loads. And all marvellous, too.

When George and Sue came, George, of course, made it his mission to sort out the poorly electrics. He made a grand job of it. Whoopee-doop!! The torches could be put away; the lamps unplugged and the candles snuffed out. It was a fabulous job of tracing the power round the wires until he found the breakage: wires that had been nibbled by mice in my bedroom…….ooo-er! George was ably aided and abetted by Michael who came over to be George’s ‘right-hand man’. Equally aided and abetted by Pete, who tidied up some loose ends. Gosh, I am so grateful to have such marvellous friends and family.

Then, no sooner had January whizzed by than February arrived all in a rush. It started with Ragdale and the college crew, of course!! Such fun and so comforting.

The week at Ragdale – sans Anita for the last day or two as she went home early with a cold – was followed by a week in the sun in Tenerife near Costa Adeje with the Kenilworth Originals – more fun and comfort. And, of course, a bit of craziness!!

Lots of playing in the pool; digging to Australia on the beach while the grown-ups enjoyed a bit of jet-skiing; much eating and drinking and a visit to the zoo. Fortunately, the family wasn’t able to leave me there as a prize exhibit, much to my relief.

We came home from our holiday with spoils from the local markets, lots of lovely memories and a bit of a tan. The spoils included a handbag for me; for Freddie, a Liverpool T-shirt and a watch; Harriet and Lily bought necklaces and bracelets, and Paul bought some belts. All amazing value, and we were all thrilled with our purchases.

After flying home, I pushed washing into the washing machine and tumble dryer in readiness for my next adventure, a few days later. A visit down to Nige and Ann in London – who were fabulous company – for a trip to Kew Gardens. It chucked it down with rain on both the days I was there but it didn’t spoil the enjoyment for me at all. I was in my element gazing at all the lovely plants and flowers, and visiting three or four art galleries. Bliss. Lucky me.

The month of February concluded with a lovely walk with Linda Connor and a cuppa at Oakes’ (just what I like to do – smashing!) and birthdays. Graham had his birthday on the 25th and Paul’s was on the 28th. (Not quite a birthday photo of Paul but still, I rather like this one…..)

Talking of plants and flowers……. what an amazing surprise when this cracking camellia arrived on the door step!! ‘A late Christmas present’ said Gail when I asked. Well, thank you very much!!

So…. January and February? Lots and lots of lovely things in my life for which I am very grateful. And then, of course, there’s March and April….. phew! I’ve been gallivanting!

Take care everyone. God bless.