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