Singing as the Darkness Lifts

Always happy to remember these two lovely people (My Nan and Grandad) and the fact they married one another on a New Year's Eve. A glass will be raised tonight to them and to all the wonderful people that have made or make the world a better place.

Exciting times this week! I attended the launch of this lovely book, met the artist who created the illustration and read my poem, Graphene , to an audience. Graphene is my first published poem and I am proud that it is included in A New Manchester Alphabet . And, in February 2019, I have decided to record myself reading it because it was the first poem I ever read aloud to an audience and now I am slightly less nervous about reading...

Last weekend my sister came to stay. We had adventures at two zoos and a great Great Orme experience. I lost the ability to be grammatically correct in my speech on a cable car, saw sea lions glide past with their eyes shut and saw a nearly full moon at Swallow Falls.

Sometimes a path in a cornfield is just what is needed to bring a smile. I loved this one.

Having loved Wendy Cope's poetry for years, this morning was a real treat. I enjoyed writing in her company and listening to her and others talk about poetry. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning. A quick photo as a visual reminder and souvenir before I left was graciously granted.

The patio has been there for some weeks now and has seen a hedgehog have a walk across it. Last night we ate barbecued food out there, lit a fire pit,  invited Jack to come over after mowing his lawn and have a whiskey and just before the evening ended we danced to The Gambler. I liked that Saturday night.

These 2 photos make me smile today. They follow a good week on a residential trip with the children during which I learned to bodyboard and made sure I did something each day that was at least a little bit scary. Today, like these creatures, I have been getting my hair back to normal and having a rest.

Enjoyed a mini stroll round Chester Zoo this afternoon. Good for feet after yesterday's 13km walk and so pleased to have a good view of Goshi outside. Will take real camera next time as I think these would have made great shots of Goshi then.