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From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

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On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions have to be made. Illness, family bonds and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in a life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

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Coronavirus - Unforeseen Events!

26/1/2020

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Well, I never saw this coming! When we began planning our journey to Japan and Thailand, none of us foresaw a widespread virus sweeping the region. I have travelled to many parts of Asia in the past and never been hindered by plague, pestilence or natural disaster, all of my trips here went without a hitch. The only time I was prevented from flying was in 2010, when Darrell and I were due to fly to Australia, but were stopped by the eruption of the famous Eyjafjallajökull Icelandic volcano, spewing an ash cloud across Europe, grounding flights for six days. In the event we decided not to fly and Darrell went to Australia a week later!

The Coronavirus has just begun its rampage across the World, four months before we are due to fly to China, at the beginning of our trip and naturally I am concerned about the implications of this new, mutating virus which is only just taking hold in China. Darrell, my Aunt and I are not spending any time in the Peoples Republic, but we are flying to Japan and Thailand, two countries that are already suffering from the effects of the disease. By the time we leave at the end of May, it is likely the virus will be at its height and the Foreign Office may well advise us not to travel at all.

Up until a few days ago we were busy booking accommodation and flights for our stay and had gone a long way in finalising our itinerary, before this deadly virus was brought to the attention of the World. Today we have stopped booking and like everyone else I am waiting for further instructions from the authorities here in Britain. At the moment we have literally had to put our plans on hold, until we know just how bad this virus will be.  After speaking to my Aunt and Darrell this morning, we are clear about not taking risks that could be hazardous to our health and following any advice to the letter.

At the moment we are not sure whether we are covered by insurance, should the worse happen, and we are advised not to travel. In 2010, after the Icelandic volcano erupted, we were able to arrange a full refund of our flights, this situation is very different. The fact we are flying China Airways could also cause us some difficulties when flying to Japan via Beijing, especially as there is talk of interconnecting flights to the country from China being banned, so we have to quickly look at alternatives, for now at least we are fearing the worst!

UPDATE: I have just got off the phone from my travel insurance company where I have finally been given an update. The gentleman I spoke to was helpful and polite and was able to offer me some much-needed reassurance. Because I had taken out my insurance before booking any flights or accommodation, I am insured for any cancellation of my holiday before the 23rd of January. We luckily booked our last flight on the 16th January and have arranged nothing since. This has indeed put my mind at rest somewhat; if the worst case scenario happens and I have to cancel my trip, I will get a full refund and compensation. He did stress that this will only happen however, if the Foreign Office advises that we do not travel to the areas we are visiting!

I never would have believed this type of disaster would have played a role in my next visit to Asia. Looking at the news bulletins on television you could be forgiven for thinking the end of the World is nigh. This is a virus that has the potential to spiral out of control; only by waiting, will we know what happens next. My concerns are about a loss of holiday, whereas other people are losing their lives. Having visited this part of the World before, I understand the practices that may have contributed to this latest crisis and it is for China to clear its act up. These hybrid viruses always seem to start in Chinese or Asian nations and as such, these countries need to review outdated, appalling practices that have no place in the modern World.

I remain positive for the future and hope the Chinese Government will succeed in containing this deadly virus. Until then, I will remain a spectator like everyone else, looking in at a disaster of monumental proportions. This is a difficult time for all those caught up in the crisis, I can only pray for an optimistic ending and hope for a pragmatic solution to this terror of our times!


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Harry and Meghan!

19/1/2020

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I just wanted to say a word or two about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. I haven't written much about current affairs in recent times, but felt compelled to add my voice to those who continue to support these two young people on their journey through life. As a frequent user of social media, I have been shocked by the comments made about Harry and Meghan. At the moment every man and his dog has an opinion about this royal couple and most views are derogatory, inflammatory and bullying. I have written much about bullying in my time and have seen the same language used over and over again. What on Earth is going on and why are people so angry about people they don't even know.

The Duke and Duchess have decided to remove themselves from the fray and follow a life outside the Royal Family, concentrating on their lives together, rather than being scrutinized by the newspapers and press on a daily basis. It would seem Harry doesn't want his wife suffering in the same way his mother the late Princess Diana did, constantly harassed and hunted like a wild animal by a press pack hungry for a story. Who can blame him, who wouldn't want to see this young Prince happy and content? Well it seems most people in this country have no empathy towards them and their chosen path. The reactions of the 'trolls and bullies' I have witnessed online are upsetting, hurtful and absolutely shocking for someone like me, who tries to see the best in everyone.

What has happened between the Duke, Duchess and Royal Family is a personal matter. Together with Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the family, Harry and Meghan have come to an agreement, that will see them forge their own way in the World, without public funds and will also pay back the £2.4 million pounds spent on renovations at their London home; nothing wrong with that surely? Yes apparently there is and it doesn't satisfy the jeering crowds, baying for blood at their door.

What the hell has happened to this country? Since Brexit, the general public have lost all sense of compassion towards anyone but themselves. Racist and homophobic hate crime is on the rise, and we have lost all sense of what is right and what is wrong. A once empathetic nation has become a nation of haters, doubters and egotists....We are no longer the country we once were and that is a tragedy.

Before you decide to publicly destroy the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, maybe you should all look closer to home and the difficulties you may have faced along the road. Instead of attacking two people you don't even know, maybe, just maybe you should get your own house in order. The majority of you, spouting grotesque, baseless accusations and insults can barely string two words together, yet you are so deluded to believe anyone cares what you think. Harry and Meghan have the blessing of the Queen and the Royal family in their new endeavours and that is all that matters. There is far too much hate in this country now and I find it very difficult to understand just what went wrong. I for one wish them both well, as we all should. Prince Harry served our country during traumatic times and I respect him for that and the choice he now makes. Think about the things you say and look deep within at the person you are...Do you really like what you see?
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A House in Osaka!

16/1/2020

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My Aunt and I have been busy booking every stage of our trip to Japan and Thailand and have managed to complete a good proportion of our arrangements. We have already paid for our flights from London to Osaka on China Airways and organised our flights from Tokyo to Phuket in Thailand with Cathay Pacific. After looking at cheaper alternatives,  we decided to pay extra and use a better carrier. The timings and flight arrivals were just too off kilter and clashed with the rest of our holiday plans! We have learnt that cheapest is not always best and to be honest I didn't really want to travel on some of the more obscure airlines anyway.

Whilst in Osaka, our first stop in Japan, we have decided to rent a traditional Japanese house and came across the quintessentially Nipponese residence above. The home is typical of many you will find in this city and its charm made a big impact on me. I firmly believe that when travelling to foreign shores you should experience as much of the culture and lifestyle as you can. Staying in a typical property, as we did when we visited Korea is part of the experience I enjoy. This isn't however an easy option; without the services of a hotel to arrange trips, taxis and travelling it can be a little daunting, especially as one tries to navigate the Japanese language.

This evening we will be sorting out other aspects of our itinerary including accommodation in Tokyo and Thailand and return flights to the UK. Once this is out of the way we will be able to relax a little more, but with only four months to go, time is pressing on, and we have a lot to do.

Planning and organising holidays has never really been my strong point, so I am glad my Aunt is able to undertake much of that side of things. Like most people however, reading, researching and preparing for our departure is a great feeling, lifting one's spirits at a time when I could do with a boost at least. Travelling across the World has always played a big part in mine and Darrell's life, so it is important that we carry on that tradition, for as long as we are able. Our relationship may well be difficult at the moment, but at least we can still continue doing the things we enjoy!

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Pain & Pleasure!

13/1/2020

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Last night I spent a lovely evening with friends, talking, gossiping and putting the World to rights. It felt great to relax in good company for a change, especially after the week I have had.  The pain from Diverticulitis and IBS has been getting me down, especially over the last few days. I find it important to do things that take my mind off the way I am feeling, so being around people chatting the night away is just what the Doctor ordered; my mind was at least clear for a few quality hours!

It is true to say, I have suffered greatly with various conditions and ailments over the last year, mainly due to stress and anxiety, but I am learning to live with the pain. Today however, when I woke up, it was just too much to bear and I rang the Doctors surgery for advice. After describing the situation I was made an appointment and told to come in later in the day.

This is the first time Diverticular Disease has caused me significant problems and most certainly won't be the last, so it is necessary to do what I can to stop any future complications; this is one difficulty I don't want getting out of hand.

The Doctor did the usual checks and diagnosed a Diverticulitis flare up and a particularly nasty one at that. I am hoping a course of antibiotics will cure the problem for now, if not I could end up in hospital, which I really don't want. She understood the complications of the disease and was pretty helpful in regard to living with it, stressing the importance of change and eating a simple, non-spicy diet. Plain chicken, salad or vegetables with no carbs is best.

I also discussed the reasons why I may have acquired IBS in the first place, something that has always puzzled me. The first time I noticed any digestive issues was when I was living in Spain, shortly after being given Statins to lower my high cholesterol; before that, I was perfectly healthy, except maybe for stress and the odd bout of depression. Having read up on Statins, I came across story after story of people suffering from joint pain and abdominal spasms, similar to those experienced in IBS. The timing of my symptoms, coinciding with the prescribing of Pravastatin was no accident and I firmly believe the two are related. I mentioned my concerns to the Doctor who understood what I was trying to say but told me to mention it to my own GP when I next see her.

I seem to be looking for answers don't I, well I guess I am; taking a lot of medication every day can't be good for one's constitution. Taking other pills in the past made me feel similarly unwell at times, not as bad as I do now, but nevertheless not one hundred percent. I would dearly love to stop popping statins, which are intensely nasty drugs, but I understand I am supposed to live with them for the rest of my life. I need to take advice about what to do next; even cutting my dose of Statins will help to stem the tide of pain I experience at the moment I'm sure; so a trip to the Doctors once again is in order and hopefully we can come to a long term plan to help reduce the manifestations I experience almost on a daily basis!
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Putting Things Into Perspective!

9/1/2020

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I haven't been feeling particularly great recently, as the British weather takes its toll and my sense of well-being takes a bit of a knock. Since returning from Asia last year, I have had a number of health issues that have been getting me down. Suffering with the constant pain of IBS and Diverticulitis together, has been my biggest bugbear. Despite having good periods, where I exhibit no symptoms at all, for the majority of the time, I do have annoying, frequent and painful flare-ups which last weeks and sometimes months at a time.

There isn't much I can do about the symptoms I suffer from, so haven't been to the Doctor in a few months. This is unusual from me, since my health anxiety can be quite challenging and for a while I was in and out of the GP surgery, on an almost weekly basis. Today however, I just can't be bothered to see anyone, and I am learning to live with the various ailments I have. Of course most conditions can be treated with medicine and you will be feeling better in a matter of days, IBS and Diverticulitis however, are chronic long term illnesses that can only be managed. Living with these two digestive disorders isn't easy and as I grow older I am finding them more difficult to deal with.

My problems are nothing compared to other peoples issues, who live with worse complaints than me. As someone who suffers with extreme anxiety, I do tend to over think the way I am feeling and can blow a simple issue out of all proportion. Learning to deal with my thoughts and trying to keep a level head are important when you are feeling the way I am. Trying to get things into perspective and stop thinking the worst, is part of a process of retraining my mind to cope with issues, that others seem well able to deal with.

This week at work, one of our regular customers came in and spent a few hours looking around the shop. The person in question is elderly and always enjoys speaking to my colleagues, doing her best to keep active and play a prominent role in the local community. I spent as much time with her as I could, while she was waiting for a taxi, and she explained a little about her life as a painter and how lonely she felt after the death of her husband. Something about this lady struck a chord with me, she reminded me of my late Grandmother, who I was estranged from for the last ten years of her life. I really enjoyed speaking with her, she brought back many happy memories.

Senior citizens are amazing people, wise and for the most part a joy to be around. This lady had so much to offer the World, even at her age. No matter how she felt, what ailments she had or how alone she was, she was still doing everything she could to make sure she lives a full and accomplished life and it kind of put my small problems into perspective. Apart from anything else, It took my mind off my own troubles for a short while and allowed me to concentrate on someone else's welfare. It really is amazing how much better you can feel, just by talking to a complete stranger.

The next day I bought a bunch of flowers and a card and took them around to this beautiful soul. I wanted to show appreciation for her and make sure she was OK  after her tiring trip to Tesco. This clearly isn't usual practice, but some people touch your heart in such a profound way, you have to do what you feel is right. This lady found the gesture deeply moving and it brought a tear to her eye. Today I can relax a little more and feel a little less pained because of an individual I didn't know, who made me understand the importance of living life to the full, no matter what life throws my way. The World is indeed a wonderful place, filled with amazing characters, I should spend a little less time thinking about myself and more time thinking about them!
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Japan and Thailand 2020

6/1/2020

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The itierary for my trip to Asia with my Aunt to meet Darrell has been completed. To be honest I leave this kind of planning to my Aunt, who is a seasoned traveller and been to many parts of the World in her time. We enjoyed our three weeks in Asia so much last year, that we are heading there again this year, to Japan and Thailand. Japan is a country I have wanted to see since I was a child and will be the highlight of the trip for me. Thailand will offer us all the opportunity to relax, at the end of another spectacular journey.

We will fly to Osaka in Japan, where we will explore this vibrant city and surrounding area. All of us want to visit the World famous Cat train at Kishi, Hiroshima and Nara national park. From Osaka we will travel by bullet train to Mount Fuji, where we will enjoy a luxurious stay over looking this amazing natural wonder. Next we will take the train once again to Tokyo, spending a few days in this amazing city. I am a person who loves history and hope to visit the Imperial Palace and some of the many Buddhist temples in the capital.

From Tokyo we fill fly to Chiang Mai Elephant Reserve in Thailand, possibly volunteering at this beautiful place. Finally we will fly to Phuket, a mountainous Island covered in rainforest in the Andaman Sea and relax on one of the beaches along the western coast.

Japan has long been on my bucket list and a destination I have always been drawn to. Its people and culture span thousands of years of history and I can't wait to experience a small part of it. Thailand is another country I have not visited yet, one of the few in the region. I have heard some fantastic reports from friends who have travelled here and I look forward to spending a week in this tropical paradise.

2020 looks like another exciting year for travel and with other journeys planned, I look forward to documenting my expedition when I return. Part of the appeal of 'Roaming Brit' is its connection to different parts of the globe. I receive many emails and messages from others thinking about vacationing in Asia or wanting to move to Spain, so for me, this is my favourite part of the job...Hoping on a plane and flying to pastures new!

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Review of 2019 - The end of a decade!

5/1/2020

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2019 has been a year like no other, one I am glad to see the back of. I seem to have had more bad years than not in recent times and am getting used to the roller coaster ride that is my life at the moment. The year started off well enough, as my Aunt and I started to organise our trip to Asia in May, to meet Darrell, who was flying in from Australia, to connect with us in Hong Kong. Darrell and I are travellers at heart, so organising a three week trip to my favourite part of the World, is a sure fire way of improving my spirits and encouraging a more positive outlook for the future. With plans well and truly in hand, I could get on with the rest of my life, and enjoy my time here in the UK.

After a cold winter, I was also looking forward to seeing my family on the Channel Island of Jersey, travelling with my Uncle and Cousins, to this little slice of the British Isles in June, but it just wasn’t to be. Devastatingly I fell ill a few days before I was due to fly and ended up spending the duration in bed. To be honest I haven’t really recovered from the infection I contracted and was disappointed not to be going to my Aunts home on the Island. This would be a trip for later in the year, but for now my priority was getting well.

Getting well, going to see my GP and constantly worrying about the state of my health, was very much at the forefront of my life last year. From IBS, to Diverticulitis, high blood pressure, anxiety and old age, I was in and out of the Doctors surgery with assured regularity. As I have gotten older, I have started to worry about my general disposition and sense of well-being. 2019 was most certainly a year of worry; brought about by the circumstances I now find myself in, I am likely to carry on very much in the same vein, at least until mine and Darrell’s life changes for the better. As we move into 2020, I don’t expect things to alter very much in the short term, a factor that will hopefully improve in the future.

I lost three people I was close to this year, in what I can only describe as a dreadful period of loss. In January my dear Aunt Carol died, after a long battle with cancer. Carol was someone I always looked up to and a person who had always stuck by me, when no one else did, no matter what. She was the link to my family that I lost at different times in my life and she was the glue that held my memories together. A gracious, giving and generous lady, who I will always think of and will forever be in my heart.

During the summer Uncle Ray died after a short illness also. He was the centre of life at the Newcome Arms where I work and was a character like no other. Ray welcomed me home to Portsmouth and was always there to help when he could. His loss is all our loss and I will miss him dearly, like everyone else who knew him!

In October, my Mother also died; long suffering, she fought bravely until the end, when she couldn’t fight any more. Despite my reservations at the time, I was glad to be with her at the end. Mum’s pain was visible in her final hours and my heart broke seeing her in so much agony. In the end she died of a heart attack, rather than anything related to her long term illness and I am thankful she went quickly, surrounded by her family. When one looses someone close, one is transported to a very different World. My life will never be the same without her, as I know my Father and Brothers wont be; all of us will always mourn her passing and think of her everyday.

During happier times I was lucky enough to travel to Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea and Cambodia last year, in order to meet Darrell. I travelled along with my Aunt to Asia, where we spent an amazing three weeks navigating some truly memorable countries. This was indeed the holiday of a lifetime and a trip I shall always remember for its uniqueness and awe inspiring wonderment. I have travelled to many parts of the World over the years, but never so many amazing countries with so much to see and experience. By the end of the trip, I was exhausted, through sheer cultural overload. This journey has opened the door to our holiday to Japan and Thailand this year and is an enduring memory I shall take with me wherever I go. Travel is the reason I live and will always be a big part of my life!

Darrell arrived in the UK in November, to spend a month away from life with his Mother in Australia. I was thrilled to see him after six months apart and we spent a fantastic four weeks together. Both of us flew to Jersey, so I could finally see my family and despite the weather, we enjoyed the relative peace and quiet on this beautiful island. This was also the first time I had met my Cousins George and Pheobe, ending an unforgettable time getting to know my family.

My connection to family has become closer this year, spending time with relatives from both my Mother and Fathers side, talking about times I had almost forgotten. I have spent 2019 making a conscious effort to rebuild some badly broken bridges and despite the loss of Mum am glad my family seem closer now than ever before.

As I look back at this past year I am struck by the twelve months of contrasting events. 2019 was a time of very mixed emotions and has pushed me and my family to our limits. We have all once again weathered the storm that was circling and have come out the other side emotionally and physically drained. Only seeing my husband twice a year has also become a struggle, as we both try and make the best of our situation, doing our utmost for one another. I never imagined my life would end up quite like this and although I do have my down days, I am still happy and positive looking forward to another twelve months of ups and downs. As I try and manoeuvre my way along this war torn road, they call life, I am mindful of the mistakes of the past. This may not be the way it was planned, but it sure makes for an eventful time!

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Australian Fires!

4/1/2020

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Like everyone else, I have been watching in horror at the disaster unfolding in Australia; wild fires causing devastation across the continent. Already an area the size of Belgium has been destroyed and half a billion animals lost in New South Wales alone. This is destruction on an unprecedented scale and I have been dumbfounded at the pictures I have seen on television.

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I spoke to Darrell a few days ago in Western Australia, just to find out if he is OK. The fires are concentrated in the Eastern states and Darrell hasn't been directly affected by them, although there are still many wild fires ablaze in the west. The type of incidences we are witnessing usually occur in Darrell's home state, which is normally drier and hotter than the east, but this year the reverse is true and Australians can only watch, like the rest of the World, as the Eastern seaboard burns unabated.

I have lived in Australia twice with Darrell over the twenty four years we have been together and have experienced some particularly harsh weather. I remember it was so hot during the summer of 1998, that you couldn't even move to turn on the air conditioner. Australia is a country of extremes in every respect, one of the reasons I chose not to live there. However it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived and have many fond memories of my time living there. It is terribly sad seeing such awful scenes playing out in front of our eyes. The loss to Australia and the World is immeasurable.

The reaction of Scott Morrison and the Liberal Government is typical of politicians who understand nothing about the challenges Australians face everyday. The Prime Minister's decision to go on holiday, while Australia burned was unbelievable and shows his complete contempt for the public who voted him into office. This is a man who denies climate change is happening and continues to promote the mining of fossil fuels to keep the lights burning in Sydney. This vast nations reliance on outdated methods of Electricity production, when it could be investing in solar power, an abundant source Australia has unlimited access to, is shameful. This man's refusal to listen to climate change experts has been complicit in the severity of the fires raging across the Eastern states; it is people like him who continue to destroy this planet for no other reason than personal gain. Like Donald Trump, history will judge him harshly for his actions and lack of foresight. The World we live on is dying and no one is prepared to stand up and do the right thing!

Australia will burn for many more weeks yet, as the intensity of the summer grows stronger. As spectators to this travesty, we must do more to help those suffering in my second home Australia.

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Please click on the link above, to give what you can to help those in greatest need and rebuild the shattered Eastern States of Australia.

Australia is burning, animals and lives are being lost - Make a donation, MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
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Christmas 2019!

1/1/2020

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It has been a busy Christmas, far more than any other I can remember in many years. The best thing about being back home in the UK, is our love of the festive season. Christmas was never quite the same in Spain and it became a time of year I resented. Strangely, I have always liked Christmas, often putting up decorations in October. Spending time alone was  hard,   against  everything  I believed in, consequently I just wanted the day to   be  over. This  year  was  very
different, and I have been surrounded by family and friends.

On December the 11th, we were given a pre Christmas party at Tesco, where I work several days a week. I suppose this is when Christmas really started for me and I haven't stopped since. It does feel good to be a part of something at this time of year. In Spain I did feel rather alone and somewhat left out. It can be an unforgiving place and although the Expat community is made up of a fantastic bunch of characters, it can also be very closed to new comers, making life rather difficult!
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I did manage to spend some time with Dad before Christmas, going out with him for a meal and exchanging gifts. This will be a particularly difficult time of year for him, being his first Christmas without Mum, but he is still coping remarkably well.

We chatted over lunch for a good hour or two and Dad seemed relaxed, talking about subjects that interested both of us, from politics to family. We also talked about issues we hadn't spoken about before, which did seem rather awkward at times, but Dad felt it important to lay a few ghosts to rest and at least we cleared the air. It would be yet another Christmas spent apart as a family, but we are becoming a little closer day by day!

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Both my Aunt and I were working on Christmas Eve and with my Aunt also working on Christmas Day, we opened our main presents to one another when we got home from work. I am lucky to be around my extended family for the next few days but my thoughts obviously turn to Darrell in Australia. My World isn't complete without him here and as I open my gifts I can't help remembering the occasions we spent together during better times. This will be the third Christmas we have spent apart and it doesn't get any easier. I am hoping next year will be very different, but for now we both continue doing what we have to!

Christmas Day I went to my Cousin Rachel's. Together with my Aunty Sue, we spent a lovely afternoon eating, drinking and talking, just what all families do on Christmas Day. I had a few too many pints of Stella if I am honest, which didn't sit well with my constitution, but then that's what generally happens at Christmas.
Boxing Day was filled to the rafters with family, lots and lots of family, just like Christmas used to be. Christmas is of course a time for children and they are what makes this day special. The last time I was surrounded by kids, celebrating like today, would have been when I was a child myself. You see, I have never really had any contact with the younger generation, which has always been a disappointment for me, but I am certainly making up for lost time now.

It felt good to be around everyone this Boxing Day. There were tears, crying, laughter and joy, all rolled into one and that made for an interesting day. Family are far more precious now than ever, especially after the loss of Mum. It is the linchpin that holds the generations together, gives us identity and is responsible for influencing what direction we take in life. It is only fitting that we spend time with those closest during the Christmas period, it is certainly what made Boxing Day memorable for me!
On Sunday along with my Aunt I was invited to my Uncle Paul's house, to celebrate Christmas with my late Mother's family. I haven't celebrated with Mum's family for more years than I care to remember. I felt happy and relaxed to be in the company of relatives, that I only usually see at funerals these days and enjoyed spending time with them all.  Of course this Christmas was very different from those of my childhood, but it was a reminder of a past I had almost forgotten about!

Last night I spent a quiet evening relaxing alone on New Years Eve. I wasn't particularly in the mood for socialising at all. I used to enjoy partying and celebrating the new year, but without Darrell, I wasn't in the best of spirits. I used the time to sit and reflect about the past year, another difficult and challenging twelve months. As we move into 2020, I am reminded of the decade we have left behind and can only hope this year will be the beginning of something better;  Darrell and I have survived many battles in the past and will do so again. Every new year offers hope for the future and a belief that this year will be different; I walk into 2020 with my head held high and a determination to survive whatever life throws my way!
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    51-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my adopted home of Perth, Western Australia.

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    A place to call home
    Finally, a place we can call home.  A community of like minded individuals, who used to call Britain home.  Now Spain is our choice, an altogether gentler, happier, sunnier and safer experience!
            Luke Feb 16
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