Month: July 2024

Yesterday, I tried not to think too much but, inevitably, I thought about John a lot. We had been together for nearly fifty-seven years, which is a very long time. And yesterday would have been our fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Had the ol’ man been here, it would have been absolutely golden, wouldn’t it?

Equally, I thought a lot about Mum, too. On 27th July last year, we were holding her funeral. Despite the nature of our gathering, it was actually rather good because it meant that we saw lots and lots of our family and friends on our 49th wedding anniversary – and Gail even got us a cake to celebrate, which went down well. We didn’t know then that it would be our last, but I am grateful for that day with everyone.

I was keen not to spend our anniversary on my own, so one or two of my ‘besties’ came over: Dave and Chris; George and Sue – most of whom had been there at the very start of our journey; Anita; and Pete and Dawn – all of whom have absolutely been there for us all the way. I so appreciated their gentle understanding, their chatter about normal things and their toast to John. We had a lovely day together.

We had had a lovely day on our wedding day itself, too. As happy as happy can be. With a rolling pin at the ever-ready, it was always going to be a long marriage, wasn’t it?

I have had another fabulous week! The trains behaved and I managed to get myself down to the ‘smoke’ on Tuesday where once again, I stayed in Putney with John’s Uni friends, Nigel and Ann. And once again, they looked after me so wonderfully well that I came home well-refreshed on Thursday. Eeh, but it were luvly!!

Nigel and Ann met me off the train, whereupon Nigel whisked my suitcase off to their house, while Ann and I wandered through Green Park for a picnic lunch, before another saunter into Hyde Park to meet up with Nigel at the two Serpentine exhibition spaces, which I thoroughly enjoyed. We saw two very different art exhibits/installations and were particularly thrilled by ‘Suspended States’ by Yinka Shonibare. Brilliant stuff.

In the evening, we met George Pryzbyla at the Comptoir Libanais in South Kensington for a bite to eat. It was so nice to see him and especially hear all about his recent status as Grandpa. He was also excited by the General Election result, so we heard all about his activities as a canvasser in his local area. Fascinating!

Wednesday was another ‘up an’ at ’em’ day. We were off to Dulwich for another art exhibition at the oldest purpose-built art gallery in the UK, Dulwich Art Gallery. And we weren’t disappointed. The art was Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Print Making. I loved it and feasted my eyes and soul as long as I could – even bought the exhibition book!

A spot of lunch just after one o’clock and then a bus ride home, before joining the jet set in Piccadilly at Brasserie Zedel’s for an evening meal and a foray into The Crazy Coqs for a bit of Jazz. All very weird and wonderful. Ann and I couldn’t help giggling our heads off at some the antics and kept giggling all the way home. Smashing.

It was home-time on Thursday, but that didn’t stop us doing something! We met up with Jane in Chiswick; she and Nev were about to set off for the New Forest but Nev was still getting a shower, so she came solo. It was lovely hour or so together though, and we hugged a fond goodbye at the Tube station.

Ann and I went on to the Garden Museum on the banks of the Thames – a small, but fascinating display of gardens, gardeners, artefacts and tools in the old deconsecrated church of St-Mary-at-Lambeth. More soul-filling.

I had already hugged Nigel a fond farewell earlier in the day, but I squeezed Ann tight as I left her at the station. I had had such an amazing time. Thoroughly enjoyed their company. Lucky me.

Home again, and it was a babysitting day over at the Kenilworth Newbies while Michael and Danielle were at their friend, Leah’s, wedding. Gosh, they scrubbed up well. Looked gorgeous in their smart gear. “Makes a change from jeans!” said Danielle as she left the house.

The boys were marvellous fun while their parents were away and no trouble at all. Lego-building for William and Thomas went down well, while Oliver had a daytime nap. I am forever amazed at their skills and ability to follow the instructions.

Meanwhile, the Kenilworth Originals have arrived in Oz. This is the view from their hotel. Not bad, eh?

You’ve heard of Wainwright’s Walks? Well, this week I did Wakeford’s Walks – somewhat similar, but in excellent company! Yep, a trip up to the Lakes to see my dear, long-standing friends, Sue and Rod – and what a wonderful, happy week it was!

The journey didn’t start well, though. I had booked a train trip, thinking I’d have a good relaxing time, reading my book for a few hours. Ha! Ha! Best laid plans and all that….. I trundled my heavy suitcase down the hill to Berkswell station; then trundled it back up again. Why? Because all trains for the rest of the day were either: cancelled/sold out/first class only @ £158.46/cancelled/sold out. So I hopped in the car instead.

We were lucky with the weather – very little rain, a few clouds and a little bit of sunshine saw us on all our wonderful walks. After I’d finally arrived on Monday and had a cuppa, we did a little tour of Selside. Across the fields and up to the church, where we had a natter with the neighbour, and then home again, at a run, as we dodged the shower plopping on our heads.

We went to Tarn Hows the next day, where I glorified in the views and Sue’s company. No rain, but a bit of a threat of it! Look at those clouds!

Near Skelwith Bridge, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Chester’s Tea Shop (where I eyed up some mouth-watering jam doughnuts) and enjoyed a little walk to the bridge itself. On our way back, the siren call of the doughnuts was too much, so I persuaded Sue that she really did want one, and we tucked in wholeheartedly – not jam doughnuts, but lemon curd doughnuts. Delicious.

On Wednesday, we did the circuit of Rydal Water – up to an amazing cave, originally created from where they’d quarried slate, before stopping at a lovely café for lunch, then up over the top on the hill, and finally back to the car.

We had done over 13k steps and probably about 5 miles, but we didn’t stop there!!! We grabbed our swimming kit and walked the mile to Grasmere, where we dipped……. and, ooh, it was lovely.

I had been anxious about having a swim because it is over 18 months since I last did open water swimming. But honestly, Sue was marvellous. So patient and kind as I wittered on about how I didn’t know whether I’d manage it. However, we walked into the water slowly, and finally, I was up to my neck. Yay! I was off! We had a lovely gentle swim in very balmy water; and there was no shivering on the side, as we dried ourselves in the sun that was warming the rocks where we sat. Bliss.

Oh, my goodness, what a good time I had. Sue and Rod were the perfect hosts – great food, really good company and offering a very comfy bed. We chatted as if we’d never been apart; we puzzled over crosswords and sudokus; enjoyed TV programmes together, as well as the lovely walks. I can highly recommend a stay in the Lakes with the Wakefords!!

Once home, I put my feet up for an hour or two before I cracked on, once again, with family. This time, it was Thomas’s ‘Graduation Ceremony’ on Friday afternoon, as he left pre-school. So cute – so much so, that this photo won a prize! Cool, no?

Naturally, as it was the end of the school year, it was pastries all round for the Kenilworth Newbie boys on the way home from school. Yay! School’s out!

We were keen to all get together as best we could this weekend as well. Paul and Harriet are off to OZ to see Graham and Gail on Monday for a few weeks, so we thought maybe a barbecue? Saturday was agreed upon, despite the threat of rain and the fact that Andrew was still in Wales.

Spurred on by the swim on Wednesday, I toddled up to Warwick Uni for an early morning swim to set me up for the day, then grabbed all barbecue stuff ready for the hoards to descend. Oh, another bliss. How I love it when we’re together. The weather held and we all had fun. Can’t be bad, eh?

On Thursday, I took the day to recover from the Zip Wire excursion, simply going to yoga class in the morning, before heading out in the evening to Centre Stage. I don’t know how many years it is since I last participated in ‘Am Dram’, but it sure is a while. Apparently, people were thrilled to see me and delighted I was back and getting involved. How nice! The group is putting on a play in September with a small cast, so the rest of us who are at a loose end, are going to undertake a Murder Mystery: ‘Am Dram is Murder’…… hehe……. I am a witness. Oo-er, I wonder whodunnit?

Friday was a marvellous day en famille. First off, it was William’s Sports Day. I don’t what programmes he’s been watching, but he was keen to get a good start, settling into a proper runner’s starting position as they lined up, bless him.

Not that you can see his little face, but here he is, concentrating very hard at the start line……

I do love a Sports Day. The children are all very excited and so cute as they run their best, grinning their little heads off and waving to Mummy and Daddy (and Thomas, Oliver and Grandma) as they hurtle past. Fabulous.

After we’d waved goodbye to William as Sports Day drew to a close, I headed off to the Kenilworth Tennis Club, to watch Paul and Harriet at their tennis coaching session. Gosh, that was fun, too! So great to see them enjoying themselves and working hard to get their backhands and volleys perfected. “Bring your racket next time,” said Harriet, “You could join us.” Erm…… not at all sure how I’d get on with that!!

We hugged goodbye and then I was off back to the Kenilworth Newbies to watch Thomas’ end-of-term concert. Oh my! My soul had already been filled with watching William, Paul and Harriet, and spending time with Michael, Danielle, Thomas and Oliver over lunch, so my cup ran over in the afternoon. Thomas was a little darling. He joined in with absolutely everything, singing his heart out and acting all the words, and when they were asked to dance, he honestly had the best moves. Love it, love it, love it.

We were all on a real high after we’d collected the children after school. “Pub?” Michael wondered. “Pub!” we all agreed. We met Paul and Freddie there and the children gleefully played with the fir cones and sticks, fighting off the enemy in the laurel bushes from the safety of the picnic table. More fun.

I came home and prepped supper for Catherine who arrived earlier than normal, so that was really good. We had a smashing time, as usual. She is excellent company and we natter away as if there’s no tomorrow. I’m a lucky girl.

Yesterday was quieter day – until the evening! Margaret and Chris came round for supper, which was lovely. Then, as we sat in the lounge to digest our supper, we went down the musical Memory Lane, commanding Alexa to play all our old favourites. Dance moves? Hehe, Thomas, eat your heart out! All three of us were up on the dance floor (aka the lounge) boogying away like nobodies’ business. What fun it was!

An excellent week, all told, eh? I felt very sheltered from the pain of remembering Mum dying this time last year. I think she’d have approved.

After the girls had left last weekend, I spent Monday girding my loins for a two-day trip into deepest Wales.

A little while ago, Paul had said to me, “Is it still on your bucket list, Mum, to do a Zip Wire?” I had hesitated. It had been on my bucket list a few years ago, but when asked the question, I suddenly felt old and fragile. “Yeees…..?” I replied, unconvinced. “Right!” said Paul, “Let’s book a date in the calendar.” So we did and, gulp…. the due date had arrived. Eeek. I texted Jaime to let her know I’d be missing yoga class and told her, “I think I’ll take my brown trousers!” “Well, I would if I was you!” she replied.

On Tuesday morning, Paul was on my doorstep at 9 a.m. sharp and we set off for Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales. It was a good journey, despite the driving rain and the heavy Welsh mist, and we arrived in good time.

We were both a bit nervous. Me, because I thought I was old and fragile; and Paul, because he’s inherited John’s acrophobia. He had a brandy to settle his nerves and I had a chamomile tea. “Ready?” Ready!!!

Kitted up in harnesses and helmets, we made our way to the first zip wire which was short and fun – a great way to get you used to the idea – and then we hopped into a truck which trundled us all the way to the top of the quarry. Jeez…. it was very high up – and, for a moment, we didn’t look too nervous…….

After the quick photoshoot at the viewing point, we went inside the hangar from where we were to be launched. We looked nervous then….. just look at those rictus grins!

Anyway, once we’d been strapped in, had weights or a sail added (depending on how heavy you are), we were on our way. Here I am, zooming over the lake, camera at a wonky angle and with my mouth closed. For most of the video, my mouth was flapping about like a wet wash-rag, as I travelled at 70 miles an hour downhill. Honestly, there’s another tale to tell……hehe!!

And here’s Paul – looking far more composed!!

Four minutes of fun!! Boy, we did enjoy it! I’d definitely go again. It was brilliant. Didn’t need brown trousers at all.

Afterwards, we travelled to Criccieth for an overnight stay. What a fabulous hotel and room we had, overlooking the sea, all of the bay and Criccieth Castle. So very beautiful. Paul had chosen really well and, not only that, he’d ordered champagne for the room, too. So lush. We sat for a couple of hours, sipping our drinks, chatting and watching the sea lapping on the beach and the gentle view of Criccieth Castle, before making our way to a local Tapas bar where we had fabulous food. It was lovely.

On Wednesday, we had a leisurely breakfast, then went for a grand walk along the coastal path as far as the River Dwyfor and, of course, stopped for a Cadwalader’s ice cream on the way back. More lushness.

Such a fabulous couple of days with my eldest. He was such great company, so very thoughtful and made me feel very loved. Couldn’t have asked for more. Counting my blessings.

The College Crew arrived, one by one, and we enjoyed love and laughter – and a drink or two – the whole weekend. What a lovely weekend we had!

After a glass of Prosecco and a slice of cake in the garden in the afternoon, and a great fish ‘n chip supper on Friday night, we retired early. We were all surprised that, by about ten o’clock, we were all considering making our way up the wooden hill. “We can’t take it anymore,” laughed Sue P. We all agreed – no, we can’t!!

Everyone slept well, and we gathered together after breakfast to make our way to the station. I had a last minute look at the website to check all trains were running….. shock and horror! No, they weren’t!! Not to worry, we went in the car instead. Nice easy drive and nice easy parking when we got there, so no sweat.

As we got out of the car though, I wished I had had my camera and wits about me. It was raining slightly, so Sue P thought she’d shrug on her zipped-up cagoule. Well, this wasn’t as easy as she thought, and she wriggled and wriggled in what looked like a straight jacket, while the rest of us giggled and giggled at the very funny sight in front of us. We were still giggling at the memory of it well into the evening later on! Fortunately, she took it all in good part, but it certainly made a memory for us all as we arrived in college.

The college was looking good, and we reminisced over the buildings, “Oh, that used to be the library!” we exclaimed, “And there’s the old Principal’s house….” and then, “Where is the Chapel? Round here?” we weren’t sure. Some of the girls roamed the current corridors, declaring ‘it ain’t wot it used to be’. Indeed, the college, purpose-built it 1850, is now accommodation for a Housing Association, so the very narrow corridors we had in the ‘Old Block’ are now wide and airy. All very different. But some features remained the same: the Porters Lodge entrance, the Crest; and the Main Block. Nice.

The old college Refectory had been set up with tables for us all to sit at for our reunion lunch, and our 1974-leavers cohort were pretty much centre stage. Once more, we delved in to Reminiscence Country. “Is it as big as you recall?” “Ah… we used to come for breakfast, do you remember?” “We used to queue just there, didn’t we?” Crikey, it’s 50 years since we left and we couldn’t believe it.

It was good to meet up with our fellow former students. Embarrassing when you didn’t remember someone but they remembered you….. ah, well, a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then hasn’t it? Equally embarrassing was the chat with one chap that the girls teased me over. “You spent ages talking to him!” Oh.

Once we were home, I had planned food for our evening. But guess what? Everyone was still full after the lovely lunch we’d had. Instead, we just nattered and started on a jigsaw – this was one that dear Lizzie had given me for my 70th birthday, but I hadn’t started. Not sure how I’m going to get on with it – it looks hard.

On Sunday, we breakfasted like Kings on a full English before the girls packed up their belongings and headed off to the various parts of the country from whence they had come: to Somerset, Lancashire, Hampshire and the West Midlands. It was a fond farewell to them all with great hugs on the door step.

Fearing I’d be lonely without ‘me mates’, Paul invited me for a late Sunday Roast. Andrew was home too, so we both enjoyed a delicious meal at Paul’s – it was a great way to round off a fabulous weekend. Lucky, lucky old me.

Some of the College Crew are coming for the weekend. We’re going back to college (now a housing complex) in Saltley, Birmingham, for the Annual Reunion on Saturday.

I am so looking forward to it – you know, I can’t wait to see the girls – it’s always a fabulous experience – but please….. please don’t look at the un-washed, un-dusted, un-vacuumed, un-polished, un-tidy bits of the house. It’s been a while since they came to stay….. so let’s get the Prosecco out and blur the vision – hehehe!

And when we get to meet up with old College acquaintances, please don’t look at the wrinkles, the plump waist, the gnarled hands, or the stooped shoulders. They really don’t exist – we are the girls we once were: beautiful, vibrant and clever. Here’s to us rolling back the clock!!

Here we all are – plus Helen, Sue D’s daughter and Stella, her granddaughter – can’t tell the difference between the generations, right?

I’m a bit of a hoarder. So I have gone from horror corners, to now finding where things are hidden…..

How do I know this? Because I thought I’d have a clear-up of the loft bedroom. Of course, there were more Christmas decorations in there, but I also found four duvets. Why had I kept them? Well, in the olden days, people used to come and stay and we needed extra quilts upstairs, downstairs and in My Lady’s Chamber. One of the duvets is brand new – I had bought it to go on the bed that Paul and Harriet gave us. The bed is still in bits, under another bed, because Andrew came home and brought his own bed and duvet….. “Don’t put your stuff in storage,” John had said, “we’ve got plenty of room. It seems a waste to pay someone else to look after it.” Argh….

So where am I hiding things? It’s mostly in the loft. Everything that I don’t know what to do with, or want to keep for sentimental reasons, is up there. And it’s rammed! Ah, well, I have no doubt I’ll get round to sorting it all out in due course – I am, after all, on a tidying spree.

After hearing about my low mood over the weekend though, Danielle texted me yesterday to see if I’d like to go out with her and two of the children to Packwood House. In the end, I said ‘no thank you’ – I thought I’d have a duvet day instead. But I was delighted that she called in for an hour on her way home. Oliver was asleep in the van and Thomas sat in the lounge and watched a bit of TV, so that gave Danielle and me a great opportunity for a natter. It was lovely.

And an update from the weekend! Thomas has ditched the baby talk of ‘Lill-am and Oh-la’r’ and is now fully managing the words ‘William’ and ‘Oliver’. What a milestone. Love it.

Another thing I love is the thoughtfulness of my friends. I had a lovely chat to Carol on FaceTime yesterday which cheered me up; and then, today – guess what? I had a text from Dawn asking if I’d like Peter to come and trim the hedge at the front of the house. It was very overgrown and, although I had thought about cutting it, I hadn’t done it. So, obviously, I said, ‘yes please!’ He did an grand job. How grateful I am to have such dear friends

On a more sombre note, we heard that one of John’s particular friends’ and fellow Mason, Jeff Way, passed away yesterday. Jeff had a similar illness to John and had recently had a stem cell transplant but was hit with GvHD (Graft versus Host Disease) as John had had, and then an infection. Gosh, it’s such a cruel disease, isn’t it? My heart goes out to Carole, Pippa and Naomi. It’s definitely not the news you want to hear.