Me Myself and I

A very dear friend from childhood has recently died. We lost touch over the years, even though our parents only live doors away from each other. A couple of months ago we met by chance and amid a flurry of hugs, giggles and tears, we promised to get together for a serious catch-up.    That will now never happen as last week I was given the appalling news that she was dead. She hadn't died naturally, or via a terrible accident or illness. Old age hadn't snuck up on her, mutant cells hadn't robbed her of her life. Another human had killed her.    After rivers of tears, dark nights and many unanswered questions, I am now strengthening myself for the ordeal that will be her funeral. Her darling elderly parents who I have known since childhood, and are very private people, will have the horror of attending their darling girls funeral. Her other family members and many, many friends, will have to say goodbye to this vibrant, kind and funny lady.  I will be t...

....More like four seasons in one hour! One of the best things (imho) about this funny little island, is our obsession with the weather. Well it's hardly surprising as we have so much of it. During todays three dog walks I have been rained on, nearly blown into a hedge while turd scooping and raised my face to a glorious sun and felt a little spring warmth.  I wonder if people in more tropical climates share our obsession, or would the conversation  be "Hello neighbour, Sunny again followed by a brief tropical downpour and then sunny again. For the 125th day in a row!"  We also seem to spend a lot of time moaning about the weather forecast and its vagueries, But to be fair to the lovely Carol Kirkwood and co, it is a chaotic sytem.  I like a nice weather moan as much as the next person; soggy washing, frosted seedlings and dogs liberally coated with mud are all weather gripes, but never knowing how many layers of clothes to wear keeps life challenging.   What...

My favourite song lyric from the mighty Manic Street Preachers. If I was brave I would have it inked on my arm- but i'm not, so I won't. This is a post about mental health- no it's ok, I won't hurt you! But I have and do suffer from this invisible beastie. No one is exempt from mental  ill health, it doesn't matter how high up the social ladder you have clambered, or how much dosh you have in the bank.    My own problems started with a vague feeling of panic and dislocation and spiralled into suicide watch and the local Crisis Team. It was the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me and still haunts me. I would not be here without the help of an amazing set of health professionals and a rock solid family.   If things are not too good for you, don't suffer in silence. You're not weak or stupid or mad. Sometimes we can't just pull ourselves together, or get over it (most useless advice ever!!!). Our stressed, but fabulous health service has in...

It's hard to express yourself in your very own blog when you can't find it! I knew roughly where it was, but every time I started looking I got sidetracked by other blogs. Anyhoo here I am.   What do I share?    Pertinent life events?  1 husband, 2 daughters.    Hobbies? Is sarcasm a hobby? If not then sewing, crochet, swearing, gardening, eye rolling, being early.    Political bent? Most politicians are bent!   Well, this is all quite thrilling...not.  Hell I'm nearly 50 and quite opinionated (gobby) so lets cut to the chase. I'm bored with celebrity as a concept. Why not be an artist or a musician or a lawyer, don't just be some saddo who sleeps with a married footballer and bangs on about it for the next 10 years.  I'm furious that we have food banks in this country, We're so advanced and pleased with ourselves and our position on the global stage, but some of our fellow citizens can't afford to eat! How totally shit is th...