Lovely childhood memories

W had a box of photos of our childhood that we needed to go through as there were pics of loads of different families , all taken by the one and only Maureen Flenley .. bless .. so happy to see them all especially the family ones and ones with Richard and Lynda

UP DATES

The last few weeks I have found very harsh …. I am finding more difficult the loss of Dougie , I am missing him very much indeed Im lost without him …. I cannot seem to face any issues etc … keep putting things off and more off .. Im trying so hard to snap out of it but seem to be failing … I try so hard each morning to pull myself together and start with positive moves and thoughts … the move yes its a lovely house its very quiet indeed I can go days without seeing or speaking to anyone … I do drive out for a coffee etc and go for walks but when ones life has always been sharing it feels so lonely ….

my health hasn’t been to good these past weeks also but I think its all part of it ….

Apart from this i did have a lovely evening at the Ballet with the lovely Debbie Goodman Went to see Swan Lake by the Georgian state Ballet company … actually I was very disappointed …. just must be me …

but hidden secret is the old Talk of the Town the star restaurant was fab and reasonable …

my dear sister Janet had a gathering of her dancing friends since the age of 4 .. it was lovely to tag along and join them .. learn about their lives … really bonded with Ali she is great fun lives in France so look forward in meeting her again x

Mum came to spend a weekend but bless her was uncomfatble not being in her space … her long term memory is amazing but her dailey memory is not so good … bless bu she is 94 ! how my sister copes I will never know with her looking after her husband and mum she is amazing …

My lovely friend Joan came to lunch and spent a few hours together and was lovely….

so in it all im so lucky and lots of love from sister and bro friends that I am so grateful i shouldn’t moan or be down or feel sorry for myself … snap out of it JOHNS

A weekend with Geoff and Richard

After a couple of weeks not feeling particular well …. and certain issues …had a lovely visit from Simon George we chatted none stop …. and got my cameras working again… on saturday got in the car and visited Geoff and Richard In their riverside apartment it was lovely … went for a fabulous Italian meal then on Sunday we went for a walk around Shadwell Dock and St Kathreen’s Dock which was lovely then strolled along the Thames .. loved it xxx

Reece Danny and Molly at 17 !

it felt ages since I saw them, so its great that they came down to visit the 17!….

LUNCH AT LUCY AND JOHN'S

Such a lovely afternoon at Lucy and John’s with dancing friends … very special xx

AUGUST CLASS

Always lovely to see the gang ! they are all so special …..

GENERATION DANCE JULY!

July’s Generation Dance Class !! They had asked for a tap class ! A lot of fun the concentration was fabulous and all were smiling from ear to ear!

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 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 !

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 ….