Just passed halfway through the year, hooray what an awful year, like so many I’ll be glad when it’s over, and so much has happened this month already…….
A whirlwind has hit my house in Pembroke, the cats have run for cover, and the name of this whirlwind is Emilia Rose my 19 month old granddaughter, leaving in her wake a trail of toys, nappies, clothes and other paraphernalia and I couldn’t be happier!! The boomerang empty nest is back! Becky, Colin & Emilia have returned to Malta after an 18-month stint in Dublin. Emilia has grown and changed so much; she is one little bundle of feisty gorgeousness! Happy and proud to say that she is already exhibiting signs of being a strong independent young lady! It’s true what they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! Given all this COVID nightmare it was wonderful to have them back home, safe and sound. I missed my final trip to Dublin, but I will go back one day for sure, I loved it, it calls to my soul, maybe because of my Irish heritage?!
And yes we have finally moved, following 9 months of setting up our new home we have moved in, with slight trepidation and concerns that I would be extremely sad at leaving the home where I lived for almost 30 years and where I brought up the girls, but no, just a slight twinge, more for the cats that Becky has now taken over, but as soon as I set foot in the new place I just felt so calm and peaceful, exactly like when I first viewed it, and I knew that this was where I wanted to be now, it was the right time! However, can someone please explain to me how, when I’ve only just moved in, my Tupperware cupboard already needs sorting???
So, Malta has returned to a fairly new normal, just in time as I was awfully close to becoming a recluse, I kid you not! I was quite happy ambling around the house in just my pj’s, hair pulled up and no make-up, so little maintenance required! I’m not sure I understand all the guidelines or rules, it’s all a bit confusing, the problem being that I’m reading about Malta on social media, which in itself is contradictory and watching the UK news, no wonder I’m getting confused!!! But for me this last week has been quite ‘normal’, I had a pedicure (wearing a face mask) visited Becky (to see Emilia of course) went out for lunch (socially distanced) and had a hospital appointment (full PPE – not me the therapist), so yes a pretty normal week. I step out though with slight unease and hesitation, dipping my toe into the waters to see how things are before fully immersing myself, which I haven’t as yet, now for those of you that know me well, this metaphor will not be lost on you! For those of you that don’t know me so well, this refers to me in summer when I actually only swim about once or twice in the whole year!!! Shock, horror, I know, I know!!!
The COVID situation remains far from certain, rumours abound and I am still cautious and concerned as to what happens next with the airport fully opening on 15th July, time will tell I suppose. We certainly need to be careful, look at Beijing! It’s very true that at some point we need to get the economy going and amid all the opposing views and histrionics, the conspiracy theories, the world is in turmoil and I feel myself retreating into my ‘bubble’ a wonderfully happy place where nothing outside affects me. I use this from time to time when it all gets too much, I recognise it as my coping strategy and I find it helps. We all have coping strategies and it is perfectly fine to utilise them as and when necessary. It has been lovely keeping in touch with friends and family throughout all this too and it does just go to show what is actually important in life! I don’t know how I’d cope without my network. Once again, one of the highlights for me has been the weekly lockdown concert with Katherine Jenkins, she is just so lovely and I'm looking forward to seeing her in February 2021. I have started making plans for next year, you have to have a bit of optimism, right?
It is also my mum’s 82nd birthday later this month, this will be the first one where we haven’t been together for such a long time, but she was fine about it all and has been very good about having to self-isolate, she will be with David so that’s okay and it will be a change for them both after all this. I did tell her that I would get over to see her as soon as I could but she said not to rush as it’s better to be safe and not take any risks, God love her.
We also have a new member of the family, here’s our new arrival - meet Otis. Sarah’s lifelong dream of having a dog finally came true and here he is. Adorable little bundle of black fur, I can’t wait to meet him, hopefully soon! I have a feeling he won’t be a puppy by the time I see him, he is settling in but as anyone who has pets knows it takes a while.
Still missing Sarah so much obviously and as soon as it is safe to do so I will be back in the UK to see Sarah, Greg, and the family.
I have to wait until it is completely safe, as many of you know our newest son in law, Greg, has Cystic Fibrosis so they are currently shielding. Coincidentally, today is also ‘the big yellow party’ to highlight CF during CF week 15th – 21st June. I have to admit it was something that I knew very little about until we met Greg. Obviously, I had an awareness of the condition but not the full extent of it and how it impacts your life. CF week shines a spotlight on the challenges that both people with CF and their partners face on a daily basis. Little is known outside the CF community of the daily routine and sacrifices made each and every day to stay healthy and lead an active life. I must tell you that our ‘Greggy’ is one of the most positive guys I’ve ever met, and I am thrilled that he is now a part of our family. In order to raise more awareness please click on the link below to the website where all your questions will be answered, read more here:
If you would like to donate (in the UK) Text YELLOW to 70500 or visit the website, I know that things are hard for many at this time, but every little helps. Thank you muchly.
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