Hasta Luego

Summer is over already! That was quick. We certainly can't complain about it being a typical British washout this year. I did, however, complain about being roasted alive on many occasions. Just our luck that Ross was the hottest, driest place in the country. It was a novelty to see our little town getting so many mentions on the news, and the reasons could have been far worse.

Having not been laid up after surgery, I've spent the summer being busy. Lots of cycling, several trips away in Hilda, keeping a clean and tidy house, and lots of walking to town. I've been making good progress, along with my sister,  cleaning and emptying Dad's house. We've sold quite a few bits of furniture, and I've discovered the joy of Vinted! It will be a short lived obsession, I've given myself 2 weeks to sell his expensive suits, jackets and coats before the remainder go to the charity shop. Bless him, he loved a quality garment and looked so smart (when he wasn't in a boiler suit). It's an emotional task, with fond memories of Dad wearing items causing smiles and tears in succession. I'm glad to have been a part of it though, it's important to set these emotions free, and to remember why I'm sad.  professional oven cleaning. Wow! £75 very well spent. I shall treat my own ovens to the same when we're home in November.

Helen, as you might have noticed, was away for half of the summer hols as was Lily. We have been Home Alone, which is always strange. I've been suffering a bit of empty nest syndrome. Although I love the cleanliness and tidiness that disappear the moment Helen's car pulls up on the drive, I love her and Lily even more. And my younger daughter, Claire. She took off to New Zealand in early March, and I'm really struggling with the fact that it will be another 14 months until I see her again. Mum and Dad are gone. We are an ever diminishing bunch, and I don't like it. I need to remind myself of the fact that I have led a charmed life, having both my parents into my 50s, two beautiful daughters and an equally beautiful granddaughter, a good husband, and good health. I am so lucky, just greedy.

One of our motorhome weekends this summer was spent with Lily. We needed to venture up the M6 so decided to open her eyes to the delights of Blackpool. The first day was spent at the Pleasure Beach, which she seemed to enjoy. And after a day of riding kiddie rides with Lils, I had my first go on a rollercoaster for simply ages. Icon, an epic ride. Smooth as silk and properly fast. Highly recommended. Our second day was based at the Tower. We went to the top and walked on the Perspex platform. Well, I did. Lily, having been very reluctant to get on there initially after viewing the tower's construction through the windows in the lift and considering it liable to collapse soon, struck a few yoga poses. Such an exhibitionist, can't think where she gets it from Helen. We ended our trip with a visit to Blackpool Tower's circus. An enjoyable end to an entertaining time. We don't need to go back, it's not really my scene, but it's certainly unique.

I now have a week of attending my 4 yoga classes coming up, and then we're off to France and Spain in the van until the end of October. I did a little yoga while Helen was away, but could really do with more than 4 classes before I go. I will need to take the mat and do yoga outside the van when I can find somewhere level enough. Last time I laid my mat on several muddy bits of grass, a carpark, and a thin strip of grass at a cliff edge. I plan to be doing a fair amount of cycling and walking, some white water rafting if there's enough water,  some kayaking and swimming, and plan to return fitter than I left. We'll see. My travelling companion leads me astray with too much vin rouge and bière. It will give me lots of opportunity to use my newly learnt Spanish skills. Many people I know are learning languages on Duolingo. I have a sister and 2 daughters learning Spanish so I thought I'd join them, and I'm revising my French while I'm about it. When I reach a tricky bit in Spanish I switch to French for a lesson or two for some light relief as its easier. I have an O level in French, goodness knows how as I was never much good at it, but some words and phrases are still lurking in the darkest recesses of my mind just waiting for their moment to shine. It's actually very enjoyable, and hopefully will be useful when trying to order food without any meat or fish in, or asking for help when we're lost. I do love an adventure.

Hopefully see you at one of those four classes, otherwise see you in November.