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    Family Gathering - Photographs by Cousin Carrie-Anne!

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    Here are the official photographs from our family gathering at Funtley Hall and Social Club, near Fareham, my home town. My Cousin Carrie-Anne, professional photographer, was able to capture the day perfectly; the pictures are truly outstanding. I would like to thank my dear Cousin for allowing me to publish her work on my blog, showcasing it to a wider audience. Most of us today, have a smart phone with inbuilt camera, recording moments and milestones in our life, but nothing prepares you for the magic of beautiful images, taken by a professional. These are pictures to cherish for a life time.

    I hope to see my family once more, before I leave the UK, but like most things in life, nothing is guaranteed. I am however happy to have been included in such a memorable day, spent with those I haven't seen in many years; equally I have met many new Cousins, who I haven't seen before. Carrie-Anne's photography skills are without question; I have seen a lot of her work online and congratulate her on her dedication, enthusiasm and commitment, to a vocation she enjoys.

    Thank you Cousin for organising the day, inviting me along and taking such beautiful photo's. You have made my stay here in the UK a joy; something I shall always remember, as I know everyone else will, who attended on the day!
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    CLICK ME & take me to 'Reeds Photography!'

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    Southampton Friends!

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    On Friday afternoon I was also able to meet some old friends from Southampton. My Brother from another Mother Gavin, Lee and Justin, who came out to visit Darrell and I last year in Spain. I can at least cross another three people off my list of mates to see.

    I spent a rather boozy afternoon at the Giddy Bridge in Southampton, talking and remeniscing about the old days, something I have been doing a lot of recently. These three characters, who used to feature very strongly in my life, haven't changed a bit, which is actually quite reassuring.

    My life is currently changing on an almost daily basis; I have no idea when I am going to be from one day to the next, so sitting having a pint of Stella with loved ones who do the same things, drink in the same bar and have the same feelings about life as me, is really special. Until 2015 I was part of this group, and despite the ups and downs I experienced at the time, I wouldn't change the time I spent with these people for anything. We have a lot of shared experiences and will always remain close in one guise or another.

    Since arriving in Southampton nearly three weeks ago, I have made a point of seeing as many people as I can. I want to spend time with as many of those I connected with, whilst living in this City by the sea. I have some very important decisions to make very soon, and everyone I am in contact with since returning are helping me to finally choose the right path in life.

    I value many peoples opinions; all of them are different, diverse and important in their own right; all of them are equally as important. Gavin, Lee and Justin are part of a past that is long since gone, but they are a reminder of good and bad times spent together. I suppose in many respects they are the rebellious side of me, that has been supressed for the last three years. They are also the honest about the direction they are following in life and will always tell me the truth. Everyone has different friends for different reasons, these  were the people who took me along some difficult roads, but they were also the ones who helped me decide to change my life and for that I am truly grateful!
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    More Familiar Faces - Denise Snow!

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    On Thursday I made my way to Southampton again, I had to catch up with a few friends, still trying to fit everyone in before I leave the UK. I arrived early, so decided to pop in and see my old Deputy Manager Denise, from my days working at Oxfam.  The last time I saw her, was just before I left for Spain, so we had a lot to talk about. I have emailed her whilst living abroad but today was about chatting about the 'old days,' where we both are now and the future. Life throws up many challenges, many of which Denise and I lived through whilst working for Oxfam but friendship will always overcome adversity. We have much in common because of our past experiences; shared circumstances that will always connect us both together.

    It is fantastic to see this lady doing well, after being treated so badly by the charity we both used to work for. I chose to move abroad to forget the past, Denise remained in Southampton, choosing to work for another, more reputable charity and by all accounts is happy and thankful to be where she is today!

    The pain I experience everyday from my time working at Oxfam will not go away easily, if at all. I have learnt to live with it, as much as Denise has, but bad memories will never disappear they will just get easier to deal with. I suppose you could call Denise a battler, who works hard to make ends meet. Like all of us who lived through the difficulties Oxfam perpetuated, we all have to get on with living, we can not let these people do any more damage than they already have.

    Denise still see's volunteers who worked with us from time to time; Southampton is a small place and faces will always pop up. I think it's probably fare to say, they are all doing remarkably well. It's good to hear that everyone I worked with all those years ago are still upbeat and chipper, as volunteers usually are. They are a unique breed, those who give up their time free and gratis; it is only a shame they were not recognised for their contribution to the sector they embraced.

    It is always good to catch up on the local gossip over a cuppa, something I have wanted to do with Denise for so long. Nothing much changes in Southampton, but it is important to reflect over the past, after all I lived in this place for nearly 25 years. Denise like me is hopeful for the future; life will undoubtedly take each of us down many different paths, but at least we will continue to share a bond, that will endure the test of time; that's what friendship is all about!
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    Family Meal!

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    On Wednesday I cooked My Aunties and Cousins a meal; I have always enjoyed cooking, ever since I was a kid. For me preparing a meal is therapeutic and allows me to forget my problems for a change. I am far more relaxed here than I have been in a long while and am just enjoying spending time with family. I haven't sat at a dining room table with those close for many years, so it made a pleasant change.

    I think the food went down well; everyone cleared their plates, which is always a good sign. Apart from anything else, a good old fashioned British Roast is perfect for everyone to enjoy, chatting, drinking wine and enjoying each others company!
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    Rab's World!

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    "Three rules to live by: 1. Believe nothing you hear. 2. Believe only half of what you see. 3. Remind yourself it's none of your business anyway!"
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    Nathan!

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    Yesterday I managed to see my old mate Nathan, one of the few people I can truly say I am close too. We used to spend a lot of time together and have known each other for about five years now; not a long time on the scale of things, but a lifetime, after living through the circumstances, both he and I endured, not too long ago.

    Nathan was one of the few people that came out and visited both Darrell and I when we moved to Spain, bringing his friend Ash along with him, who I also saw yesterday. We had a lovely dinner at The Spice Inn on Southsea seafront. It brought a lot of memories flooding back, enjoying a few hours in this old pub. I used to come down here quite a lot when I was a student, many years ago; it's changed a lot!
    Following an early dinner it was a drive along the south coast towards Fareham and Southampton, where I revisited many of the places I used to frequent when I lived there. From Hamble to the London Hotel, it was fantastic to see my favourite parts of home; It was especially lovely to spend time at our old Wedding venue, the London. Our Marriage in 2015 is a cherished memory and it was great to see the old place after so long. The one thing I like about this hotel, is the continuity; it never changes and I like that at my time of life; it is a traditional gay venue in the heart of Southampton, showing cabaret acts and hosting live events, one of the few pubs of its kind left. This place reminds me of just what home is all about and I felt totally relaxed, as if I had never left.

    The time I am spending here has been a breath of fresh air. I am thoroughly enjoying this pilgrimage to my old home town...For now, long may it continue!
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