Nine Feet Underground

Christmas is over for another year, and what a fabulous Christmas it was.  We all (me, Q, sons 1, 2 and 3, with guest appearances from E's brother, his wife and Q's daughter at different points) spent a week away in North Wales at a wonderful large house on on hillside, overlooking the sea. Lots of festive fun, food and films ('Man Up', 'Click and Collect') with wonderful company. It was so good to be away, for the first time in a long while.  E was being looked after by one of the carers, who stayed with her each night, so she wasn't alone.  It a big deal to do this, but I think I and the boys (young men) benefitted from the break/respite, even if it did unleash the inner adolescent at times. Q and I are about to head off to Berlin for a week now. An opportunity to spend time with a good friend and his wife, a chance for Q to meet more of my friends, and also a chance for us to celebrate her birthday out of the country. It all seems a bit hectic, but this c

Today would have been the second day of annual leave for December had I not retired, which contributes to the 'unrealness' of retirement so far. You're probably thinking, 'I hope he stops banging on about being retired', and I probably will, once it starts to feel normal and real. Novelty value and all that. For the past couple of weeks I have been busy getting organised for Christmas, not just the event, but also ensuring that E has all the medication and supplies she'll need.  Getting hold of things over the break will be difficult.  For the first time in many years we should be away for the main event, which we're both looking forward to, though it requires additional planning and organisation over and above Christmas at home.  Dead excited though! Next year is shaping up to be quite a year, too, but of course, that hangs in the balance as it always does. Watch this space. Amongst all the recent organisational activities, I did manage to get a weekend awa

Last time I wrote I was on the verge. Or maybe the cusp.  Now I am there, in the next phase of my life. How does it feel? Let me count the ways... To be honest it doesn't feel that different. Yet.  I'm no less busy. Probably the opposite. I've realised that there were so many things I should have been doing that I just put off until they became a problem, if they did.   I imagined I'd be doing away with the 'To-Do' list of my bullet journaling, instead, the list is longer as I have time to think (and see) what needs doing. I've certainly not felt the need to waste time. I also think that retiring at the start of December is different.  December is a month which involves much preparation and organising. Not only that, but I have traditionally taken half the month as leave, which I had planned this year, in the event I hadn't retired. Combined, these factors make it feel very normal. I do feel different though. I feel as if a weight has been lifted from my