One life

We only get one bite of the cherry, so we’re told. I have yet to disprove this particular theory, so that being the case, it seems best to choose wisely as opportunities present themselves.

There are so many things on offer – many, many more than I had ever thought of before John died – to the extent that I am now making choices. Ay up! That’s a new one!

Birthday celebrations with Dawn, Alison and Sally was an absolute ‘must’ last week, when we drank to Dawn’s many happy returns of the day. We had a lovely time, nattering away and imbibing a spot of Prosecco. Who? Me?

A three-mile walk with the Kenilworth Walking women, accompanied by Linda, was a delight – with warm weather, great company and an easy path. Smashing. We’re in amongst the crowd somewhere!!

Quiz Night followed, of course, which is always my particular pleasure among dear friends. But here was a choice: take a Meditation Session on offer? Or Quiz Night? There was no contest here….. I am not giving up Quiz Night for nuffin’ and no-one!

French Conversation Group; Centre Stage and Table Tennis all played their part last week, but swimming took a back seat as I chose to pop into Solihull to order new glasses and to enjoy Freddie’s company longer than expected. See? I’m doing it!!

Family time takes precedence over most everything else though, and spending time with each and every one of my sons and their offspring is manna for the soul. I had plenty of that, as looking after Freddie, William, Thomas and Oliver was bliss.

Then a trip over to Wales to see Andrew at the weekend. And wow! What a fantastic weekend we had. A slap-up meal at Gwen, the sister restaurant to Ynyshir, was delightful.

We sat with another couple at the table who thoroughly enjoyed the experience too. So much so, that their review on TripAdvisor mentioned Andrew twice – and I got a (sort of) mention too…. ‘Andrew and his mom were a joy to share the experience with. Andrew was so knowledgeable with his experience of working in some of the great restaurants around the country.’ Fame at last.

We took in the theatre in Aberystwyth, ate at the Riverside Pub in Pennal which was recently voted the best pub in the area, and we rode on the little steam train in Corris….. I loved that and thought of Graham…..

We also experienced the King Arthur’s Labyrinth nearby, which was great fun – but a bit scary for little ones, deep underground with not a lot of light and roaring from the dragons…. I didn’t have to hold on to Andrew’s arm at all.

On the last day of my visit we managed a swim! And it was lush.

Near to where Andrew lives is the Dyfi Furnace. Built around 1755, this charcoal-fired blast furnace was once used for the smelting of iron ore and is one of the best-preserved industrial buildings of its type in Britain, apparently.

We didn’t have time to explore the furnace, however, as we ducked down to the side of it, where a waterfall churned water into the river below, inviting us in. Just look at that! Gosh, we had fun. Mind you, it was more of a dip than a good old swim but we enjoyed it nonetheless.

Good times. Chosen times. Because we just get one bite at this life….. I think, anyway. Sometimes I think the ol’ man still has a thing or two to say, but that’s another story.

Take care everyone. God bless.