13th December 2019 The run-up to Christmas seems to grow more intense with each passing year. Yet, Sue and I are no longer dismayed by how early the shops and TV adverts plunge into the hype and garish sparkle of the festive season. Since early October, we have simply sighed and continued life at our… Continue Reading

6th November 2019 After our jaunt to the Peak District, Sue settled back into her usual U3A activities, the first of which took place on 8th October. While we were away, she had missed one she’d been particularly looking forward to, a session on metal detecting. However, the latest activity, based on Laser Quest, gave… Continue Reading

6th October 2019 The title of this blog consistently attracts numerous searches related to the iconic TV programme of the same name, and I imagine some readers may be disappointed to find less about the series than they had hoped. However, our visit to the area later inspired a themed trip to Holmfirth with a… Continue Reading

26th September 2019 We had booked a couple of days away for a bit of rambling and for Sue to revisit a few childhood locations that she remembers with great fondness. I also saw it as a good opportunity to test my knee and foot, and it turned out to be just that. The weather… Continue Reading

19th September 2019 With the arrival of September, summer’s end is well and truly approaching. Yet, whether through careful planning or sheer good fortune, the Rothwells have managed to mark the season’s waning with a string of celebrations. The 2nd is Charlotte’s birthday, the 3rd is their wedding anniversary, and the 4th is Suraj’s birthday.… Continue Reading

27th July 2019 After a run of hot, record-breaking days, the inevitable rainy day has arrived, so it’s time for a long-overdue update to the family blog. Much has happened since the last keyboard-tapping entry, with the saddest news being that Jamie and Ashton have decided their time living together has come to an end.… Continue Reading

25th June 2019 After checking my calendar, I noticed that my last blog was posted on the 8th of June, which happened to be the Queen’s birthday. I was born in the year she became Queen (1953); however, that is the only thing we have in common. I’m not much of a royalist, though I… Continue Reading

8th June 2019 In the garden, it’s that time of year when nature bursts into full swing; plant life emerges from its winter dormancy in eager anticipation of summer warmth, and most of the creatures visiting the garden are engaged in rather entertaining reproductive pursuits. It’s a fascinating season. The Scots Pine, just a few… Continue Reading

8th May 2019 On 16th April, while Sue took Ellis to see the film Dumbo, Peter and I visited Sarah in Newbold Verdon. We tore up the decking surrounding their summer house, which the previous owner had neglected and was now in a sorry state. It took us most of the day, with only a… Continue Reading

16th April 2019 One of the benefits of being on a long cruise was that Sue and I were spared the daily bombardment from politicians and supporters on both sides of the Brexit debate, who relentlessly manipulated the news 24/7 to further their own agendas. Thankfully, the topic was rarely discussed by our fellow passengers.… Continue Reading