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    More Antibiotics than a pharmacy!

    'A small Christmas gathering — not like the parties of the past, but nevertheless, a welcome break, after such an exhausting year!'

    It is important for me to surround myself with decent people. In the past, I haven't had such a good experience with work colleagues or indeed so-called friends and family. However, that all changed when I worked for Tesco, Cancer Research and The Newcome Arms. Admittedly, I haven't always been complimentary about my time in Portsmouth, but the difficulties I went through, had nothing to do with friends and the people I worked with. I look back with fondness at my time in Fratton, it was a huge part of my life and I have many fantastic memories. Work colleagues got me through the dark days, and ever since, I have always sought out a similar group of people.

    Luckily, in my current job, I have some wonderful staff, who are most certainly akin to those I knew in the UK. These people have welcomed me as their new boss, with open arms and with my one-year anniversary approaching, I thought it was time we celebrated Christmas together as a team.

    We spent a relaxing night at The traditional Woodbridge Hotel, in Guildford, surrounded by memories of home. The walls of the beautiful building are adorned with old tin signs and pictures of the home country and Ireland. This is a pub where I feel at home and with a group of folk singers playing throughout the night, I had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

    Moving to Australia wasn't just about forging a successful career, it was also about enjoying a work/life balance that suits me at my time of life — so far I've achieved that in every respect. Australia has never been an easy country to live, but it has certainly given me far more, than the UK ever did and for that I will be forever grateful!

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    The Perfect Birthday Present.

    Last Sunday, Darrell celebrated his 52nd Birthday. The weather was in the high thirties, unlike previous years, when he spent his Birthday celebrating in the UK. This year, we spent the day together in the city, toasting the day, with a few pints of Stella and a Sunday roast at Durty Nellys!

    Both of us have passed so many milestones over the last few years, that we have really lost count of, the number of important dates that have made us the people we are today. With Darrell reaching the grand old age of 51, it is clear, neither of us are getting any younger, and as we both settle into Australian life, memories of Birthdays past were on my mind.

    In our younger years, both of us would have celebrated for days on end, usually with a fancy dress party in our home. The house would be full to bursting with friends and family, and we would party the years away in the company of those who were closest. A little bit of me remains firmly rooted in the traditions of our past, and I do miss our old life, especially the people who used to be in it. Today everything seems rather laid back and ordinary, but in truth, that's all either of us wants. Our life is so far removed from the way it was, it is barely recognisable. Darrell and I have become old, set in our ways, and happy to lead a more tranquil existence.

    After a few pints in the Belgian Beer Café, we headed to our favourite Irish pub for a delicious roast. Durty Nelly's is slap bang in the middle of the city, just off Murray Street, surrounded by tall skyscrapers, His Majesties Theatre, shops, café's and historic buildings. Inside it is a world away from the neighbourhood of which it is a part. Its traditional ambience offers a welcome break from the busy commuter traffic outside, and it is a joy to just sit, relax, and remember similar occasions back home in the UK. If we weren't ten thousand miles away, you could almost imagine you were in the heart of the English or indeed Irish countryside.

    After a delicious meal, we headed to London Court for an Ice Cream in the now searing heat. London Court is a pastiche of the many medieval streets and lanes in the UK. Of course, it is rather different in reality, but for a homesick Brit like me, it is a great place to visit from time to time; it does evoke memories of my life in Britain and the narrow lane, does offer respite from the hot Australian sun. It really is worth a visit, the next time you are here.

    In the evening of Darrell's Birthday, we received a message from Jo, the lady who has been fostering and rearing little Akira. After a two-week wait, he was now ready to come to us. Happily, Jo wanted to drop Akira off in the evening, after we finished our Chicken Treat takeaway with Mother Mary and friend Beth. I told you, our life has changed; this Birthday couldn't be more different from the ones we enjoyed in Britain. To be honest, we couldn't wait to get Akira home and welcome him as part of our family.

    He was a little nervous at first, but soon enough became the terror we know today. Akira is full of life, and has a huge personality for a little kitten. Pippa is less than impressed by her new house mate, but as I write this blog today, she is finally coming round to her new companion. Thankfully, the trauma she suffered in the past hasn't caused too many long term issues. She is still very timid and anxious around Akira, lashing out on occasion, but that is really just part of the course. When you introduce a new kitten to an established household, you do expect a few problems at the beginning, so everything is crossed for a long term bond that will last the test of time.

    Presently, we are locking Akira in one of the spare back bedrooms while we are at work, just to give Pippa some space. I am also a bit concerned about Akira being around the Christmas tree. I have already caught her in the middle of it, after climbing up the trunk, early one morning. After reading horror stories of cats becoming tangled in fairy lights, sometimes causing fatal injuries, I am mindful of the accidents that could happen. For now, we are just keeping a close eye on him, trying to teach him what's right and what's wrong: difficult when you are dealing with a small, inquisitive kitten!

    As we approach Christmas, the temperature is rising here in Perth. Looking at the news, I can see the snow falling in the UK, a feature of the British winter I miss. However, I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the weather wherever you are. You may well wish you were in the heat down under, but for me, a small dose of frost wouldn't go a miss: we always want what we can't have!


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    Old Friends Reunited!

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    Last week we were able to catch up with an old friend - Jason. Darrell has known him since school, and he is one of the few contacts Darrell has, who still remains in Perth. In 2008, whilst Darrell and I were living in Southampton, Jason stayed with us for an extended period; I haven't seen him since this time, and it was wonderful catching up, after so many years.

    One of the biggest problems when relocating abroad, is rebuilding your life from scratch. Neither Darrell nor I, have had much opportunity to connect with people since moving here, mainly due to the busy life we lead. Friends are of course important in life, so seeing such an old mate was a reminder that, Darrell and I aren't alone in the World.

    I'm not sure Jason enjoyed his time in the UK too much if I am honest, and I really don't blame him. He was able to work whilst living with us, but the wages were low and the position itself was particularly taxing. I believe this left rather a bitter taste in Jason's mouth, and it's easy to see why. No one wants to stay in a job they hate, especially when wages are low.

    The UK is a notoriously difficult place to succeed - the cost of living compared to wages is high, hours are long and working practices often hard to understand. Australia, in stark contrast, is a country where anyone can succeed, just look at Darrell and me. We have both done remarkably well here, and if I had to compare Australia with the UK, there is literally no comparison - Australia wins every time!

    We spent a lovely afternoon in the city having lunch and then a few drinks in South Perth, a wonderful suburb in this great city, with amazing views, and venues in which to relax. Sat having a few beers with Jason, I was taken back fifteen years, and it was a reminder of just how far, all of us have come,

    Hopefully, we will catch up regularly and continue the friendship we forged all those years ago. As I have discovered, it is important to make time for people you know; not everything in life is about work and earning money!

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    The Big 3-0!

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    Click above to take you to Claire's personal journey!

    Morning all!

    So, the big 3-0 is nearly here, 2 days to go. The breakdown has been impending for a few weeks now… This morning I broke down in my mum’s arms and asked for my birthday to be cancelled. I explained my life was planned differently to this and I never expected to enter my 30th year single.

    I’m not in a great mindset at the moment in general, went away for the weekend last weekend and it turned out to be a really tough time. I won’t go into why, or specifics, but boy did my mental health take a battering.

    I’m now at my parents for a few days, chilling, reading and generally just having a relaxed few days. But the problem is, relaxing means my mind goes into over time and starts telling me rubbish that I don’t want to hear.

    I’m off to the cinema by myself this afternoon to try and distract my mind from all the negative thoughts. I’m also going to go for a nice walk with Rosie and see if that can distract me a bit too.

    I’ve dreaded my 30th birthday for a long old time, constantly comparing myself to where my friends are in their lives at their 30ths.

    So, if you need me on Saturday I’ll be hiding under my bed, having an emotional breakdown (picture Rachel from friends).
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  • Published on

    2019!!

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    Click above to take you to Claire's personal journey!

    Hey all!

    Happy New Year!

    I’ve been umming and ahhing writing a new blog and didn’t know whether to or not, but here I am!

    So, 2019! How the bloody hell did we get here so quickly? It’s scary isn’t it, one minute you’re leaving school, the next it’s your 30th year being alive on this planet!

    Talking of 30th… as I’m sure you ALL know, it’s my 30th birthday in 19 days and 4 hours (I’m not counting!) If you asked me in November how I feel about my 30th, I probably would have cried on the spot. Now? I am ABSOLUTELY BUZZING! I’ve got so so many great plans for the actual day, building up to the day and after the day! I’m going to embrace turning 30 years old! Side note, ask for my address for present deliveries.

    So… this year so far… I saw in the New Year with my mummy. We had such a brilliant night at the pub in Weymouth. As soon as midnight struck, mum turned to me, gave me a massive kiss and said “2019 is going to be your year Claire.”

    So far I have 3 holidays and a trip to Wales planned this year, I’m also still looking at going away for a couple of nights alone… any suggestions for that one?

    I am still single but have spent the last few weeks learning how to enjoy my own company… and wow, what a difference that has made. I feel so chilled when I’m home alone and my phone hasn’t gone off for over 5 hours!

    I’ve also massively changed my mindset with how I look at things, I am really working on being positive and seeing the positive in every situation. There have been a couple of stressful moments in 2019 so far and I’ve nearly had a wobble but I’ve kept my head straight and thought about things logically.

    I haven’t cried sad tears since way before Christmas (crying whilst watching sas who dares wins doesn’t count!)

    I started my volunteering a few weeks ago and absolutely love it! I’m looking after a 75 year old lady called Sheila. Next week we are going to play bingo together and I can’t wait! If anyone can spare 1-2 hours a week to help out with this, please let me know so I can pass on the details of the charity to you!

    Don’t get me wrong, life isn’t perfect and there will always be hiccups on the way but I’m dealing with every day as it comes and I am happy.

    I am determined to make 2019 the best year of my life to date!!

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    Penelope Wren Obituary!

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    Jennifer Anne Hathaway (Penelope Wren)
    May 18, 1961 ~ September 2, 2018

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    Jennifer Anne Hathaway, of Pleasant View and Ogden, passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2018 after suffering from a stroke.

    Born on May 18, 1961 in Bitterne, Southampton, England, Jen was the oldest child of Lesley Jeanette Vardy and Michael Richard Ings. She spent her childhood in Fareham, Cornwall, and Singapore.

    Bright and motivated, she excelled in school and graduated in 1982 from Wentworth College, York University with a Bachelors degree in Sociology. A convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in her youth, Jen served in the London South Mission, a time she treasured dearly and reflected upon often.

    On May 25, 1985 she married Glenn Hallan in the Southampton LDS Church and they had two children Elizabeth and David. She relocated to the United States in 1999. In addition to her work as a mother Jen worked as a billing analyst. She married Lyden Harold Hathaway on August 4, 2006 in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple.

    A beloved and devoted wife, daughter, mother, step-mother, and grandmother, Jen loved spending time with her family. She also enjoyed reading, genealogy, journaling, crochet, knitting, and serving in the church, especially her work with the children in the primary.

    Jennifer is survived by her husband, Lyden; parents, Lesley and Michael; children, Elizabeth (Peter) Bracken and David Hallan; grandchildren, Quinn, James, Emma, Genevieve, Juliette, and William; and her sister, Susan (Jeremy) Gray.  She was preceded in death by her step-son, Lohr Hathaway.

    Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Harrisville 5th Ward Chapel, 2360 North 600 West. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery, North Ogden.

    There's still time to send flowers to the Visitation at the Lindquist's North Ogden Mortuary from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on September 7, 2018.



    Funeral Service
    Saturday
    September 8, 2018

    11:00 AM
    Harrisville 5th Ward
    2360 N 600 W.
    Harrisville, Utah 84404
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