Goodbye To All That

"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