When I fished my Blog, just now .. I finished my coffee also, and looking down into my cup, a feather .. signs eh! Last night, I was watching the New Snow White film .. it's lovely... Maybe not for everyone... But my inner child loves these movies .. fairytales, hopes and dreams .. 

Anyways!! So I was watching above movie on my Kindle, and stopped... Thinking back to when Franco and Barry and I were here, and we were out front one evening late, enjoying the warm evening and running around like crazies trying to catch fireflies... 

So I got out of bed, it was around 11:30pm maybe.. crouched down and looked out of my bedroom window into the dark outside.. and there! Immediately! A firefly! Just for me, down where we chased them before, and just the one. Courtesy of Franco, I felt.

I waited about ten minutes, but no more .. I always look out of window, but hadn't seen one for years...

And like the feather in my coffee grounds above.. just small gifts, just for me.

Now I am getting around to what happend the Sunday before last.

I knew we were going to visit where I grew up, I was looking forward to walking around where I was used to walk.. 

I thought, I'm going to see what's for sale around there, so I Googled properties for sale! And I clicked on a house down our street, they were all laid out pretty much the same when I was there, two up, two down! We had a mangle house out the back, two story! 

I clicked on street view to see which house it is.. I hadn't zoomed in on the front door, it was, after all, just one of the houses in our street ..

Not sure if you're ahead of me by now? I'm sure some of you are ..

It isn't just one of the houses down our street, it is our house!

WoW! 

Our house, my house! My grandmother, my great grandmother.. it's our family home.

And now I am digging myself a big pit of despair and disappointment as all I want is to be back in there again, wrapped up in warm memories and familiar places...

The chances of my house being for sale? Right when I go to look on property for sale there? 

It's meant to be right?? I am laughing in my head! 

I can dream, and I do love to dream, to plan, to imagine..  

But I am well aware I'll be upset when it sells, if not to me... 

And the big, big thing about being there, later, parking up near my house, walking around the small parade of stores, walking up our street.. I actually, since coming back in October, I actually felt like I was home.

You know how I have happy days and those sad days, I spill them here regularly don't I..

Today I woke up sad, maybe the firefly from last night? Now the feather in my coffee cup, the tale of Snow White has it's ups and downs, as fairy tales do...

It's my birthday tomorrow! That's it! Retirement! It's a big stepping stone in life isn't it? I hadn't really thought about it, only in a joking way, as my countdown app on my phone told me the years ticking off, I put the app on about four years ago! Now it's down to hours .. 

Less time, as I screenshot and place here, than I realized! Also confused about the actual countdown time!?! Should be more than that, a few hours more!?! 

As for me here it's 10:55am here, as I write.. 13 hours to go until my birthday! And if I'm being exact... Plus 3hrs more for being born in Cali!

Not posting until later, when I'm sure my birthday will have arrived in the UK before I do! 

And now, need to re-set my mind! 

Look where I am and with whom. Only as my eyes well up... I guess, it's really what's missing is what hurts isn't it. 

M.

But know this - despite the distance and time put behind me, whenever I glance at the rearview mirror

I still hope to see you.

J. Raymond 

A part of a poem from The Kindred Project

Been a while I hear you say! 

Yep! I know! Where did I leave off! 

Okay! Not even left England! 

So! Had my breakfast and chatted again to to another passenger who was on my flight, we discussed how our new flight was already 1 hour behind schedule, she asked me when I was leaving the hotel and I said I was on the 8:30 happy Hopper bus. 

We met up outside as we boarded the bus and she didn't feel very well so we sat down together and we checked in together we both had issues that needed to be sorted out at check-in because I could not check in now as I was flying Virgin Atlantic and not Delta. 

We went through security together and I found a pair of seats we could sit down together, she really was not feeling well, and worried about not being able to fly.. anyway you don't want to know all the ins and outs but thankfully L. felt better and it wasn't long before our gate number came up, I say laughing not long was about 3 hours in the departures hall.

It wasn't just us two, we were also joined by another girl and the three of us talked and kept each other company until our gate numbers came up, L. and I seem to have so much in common it was spooky, even a family name joins us somewhere in the past I am sure from Naples, and that can't happen every day.

I really only was just being me helping and being there and supporting someone who really did not feel very well at all, I worry about people, I care about people and I really was just being me. And when she felt better she said I had been her guardian angel at the airport which was so lovely of her but as I say I was just being me and happy to help somebody, I guess also we always hope that there would be someone there for us too, I have been lucky to have Angels supporting me also...

L. was wearing a beautiful Crystal necklace around her neck that she had made for her trip to England, to Glastonbury! And suddenly she took it off and gave it to me as a thank you... I will treasure it always, it is filled with positive energy and I will re-energize it every opportunity I can. 

Talking about coincidences and strange things that happen quite often to me, I still have not told you the strange thing that happened to me the other weekend I promise I will in my next Blog, because since then there have been so many strange coincidences the girls at the airport strange links, family names, even where L. lived when she grew up, where she lives now we have traveled in the same circles.

And at the last minute as we three stood, two of us in one direction and S. in another..

S. and I found out that we both live in Nottingham! She had asked me about helping her with a book she wants to publish, I gave her my number as she asked and she hasn't messaged yet so I'm hoping that we got the number right when I told her.

Our flight was good I didn't see L. again on the journey though.

I did see all of the south shore of Long Island as we came in, low and slow ... Was wonderful, Fire Island, my cousin's, where we stay at weekends.. beautiful view beneath... So often it's the city which is also amazing to view on approach, especially at night, or winter months and it's dark already. 

So the flight itself was really good the food was wonderful, I watched two movies and I slept in between. I was sat next to two girls, a mom and her daughter who live in North Carolina, only a small hold up when we pulled up to disembark, but then we were all off straight through to security, and maybe 10 minutes insecurity through the passport control all you had to do was stand look at the camera no passport and gate opened! 

The very fastest I have ever been through JFK in my life I have spent up to 2 hours getting through security previously so this was fantastic. 

I went straight through and out to the taxi rank where I did have to wait at least 20 minutes jumped in a cab and straight here to my aunts.

So much writing I am speaking into my phone so apologies for anything that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, although that could be said of most of my Blogs anyways!

So I arrived here a whole day late, at the weekend we went out to cousins in Long Island that was really nice, days spent surrounded by cousins four generations! 

I heard from the pre-surgery team and I have to have a echocardiogram before my surgery now, as it appears I can add bradycardia to my list of heart issues, no one seems to have noticed the sellotape and staples that hold my heart together. Maybe some super glue too! 

My first echocardiogram appointment had been made for the day after I return, and it was at 8:00 a.m. everything about it was impossible especially as I checked with Dr Google who says an echocardiogram after a long haul flight can be misleading, so it has been rescheduled now for the following Thursday. 

We have had mostly sunny weather a couple of days where it has begun cloudy or foggy but the sun has cleared that away and two nights ago we had a small and I mean small compared to last week, a flash flood we had 4 inches in an hour, it rained for a few hours with a lot of thunder but by the morning only a few puddles remained and yesterday was a clear day. 

My aunt and I went out for a walk at the weekend near my cousins and it was way too long of a walk I was not happy I was panicking, it is strange how I have walked and supported so many clients over the years, but walking with my aunt was a whole different ball game! 

I felt like I needed more support than she did! 

I did vow to never walk with her again, but somehow she persuaded me and we went out for a short walk yesterday afternoon, literally to the end of our block, and we turned around came straight back, we sat on her steps for a while but it was so hot and humid.

The photograph above, the (unwanted) Spotted Lanternfly.  It destroys where it stops .. and travels like an unwanted hitchhiker!

My list of things I should not eat seems to grow daily, but while I have been here I have very happily been eating every single thing I shouldn't, and I just don't give a damn!

I'm going to make a cup of tea and I'll be back! 

Just adding the photograph and link to the Spotted Lanternfly..  before me telling you about eating foods I shouldn't!! Let me make it clear! The Lanternfly is not on the menu!! 

I went off on a tangent then, checking out part the Latin name for the above invasive species, 'delicatula,' is a fungi!

Not edible maybe! And as I say! Not on my menu!

Okay, posting now .. 

M.

In shared laughter, stories told,

Family time, a treasure, bold.

Hands held tight, in love's embrace,

Precious moments, time and spaqce.

Above the well trod path leading to the taps in the cemetery.. walked by me and my gran.. 

And somewhere in the above is my grans grave.. when I'm back I must find out the plot number, it must be noted somewhere, the exact place... And put up a headstone... She should have one.. I want that for her.

And now though, back at Heathrow airport, arrived about nine, same lady on the bus from yesterday, do that was nice... Like seeing a friend...

Checked in, again, but more difficult, as I changed my flight yesterday, they had already, but there was an option to change again free of charge, so I took an earlier flight, it's a Virgin Atlantic, so my Delta App is no good 

There was a very early flight available, but my body clock is already out of sync, up yesterday about 4:30am I went to sleep last night about 8pm ... Then awake again this morning about 4! So, yes actually I could have? Or not .. would have had to be have been here about 3am... And taking into account the time I might end up going to bed tonight, 10pm US time.. that'd be 24hrs!!! 

Arhhhhh, I can't do that!! 

I'll try and sleep on the flight, it's delayed an hour, but hey! Fingers crossed! 

M.

Go as far as you can see. When you get there you will see how you can go farther.

Thomas Carlyle - 1795-1881 - British Historian-Essayist-Philosopher-Mathematician-Teacher

A few photographs from Sunday morning... Had a run out to my home ground... My old haunts, my growing up... 

Above and two below are Ashlyns school where I had my final three years of schooling.

Beautiful school, didn't really think of it as such at the time, at all, ever! 

Went to Northchurch first though, parked up in front of the small parade of shops... The final cherry tree has now disappeared.. sadly.

They had been planted in 1959, someone told mom and I that, when we asked where have the other trees gone and why! Can't remember why they went now..

There is a Simmons Bakery there now too! Purchased a lovely cup of coffee and ate a gorgeous pastry filled with pistachio cream! Very very yum!!

From there parked on New Road and walked up to the Grand Union Canal... 

The hedges and trees around the canal, around St. Mary's primary school where I went, have grown so much! It's crazy!! Literally cannot see what you used to be able to see!

I wanted to see our old house up above the canal, the only way is by the cemetery.. 

I looked for my grans grave, but it's completely consumed by plants, trees, just a bunch of overgrowth! 

I want to find out the exact location and clear it up... I'm sure there's not even a headstone! 

I remember it from walking up to the house, but from this side, and the overgrowth, it was impossible...

I found the tap, the watering cans, the same as they ever were, when her, my gran, and I, used to water the plants on family graves... Of which I now have no idea who or where they are ..

The old wooden cross above, it caught my eye primarily because of what's resting there... Can you see it in the second photograph? It is a massive moth!

More photographs in the morning from Sunday, just need to get y'all up to date now..

Okay! My flight today, Heathrow to JFK, arrived here about 7:00, approx, checked in very easily.. walked up and through security, straight through real easy... Then purchased a book and water .. bit early so thought a good idea ..

Then! Wham! Flight delayed, about two hours, then eight hours, then seemed to change to four hours. I double checked that and realized the 16:00 departure was for tomorrow! 

Got up and checked the screen, flight cancelled! Period! 

So!! After kinda standing there completely lost as to what to do next, I needed someone to ask! Went to the Delta desk, which was heading out to the gates, bit of a wait there, but left with a plan! 

I headed back into the departures area and had a nice unexpected brunch of salmon and scrambled egg on sourdough bread with a very nice café latte, mostly free, the coupon had to be used today, I did have to add on a little..

Next, free bus travel to an airport hotel, that wasn't without issues, I was told I had free hotel accommodation in the Ibis, but not which Ibis, there are three here in Heathrow, so I found the bus stop, and the driver was so helpful.. she said her bus only went to two, so it could only be a choice of two, she left the airport, only me on board, dropped me outside the first Ibis, I ran in, found I wasn't booked in there and ran back out and back onto her bus, and only then did she scan my free ticket.. dropped me at the next and correct, hotel.

I've had a free lunch already, chicken curry, and a salad, and chocolate brownie... Phew, three meals already today! 

I have changed my flight, feel a bit nervous having done it now, but it said I could, and I have, but can't check in as I should be able to, so will get to the airport earlier even, to get that done, but at least I'll be flying now at 13:00 not 16:00, so I can arrive earlier and not feel I have lost two whole days before I can even start my visit!

Love hanging out at the airport, not done a enough of that all those years travelling for work!! 

M.

I am pieces of all the places I have been, and the people I have loved. I've been stitched together by song lyrics, book quotes, adventure, late night conversations, moonlight, and the smell of coffee.

Brooke Hampton

Back to me being a bad Blogger it seems! Lo siento..

Above some of my favorite flowers, hydrangeas at Casa de Flores .. and this color is absolutely gorgeous...

A couple of beautiful views taken from K.'s, sunsets in paradise...

And back to Blighty!! On Wednesday evening my first day back the food delivery guy gave my son two massive bags of peas!! 

For free I mean ! He said there was so much excess stock everyone was getting them!

Not sons favorite veggie side, so Thursday I sat out the back in the beautiful sunshine, just as I left it .. it only rained while I was away! Hang on, it did rain a bit yesterday and the day before, not much though.  

So sat in one of my old camping chairs, cup of fresh mint tea, I podded the peas .. 

It was so lovely, music playing in my earbuds, popping the peas out into the bowl.. brought back memories from sitting out the back at New Road in Northchurch with my gran when I was little, podding the peas she had grown...

Me and her... 

And the completed peas.. there were more than it looks... I went into the kitchen and cooked off some red onion some garlic, diced up a few new potatoes, keeping on the skins, cooked off a little more with some stock, then added the peas for five minutes and some fresh mint! 

Was okay, I mean not the best soup, but I ate it over the next few days so nothing wasted...

Now.. what else, Saturday! Went to a beer and food festival, there were a couple of sudden drops of rain but not enough to stop people eating where they sat on the grass, or to stop the musicians from playing and people to abandon the hay bales..

Two great bands, solo singers... but neither of them said 'hello' or introduced themselves.. it's nice when musicians interact with the audience, you feel included... 

Anyways, I bought a few items, an amazing snake made with a 3D printer, and an octopus!! I'll take photographs tomorrow... Couple of LEGO characters.. Mmmm oh and a very large amount of Turkish Delight!! Two pieces of every flavor, after he cut off tiny pieces for me to try! 

I was aiming for an advertised price for a specific weight.. but that went.. somewhere! Where all good intensions go! As the seller was just piling it in a box then weighed it, I tried to not looked shocked and just tapped my phone and ran!

Cannot show you, today is Friday and there is none left! At all!! Can't lie! 

Today, went for a ride out on a bike, Matlock Bath, lovely sunny day, had a jacket spud with chilli con carne.. nice bit of spice actually...

And sat there, outside the pub, the benches all up on a raised area above street level, with all bar one bench taken, every one of the customers were bikers; the path, a slow moving walkway of people admiring the parked up bikes next to the kerb.. my casco, (helmet), on the wall, my jacket on the back in my seat.. my 'helmet head' hair pulled back, my fine array of tattoos! And I giggled to myself when a passing woman said to her partner when he suggested 'sit up there?' she looked up, looked shocked looked panicky! and said "oh no, I didn't want to sit up there!."

So funny, to be somewhere where someone can't imagine being happy sitting, because of how the other people, the majority, all look like!

Made my day! 

M.

The universe will surprise you

Constantly

Oops catch up! When I last posted I was on the beach down at Cabopino on Sunday.. 

What did I do Saturday? Let me check my calendar! Okay! Met up with friends here in town, coffees chatting lunch! I remember now! 

Then Sunday with J. down at Cabopino most of the day, didn't get back until the evening, I was under the parasol all day, well, most of me... A group started playing in the mid afternoon which was nice, so a day of good conversation, lots of laughter and people watching.. followed by more laughing!! 

Yesterday, Monday, Torremolinos with the girls, K. and S., 

Went to The Tudor Rose I used to take Peter too.. which was why we went. On the approach no parking spaces, so I carried on past, around the two Picasso dancing girls roundabout, and back.. and a space right outside! Perfect!

We walked up and sat down, no electricity! She said only cold drinks and food at the moment.. We debated staying or leaving and I said out loud, 'Peter!! What are you doing to us?!' and the electric came back on! Again! Perfect!

After a light breakfast, my second of the day! We went to Ikea, where I tried and succeeded in not buying anything!! A very rare occurrence, but then, seriously! What was a going to do! Carry it back to England with me!! Noooo!

Then!! After items were purchased we were off to Casa las Flores! Hence the turtles in the top photograph, they have opened up the area around the raised flower beds and painted the fence; when I was last there I couldn't get close to see them! 

Night before last there was a fire in the Finca la Mota área in the evening and turned the sky a beautiful color... 

 Today, my last full day..

Coffee with T. and then my neighbor, then a wander around town.. made the mistake of (or made the most of), going into my favorite store, Bulee, only purchased two items! Well, one item is a twin set.. So sort of three items, for the price of two! I say, explaining myself to absolutely no body at all! 

Now I sit here at Bar Mori, Isa's café, a cup of té verde, writing my memoires.. 

M.

The only limits in our life are those we impose on ourselves.

Bob Proctor - 1934-2022 - Author and Speaker

More from Fridays trip to Málaga and the Botanical Gardens.. 

My photographs really do not do the place justice..

Stunning colors, some blooms fading already as the heat sets in.. 

The area above they use for weddings and we imagined how they would hold them there .. Then we began wedding planning! How, where, the best places there... And if our gardens... What we would do... 

Yep, three women dreaming as girls ...

Black bamboo, a couple of amazing bamboo forests here, green and black ... Amazing to walk through...

Many of the pools and streams had thousands of tadpoles in! The water was alive with them! And in this one a turtle or two!

This building, a small museum, below, looked new but was very very old... Gorgeous.. 

So many pathways, so much to see, beautiful.. we'll be back! 

Hopefully, again and again, it's so close! Forty minutes from here really, that's all... 

Or again bus and coach, easy...

M.

Go as far as you can see. When you get there you will see how you can go farther.

Thomas Carlyle - 1795-1881 - British Historian-Essayist-Philosopher-Mathematician-Teacher