Welcome Bobby

I would like to introduce you to my beautiful grandson, Bobby, who made his entrance in to the world this morning.  He weighed in at a healthy 8lbs and both mother and son are doing great.  Emily and Rob are going to be really fun parents and Bobby will have a wonderful life surrounded by so much love from his huge and growing family.  Scarlett, Jessica and now Bobby, how lucky am I xxx

What Are We Up To?

It has been a while since I posted about progress on the barge.  At the moment Pete is trying to complete my office in the forepeak.  I have been working from home and need lots of space for my teaching resources.  I am currently teaching care home staff and some private 11+ tuition. I am also teaching in a pupil referral unit (a school for kids generally excluded from school) which, although it is hard, I absolutely love it and it is so rewarding.  But all this does mean a fair amount of preparation and marking and so I need space!  

There are so many things that still need doing around the barge, that Pete has now decided to start at the front of the boat and work backwards, completing each room in turn.  I will post pictures as each area comes together.

Also in the spring Pete hopes to work on the yacht, Carpe Diem, which has been neglected for a couple of years and looks a bit sorry for itself.  We are hoping to sell it this year and perhaps buy something smaller and that needs less maintenance.  It will be a wrench to let her go but it is time for someone else to love her and have fun like we have done.

Pink!

I have three boys and very handsome young men they are too!  For a long time I was a single mother, the sole wage earner and a university student at the same time.  I am a strong woman who can do most things I put my mind to.  I have always had left wing, feminist tendencies and I actively campaign against injustice to people and animals.  I believe in equality for all and embrace diversity. Education is the cornerstone of a civilised world and should be a basic right for everyone.  I have taught my sons that their partners are just that;  their equal partners whose ideas and values should always be respected.   I am not a girlie girl, I am happier in jeans with no make up on.  I think that spending fortunes on lotions and potions and brand names is a complete waste of money.  So why, why, why at the first opportunity do I go out and buy all the pink I can find for my granddaughters!!!!

Welcome Jessica!

Just a quick post to introduce you to Jessica, born at 1102 this morning and weighing in at 7lbs 4oz.  She is so beautiful and just perfect.  Kerry and Stuart are going to make such wonderful parents and Jessica will be a great playmate for Scarlett, along with the next grandchild due next Monday!  I am loving my growing family.

Still and Silent

By first light, the decks were icy and the world around us was covered with a beautiful, but freezing frost. The skies are grey and damp permeates your body as you walk along the sea wall.  There is not a whisper of wind and the incoming tide is strangely still.  There is not one other soul around and you feel as if you could be the only person in the world.  The mist has now descended on the water giving it an eerie covering, just as you imagine the River Styx would be.  The forecast for later is stormy and windy, but for now the world is silent and still.

Happy New Year Everyone

Well, what a year that was!  There were certainly plenty of highs and lows. 

We had my son and daughter in law's amazing wedding.  Scarlett has been a source of delight and joy.  We have the excitement of two more babies in the VERY near future.  I was 'forced' out of my job, but now have a job that I enjoy that also gives me more time to do the things that I want to do.  My wonderful husband is still working hard to make all my dreams come true.  My parents have had a year of good health and are able to enjoy their growing family.  I love living on our barge and every day appreciate our beautiful surroundings.

I will now admit that I spent a chunk of the year with the big black dog sitting beside me  (or in a state of depression for those that don't know that expression).    Depression can be a debilitating illness and it doesn't care who it takes in its grip (look at Robin Williams as an example).  I don't want you to feel sorry for me, I am just trying to raise awareness.  It is not a case of 'buck your ideas up', so please if you know anyone who is suffering, just a hug or taking time to listen can make all the difference.  I have suffered over the years quite a lot with depression, but this year it was different.  Although the black cloud was lurking, I was able to hold it at bay as I actually have a good life now.  I am able to count my blessings and recognise that there are many who are a lot worse off.  I love living on the barge, I adore my growing family and I have good friends around me.  This was the year that I was able to embrace the black dog without letting it suffocate me and that was a success in itself.

So, 2014 with its wonderful moments and its challenges is behind us and 2015 is shaping up to be a good one.  So I will leave you with a couple of photos that define my wonderful life and wish all of you a Happy, Contented and Successful New Year xxxx