Just be sensible

 

Hello everyone

Lady M still here. This will be the last post on her impromptu series of Just. She hopes you have found them uplifting and helpful through any daily traumas. She's decided to conclude with being sensible. She's decided to cheat slightly and popped into the archives for a post she wrote at the beginning of the year. She's wondering if idiot has realized that they have been plastered all over the Internet. No, she has never seen idiot again as she has never had reason to drive along that road.  However, most peeps know that Lady M is a believer in karma and is aware of numerous occasions when peeps who have upset or crossed her in any way reap just desserts. Karma is her friend so perhaps idiot has received theirs. 😜



What will she be posting next week? She is reminded of a comment the great Charles Dickens made when he was writing Nicholas Nickleby. Originally, he wrote this work as a series for a paper and it was published in installments. An eager reader espied him and asked, "Mr. Dickens, what will Nicholas do next week?" His reply, "Madam, I don't know I haven't written it yet."

Outrage on Cooper Street

On Saturday, 8^th December, I attempted to get my car from Treddles Lane onto the main road. I am driving along Cooper Street as a car is coming up Park Street and wanting to turn left so I continue along Cooper Street and turn right into the final small section of that road. There is a parked vehicle at the top on the right, one half way down on the left facing me with the engine running ready to move. Another car is parked at the bottom end on the right. So, I proceed, overtake the middle car, move back to the left and try to pass the parked car at the bottom of the road. By now, there is another car behind me and the one I’d overtaken has been able to leave the street. Unfortunately, the bottom car was too near the middle of the road for me to pass. I gesticulated expecting person to move over so that we could both move and the one behind me as well. Person sat in car like a statue. I try again. Person still like a statue. Weird! 

Then, person gets out of car comes over to me and shouts, “You just had to push through, didn’t you.” WHAT! How was the car in the middle going to get out if I didn’t move down? Fly over me and the other parked vehicle? Was person serious? I am a little stunned. Next, person locks car and says, “I’m going home. I only live there.” I’m thinking, shall I do the same? I could walk round the corner and leave my car. Now. I watch Judge Rinder and that word he uses frequently comes to mind… STUPID! Anyway, why would I want to be as childish as person?

I get out and talk with lady in the car behind me. She asked why person didn’t just move over; she wanted to call the police. Then person would probably have got either a caution or £60 ticket for blocking the road. I explained that I lived round the corner and this type of situation was a regular occurrence. It would take time for them to arrive and by then our roads would probably be at gridlock. I suggested it would be easier if she reversed and went down Park Street. She was silent, probably thinking why should she. I pointed out that I was totally blocked in and couldn’t go anywhere. She, being sensible, took the reversing option and I followed her. When person saw me moving person came out of house, probably thinking how clever they had been. But has a person who cannot see the whole road situation even got a driving licence? There’s a thought!

The law in the UK states that we wear seatbelts while driving and I am law abiding citizen. So, after reversing I stop conveniently by person’s off-road parking area. Now, I’m a senior citizen and can be a little slow. Seatbelts have to be fitted correctly. Person has now pulled up behind me so I look in mirror, wave and smile. I don’t think person was very pleased because person got out of car and proceeded toward mine presumably thinking of giving me another bol….ing! Oh dear, I drove off before person got opportunity, waving and smiling. How to deal with stupidity!

Btw, I’m the one who has emailed the council requesting yellow lines in our streets before a child is injured or killed when leaving the local school.

So, peeps be happy, lucky, nice, smile but always be sensible and between us we will make the world a better place.

Love Lady M

                                                                                   

Just be lucky!

Hello Everyone,

Lady M still here and hoping you are all having a great time whatever the weather where you are. This is the fifth posting of my impromptu 'Just' series... be lucky!

Some peeps say you make your own luck others believe that you are born either lucky or a loser. I don't know but in recent years I have decided that our own character can be our worst enemy. We are what we are. Lady M has always liked helping people and a strong believer in kindness and empathy often to her own determent. Her life has been a roller coaster ride... the highs have been really high and the lows off the scale but through faith and belief in humanity she has always bounced back. Her father had a phrase which accurately describes her, "Eh, lass if thou fell down the ***** you'd come up smelling of roses." He was right but is it down to luck, due to her character or maybe predestination? Again, who knows?

She has often wondered if she had put her own career as a teacher before thinking about the children would she have stayed in teaching and advanced further up in the ranking to senior status? For years, she thought about seeing groups through exams rather than moving until forced to move through amalgamation and redeployment which really marked the end of her career. Then, would she have ever turned her hand to writing? She has always felt that she was born to write. Maybe, it was predestination and not luck.

Some peeps have strong beliefs in lucky charms. Certain items are considered to be lucky like a four leaf clover or heather. For others, certain numbers bring luck. How often have you heard peeps say they are wearing their lucky pants or socks or always carry a certain item with them?

You also know that Lady M is a believer in karma. Is this linked with luck or being a loser? Repeatedly, when peeps have let her down or harmed her in some way she has sat back and waited and sure enough, in a short space of time, some fate has befallen them, either ill heath or death. Coincidence?  Or linked to last week's post on being nice and nice things come to you. Be nasty, evil, horrible and you will reap what you sow? Who knows?

Luck is a mysterious thing!

So, until next week, she leaves you pondering. Be happy, be nice, be positive but above all, be lucky!

Lady M xxx

Just be nice

Hello Everyone,

So far in my impromptu 'Just' series of posts I have suggested that peeps be both happy and positive while keeping a smile on visages. This should help them to have a better day and encourage others to follow their lead. This week I am suggesting that peeps go out of their way to be nice and kind toward others.

You may well ask, why be nice when peeps are horrible and nasty to you? When they are toxic, jealous and bitter toward you or have stabbed you in the back more times than you can remember? You are probably asking if I live in the real world. Er… have you met my family? Being nice makes you the better person and helps you get through the day and difficult times. Whatever personal problems you may have, and who has not got problems or issues, you need to survive in our ever changing society. Being nice aids survival and helps to make the world a better place.

Anger or resentment solves nothing. It results in hostilities. Just sprinkle a little kindness instead.

Most religions promote kindness and you tend to find that peeps who have strong religious beliefs regardless of the religion, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, Islam or Buddhism to mention the main ones, have a faith which makes them happier and in that faith there is a creed which promotes kindness toward others.

Christianity, for example, spoken by Jesus in Matthew's Gospel Ch 7 v 12, In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. 

There is also a famous song If I can help somebody … the lyrics of the chorus are -  

If I can help somebody, as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song. If I can show somebody, that he's travelling wrong. Then my living shall not be in vain.

Apparently, mental health issues are at a premium in the modern world and more peeps are seeing suicide as the only way out. A simple act of kindness, being a friend can make all the difference. The title of this blog is Look After Each Other.

As a last thought on kindness, you never know when you are someone's last hope. 

Life was meant to be wonderful, an adventure and glorious experience to be enjoyed and not endured. Just a few pretty pics to show how beautiful life can be... a sunset, animals, snowdrops and a village church.

Be kind. Be nice.

Lady M 

Just be happy!

                                                     

The beauty of nature, Sandwell Park Farm

Hello Everyone,

Lady M still here and admits that most of the things in her life happen by accident or do they? During the last few weeks she has been moved by the tragedy on Easter Sunday and then disillusioned with our international situation declaring that we are in a third world war. The only way to fight negativity, depression or despair is to fight back with positivity. She realised that she has begun her last two postings with the word 'Just'. She has decided it should be the current theme. Just smile, be positive and now happy.

Happiness does not solve problems anymore than smiling or positivity but combined with those two it makes the day brighter. Each morning, when she wakes she thinks of each day as a holiday and a blessing. To be more precise, she doesn't wake up until mid-morning, brunch or coffee time. She is a night owl and seldom goes to bed before the bewitching hour. She finds it difficult to sleep before two a.m. 

Her father had a phrase which she frequently recalls, "there's always someone worse off than you." You may feel like disagreeing if you are going through hard times, bereavement or some form of distress but if you are reading this then presumably you have either a mobile/cell phone, laptop or computer. What about all of those refugees, homeless or peeps who do not have access or cannot afford it? 

She remembers those good old days of the sixties and her life in Derbyshire. One of the annual events was the Bakewell Show; the family went along. Sometimes her father exhibited livestock  and won many prizes. He was so proud of all the rosettes he acquired over the years. There's one long lasting memory of the year he took her into the flower tent and stood for some considerable time admiring the blooms. He smiled and was particularly moved by the beauty of the chrysanthemums, gladioli,  hydrangeas and nature. He radiated happiness as he said, (I paraphrase because it was a long time ago) "Just look at that beauty, think of how its grown, it makes you think about what is beyond the universe and doesn't it make you glad to be alive."

Different things radiate happiness to different people. If the sun is shining it is easier to feel the warmth and happiness. Still, thinking back to the sixties where Lady M seems to live, the great late Ken Dodd had a hit record Happiness, to quote just a few of his lyrics, got no silver, got no gold, but happiness in my soul; happiness is the greatest gift that I possess; I thank the Lord that I've been blessed with more than my share of happiness.

There are no winners in the game of life so do whatever makes you feel happy and enjoy this short sojourn which we have on the earth. Make time for yourself … walk in the rain, enjoy the beauty of nature, visit the cinema, go to the beach, read a book, take up a hobby... or do whatever puts a smile of your face.

Until next week... be happy, smile and be positive. Below are just a few pics of things which made her happy and they do not all cost money.

Lady M xxxxx

Blackpool Pier

Afternoon tea at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool

Sunset in Paphos

Ice cream!

Tram riding

Just be positive!

Hello Everyone,

I hope you found last week's blog helpful if you were feeling down, sad or just disillusioned with life. After thinking about the effects of a smile I began thinking about some of my previous posts on positivity and wandered into my archives and found this one, my New Year posting in 2017.

Yes, that's almost two-and-a-half years ago. How time flies whether you are having fun or not. Last week I found my way to the optician's for an eye test and discovered that my eyesight had improved with age. I now think of my eyesight in the same way as a good vintage! However, I was chatting to the optician who was very young, at a guess in her twenties, I told her how quickly time seemed to pass when you got older. She was rather alarmed because she felt, at her tender age, that time was speeding by. I explained to her that I felt it was due to the modern age of technology where everything seems to be so much faster. In fact, it doesn't seem like seven days since my blog on smiling posted.

All of my New year blogs are optimistic and offer positivity for the future. I've suggested taking new ideas and opportunities; taking each day as a new beginning. Looking at life as an exciting adventure; seeing every day as a holiday. Always looking for the good and the advantage of every situation or dilemma. So, I would like to leave you with this blog in the hope that if you are going through a difficult time you may find something positive besides a smile to help you through the dark days.

                                                      *****************

Happy New Year!

Yes, it's Lady M back with you for awhile and thanking Sofia for looking after you all at the end of last year. I hope you enjoyed her stroll down memory lane. What is she doing now? Where is she? Who is she with? If you need to ask you have not read her books!

So, it is January 6th 2017. I am finding it hard to believe, too. 2016 was an incredible year on many fronts. Brexit? America's Presidential Election? Both had surprising outcomes. Then there were the numerous deaths of celebrities in the music and film world; many of them still in their youth: well 50's and 60's. The latest, and I think we are still all in shock at the revelation of George Michael's death, only 53. Very young in today's society.  We can only hope that 2017 will be a better year.

I like to begin each year with a positive message of hope for the future.

Last year:

Happy 2016. Now, readers, you may recall that in the past I have given positive messages at the beginning of the year. This year I would like to give you three gifts... positivity, hope and a blank page. Throughout 2016 use the blank page to write down all the good and positive things that happen in your life.

If you did this I hope your page is now full and you are in a position to count your blessings.

In previous years I have suggested that you make the most of every opportunity; I have pointed out that every moment counts and time should not be wasted as tomorrow is never promised to us.

This year I would just like to give you all my best wishes and hope that it will be a happy year for you.

                                                   ******************
Be positive!

Lady M xxxx

Just Smile

A relaxing place

Just chillaxing

Hello everyone,

I recently declared myself the founder member of the TOPO club (Tired, old and pi**ed off). Then I added an ‘L’ (lazy) making it the TOPOL club. The next milestone in my life is 70. I am in the twilight years of my life or, as many refer to these years, the ‘waiting for God’ years. If I am honest I would not like to be a youngster in today’s world.

I look around me and listen to the news, usually in despair, although today there is some sunshine of happiness as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex show the world their new born son; seventh in line to the throne and the Queen’s eighth great-grandchild.

What do I normally see and hear? I recall the 1960’s when my generation wanted to change the world and make it a better place. Alas, it is far worse than it used to be. Where did it all go wrong? Brexit is a disaster, I never thought I would be embarrassed to be British, but that day has arrived. Knife crime is rife. It is no longer safe to walk on our streets. Homelessness is on the increase as rents and property prices soar. Youngsters, if they are lucky enough, stay at home because they cannot afford to move out. I left home at the age of 18 to go to college paid for by a grant from the Government which did not have to be repaid. Today’s youth frequently reject that option because they do not want a student debt around their neck for the rest of their life.

Industries, once the last bastions of society, are failing through rising costs and lacking sales. Who remembers Woolworths? That famous High Street store? It closed its doors over a decade ago and was followed by many others… BHS, MFI, Toys ‘R’ Us, Brantano, Poundworld, Habitat, Comet, HMV, Staples/Office Outlet, Debenhams In fact, an online check indicates that over 470 store names have failed in the last 12 years. The problem? They usually say it’s due to Internet marketplaces. Technology now rules our lives but does not protect our livelihood which leads to insecurity and daily fear of job losses for individuals. In turn, this leads to stress and high anxiety over how to pay the bills.

Recently, two jets have fallen out of the sky due to a malfunction with the software. Apparently, the captains were unable to override the computers on board the new jets. So, are computers now controlling us? Originally, man/woman or in this ‘PC’ age maybe I should say ‘human’ controlled the computers on board and were able to fly manually in the event of computer failure. On these two occasions that was not possible.

Have you ever been at the bank, garage, store, library or in fact anywhere when the computers are down? What happens? Nothing apart from chaos because everything ceases. We are brought to a halt by inanimate objects.

Am I the only person left who does not walk around with a phone attached to my ear? It seems that in this new technological age people are unable to do anything without a mobile/cell phone. Apparently, many are losing sleep because they are afraid of missing an important text. Yes, I know I’m using a computer now. I also am on social media sites and I have iPads, but could I live without them? Yes. On holiday, I frequently do. I only log on occasionally to flick through emails and give updates on FB for those of my readers who wish to share my holiday experience.

Last week I wrote about us being in a third world war. This week I am looking at another problem in our society. In the fifties there was excitement over the new jet age as people began flying around the world. Since, those days everything has speeded up and materialism has become an essential part of life. Everyone seems to want the latest expensive gadget yesterday regardless of whether they are in the financial position to afford it. Money is the commodity by which our society functions. For most, it is acquired by work.

Alas, when work is under threat and redundancies or closures are an every day fear; anxiety, panic and depression creep in. Survival is a problem; despair takes over. Mental health is now a serious issue although unheard of in my youth. Each dawn just brings another headache and something to be endured.

Is there a solution? I’ve no idea but a smile will ease the pain, make you feel better and more able to face the dreary day ahead. Think of each day as a holiday. Give yourself a mantra, “I’m happy”, “I’m lucky”, “I feel great… or whatever.

Wear a smile not a frown. Smiles are infectious. Take it on yourself to smile and make the world a better place.

Just smile! 😅😆😇😉😊😍😎

I've added a few pretty pics to help you.

Lady M

World War Three

Hello Everyone,

Lady M hopes you enjoyed her holiday post last week. She was rather alarmed, like the rest of the world, when she watched the Pope's Easter message and learned of the horrific suicide bombings in Sri Lanka. Clearly, Easter Sunday was selected for maximum effect. The location? Who knows? Maybe, they just put a pin on the world map. During the last years these attackers have taken over the world. Is Lady M the only person who believes we are in World War Three... a war which the whole world is fighting against terrorism? Two years ago in 2017 she was writing the introduction to her little booklet, "Life is..." while watching the Ariana Grande tribute concert. This week she would like to share that introduction with you.

"It is June 4^th, 2017. I am writing this introduction while listening to the melodic tones of Take That singing ‘Manchester we are strong’. They are performing at the tribute concert, One Love Manchester. Yes, I’m a woman so I can multitask! Thirteen days ago a suicide bomber detonated a homemade bomb at the Manchester Arena as people were leaving the Ariana Grande concert. Twenty-two innocent people, including many children and teenagers, were killed and more than a hundred injured. The attacker was Salman Abedi, born in Manchester, with parents of Libyan origin. Ariana’s reaction was to return to Manchester for this tribute concert.

Terrorism is the scourge of the twenty-first century and with the advent of social media the world was aware of the Manchester attack within minutes. Foreign leaders all made their customary speeches to ‘stand with Manchester’. The world unites on these horrific occasions and this was the worst in the UK since the London bombings on July 7^th , 2005 when four Islamist extremists detonated three bombs on the London Underground and a fourth one on a bus. This attack resulted in fifty-six deaths (including the attackers) and over seven hundred injured people.

This was the second attack in the UK in two months. On March 22^nd, Khalid Masood drove a car into people on Westminster Bridge. He ran out of the vehicle into New Palace Yard and stabbed an unarmed police officer before he was shot by a police officer. The incident resulted in six deaths and forty-nine injured people. Then, the rest of the globe supported London.

This morning, I, on auto-pilot, switched on the television to see a ‘BBC breaking news’ on the screen.  Another terrorist attack at 10.08 yesterday evening on London Bridge. The third attack on British soil within three months. A white van had been driven into crowds crossing the bridge. Three males emerged, carrying knives, and moved toward restaurants stabbing as many people as they could saying, ‘This is for Allah’. At 10.16 pm their reign of terror was over. After eight minutes of freedom the police arrived and shot the three attackers. During those few minutes they succeeded in causing eight deaths and forty-plus injured people, some critical.

Have these ISIS people, who claim to be of the Islamic faith, ever read the Koran? Each Surah begins by stating that Allah is compassionate and merciful. Allah does not condone merciless killings. How often have we heard Muslims claim that these terrorists do not belong to their religion? Islam is a religion of peace.

At the moment I can see Robbie Williams singing ‘Angels’ and a crowd of fifty thousand people smiling and singing along with him. This is defiance. Some of the audience were present on that fateful night but are not prepared to surrender to terrorism. President Trump has called terrorists ‘losers’. I compare them to the classroom bullies who are basically cowards and can never be allowed to win. As Friedrich Nietzsche stated, ‘That which does not kill us makes us stronger’. This audience are strong and united.

At present the UK seems to be the terrorists’ main target. At this sad time I am sure the people of France feel the emotion with us as they remember their attacks through 2015- 2016 in Paris, Nice and Normandy. Who could ever forget the slogan ‘Je suis Charlie’ after the attack on January 7^th, 2015 at the Charlie Hebdo magazine office when twelve people were killed? Germany and Belgium, our other close European neighbours, have suffered from ISIS attacks in Berlin, Wuerzburg, Ansbach and Brussels. Iraq, Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Canada, Australia and America…yes, it is a global problem. Tunisia… a prominent and memorable attack by a lone assassin on western tourists at a hotel in Port El Kantaoui in June, 2015. This shooting was at one of the most unlikely places… a beach where people were relaxing and enjoying a holiday. It resulted in thirty-eight deaths and thirty-nine injured people. The assassin was killed by the police.

I am sure Americans shiver with horror at each new attack as they remember their horrendous attackson The Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, and The Pentagon on September 11^th, 2001. Three planes were successfully hijacked and hit their targets. A fourth plane did not reach its destination, thought to be Washington, as the passengers attempted to overpower the hijackers and the plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. This was the work of another extremist Islamic group, al-Qaeda. Total fatalities were 2,996 and over six thousand injured people.

When will our leaders actually admit that terrorism is not just a global phenomenon but our third world war? One hundred years ago The Great War, later to be termed World War 1, was coming to an end. It had been fought in various places in battles and by man against man; by soldiers on horseback or on foot using weapons of the era. Twenty years later in 1939 the world was at war again. It was a still a war with battles and fought by soldiers on battlefields, those men were fighting for freedom and a better future but it was a different type of war using new weapons of the time… aeroplanes and bombs. In addition to battlefields, it was a conflict fought from the air. Bombs could be dropped from above destroying buildings and causing maximum damage to both life and infrastructure. World War 2 was declared the war to end all wars but it does not seem to have worked. I believe there has only been a short period of time, (I read somewhere – fifteen minutes) when no country has been at war. There was Vietnam, Chinese Civil War, Arab-Israeli War, Indo-Pakistani War, Korea, The Falklands… to mention a few! All fought for a purpose, whether it be land, religion or freedom.

However, we are now in the twenty-first century and we have freedom, social media, technology and materialism in a way never known before. Maybe the pendulum has swung too far towards liberty and a tolerant society. As the last weeks have proved it is not safe to cross the road or go to a concert. Looking back to 2015, 2016, neither is it safe to go on holiday, travel on public transport, go shopping in the market, go out for a meal, sit on the beach or really do anything. We have become prisoners of war in a world where terrorists are the enemy. It is a different kind of war; a war where ‘attacks’ have replaced battles. Not a war where planes drop bombs from the skies or soldiers fight battles in fields. It is a war using twenty-first century knowledge and weapons. Knowledge of how to make simple bombs capable of great destruction is easily available on the Internet. Guns and knives are equally easy to purchase. Our enemies are Islamist extremists who believe that martyrdom is the will of Allah or maybe their heroes are the kamikaze pilots of World War 2. They are just using different methods to find their divine wind route back to Allah.

In these sad times we may ask what life is about. It is easy to be miserable and afraid. It is easy to change our routine but we need to be strong and continue with our plans. If we do that our enemies will not win. I, like most people on the planet, have become a great fan of social media and in particular, Facebook. During the last six months I have been posting daily. Firstly, it was Words of Wisdom and then I moved on to Life is…  Some of my thoughts were philosophical, others humorous. Sometimes I added photographs and emojis or I dedicated certain sayings to individual people. On a couple of occasions I even added a short story telling the inspiration behind the quotation, for example…Life is about turning left instead of right and having an adventure!

I noticed that I was getting a lot of those like clicks and friends seemed to be enjoying my humble daily offering. I had an idea… put all of my posts into a short book and publish them. I have placed one of the Words of Wisdom after every five or six Life is… quotations; some Life quotes have illustrations, either photographs from my albums or downloads from the Net under creative commons licence. All the acknowledgements may be found at the end of the booklet after information on my books.

I hope that those of you who have downloaded this will delve into it on the dark days and find that it puts the smile back on your face.

How would I describe it? Humorous, philosophical, satirical, stimulating, inspirational, illuminating, intriguing, thought-provoking, fresh, invigorating and delightful.

Enjoy!

Post Script

Since writing this the world has experienced more disasters both of terrorism and nature. More lives have been lost. There have been raging forest fires in Portugal, a fire which was like a ‘towering inferno’ at Grenfell Tower in Kensington, London and an attack on Muslims leaving the Finsbury Park Mosque, London after evening worship. London is certainly getting its share of misfortune this year. The question, ‘Why?’ is usually paramount but it is without an answer.

It is hard to be positive or see anything good when these sad situations occur but light always comes after the darkness and hope from despair. What I see is an outpouring of human kindness and love. Even, at the mosque, the Iman protected the assassin from being attacked before the police could arrest him. After fires those who survive have nothing left. All their possessions have gone in the blink of an eye. However, while the flames were still in charge and the smoke pothered out of Grenfell Tower people were arriving with donations of food, clothing, toys, essentials and luxuries to help the unfortunate ones start again. Things take time and time is supposedly a great healer. Although I am not sure about that.

What is a certainty is that there will be more atrocities and natural disasters. All we can do is stay strong and look after each other.

Marilyn L. Rice, June 20^th, 2017"

Whether  you agree or disagree with Lady M be happy and safe wherever you are and whatever you are doing this week.

Lady M xxx

Hazy Halcyon Holidays

The day thou gavest..

 Hello Everyone,


At the moment in the UK we are recovering from Easter eggs, fun and excitement as we herald the approaching summer days and are celebrating the warmest Easter in history. Yes, it's a holiday time. What are holidays all about? This particular one is of religious significance for the Christian religion and commemorates the time when Jesus was crucified and then rose from the dead three days later on the Sunday. Although, in today's society the significance is often lost despite the fact that the word derives from 'holy day' and a time when all holidays revolved around religious festivals.

 Generally, holidays are times for relaxation and to charge the batteries. How do people spend them? In the days of my youth we were lucky if we had one week's holiday a year and extremely fortunate if we had two. It was a time to visit the seaside. I recall such happiness over a week in a caravan in Cleethorpes and a week in Devon. They were always in the summer months and then the seaside life and activities seemed to die for the winter as holidaymakers returned to their normal life resigned not to take another holiday until the next summer. This was in the days before package holidays abroad became fashionable. Now, it seems like people take more holidays than work days. The nature of the break varies from travelling abroad to participating in various activities.

 I recently heard a new word, 'staycation'. I discovered it means staying at home as opposed to travelling abroad. I believe it originated in America although a few days after I heard it, I heard it again on our news as many peeps were spending this warm Easter on UK territory as opposed to rushing to the airports and heading for foreign shores. They gave the main reason as Brexit uncertainty but they certainly got the last laugh as our weather was warmer than most of Europe. Times and the climate are changing fast.

I always feel that there are three parts to every holiday. The preparation and glorious anticipation of good times. The actual event and finally the memories which last a life time. I thought this week, while it's school holidays and everyone is in holiday mode I would share some of my memories and pics of my recent holiday in Paphos with you. Lady M is a great believer that if you don't enjoy your holiday whatever it brings it's your own fault. There are obvious exceptions to this rule like if you fall seriously ill or are involved in a terrorist attack.

Anyway, I recently spent twenty-one nights at The Alexander the Great Beach Hotel in Paphos where I am well-known, (best not to ask why!) and always receive a warm welcome. During the period we had one week of dreary, dismal weather which was a joke because I knew they were enjoying an unusual heatwave at home. However, those days prevented me from sunbathing but did not spoil my fun. There were still activities to enjoy in the hotel like skittles, bowls, Uno card game, cocktail  and flower demonstrations... all good fun.

When the days are glorious and sunny, which is the norm in Cyprus, what is my routine do I hear you ask? It's like this. On the first morning before breakfast I tootle down to the pool and reserve my sun lounger. Now, I may be thought of as bonkers but if I am going to have the same sun lounger for three weeks I'm going to get intimate with it and I always give him/it a name. This last one was number E19 and I christened him Lupin or better known as Loopy. I also do regular postings on FB as several of my friends online seem to want to enjoy my holiday at my expense and I'm such a kind person I share it with them. My previous loungers have been Laurie and Lenny. Peeps seem to look forward to reading about my relationship with this inanimate item which develops an identity during my sojourn.

The main job done I go into breakfast (wearing shades cos I travel incognito) I like a table looking at the harbour and I usually get one. I try to avoid a cooked breakfast and stick to fruit, salad and yogurt because I eat too much there and put weight on. Alas, I'm usually tempted by the aroma of bacon and wander over to the hot buffet... bacon, eggs, sausages, pancakes... Once I've eaten more than I usually eat in a whole day at home, I take my second cup of coffee outside and enjoy it while seated on the lounger. It is so beautiful and relaxing listening to the lapping water in the pool and admiring the view. The rest of the world and it's problems do not seem to exist. Then, I count my blessings that I can actually afford to do this.

I decide what I am going to do for the rest of the morning. My usual trip is a saunter down to the harbour for coffee or ice cream and possibly shopping. Other options are taking the bus up to the old town where I can shop and meet friends or If it's Wednesday possibly visit the Duck Pond market and find  a bargain. I'm good at that. Alternatively, I may venture to the Kings Mall and take my weekly exercise... a stroll round the Jumbo store. Another option is a bus ride to Coral Bay. Or maybe, if I'm feeling lazy just stay in the hotel sunbathing or participating in the morning activities. However, I like to be back at the hotel before 1.15 in time for my pre-lunch drink... white rum, orange and Grenadine known as Caribbean sunrise which is where I first enjoyed it... in St Lucia.

Next, lunch is on the agenda with vino. Then, mid afternoon it's time to lounge by the pool and wait for the sun to go down. The sunsets are spectacular out there. I go back to my room and have a snooze in preparation for the evening. Now, I like to dress appropriately for dinner. I despair when I see peeps in the restaurant looking like they're dressed to do the gardening. Maybe I'm Dickensian in my outlook or you could say I have standards. I have scented tealights in my room which glow while I'm enjoying my bubble bath and then I'm ready to dress for dinner.

I leave my room at 8.00 pm and take the lift down to the restaurants. No, I seldom use the stairs. I usually dine in the Roxanne and enjoy the buffet whatever the theme is for that night. Sometimes, there's a pianist playing beautiful music which adds to the atmosphere. Occasionally, I may dine in the Asian or Italian Restaurants but these require booking in advance and that is a lot of hassle. I, usually, can't be bothered. However, on this last holiday I did enjoy the Greek meze. I didn't book. They were short on numbers on that Saturday night and just offered me a reservation at 8.00. It was fantastic but I was relieved when other diners  shared my embarrassment as to the amount of food which is returned to the kitchen. The meze, by it's nature, is a massive selection of dishes and is extremely filling but delightful.

After dinner I go to the Saga lounge and collect my coffee and amaretto drink. I take them into the bar and wait for the evening entertainment. usually, a cabaret show like Jersey Boys, (my fav one) or an artiste singing. Before that, if I get there in time, there's a quiz or bingo. All exciting.

Yes, I book with Saga. I'm so lazy these days that I book taxi, insurance, flight and the all-inclusive hotel deal with Saga. That way, I'm there responsibility from leaving my home until I return. In addition to what I've already mentioned I did visit Limassol this time on a Saga excursion.

An additional bonus this time was that I was there for the carnival and Green Monday celebration. I had fun flying my kite... well, trying to!

So, folks, that is a typical hols for me. You may cringe or leap for joy at the thought of opulence, laziness and luxury which I define as hazy, halcyon days.

Whatever type of hols you choose... enjoy it and count your blessings.

I'm leaving you with some of the pics!

Lady M

Tyler sporting my hat!