Holiday Memories 2015 - Packing and Getting There

One of the most stressful activities prior to going on holiday for me is the preparation. It doesn't

matter whether it’s three weeks or three days, I always wind myself up about what to take with me. And it’s even worse when you go camping, because space is so limited. Apparently, the tent, sleeping bag, cooking materials, gas tank and associated gear are more important than my clothes!

Will it be cold? Will it rain? If we’re going away for three weeks, should I take twenty one changes of knickers with me? Or will we be going anywhere where I can wash things? Or will the weather be hot with no need for jumpers and fleeces? So should I pack sun-dresses, shorts and T shirts? I never know what to pack and it can takes ages just to decide what to take, with clothes being laid on the bed for consideration. Goodness knows what I would be like going on a cruise!

I like to think I'm fair low maintenance when it come to cosmetics and washing gear, but I then have to consider what reading material to take with me, together with the all important notebook to jot down things that occur to me; my Kindle and my MP3 as well as my mobile and the relevant chargers, the sad truth emerges that I'm very high maintenance in other areas.

It’s not just the packing; it’s the thoughts that occur in the days before we go. Will the tent go up alright? Will there be any unexpected holes or other damage to make us vulnerable to wet weather? Will the sites that we've planned to go to be fine? Will the log cabin be as we remembered? I do acknowledge that I am a grade A worry guts. It wouldn't quite so bad, but it is Alan that does most of the work. So why do I worry?

It’s not until everything is crammed into the car and we set off, that I start to relax. What’s not packed will have to stay at home. And it is only when we are all sorted at the first site, based near Chichester that I really start to enjoy our break. With the tent erected, air bed and sleeping bags sorted and Alan cooking our meal – traditionally the first night we always have a curry; all I really need to do is enjoy myself and look forward to the rest of our time away.

Our First Site in 2015 - The Osiers, near Chichester

The Convenience Store That Is (Almost) Too Convenient.

The Convenience Store That Is (Almost) Too Convenient.

Our New Co-op in Princess Drive

Just one month in and I continue to be impressed with our new Co-operative store. When walking Jessie near to the store, I find it fascinating that when people come out of the shop, they’re either saying to their friends who are with them, or to complete strangers like myself what a lovely store it is.

When I do visit, I find all combinations of people shopping together, old and younger – something I never saw in the shop’s previous incarnation. And there is a buzz in the air.

Shopping there is an enjoyable experience. It feels spacious with a wide range of good value products on offer. I am currently trying out some own name products and so far have been impressed with the quality, which is unusual for me as someone who always used to go for named brands.

What also impresses me is the fact that my lovely husband now sidles down there, buying the odd beer or two, or a ‘snack for the evening’. It truly is a convenience store – but it much more than that. With polite, cheerful and helpful staff, a clean store combined with good products, it has become a pleasant shopping experience. Long may it last.

It is my intention to review the store again after 3, 6, and 12 months after opening, just to see whether this is just a flash in the pan or part of the Co-op policy. Having said that, while away in the past week, I dropped into a Co-operative store in Heathfield

and loved the experience there too.

I've seen the Future and its Clean, Clean, Clean!

I know it happens in the best regulated household. Once one piece of equipment goes wonky in the house then all the others want to join in.

First it was the washing machine which starting leaking, resulting in discussions as to whether it should be repaired or whether to spend money on a new one. It was decided that as it had been in the house when we moved in and we had no idea how old it was (had to be at least 10 years old – I’d say a bit more), that we would bite the bullet and buy a new one.

After a visit to a QDA store, we returned home a little lighter money wise with the washing machine arriving the following day, together with a tumble dryer – for those times in the winter when you can’t dry the clothes outside. I'll admit it. I had been seduced by the drying of my clothes in a tumble dryer when we went camping a few weeks ago (of which more in a future post).

 

Then the television started to play up. This was really a no-brainer. It had to be at least 14 years old and bought before flat screen televisions became popular (and more affordable). After a bit of research involving copious hours on the computer, we eventually made a choice and ordered, this time on-line.

Much to our surprise, it arrived the following day, and as we thought to also update our Sky package to HD, it was 5 days before we could switch it on and view the difference.

I had now got into buying mode. So when my dear husband suggested that instead of buying new dust bags for our upright vacuum, I purchase a new one, I didn't hesitate.

It wasn't that it was old – we had only purchased it just over 2 years ago. But it didn't seem to be doing the job and on one carpet in the house, didn't seem to pick up dirt there at all. I had previously been told by a vacuum shop manager that all vacuums have an 18 month life, so I thought now (again) was the time.

Much on-line research later, looking in detail at the performance rates and reviews, I chose a Vax Air Series upright vacuum cleaner; one of the lightest available. Again, doing nothing by halves, I also bought a small hand held cleaner for the car.

Both arrived the next day. I don’t know who was more excited, Alan or I. We put the machine together and tried it on the carpet that had exercised my thoughts and, after it bit of trial and error, not being one to fully read the instructions before trying things out, achieved great success. To say it was a revelation would be an understatement. The carpet actually changed colour and the pile lifted and yes, the vacuum picked up all the bits.

What was more amazing was the amount of dust that was picked up (and I had very recently used the old vacuum cleaner!). I have now fallen in love with a vacuum!

The most interesting part for me was that with all our new kit, I was very struck by how technology had really moved on. The washing machine spin speeds were much increased; the tumble dryer is a condenser one so there was no need to vent it externally; the television had a better quality picture and we could now download series on the television that we hadn't seen till now; and the vacuum appeared more efficient that what I had experienced in the past. It’s a whole new world. I have seen the future and it's clean (or cleaner!). 

Result of Consultant’s Appointment – Astonishingly Good!

We all like to be remembered by people but mainly for good things -for the things that we accomplish or the kind of person we are. I have the dubious distinction of being remembered by my Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) consultant for having really bad nasal passages filled with polyps and other gunk, prior to an operation eleven years ago. After the op, the anaesthetist described the consultant as ‘acting as if he was playing space invaders’ such was his enthusiasm in zapping said polyps.

Since that time and following a further operation a couple of years ago, I seem to have had no further problems on the polyp front. After the second operation, it was recommended that I ‘douche’ my nasal passages every day and use a nasal spray twice a day. I have added to that the discipline of breathing exercises twice a day. All these actions do appear to have helped, even though they may seem excessive to one who hasn't suffered with this seemingly 'minor' problem.

Yesterday marked my regular visit to the consultant to check on the current situation. After a good look up at my nasal passages, which included the use of an endoscope, he pronounced that the state of them was ‘astonishingly good’ and wished he could take photos of said area.

We talked about the past few years and how persevering with my ‘nasal hygiene’ actions really did help. Apparently, persons with my polyp problems usually end up having operations every couple of years to remove them. Either my polyps have burnt themselves out, or, together with the opening up of the sinuses (during the first operation) my good habits are working.

Whatever the reason, I'm thrilled to be in a better state of health. No more nasal infections and face aches, a lack of sense of smell and fatigue. Maybe I will now be remembered as an ‘astonishingly good’ success story.

‘Some have fame thrust upon them’ – Attending the Opening of the Co-op Store in Princess Drive, Seaford.

Apologies for no recent posts. I've been away and have been busy with other matters since my return. But I'm back now with a recent 'happening', which I hope you'll enjoy.

It’s not that I lead a boring life, but this must rate as one of the more interesting events that has happened recently, mainly because it was so unexpected.

“You’re joking,” was my first comment when my husband came back from his morning walk with our dog and announced that we has been asked to ‘open the new Co-op in Princess Drive’ on Thursday 6^th August. His face showed that it clearly wasn't a joke, but he was clearly enjoying the drama of the situation.

“No, really,” he said. “I'm to go back tomorrow to say if we agree.”

“Well, OK,” I responded, “But why us? We’re not important in any shape or form.”

“Oh, it’s because we have talked to the manager before it opened and showed an interest,” he said. “You alright with it?”

I nodded, not really thinking of any excuses why not and went back to surfing the Internet.

Thursday came. Much debate had been had about whether to dress up or dress down. Finally, because of the cloudy, drizzly weather that day, I dressed more for comfort in casual trousers and a top coupled with a grey jacket. We arrived to find that Cllr Mark Brown, who had been the mayor of Seaford last year, was also in attendance. I was relieved – ‘that’s fine’ I thought, ‘he’ll be doing the honours’.

Opening the door

When the time came, after a photo-call, he did indeed cut the ribbon. But then the manager, Conor Gallen, made it clear that I was to turn the key that would open the door - a symbolic opening. This I duly did, thinking that that would be it. But, no – with Conor beside me holding a trolley, I was taken around the new generation Co-operative Store in what must have been the slowest ‘supermarket dash’ in history as we filled the trolley with groceries for myself. This was a first for me and very unexpected – no one had warned me. And it was made worse because Alan walked away – a proud man where unexpected gifts embarrass.

As time went on, it actually became great fun and was for me a much appreciated gesture of the Co-op – one of the many for their opening freebies (for others as well as myself).

The store has been much renovated since its last incarnation as ‘Costcutters’. Structural work had been carried out, enlarging the shopping area, with the design of the shop maximising the space for large amount of products. Having seen a new generation Co-op store just a few weeks ago in Moreton, Dorset, I had some idea as to what to expect. Even so, the idea of having a local store so well stocked and close to home was a little overwhelming.

Later on that day, my husband sent me on a mission to see if they had ingredients for a recipe he was cooking, namely fresh herbs. Even he was surprised when I returned with said items. And while there, it was really good to hear the positive comments of those who were visiting the store that day, who were pleased with the variety and style of the shop. Long may it stay!

Official Opening of Co-op - 6th August 2015

Spring is Sprung!

Spring is Sprung!

Blackthorn blossom

This is the time of year when my fingers start to twitch for the wild flower identification book I have on my shelves. No matter how well I get to know the flowers that I see in our neighbourhood, I always find that at this time, I've forgotten the name and need to refresh my memory.

Near to my home when I walk our dog are twittens. A twitten, for the uninitiated, is a small footpath or alleyway which leads you through from one road to another. Some have been used for many, many years. The one near to me follows on from an old footpath leading to the village near to our town. The 20 year housing development that we live within is built around this path. They act as short cuts. What is particularly good about them is the variety of plants that seem to grow in such a small area, (relatively speaking) and what a joy they are to walk through.

Cow Parsley

At this time of year, normally from about mid April until the end of May, the walker is treated to the white Blackthorn flowers, arriving before the leaves; the Lesser Periwinkle, its purple flowers creeping around at ground level, looking very star-like; wild Forget-me-nots can also be seen, with their pale blue flowers; also stands of lilac and white Honesty, which this year have been particularly good. Finally, there are the Hawthorns, their leaves just breaking out in readiness for their amazing white or pink blossom.

Then there are the plants whose flowers aren't quire so striking but whose structures make a statement, nonetheless –  the Alexanders and Common Cleavers ; the Nettles, which are at present around knee height, their vibrant green hues looking non-threatening – until you touch them; and the feathery leaves of the Cow Parsley which are just about to shoot up their long flower stems with the most fantastic white umbels.

All too soon, as these wild plants continue to grow, especially the Nettles which seem to overtake everything else; this twitten will become strangled for space, with alternative walking routes needing to be found as the path becomes blocked. That is, until the local authorities deem it the right time to cut all these plants right back. Then until the autumn, with the flood of different berries from the bushes, we have to wait until the twitten once more impresses.

A Little Change is Good

I have to admit to being a creature of habit. I like my meals at a certain times; I go walking the dog at a set time and I don't usually like my routine interrupted. But recently, following an issue with where we usually park the car in Alfriston, and, at a friends suggestion, we parked the car a short distance from the centre of the village and walked from there.

I thought I knew Alfriston well. We'd visited many times and I thought we had got to know all the little roads and footpaths. Turned out, I was wrong, because as is normally the case when walking from a different direction, you see different roads, houses and signs. And so we came upon a footpath set between two properties with the words 'Deans Place'.

After some discussion as to whether it was an old sign leading nowhere, the footpath being obsolete, an actual footpath or the drive to a private house, we commenced walking up this increasingly narrow path. It turned out that the first part was a path leading to a house; then it veered round and continued with the waste vegetation from adjoining occupants scattered across the path. Returning to another residential road then back onto another footpath, we eventually arrived just opposite the Dean's Place Hotel, situated just outside Alfriston.

What amazed us was that we had never realised it was there (the path, not the hotel). And it led to a very pleasant time, enjoying  a drink at the hotel and then making our way back to the car via the footpath beside the Cuckmere river, past the Clergy House, looking into their gardens and back into the village. Alfriston is a very pretty village and is still able to surprise.

Clergy House with St Andrew's Alfriston in the background

Spring is Here

Snowdrops at Bishopstone

It is a very hackneyed phrase but Spring is definitely in the air, The snowdrops have been around for a while now, with their superb glossy white petals nodding in the breeze. Daffodils seem to be at different stages of growth - from the green bud just appearing in between the leaves, to the flower bud starting to colour and open up, to the full blown flower. The small Tete-a-Tete daffodil has to be my favourite, but there again, I've always been a sucker for miniatures of almost anything, flowers included.

We have been out and about recently, taking a ride out to Litlington, where we were most surprised to see, at one side of the road, water almost like a lake right up to the edge of the road. It was even in areas where would normally go for a walk. Although we had seen similar sights a couple of year ago, when we had all that rain over the winter, we weren't expecting to see it at this time of the year. Talking to an inhabitant of  Litlington, they said that it was caused by the sluices being blocked, so water hadn't been able to get out. He also told us it had been like this throughout the  whole winter.

When we visited High and Over a few days later we were treated to a spectacular view of the Cuckmere river and the extent of the water penetration of the fields. Other people were there who, on chatting to them we found were regular visitors to this spot, who also were amazed at the sight. And yet another person told us it had been caused by blocked sluices.

View on 10th March 2015

Whatever the cause it was a fantastic sight to
see.

Normal View from High & Over

Thoughts from the death of a friend

It's been a funny (peculiar) start to the year. The month of January had hardly begun when I went down with laryngitis followed a few weeks later by a severe cold. These between them meant that there wasn't a lot I could start or pursue through that month and any work on this blog also took a rather firm back seat (for which - my apologies).

In the midst of this, my husband and myself heard of three deaths, all of friends. The first was a friend from my husband's teenage years; another was a neighbour who we knew was suffering from cancer; and the last was a friend from the church I belong to, who was also in the choir. And it was this one that affected me the most.

Mary's death was a shock. Although in her seventies, she was very fit and regularly undertook walking trips - even spending holidays going away with rambling groups. She had phoned me on a Saturday, the week after I had become ill to enquire about something and, by the following Thursday she was dead; having succumbed to a severe invasive bacterial infection.

The suddenness of it all reminded me how precious and fragile our lives are. Time that we have is often wasted when we don't make the best use of it. We treat our moments as if we have an inexhaustible supply. We leave things undone, to be done whenever we feel like it. We put off contacting friends very often until a time where it is more convenient to ourselves.

Mary

Mary was someone who, I believe did make the best use of her time. As well as being in the Ramblers Association, she was involved in many other activities including the Women's World Day of Prayer and the annual Ride and Stride charity event. She was also a loving wife, mother and grandmother and enjoying her retirement years.

The best thing I can do is to look to her example and make every moment count - ensuring that my life is not lived in a perpetual haze of 'whenever'. This will include:-
Holidays we always wanted to go on and never started planning;
Friends we want to see;
Places we always wanted to go to;
Activities we always wanted to do;

All at the moment consigned to the 'when the time is right' pile.

And the sad truth is that life can change in the blink of an eye, sometimes restricting what we do on a permanent basis. Life is for living so let's live it!

So, starting tomorrow, it being Ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent, I am giving up Facebook games and games found on my mobile phone,which I spend a lot of time on, using those precious minutes in a different way. All I can say at the moment is watch this space.

2015 - More of the same please

At this time of year, it is impossible to look forward to the new year without looking backing at the old one and musing. For me, it has been a good twelve months, with many things having occurred that I would never have believed could happen. So what are these things and why do I feel so surprised?

A Happier & Healthier Maria

Well, almost three years have passed since the operation on my nose and I still feel amazed and grateful at the improvement to my health. I appreciate that I'm still going to have problems - chronic fatigue doesn't fade away. But the things I can do now that I found hard or even impossible for many years! All I can say is more of the same please.

In 2013, I made the decision (at last) to lose some weight, having come off the steroids after polymyalgia rheumatica. To date I have lost a stone and feel so much better for it. For this coming year - more of the same please.

Our Holiday Cabin

In 2013, Alan, Jessie and I went on a holiday, the first we have had with our dog and the first two week spell that we have had in years. One week of this was spent in a log cabin and was the greatest fun. For more about that read my holiday blog posts. The other days were spent under canvas and were also hugely enjoyable and a great learning experience. More of the same, please.

We also took the opportunity, as we had the tent, to visit villages in the north of East Sussex (the county where we live). We experienced beautiful countryside, lovely people and huge laughs along the way. I didn't think I would take to camping in the way I have done and am so looking forward to the different places we intend to go to this year, when the weather warms up a little. So, yet again, more of the same please.

Husband & Jessie

Finally, I am so lucky to have a wonderful and patient husband and a lovely dog, who have been my companions on most of my adventures over the past twelve months and, for this coming year, more of the same please!