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