It is snowing!

Woke at 7.30 and the house was quiet.... I looked out and there seemed to be no wind and the weather was calm. A bit early for a cuppa, so I got back in to bed for a snooze. Just woke up at 9.15 and it is snowing. Quite a blizzard of tiny little diamonds... not flakes, more like tiny hail, but it's covering the ground.. Off to make tea and take a picture or two.
xx

So.. you are taking notice!

Thanks to Roly and SB for your comments. Sarah... I did warn you about that candle having only one end!!!
Roly, will definately make sure Bernie does not take a tipple even for medicinal purposes... it is very very cold though.
Off to bed.... going to face the wind, sheep and hairy cattle and have that walk in the morning when locals are still snoring.
xx

Stornoway/Castaway !!

How come none of you are commenting on my verbal masterpieces.
Had a wonderful day. Bernie is my tour guide and rightly so he is very proud of his heritage.
You cannot begin to imagine how unspoilt (and f...ing freezing) this place is.
We went all over the island and the island cattle are incredibly fluffy and hairy... pics to follow.
We went to a tiny weeny whisky distillery and I bought Roly bottle number 86 of his 1st ever 1000 ever bottles. A great experience.
I am so glad I came. The lack of cell phone signal has really just added to the enjoyment as when a signal appears I grab the phone like a demented drug addict.
About to have Helens steak pie!
xxxx

Just for the special people

Hi there
Having trouble with gmail here in the wilds of scotland.
I have set up another email account which is working now.
scarroll20102010@live.co.uk
I will log in to both for the next couple of days.
Just had yummy sausages.... pork and tomato - from Carlisle apparantly.
Weight - not sure
Joints - none
Wine units - plenty.
xxx

Where the heck am I??

I must be the furthest north of Scotland you can get.
No cell phone signal and I am sure Bernie and Helen have to wind this computer up or use Wind energy to get it going...
Arrived in Stornoway just after three yesterday. Plane was early and Bernie was not! He left me at the smallest airport in the world, so remote you cannot imagine... haha .
Seriously though, he did turn up (eventually). We drove about 40 miles to Mangester. It is amazing, truly wild and unspoilt... did I mention it is freezing. Those boots that were made for walking are perfect. We drank copious quantities of good wine and chatted for hours. I met her Mum, Evelyn (82!) - a real northern lass. Her sister Christine and her husband David. We had Mussels and Scallops for supper! Divine. When I stumbled to bed at about midnight I pulled back the sheets of my little bed which Helen had mad up for me in the study and what did I find.... A Hot Water Bottle! So, funny. I haven't seen one of those in years. Woke up in the night and had no idea where I was so decided to go back to sleep and wait for daylight. No one gets up early here. I didn't wake till 9.30. Helen saw the bin men arriving (did I mention ducks being blown past my window??) so as she was in her very attractive pink dressing gown, I had to leg it up the hill to untie the bins (due to wind I gather as no one is around to nick them). My hands were frozen solid, what a hysterical sight and what a way to make me pay for my stay.
So.. no signal on the phone, that will probably not be a bad thing!
xx

Now what happened on Saturday??

Oh yes, Portobello Road in Nottinghill.
This is where the famous movie Notting hill was filmed and I was such a tourist having my picture taken outside the famous book shop.
So happy in my flat leather boots - a real londoner.
We stopped at GBK which is a wonderful burger place.. no chips.
I'm sure I blogged this all last night but I can't find it.
We went to a wonderful cup cake shop - evil.
So exhausted from walking walking and walking.
We stayed in and watch The Break Up - How fitting.
Kylie has told me off for not saying how wonderful their new home is... and it is!! I cannot get over how you can so easily get anywhere in London from this "suitably appointed garden residence" !!... happy now Kyles?
Very happy for Roly as he is playing amazingly well in Club Champs.
Have an outside chance of going to LECH in Austria for a week in July. It's a fitness week with a well know Guru here called Rosemary Conley. Think I may go for that!
Today I went in to Marble Arch to find some leggings and warmer PJ's. Off to Scotland tomorrow to meet up with my mates Helen and Berns... Should be fun.
xxxx

Notting hill and Portobello Road

More forgetfulness

Joints - Zero
Weight - Dont have a scale but feel less blobby
Wine units - 2, well 2.5 !
xx

Forgot to blog yesterday !

Symptom of Menopause - Forgetting things.
Seriously though, I was so busy yesterday. My poor feet!!
I started with my walk in Clapham Common. I ventured to different routes, got a bit lost but realised my sense of direction is still in place.
I love GMTV in the morning. Women seem to play a huge role in TV here... very refreshing. Their is a program called Loose Women! Just up my street... They talk about EVERYTHING, I almost feel normal when I watch it.
I headed on the 87 bus which starts outside my door and headed to Trafalgar Sq where I proceeded on the Tube to Oxford Circus. I had hardly walked at all any my poor feet were killing me. So, as I am off to Stornoway in Scotland on Monday I decided a pair of really flat, leather boots would be perfect. Also, I decided to blow the budget and buy a pair that I would have forever - you know the type. So I walked around and found a nice pair of grey leather sensible ?? boots. Now all I needed was a pair of socks and somewhere to change out of the heels I was now crippled in!
Do the people of London not wear socks? Do you think I could find a pair?? No, so I went for lunch instead in a little pub. I LOVE Scampi and chips, but because I am FAT I had scampi and salad and no wine!! How cool am I??? I finally found socks in Dorothy Perkins (Dotty P's to those who live here). I take the socks, pay for them and then pick up a random shirt to take to the change room where I change in to the socks and boots...... bliss!
Then I call Ed and get directions to the Science Museum. A fascinating place that needs more than one visit. I did visit the IMAX 3D and watched "Under the Sea". It was incredible having Jelly Fish bobbing around your head.
I was due to meet Kylie and Ed for supper but was just too exhausted and decided to head home. Kylie told me to walk all the way to Sloane Sq to pick up the 452. As I walked along (these boots are made for walking)... I realised the bus I wanted was passing me by all the time and I could have just got it without walking to Sloane Sq! Anyway, I got it and then a funny thing happened. 4 stops from home, the bus driver stopped the bus, jumped off and yelled "I am going the wrong way"! He ran down the road and left me and 4 school kids looking bewildered... 10 mins later another man jumped on the bus and drove us to our destination.... Weird.
Kylie and Ed ordered us a lovely Indian... 2 glasses (my max) of Sauvignon Blanc and I was in heaven. So, lying in Bed on a Sat morning when I should be playing weekend 2 of club champs. Not interested in working, just interested in moving on from this past year and spending time with myself.
xxxxx

And so it goes on!

Having spent hours on the internet today (and sticking reasonably to my eating plan), I did actually book the trip to Turkey..... But, I also booked a few days in Stornoway in Scotland where a certain pair of golfing buddies have a house that is so remote that they don't even know where they live!
Packing thermal knickers and no doubt trying to find some half decent wine to bring with me, I shall be winging my way to Stornoway via Glasgow on Monday 29th.
So, thanks to Helen who is the most on the ball, fidgety rat bag who kept calling me with more and more options, I am actually going!! Very excited to be in the wilds of scotland. I must actually google it and find out where the heck I am going.
Ed gave me a book to read about all the wonderful places in this world (I suspect he wanted to name it "101 things to do before menopause ends"... hee hee
xxxxxx

Turkey?? Who actually goes to Turkey?

As you all know, I was spending the day going to the Museum of Science, BUT, instead I went for my hour long walk in Clapham Common first as I must get rid of this roll of blubber that has taken over my body.
One man was walking 9 dogs!! Nine flipping dogs... Must say it did make me miss my 3 little sausages.
Judging by the comments on the Ciggies totals, I seem to have my friends a bit worried. Don't be, I am just keeping my journal in the same fashion as Bridget Jones. However, my daughters friend who is commonly known as "EM" has asked me to change ciggies to Joints. I am willing to oblige as I know my other friends Roly and Peter will be very impressed.
So.. I didn't go to the museum. I decided to search the internet for very cheap City Breaks to somewhere and I ended up finding a week in Antalya in Turkey.
It has taken HOURS of searching as everyone tries to cut you the best deal. Also, there are hidden things they don't tell you ... like you may need to use your own arms to fly to qualify for the cheap price! Also, that if you insist on having luggage (any at all), they will charge you for that on top. Oh, and I musn't forget the terrible cheek of being a "single" traveller. That is in fact a crime punishable by another 50% at least added to the price.
So, as long as I fly myself, bring a friend, have no luggage at all and am willing to land at 3am in the middle of Turkey not requiring a taxi then I can have myself a real bargain!!

Weight - Fat
Joints - None
Arms - doing weight training to prepare for my flight!

xxx

Aaaaaaagh!

Can I be honest here?? Yes!
One of the first thoughts in the cab on the way to Kylie and Ed's was "I don't want to be here!!" I need Africa! Fortunately that was the old Sheila screaming to get out and I gave her a solid talking to..... (But she never listens to me). Her name is actually SHEBA and she's a pain in the butt.

I walked about 15mins to Clapham Junction yesterday to take in the sights - Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury (you get the picture??) Weather was actually mild and I had too many clothes on.

I had a 40 minute call with the Job Centre - You cannot believe the questions e.g. do you have a glass eye? Would you like to claim disability? Yes please, but can I keep my own eye and just close it? I have an appointment with this said Job Centre on Monday. Kylie and Ed think I am nuts to be honest.

Popped in to two agencies - Reed employment and Brook St. I have since sent them my CV on line (no one talks any more).

So... today I am going to be healthy and walk in Clapham Common for an hour and then later I am going to the Science museum which I've always wanted to do but a certain person from my deepest darkest past didn't "do" museums, so I'll just go by myself!

Weight : Going to get started today (yes I will)
Ciggies : None - I must take that up to ease this appetite! hahahah
Exercise : Doing well as my feet are sore.

xxxxxxx

I've arrived

I am here, all logged in to Kylie and Ed's wireless network, so don't feel too disconnected (yet).
The flight was good except I no longer require grandchildren! - Say no more.

The leaving was very very painful and my shuttle driver insisted on talking instead of allowing me to wallow in my pain.

I'm fine now that I have arrived. About to make a cuppa as my beautiful child has run off to a meeting looking so glamourous and businesslike.

Big question is, do I sit on the white velvet couch????? An evil thought of chocolate all over my hands has come to mind, but I must force it to the rear.

Where do I start (TEA !)?
I think I'll find out where I can get my hair and nails done!! hahahaha (a girl has her needs).
Seriously though, where to start? I think I'll have that cuppa and then head for the local job centre with my National Insurance number under my arm and take it from there.

This place is so efficient, I find my train tickets waiting, my cruise stuff waiting.... all very efficient so far.
xxxx

Getting ready to go

Julia arrived today and we had lunch at Ciao Baby with Sandy, Roly and Ciwi.
It was so beautiful. My heart is so full... what special friends I have!
This morning was tough. I just want the moment of seperation to happen. I can't bear waiting all day.
Sandy, I will take my Angel with me everywhere!!
Ciwi.... Mama loves you!
Julia .... See you so very soon.
Roly.... Stay strong and carve your future!! You are my very best friend always.


PS: Shirley Valentine is leaving the building!

Searching for a cab

So... it looks as if BA has confirmed my flight.
Mixed emotions, thought I may get a couple of days extra.
Feeling a bit sad and according to my friend Micheal, if I turn myself upside down my sad face will become a smiley one!! I will give that a try.
Trying to book a cab from Heathrow... There are about 700 firms to choose from and all very very expensive. I suppose I will need to get used to that.
The positive is that if I can't afford wine or food I will be lovely and thin by the time I get back!
My daughter told me that if you break food open before you eat it all the calories fall out!
Julia arrives tomorrow morning (I will be at Carlton getting all my grey bits done, oh no, not grey, sort of blond ish) Then a brunch at Eden on the Bay. Loving Ciao Baby and the amazing view - don't get that in London.
xx

Count down

Went to Kerri and Dean's last night for a Braai (had to make the most of the sun).
Jorja was delightful, she is so laid back.....
Mixed emotions now. Feeling excited on the one had and nervous on the other.
Leaving Kerri made me very sad and the tears flowed (helped by 3 or 4 Sauvignon Blancs).
Flitting around my flat putting in last minute bits and pieces. I think I'm going to raid Kylie and Julias wardrobe for my Cruise! More on that closer to the time.
Off to lunch with Ciwi and Keenan (Keen Hands).....
Keep in touch with British Airways... Looks like I won't get fed but that is not a problem so late at night.
Checking in on line at 22.20 this evening so I should know more then.
xxx

Sunday 21st March

I am missing club champs!! That is truly a first.
Went to the police station expecting a trail of a queue and lots of "I can't help you's" To my great surprise the very friendly female cop signed my afidavit with a smile and a flourish of her pen". Times they are a changin!!
Spending the day doing last minute washing and ironing... How do you pack for a minimum of 4 months when you have 23kg's, an impending strike with British Airways and you still need clothes till Tuesday???
I feel a mixture of excitement and fear... F E A R (of what I have no idea). I suppose it's not getting any work here or there and having to live on the beach. At least if I live on the beach here I won't freeze my butt off!
Really hoping my daughter is preparing a little space for me.... I suspect it is a blow up mattress and if I'm really lucky I won't have to blow it up myself.
I have decided to add ... lose 15lb's to my list of things to achieve while I am away.
I gyne (Hi Tanya) has said that menopausal women have a crappy metabolism, so I am declaring war on FAT.
I feel a bit like Bridget Jones diary...
Weight 64 (ok 65) kg's Ciggies - Zero Wine - Can't remember.

Forgot one mad thing

I got a tatoo!!
My friend Rita, has a friend who is a tattoo artist. She convinced me to come to her house and just see what I thought.... oh well, one thing lead to another. Just a little rebellious yin/yang - equal and opposite.
It's tiny... on my right foot.
My daughter Ciara thinks I am a rebel. Not sure what my eldest thinks of my tramp stamp.

NB: Do something you never thought you would ever ever do!

Packing Day!

Am I truly mad? Can I do this?
50 years old this year, no, that was last year (you see, the memory is already going).

How do I put in to words the last 14 months?? Dad passed away on the 4th January 2009. I am an orphan.

I arrived back in South Africa at the beginning of February. I looked at my partner/husband of 17 years and knew I had to change everything, yes, everything.

How do I tell him? Not new news of course as I'd tried to leave at least 4 times before, but came back every time the going got tough. I don't want to dwell on that though as I am onward and upward and he is in the past.

On the 4th May (yes, it took a while) I managed to tell him. I finally left on the 13th July 2009. What takes me so long to do everything I wonder???

So, leaving my 3 miniature daschunds behind I moved in to the an apartment overlooking the sea. My apartment was on the 13th floor and I have a problem with heights.

The pain began, the doubts, the fear of being alone, the fear of not being alone, trapped and unhappy.

I decided to celebrate my 50th birthday with my special girlfriends. You know who you are. My Boo Hoo Crew! They are perfect! They made my week in Portugal perfect too!

When I returned, I realised i needed to do something different, something out of the ordinary. I needed to shed the past and find out who the heck I am.

This is where this blog begins.... My ADVENTURE.

I have packed up (or rather am busy doing so).... Saying goodbye to sun,sand and golf! Saying goodbye to my beautiful daughter and my special friend and starting a 4 month trip to who knows where.

The point? The point is to be ME.... (whatever that may be). Free from having to be what someone else needs me to be. To meet new people, to make new friends and to shed the rolled up carpet that I have dragged around for 50 years.

So, I am inviting you to come on this journey with me. I'm not a great writer (obviously), but I will share from my heart....

Today is Saturday 20th March. I am due to leave on Tuesday if British Airways strikers allow me to and I head for London where my daughter lives with her lovely new white sofa and her equally lovely man.

As fate would have it, my best friend arrives in Cape Town the day I hope to leave. She is packing up her elderly parents in-law for a life in the UK. This is what happens in our fifities isn't it.

I'm truly hoping there is more to life and I intend to give it my all and find out.....

S