"heading for the Winter trip, heading for the slide,
heading for the dignified walk away,
heading for the open road, goodbye to all that..."
'Goodbye To All That' is my final blog of 2011.
After writing and posting three blogs last week, which rather contradicted my previous mantra of 'less-is-more', I feel it's time to kick back and relax in anticpation of the oncoming festive season.
Then come the New Year all my efforts will be concentrated around the charity event next April, when myself and three colleagues from work will endeavour to walk the entire length of The South Downs Way in aid of Cancer Research UK.
I can't sign off my blog for the year without commenting on the sad loss of Gary Speed.
As a life-long fan of Leeds United, he will forever be remembered fondly as part of the magnificent Championship winning midfield alongside David Batty, Gary McAllister, and Gordon Strachan.
His death has affected me as it brings back terrible memories of when I was the same age, and I nearly ended it all too. Despite everything appearing rosey and happy from the outside looking in, it just goes to show you that you never really know what's going on inside someone's mind ~ R.I.P Gary Speed.
This coming weekend I'm lucky enough to be taking an extended break into the following week, as I'm off on the Monday and the Tuesday. I'm looking forward to a mini-break, relaxing myself before the inevitable Christmas rush!
On the Monday I'm travelling up to Berkshire to visit my great friend Elona, and see her new-born son for the first time. I should have been remaining up there for the Tuesday too, as I was due to be in court...not for anything that I've done you must understand; but to offer some moral support for a dear friend in a messy divorce/custody battle. Alas, my services are no longer required, not then or not any more full-stop.
So instead I hope to go on another trek (weather permitting), either on a circuit around Pagham Harbour starting and ending at Selsey's East Beach, or maybe I'll travel upto Arundel and complete a route around Arundel Park and South Stoke.
2011 has been an interesting year personally speaking.
I finally managed to consolidate my debts and sort out my finances after over two years of wrangling with the banks, and I dealt with a worrying health issue which I'm pleased to report is now under complete control.
But without doubt the highlight throughout my year was catching up with various friends who I hadn't seen for some time. Like all true friends, the time lapsed between previous meetings mattered not a jot ~ as soon as I saw them it was like I last saw them yesterday ~ I am a lucky man to have such good friends in my life.
All that's been missing, and remains so, is a bit of romance and some lovin'...but we'll just have to see what 2012 brings?
Until next time and the New Year I wish all my avid readers well, and thank you for your continual support.
I remain contactable through your comments on this blog, or by posting on Facebook, or you can always contact me via my e-mail address: stevemuskett@yahoo.com
Ramblin' Steve
Monday, November 28, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thank You Whoever You Are
"What a time this is, everything changing faster than the eye can blink,
faster than we can stop and think,
What will the future hold? Well whatever...
I won't ask you to care, but say you'll be there,
If you can't love me tonight just remember the light, remember the light,
Thank you whoever you are..."
I will never apologise for borrowing lines from films or using music lyrics to open my blogs...and today is no exception. Usually a particular line or lyric puts a seed of thought into my head, which then allows me to expand them into a subject matter close to my heart ~ either that or I go off on a tangent elsewhere entirely!
(Incidentally, the reference to the London Buses photo will be explained later).
The specific words linked within this blog make me think of happy moments shared with some special ladies from my past ~ but as I always say I believe in the code that 'gentlemen never kiss-and-tell'.
They also remind me that I am currently alone, although that doesn't mean that I'm neccesarily lonely.
But the sweet memories will live with me forever, and I can't complain for this old man has done pretty good!
Like I said in my most recent blogs, maybe I could be entitled to feel sorry for myself or wallow in self-pity after yet another failed romance, but what good would that do?
I could easily have become bitter over my failed relationships with women, especially after a turbulent 10 year nightmare with one particular psycho ex-girlfreind ~ but yet...
...but yet the simple truth is that I love women, and rather than feeling bitter I like to believe that good fortune & true love will shine on me one day ~ after all I am a hopeless romantic!
I also suffer from what I affectionately call 'The London Buses Syndrome' ~ which is where I experience a rather barren lovelife for a while, and then two ladies come along at once. This also explains my thought processes, which is why this is my third blog this week!
I guess I really am an 'all-or-nothing' kind of guy!
So it is with much gratitude, love and affection that I say: 'Thank You Whoever You Are'.
Ramblin' Steve
faster than we can stop and think,
What will the future hold? Well whatever...
I won't ask you to care, but say you'll be there,
If you can't love me tonight just remember the light, remember the light,
Thank you whoever you are..."
I will never apologise for borrowing lines from films or using music lyrics to open my blogs...and today is no exception. Usually a particular line or lyric puts a seed of thought into my head, which then allows me to expand them into a subject matter close to my heart ~ either that or I go off on a tangent elsewhere entirely!
(Incidentally, the reference to the London Buses photo will be explained later).
The specific words linked within this blog make me think of happy moments shared with some special ladies from my past ~ but as I always say I believe in the code that 'gentlemen never kiss-and-tell'.
They also remind me that I am currently alone, although that doesn't mean that I'm neccesarily lonely.
But the sweet memories will live with me forever, and I can't complain for this old man has done pretty good!
Like I said in my most recent blogs, maybe I could be entitled to feel sorry for myself or wallow in self-pity after yet another failed romance, but what good would that do?
I could easily have become bitter over my failed relationships with women, especially after a turbulent 10 year nightmare with one particular psycho ex-girlfreind ~ but yet...
...but yet the simple truth is that I love women, and rather than feeling bitter I like to believe that good fortune & true love will shine on me one day ~ after all I am a hopeless romantic!
I also suffer from what I affectionately call 'The London Buses Syndrome' ~ which is where I experience a rather barren lovelife for a while, and then two ladies come along at once. This also explains my thought processes, which is why this is my third blog this week!
I guess I really am an 'all-or-nothing' kind of guy!
So it is with much gratitude, love and affection that I say: 'Thank You Whoever You Are'.
Ramblin' Steve
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
I Must've Done Something Right...
"As a young dumb full of it lad you were a great influence and mentor to me in my first ever job and I thank you mate..."
The above words were sent to me on Monday from an old work colleague, who I haven't seen or heard of for over 15 years. It came completely out of the blue, but did fill me with a certain sense of pride ~ it's good to know that after all of these years that maybe, just maybe, I've been doing something right!
This was back in my retail management days, where I enjoyed employment in the music industry, working with some great people who found job satisfaction easy to come by within that particular environment.
But above all his comments restored my faith in knowing that my style of dealing with people actually works.
Going right back to the very first blog I wrote last year, I mentioned that a close friend kindly refers to me as her 'Goodness Guru'. Well, I wouldn't neccesarily go that far, but if by listening, offering support, and generally just being there for someone in need, with the odd words of wisdom thrown in occassionally for good measure, then again maybe, just maybe, I'm on the right track.
I'm certainly no wise old philosopher; I'm simply a man trying to live a simple life.
I never seem to go to extremes; I'm very rarely overly ecstatic; nor am I rarely totally depressed...although I've had my moments experiencing both sensations when persuing a rather hedonistic lifestyle for a while a few years back!
I like to think it's this steady persona, character, and demeanour that I seem to project, along with a calming influence, which appeals to those apparantly drawn to me like a magnet in need of advice or inspiration.
I do know that I possess a spirituality within me, and a non-judgemental attitude to everyone. There are certain buddhist principles or beliefs which resonate with me too, but I think that's the full extent of my 'goodness guruness'.
As recommended to me by my kiwi friend, Ange, I've recently started reading 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne, which basic message centres around positive thinking, and attracting what it is that you actually wish for. Like I said in my last blog, 'Much To Be Thankful For', I do try to remain upbeat and positive at all times, and maybe, just maybe, it's this outlook that draws people to me in need of support or advice?
Whatever it is I do know one thing...I'm too old to change my ways now!
All I can do is strive to retain a sense of being humble and grateful for everything in my life...and I've got my friends to help me with this ~ so thank you one & all.
Take care, be happy, have fun, and keep smilin' :)
Ramblin' Steve
The above words were sent to me on Monday from an old work colleague, who I haven't seen or heard of for over 15 years. It came completely out of the blue, but did fill me with a certain sense of pride ~ it's good to know that after all of these years that maybe, just maybe, I've been doing something right!
This was back in my retail management days, where I enjoyed employment in the music industry, working with some great people who found job satisfaction easy to come by within that particular environment.
But above all his comments restored my faith in knowing that my style of dealing with people actually works.
Going right back to the very first blog I wrote last year, I mentioned that a close friend kindly refers to me as her 'Goodness Guru'. Well, I wouldn't neccesarily go that far, but if by listening, offering support, and generally just being there for someone in need, with the odd words of wisdom thrown in occassionally for good measure, then again maybe, just maybe, I'm on the right track.
I'm certainly no wise old philosopher; I'm simply a man trying to live a simple life.
I never seem to go to extremes; I'm very rarely overly ecstatic; nor am I rarely totally depressed...although I've had my moments experiencing both sensations when persuing a rather hedonistic lifestyle for a while a few years back!
I like to think it's this steady persona, character, and demeanour that I seem to project, along with a calming influence, which appeals to those apparantly drawn to me like a magnet in need of advice or inspiration.
I do know that I possess a spirituality within me, and a non-judgemental attitude to everyone. There are certain buddhist principles or beliefs which resonate with me too, but I think that's the full extent of my 'goodness guruness'.
As recommended to me by my kiwi friend, Ange, I've recently started reading 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne, which basic message centres around positive thinking, and attracting what it is that you actually wish for. Like I said in my last blog, 'Much To Be Thankful For', I do try to remain upbeat and positive at all times, and maybe, just maybe, it's this outlook that draws people to me in need of support or advice?
Whatever it is I do know one thing...I'm too old to change my ways now!
All I can do is strive to retain a sense of being humble and grateful for everything in my life...and I've got my friends to help me with this ~ so thank you one & all.
Take care, be happy, have fun, and keep smilin' :)
Ramblin' Steve
Monday, November 21, 2011
Much To Be Thankful For
"Happiness, more or less, it's just a change in me, something in my liberty..."
Rather than being down in the dumps over recent events, I can honestly say that I'm feeling forever hopeful and optimistic about life in general. I know full well that there are plenty of those far worse off than myself, so I actually feel quite blessed and content with my life.
I have my health, now fully restored from the oesophagus & chest lining damage previously caused;
I have a roof over my head, thanks to my lovely flatmates Josie & Glen;
I have a job which although doesn't pay me a kings ransom, does give me enough to live a simple life;
I have finally consolidated my debts and my finances are at least now on an even keel;
...but most of all I have absolutely the best friends & family in the world!!!
As I previously wrote in a recent blog, I visited two of my old haunts in Somerset & Gloucestershire last weekend. I was overwhelmed with how relaxed and comfortable I felt being back in my old local pub in the village of Batheaston, and enjoying a few pints with some of the regulars. A big thumb-up goes to Posty Dave for his hospitality as always. Prior to that I caught up with a great friend in Tracey, and I met her lovely young daughter and her fella for the first time.
This was followed by a relaxing weekend spent in Cheltenham in the company of Jimi & Denn, and their two lovely boys, where they took great care of me like they always do.
Also hopefully before Christmas I hope to catch up with Posty Dave's daughter, Jo in London where she's now working. She continually keeps in touch no matter where either one of us live, and I've alsways promised her father that I'd try to keep an eye on her. She recently graduated at Winchester University and she is now working in a capacity linked with next years London Olympics, and I'm proud of her for both of these achievements.
My ever loving and supportive family were there for me like Jimi & Denn, when I was at my lowest and they know that I'll forever be grateful to my parents, sisters and niece for that.
But I could never forget my other 'family' in Ireland ~ Glenn, Ruth, and 'Rose, as well as my other friends such as the Quigley clan and Big Fitz.
I don't get the chance to visit Ireland as regularly as I'd like, but they know that they remain in my thoughts.
Hopefully next Spring once I've completed my charity event I can fly over for a long weekend and a few jars with the lads!
Of course there are also my work mates, but there are far too many to single out and I wouldn't want to embarrass them all either!
But a special mention must go to Curph & his good lady wife, Leah, for literally dragging me back out into enjoying a social life once again, after living a rather hermit-life existence for too long.
Also, my supervisor Nicky deserves a nod of recognition too ~ for her use of industrial language not normally befitting such a lady, yet remarkable spoken with a sense of innocence ~ she never fails to make me laugh, as it's not loud enough for all to hear, but audible to me as I sit right next to her! Lol.
We also share an affinity with Berkshire due mutual past dwellings, which nicely ties in with another special person who forever remains in my thoughts.
Early next month I shall be returning to Berkshire to catch up with another treasured friend, Elona, and a first chance to see her new born son (both pictured) ~ I have known Elona for over eleven years now, and it always amazes me that wherever I go or end up, she always keeps in touch ~ this is sometthing that I will always be extremely appreciative of and I value her friendship as priceless.
And last, but definitely not least is my Kiwi mate in Christchurch, Angela ~ also now known as the "Stop/Go" girl, or TWL (tiny wee lady), but she'll always be just 'hunny' to me! Lol.
It took me 41 years to realise a dream of visiting New Zealand and travel to the other side of the world...but when I finally achieved this ambition I felt totally content with life; a feeling that was enhanced further in the knowledge that I'd made a life-long friend.
So you see that I have much to be thankful for.
As a firm believer in the theory that you have to experience the bad things in life to fully appreciate the good things in return, I can say that I have a happy & blessed life ~ thanks one & all ♥ ♥ ♥
Ramblin' Steve
Rather than being down in the dumps over recent events, I can honestly say that I'm feeling forever hopeful and optimistic about life in general. I know full well that there are plenty of those far worse off than myself, so I actually feel quite blessed and content with my life.
I have my health, now fully restored from the oesophagus & chest lining damage previously caused;
I have a roof over my head, thanks to my lovely flatmates Josie & Glen;
I have a job which although doesn't pay me a kings ransom, does give me enough to live a simple life;
I have finally consolidated my debts and my finances are at least now on an even keel;
...but most of all I have absolutely the best friends & family in the world!!!
As I previously wrote in a recent blog, I visited two of my old haunts in Somerset & Gloucestershire last weekend. I was overwhelmed with how relaxed and comfortable I felt being back in my old local pub in the village of Batheaston, and enjoying a few pints with some of the regulars. A big thumb-up goes to Posty Dave for his hospitality as always. Prior to that I caught up with a great friend in Tracey, and I met her lovely young daughter and her fella for the first time.
This was followed by a relaxing weekend spent in Cheltenham in the company of Jimi & Denn, and their two lovely boys, where they took great care of me like they always do.
Also hopefully before Christmas I hope to catch up with Posty Dave's daughter, Jo in London where she's now working. She continually keeps in touch no matter where either one of us live, and I've alsways promised her father that I'd try to keep an eye on her. She recently graduated at Winchester University and she is now working in a capacity linked with next years London Olympics, and I'm proud of her for both of these achievements.
My ever loving and supportive family were there for me like Jimi & Denn, when I was at my lowest and they know that I'll forever be grateful to my parents, sisters and niece for that.
But I could never forget my other 'family' in Ireland ~ Glenn, Ruth, and 'Rose, as well as my other friends such as the Quigley clan and Big Fitz.
I don't get the chance to visit Ireland as regularly as I'd like, but they know that they remain in my thoughts.
Hopefully next Spring once I've completed my charity event I can fly over for a long weekend and a few jars with the lads!
Of course there are also my work mates, but there are far too many to single out and I wouldn't want to embarrass them all either!
But a special mention must go to Curph & his good lady wife, Leah, for literally dragging me back out into enjoying a social life once again, after living a rather hermit-life existence for too long.
Also, my supervisor Nicky deserves a nod of recognition too ~ for her use of industrial language not normally befitting such a lady, yet remarkable spoken with a sense of innocence ~ she never fails to make me laugh, as it's not loud enough for all to hear, but audible to me as I sit right next to her! Lol.
We also share an affinity with Berkshire due mutual past dwellings, which nicely ties in with another special person who forever remains in my thoughts.
Early next month I shall be returning to Berkshire to catch up with another treasured friend, Elona, and a first chance to see her new born son (both pictured) ~ I have known Elona for over eleven years now, and it always amazes me that wherever I go or end up, she always keeps in touch ~ this is sometthing that I will always be extremely appreciative of and I value her friendship as priceless.
And last, but definitely not least is my Kiwi mate in Christchurch, Angela ~ also now known as the "Stop/Go" girl, or TWL (tiny wee lady), but she'll always be just 'hunny' to me! Lol.
It took me 41 years to realise a dream of visiting New Zealand and travel to the other side of the world...but when I finally achieved this ambition I felt totally content with life; a feeling that was enhanced further in the knowledge that I'd made a life-long friend.
So you see that I have much to be thankful for.
As a firm believer in the theory that you have to experience the bad things in life to fully appreciate the good things in return, I can say that I have a happy & blessed life ~ thanks one & all ♥ ♥ ♥
Ramblin' Steve
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Rites of Passage
As a brief postscript to my previous blog, 'Live In The Moment', I can now confirm that my proposal was rejected, and that special lady in my life doesn't wish me to relocate, as she has all the love & moral support she needs from her immediate family. She continues her brave battle with terminal cancer, but has politely asked me to move on with my life, as she can't make the neccesary commitment to our relationship.
She knows she'll never lose me, and that I shall respect her wishes.
I have no regrets as I know that I couldn't have done any more to try to make things work for the both of us, and I remain upbeat and optimistic as any 'hopeless romantic' would, for I also know that I will always be 'Mr Happy Go Lucky'. At least now I can move on with my life after patiently waiting whilst being supportive and understanding for two years...it's a case of onwards & upwards for me!
"with this rite of passage I reclaim my heart,
I take my leave, as if on cue, I play no further part in your self-penned dramas,
where each stolen kiss just goes to prove that happy endings don't exist..."
Although my charity event next year for Cancer Research UK was initially with this special and brave lady in mind, this personal setback doesn't affect my plans, and I'm determined to succeed in my efforts to raise funds for this worthy cause.
Three becomes four...I'm also pleased to announce that Jon Oakley will now be joining Curph, Ross and myself on our quest next April, so things are looking verp promising!
Ramblin' Steve
She knows she'll never lose me, and that I shall respect her wishes.
I have no regrets as I know that I couldn't have done any more to try to make things work for the both of us, and I remain upbeat and optimistic as any 'hopeless romantic' would, for I also know that I will always be 'Mr Happy Go Lucky'. At least now I can move on with my life after patiently waiting whilst being supportive and understanding for two years...it's a case of onwards & upwards for me!
"with this rite of passage I reclaim my heart,
I take my leave, as if on cue, I play no further part in your self-penned dramas,
where each stolen kiss just goes to prove that happy endings don't exist..."
Although my charity event next year for Cancer Research UK was initially with this special and brave lady in mind, this personal setback doesn't affect my plans, and I'm determined to succeed in my efforts to raise funds for this worthy cause.
Three becomes four...I'm also pleased to announce that Jon Oakley will now be joining Curph, Ross and myself on our quest next April, so things are looking verp promising!
Ramblin' Steve
Monday, November 14, 2011
Live In The Moment
"choose life, choose living, go digging for essence,
Live in the moment or you'll never be free..."
After enjoying a wonderful weekend away catching up with some very special friends back in two of my old haunts, Batheaston & Cheltenham, I've come to realise two things:
Life's too short, and it's now or never!
Bearing in mind a certain lovely lady in my life is living on borrowed time, and the fact that 'home is where the heart is', I've made one final attempt (hopefully not in vain) to make myself available to relocate (once again) to be with this woman, in order for us to share what time she has left together.
To move location and commute to work is a small sacrifice to make in my opinion, if it means we can finally be together after patiently waiting for two years. There is now no reason why this can't happen if she really wants it as badly as I do...but by making this proposal I realise it's 'shit-or-bust' time!
I've stressed that my proposal is not out of desperation, or pity, or guilt, but rather it's borne out of love, hope, and genuine affection.
I like to think that we've been given a second chance and it's high time we grabbed this opportunity with both hands, rather than continually skirting around the issue or hiding behind impracticalities or problems, which I believe can be conquered if we both really want it badly enough, because I know that we can make it happen.
Spending quality time with special people who feature heavily in happy memories from my past, makes me want to create many more happy memories in the present, and really live for the moment.
" Yesterday is history; Tomorrow is a mystery; Today is a gift...that's why it's called the Present".
Ramblin' Steve
Live in the moment or you'll never be free..."
After enjoying a wonderful weekend away catching up with some very special friends back in two of my old haunts, Batheaston & Cheltenham, I've come to realise two things:
Life's too short, and it's now or never!
Bearing in mind a certain lovely lady in my life is living on borrowed time, and the fact that 'home is where the heart is', I've made one final attempt (hopefully not in vain) to make myself available to relocate (once again) to be with this woman, in order for us to share what time she has left together.
To move location and commute to work is a small sacrifice to make in my opinion, if it means we can finally be together after patiently waiting for two years. There is now no reason why this can't happen if she really wants it as badly as I do...but by making this proposal I realise it's 'shit-or-bust' time!
I've stressed that my proposal is not out of desperation, or pity, or guilt, but rather it's borne out of love, hope, and genuine affection.
I like to think that we've been given a second chance and it's high time we grabbed this opportunity with both hands, rather than continually skirting around the issue or hiding behind impracticalities or problems, which I believe can be conquered if we both really want it badly enough, because I know that we can make it happen.
Spending quality time with special people who feature heavily in happy memories from my past, makes me want to create many more happy memories in the present, and really live for the moment.
" Yesterday is history; Tomorrow is a mystery; Today is a gift...that's why it's called the Present".
Ramblin' Steve
Monday, November 7, 2011
A Trip Back Home To The West Country
"this train is my life ~ sleeping towns joined together by the steel of the rails,
parallel lines ~ parallel lives..."
At the end of this week I head off rather excitedly on a train journey to visit friends in Batheaston & Cheltenham, as I treat myself to a well deserved long weekend away. Part of my past will always remain with me, and these two places will forever hold a place in my heart. Some of my previous blogs concerning my journey to find a place that I can call 'home', fondly recall Somerset & South Gloucestershire, as although I've moved around quite a lot during the past thirteen or so years, I did actually spend the best part of 50% of this time in Batheaston, Bradley Stoke (a suburb of Bristol) & Cheltenham.
I probably came closest to finding my 'true home' whilst living in a lovely little village just outside Bath, as I rented a very quaint apartment which was full of character which overlooked the countryside, and I enjoyed an active social life sharing some special times with great friends, including the odd romance or two!
Then after living around the Bristol area for a couple years, I leased a gorgeous batchelor pad in an exclusive area of Cheltenham, where I was extremely happy.
Never say never ~ who knows, maybe one day I'll return on a permanent basis?
It's no point having regrets in life, but in hindsight I can admit that I left Cheltenham far too early, and if I had my time again I would've stayed there indefinitely.
This isn't to say that I'm not happy now living back on the south-coast, but some of my dearest friends remain back west, and I am so thrilled to be returning if only for a weekend.
Specifically, I'm looking forward to catching up with my lovely friend, Trace and her family, for a cuppa and catch up in Batheaston, followed by an old drinking buddy, Posty Dave, for a few pints of guinness in The George & Dragon a little later on.
Then I'll travel on to Cheltenham to catch up with my 'life-saving' friends (please see previous blogs) Jimi & Denn, and their two gorgeous boys for the rest of the weekend.
Having experienced a couple of lazy weekends recently, and with the trip to the west country to come this weekend, I felt it was essential to get some miles under my belt in the weekend just gone, as I continue my training for my charity trek next year.
So despite the forecast of pouring rain, I walked to and back from Bognor Regis to see my family on the Saturday, fortunately avoiding any bad weather ~ "there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes" ~ before venturing to Kingley Vale, where I happily rambled around the woods yesterday.
The charity event remains on course for next April. Some of the accomodation has already been booked, and both my employer, Mercer, and Cancer Research UK have been prompting me with ideas for sponsorship and advertising...I'm quietly confident that the event will be a qualified success!
Ramblin' Steve
parallel lines ~ parallel lives..."
At the end of this week I head off rather excitedly on a train journey to visit friends in Batheaston & Cheltenham, as I treat myself to a well deserved long weekend away. Part of my past will always remain with me, and these two places will forever hold a place in my heart. Some of my previous blogs concerning my journey to find a place that I can call 'home', fondly recall Somerset & South Gloucestershire, as although I've moved around quite a lot during the past thirteen or so years, I did actually spend the best part of 50% of this time in Batheaston, Bradley Stoke (a suburb of Bristol) & Cheltenham.
I probably came closest to finding my 'true home' whilst living in a lovely little village just outside Bath, as I rented a very quaint apartment which was full of character which overlooked the countryside, and I enjoyed an active social life sharing some special times with great friends, including the odd romance or two!
Then after living around the Bristol area for a couple years, I leased a gorgeous batchelor pad in an exclusive area of Cheltenham, where I was extremely happy.
Never say never ~ who knows, maybe one day I'll return on a permanent basis?
It's no point having regrets in life, but in hindsight I can admit that I left Cheltenham far too early, and if I had my time again I would've stayed there indefinitely.
This isn't to say that I'm not happy now living back on the south-coast, but some of my dearest friends remain back west, and I am so thrilled to be returning if only for a weekend.
Specifically, I'm looking forward to catching up with my lovely friend, Trace and her family, for a cuppa and catch up in Batheaston, followed by an old drinking buddy, Posty Dave, for a few pints of guinness in The George & Dragon a little later on.
Then I'll travel on to Cheltenham to catch up with my 'life-saving' friends (please see previous blogs) Jimi & Denn, and their two gorgeous boys for the rest of the weekend.
Having experienced a couple of lazy weekends recently, and with the trip to the west country to come this weekend, I felt it was essential to get some miles under my belt in the weekend just gone, as I continue my training for my charity trek next year.
So despite the forecast of pouring rain, I walked to and back from Bognor Regis to see my family on the Saturday, fortunately avoiding any bad weather ~ "there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes" ~ before venturing to Kingley Vale, where I happily rambled around the woods yesterday.
The charity event remains on course for next April. Some of the accomodation has already been booked, and both my employer, Mercer, and Cancer Research UK have been prompting me with ideas for sponsorship and advertising...I'm quietly confident that the event will be a qualified success!
Ramblin' Steve
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