So I moved in…. nearly settled…. looks like i have been here for ages !
HELLO HOUGHTON !
EMPTY THATCH !
it broke my heart to see it empty ….
Farewell little thatch x
the cottage with heart … it was sad to say farewell xxx
My world turned upside down !
After a day painting and finishing the new sheds i get a phone call from Reece to say they are giving me two months to leave the cottage … I was dumbfounded …only the night before I went to visit DOUGIES REST PLACE AND SAY SHOW ME A SIGN OF WHAT TO DO …..fate ??? was that a sign ??? I went into mode of what should I do ,where should I go etc it threw me off balance … but picked myself up of the floor so to speak and went searching… i saw one place that’s not suitable it put me even more in panic mode as what to do ! then i made a appointment to see a cottage in Houghton on the friday at 10am I arrived its 3 miles from Stockbridge which I love … IT was a lovely day blue skies etc … and this charming house that had just been done up … seemed perfect … spacious .. light… new extension , blank canvas garden 3 out buildings a shed a studio a study in the garden plus private drive in space for 3 cars and visitors beautifully done … after the viewing went to Houghton lodge for a coffee , then went back to the house it was closed up and I knew it was for me so I rang up and said I wanted it !!!!! eek ….. the paper work started the ball started rolling and a month later I am in !!!! the move was harsh emotional and clearing the cottage was at times heart breaking as it was my home with Dougie full of memories .. but they are in your heart and he is with me where ever I am …
so the month was taken up up sorting it all …. the landlords are lovely they live not far away in a beautiful house on the Test … it has all seemed so right and perfect … ive made it a home in a short space of time looks like i have been here years lol !
ON leaving the THATCH
Today I hand back the keys to the cottage in Wherwell, It's been a crazy 6weeks .....since hearing that they are selling the cottage .No 18 has been another chapter in ones life, full of memories of happiness laughter sadness and lots of gardening and mainly Dearest Dougie that I have reflected these past weeks,
It threw me , what to do, where to go etc ....
I have been very fortunate by luck that I have found another place, moved in a few days ago....in another village about 7 miles away from Wherwell to Houghton near Stockbridge ... it's lovely .
Moving I found quite harsh but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel No 17 is taking shape .... felt so final and emotional in many ways packing up and moving ... but I am here now and it's a new chapter ahead .... My Deepest appreciation and Thanks to you all that have helped me on this journey .... I am so lucky with my family and fabulous friends ... xxx Also Thank you too all in Wherwell who have been so kind ... will miss our amazing neighbours ....
ps... a few pics OF The new pad !
The water gardens at Leckford
5 mins out of my day was worth it to enjoy the stunning gardens at Leckford
LAINE THEATRE ARTS 50 YEARS !
On Sunday I was at the Laine Theatre Arts 50th Anniversary 1974-2024 production of Life in the Golden Laine ! It really was super slick as always the students were at the top of their game .. a fantastic homage to the Laine legacy.
Congratulations to all the choreographers Director’s faculty and staff whom do an amazing job …I so enjoyed meeting up with everyone from performers that had worked for me and very special seeing friends from my time at Laines …. We caught up as tho it was yesterday, great walking past the original studios … Ah the memories … Happy days ….
Meeting your dance teachers you always go back to being aged 16 again With such respect as I have for Miss Betty Laine OBE. A incredible women Her strength has carried her through. Over 50 years creating the college with her immense style, passion and dedication. It’s mind blowing to think how many students have trained at Laines over the years …
Whether the ex students have Continued in the industry or taken a Different path … the training and discipline stays with you …. Miss Laine, always wanted the best you can be … and be professional …. On behalf of us all Thank you Miss Laine.
GENERATION JULY DATE 7TH JULY
GENERATION JUNE CLASS
A fun afternoon with such a special group of WALLOPERS !! celebration of D day found a great version of BOGGIE WOGGIE BUGLE BOY ! lots of laughter !
peonies ... just love them
even more special when you cut them from the garden ….
the cottage
I had some very sad news … I have to leave the cottage ….. im broken …..
CHURCH FLOWERS
It was my turn to do the church flowers for the past two weeks ….
Dear Mum at 94th Birthday
A celebration of my dear Mums 94th Birthday ! Our Dear Mum is 94 today ! Bless her !
Amazing !! She keeps us on our toes … She reads the the news papers Daily and if it’s printed it’s True … I taught her to text a few years back …and we have to answer straight away … she has aide of a zimmer doesn’t really need it and is so fast whizzing around … Her memory is remarkable… from her childhood During the war years and beyond She should of been a historian… but her memory of yesterday fades a little … she so misses our dear brother and sister Richard and Lynda bless very touching how she listens to Richard’s voice mail … she gave us all so many opportunities and has been so proud of ALL of us …my sister Janet has been truly astonishing with having mum live with her …. Of that I and Paul are truly grateful ..
She loved last week seeing all the dancing children … we have been her life ..
Her appetite is astonishing!!!! so she came with janet to the cottage with my niece Claire and daughter and husband Emily and Mike for a birthday lunch …it was lovely Mum was in great form after going to the hair dressers she looked wonderful bless …. we celebrated again at Jants on the Saturday as Paul was able to join us for dinner Which again was special for our dear Mum
A year ago my dearest Dougie xxx
A reflective day still can’t quite believe it’s a year ago today that he left us ….. for his next journey … it’s been a year full of emotions..I miss him so much … I would like to thank my family, Friends and The Generation dance family
For all the love and support you have given me this past year … you don’t know how much this has meant to me ….. I am eternally grateful … x
Dougie lives on through our hearts …
How lucky I was to share a life with him … xxx
I have been overwhelmed with the huge response of lovely messages kind words and likes from over 1000 friends
IT HAS BEEN SO BEAUTIFUL…….
i received beautiful flowers from dear REECE DANNY AND MOLLY …. with my favourite PIEONIES …..
FLOWERS FROM MY DEAR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOUR ALI AND EVA AND ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET FROM THE gEORGE FAMILY AND WHITE ANGLE WINGS FROM LISA AND A CARD FRO M THE HOSPICE AMAZING SUPPORT OF LOVE …..I AM TRULY TOUCHED… AN HONOURED ….
BLESS YOU MY DEAREST DOUGIE YOU WERE SO LOVED XXX
This has been a crazy week .....
It started off last weekend with beautiful weather, my first Rose came out how beautiful……
I worked on Garden and tended Dougie’s rest place ….. then a stroll again the village and took pics of the test truly a magical moment captured in time ….
Sunday well thats an epic ! Our crazy Niece Claire was throwing a surprise party for my dear sisters 7oth birthday ( that Janet didnt want lol) but it was so special for her … with a broken heart she closed her beloved Dance school the Williams school of Dance during covid … it was impossible task as her husband Terry became gravely ill and bed ridden and need 24/7 care and also the angel my sister is looking after our mother no easy task i feel for her every day ….and four years on she has been a complete star on how she manages it …so Claire being claire organised a party for janet and ex pupils all came a wondrous occasion Janet was over come with emotion but went straight back instantly in being MISS JANET AMAZING TO WATCH …. HER CONFIDENCE ZOOMED HIGH TO THE SKY it was so lovely seeing every one it was just so perfect for her ….. a day she will never forget …
Then Monday is best mate Reece’s birthday 31 lol bless him …. sorry i was not there to raise a glass ….
what a incredible man he has become so proud of him
I went again to Janets to finally do her garden back wall paint the gazebo put trelace up and lights … she was thrilled ….
Tuesday is another post … it was a year ago that Dougie passed …..
Wednesday Janets actual Birthday …. I got together a tea and we had a tea party with a few of her friends
it was fun and lovely ….
Thursday dentist this morning…. AND MY ADDICTION A GARDEN CENTER …
FRIDAY its my turn for church flowers !!!!! also pics of SU Pollard appearing in summer Panto at Blackpool low and behold with all Trends costumes .
GENERATION DANCE CLASS JUNE !
IS IT JUNE ALREADY !!!!!! OMG WHERE IS TIME GOING …..
my favourite flowers peonies
Its that time of year…..
THOUGHTFUL WALK...
Its being a tough week … as its a year ago Dougie became unwell and left the cottage to go the hospital in Basingstoke and then the hospice , emotions seem unreal thats it is year ago… I can’t quite comprehend it all
I miss him so much …. went for a walk at Houghton walk around the grounds … it was lovely ….
GENERATION DANCE FAMILY AMAZING XXX
A very touching day indeed …. The Generation DANCE CLASS…. It’s so very special to so many .. last month after class we went for a drink unfortunately as we were chatting away my bag got stolen with my life in it … laptop … wallet card wallet etc … after a chase the bag was returned with my laptop
But alais the wallets had gone !!!! ( at least they had good taste !!! ) so today from all the Generation family as we call it … they presented me with two wallets to replace the loss …
So beautifully amazing thing to do …
I am so humbled xxxx
WORKING WITH FRIENDS !
I have been very fortunate to work with friends … their support has been incredible especially of this last year
nice to be with them at Windsor
THE ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW
The Royal Windsor Horse show the new Performance hub ! Through rain and sunshine we were lucky to have a fabulous Pavilion tent for all the entertainment.
A huge thanks to our amazing cast of Performers including Debbie Wiseman OBE and Alan Titchmarsh MBE DL VMH Hon FSE who gave us in-site to the music composed by Debbie for Royal pageants and the coronation of King Charles the 3rd to their collaboration of albums created together featuring soprano Grace Davidson cellist Justin Pearson and violinist Samuel Staples . We had the one and only glamorous Su Pollard as hostess with the mostess! With cirque Artists the amazing Acro Chaps , Charlee Oaktonl, Eli Stephanie , Jamie Double with Dancers Hermione O’Hara and Robert Bovington. With a guest appearance of Lettice Rowbottom on violin a big thanks to our #checkevents. Backstage team also to all at the incredible #Horsepower who produce this spectacular Event in the great park .. it a massive event. Proud to be part of this unique event …
