Walk update

 

A group of 11 turned up for the walk. Everyone had taken heed of the warning and brought walking poles with them. We took it slowly and nobody slipped in the mud.  Fortunately it wasn't raining and everyone seemed to enjoy the walk.

Westerham circular walk

 As some of you know I lead walks for the u3a. Some of the walks are guided walks around London based on my research whilst doing the Above the Underground challenge but I also lead country walks. This week I am doing a 5.5 mile walk from the village of Westerham in Kent. I have done this walk a number of times before but prior to leading a group I always try out the walk a few days before. So last Sunday, in the rain, I set off.

The mud was horrendous

Some sections waterlogged.

Walking uphill from the village it was still squelching underfoot.

There was still fungi to be seen.

Snowdrops were now in full flower below the hedgerows

I loved the misty views along the way

The rain had now stopped.

At last a stony pathway that wasn't covered in mud.

The walk took me longer than usual because of the care needed to prevent slipping over in the mud.

The final section was no better. When I got home I emailed the group advising them about the conditions. I am secretly hoping that no one will turn up today for the walk so I don't have to do it again! I'll let you know my fate tomorrow. 

Jools Holland

 One thing I love about London is that there is always something unexpected happening. Yesterday I was at London Bridge station on my way to meet a friend. I could hear someone playing a piano.

It was Jools Holland. They were making a film or something. It was great listening to him play. I missed my train though!

Christmas present

A present with a difference. Given to me by the youngest grandchildren( obviously chosen by the parents), it is something that I am sure will be read and reread in the future. Of course I have to complete it first.

The journal has about 50 different sections ranging from details of the family tree to things that make me laugh. It is going to take a long time to complete but I'll do my best!

Goodbye 2025

As the year draws to an end I like to look back and reflect on places visited and events that have happened. The biggest event was the move. After living in the same house for 40 years I knew the time had come for me to move on. It wasn't an easy decision either emotionally or financially but looking back it was absolutely the right one. I am very happy in my new home. I did not move to an estate for senior citizens but one made up of all types of families, singletons, every creed and every colour. I made the decision very early on to join the residents association committee.  The committee was a new one and so we have had to work together to put on social events and begin to integrate the community. Since joining we have had a quiz night, coffee morning, lighting of the Christmas tree and next week I am leading a monthly walk. I have met so many new, friendly neighbours.

I also joined a lawn bowls club which is based in the local park just a 10min walk away. I have loved learning a new sport and it was perfect for the summer afternoons and evenings. I look forward to the start of the new season in April. Meanwhile a few of us meet up weekly for coffee and a chat. I continue to play table tennis with the u3a as well as leading guided walks in London and country walks in Kent.

I have not done much travelling on my own this year but have been to Amsterdam, Paris and Spain with my daughter and the grandchildren. I also went to the beautiful island of Gozo in the Mediterranean for a walking holiday with friends. Plans to travel to more UK destinations didn't materialise this year but I hope to rectify that in 2026.

With many thanks for your continued interest in my blogs, frequent and kind comments and friendship from afar, I would like to wish all my fellow bloggers a happy and healthy New Year

Christmas 2025

 

The shops on Bond Street never fail to delight.

Finally Annabel's club in Berkeley Square was inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia with an open wardrobe spilling out frosted trees, white roses and a porcelain Aslan Lion. This year it is supporting The Caring Family Foundation's food.

Christmas 2025

 

A day in London with my daughter started off in Rules cocktail bar.

Covent Garden with its festive lego display.

The bells and baubles were not lego.

Fortnum and Mason decorated as an advent calendar.

Saville Row, home to bespoke tailoring.

Burlington Arcade.

A Victorian arcade.

New Bond Street.

More Christmas decorations to follow.