Memories of 2013!

Hello Everyone!

I find it hard to believe we are at the end of 2013 and it is time to look back and reflect on the year's events and achievements. Also, time to think back to January when I thought about what I planned to do throughout the year. On the whole, I feel it has been one of my more successful and happy years. No, I didn't quite manage to complete the third manuscript in the Sofia trilogy but I'm almost there. There were so many other things that took up my time and gave me joy.

I attended several book festivals with the New Writers UK and the pic at the top is from the first one at Barton's Bus Depot, Chilwell. It was particularly poignant as the depot is only yards down the road from where I was born. I have fond memories of those buses from my childhood days. Alas, like many other things from the 1950's Barton's bus company no longer exists but has been taken over by Trent and those buses that chugged along the High Road are now just attractive museum pieces.

My books at the library

The new Odeon in West Bromwich

I was expecting a mild March based on the last few years and started renovation or a 'make over' on the property.  Alas, we had a harsh, snowy March and the finished look was in May but well worth it. A massive project completed and will last for a decade, hopefully!

In January I suggested this year be a year of FIRSTS  and I shared some of my 'firsts' with you including my trip to Eastwood and D H Lawrence's birthplace. Also, my first Skype experience and being the first person for the first Senior Screen showing at our new Odeon cinema. Have you achieved numerous 'firsts' making 2013, your memorable year?

This summer we were lucky in Britain. We actually had sunshine and not rain. It was a pleasant, warm and wonderful. They really were those 'hazy, crazy days'. I spent a lot of time writing bulletins for the Next Best Author Contest. They gave myself and other contestants much pleasure and they developed into a long running saga called 'The Singing Horses'. That is my excuse for not completing the Sofia trilogy but it will be done in 2014.

In July there was another reason to celebrate as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a son, Prince George. He is third in line to the throne and this is the first time since Queen Victoria's reign that three direct descendants could sit alongside the Monarch. What photographs for the archives!

My visit to D.H.Lawrence's birthplace, Eastwood

Afternoon tea at the library

I was there! Hucknall in June

I was there! UK Games EXPO in May

Then, throughout the year I've had tremendous fun visiting the library on a Monday for afternoon tea. On Friday's I've enjoyed a stroll in the beautiful Sandwell Valley before having a special baguette for lunch, cheese, mushroom and bacon. If you visit the Sandwell Valley Farm cafe ask for a 'Marilyn special'!

In November it was time for my annual holiday in Cyprus which was fantabulous. Sunshine every day, book sales, excursions, meeting old friends, good food, champagne and chocolates and brilliant entertainment at the Alexander Hotel, Pafos.

Now, as we conclude this year in the next few days, I'm enjoying sunshine on another island in the Mediterranean, Malta!

It really has been a fantastic year for me and I hope it has been for you. Many magic moments...

The Fort, Pafos

Malta!

...and pretty pics!

Thank you for joining me through 2013 and please stay with me through 2014.

Lady M.

Nostalgic November 4! What a weekend!

Howde Folks,

Yes, we're still here and she's in the sun with Boris! I hope you're enjoying my moments of Nostalgia. For number 4, I just had to remember that historic event of last year which we celebrated upstairs as well. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee! (Originally published on 08/06/2012).

Hello Everyone!

What a weekend we have had in the UK!

Just in case anyone has not heard our Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee. She actually ascended to the throne while asleep at Treetops in Kenya during the night of February 6th, 1952. So, the exact time of her change in status, from Princess Elizabeth to Queen Elizabeth II, is unknown. What is even more amazing, for young people to comprehend today, is that she didn't even know for a further day. Communications were very different in 1952 and it took time to make the various connections at the numerous telephone exchanges between England and Africa for a phone call.

The young Queen, with her Consort, cut short the overseas tour and returned home. Earlier this year, she renewed the vow she had made at the age of 21 to 'serve' her people and the Commonwealth for the rest of her life. Now, she is 86, we celebrated her birthday in April. How many people who, if they are lucky enough, to have a job for life would carry on at 86? I can't think of many who would take that option voluntarily when they have money and a choice.

Last weekend, we saw that the Monarchy is thriving, and with the recent marriage of Prince William, it appears to have a secure future. It is a very different situation from the 1990's when it seemed like the House of Windsor was crumbling.

The four day weekend began with an afternoon at the races. On Sunday, there was a pageant on the River Thames, a flotilla of 1,000 boats sailing along. Sadly, it seemed as if our weather was unappreciative of our celebrations. It was more like freezing June, than a flaming one. Apparently, it was extremely breezy and by the end pouring with rain. Despite this, the final barge, had choristers on it singing patriotic songs. Heroically, although they looked like drowned rats, they carried on singing. The Queen and Prince Philip were standing on HMS Belfast for the entire afternoon and the last scenes of the 90 year old Prince were of him 'moving to the music'.

On Monday afternoon he was admitted to hospital and missed the rest of the celebrations. The show went on, in the evening there was a concert with music from all of the six decades of the Queen's reign. It was spectacular, outside Buckingham Palace! It was still freezing cold but at least the rain stayed away. Then, on Tuesday, there was a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral and later a traditional balcony appearance of The Queen, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The Monarch with the next three in succession to the Throne. The crowning glory to these appearances is the 'fly past' of the 'Red Arrows'. They give a spectacular air display of red, white and blue smoke!

The weekend, as Prince Charles said, was the fourth Jubilee and he had the medals to prove it. We have celebrated the silver, ruby and gold. Who has seats for the Platinum? If our Queen is fortunate enough to be able to serve us into her 90's she will be the oldest and longest serving Monarch. The only other Monarch to achieve 60 years was Queen Victoria who reigned for 64 years. Go Ma'am Go!

British subjects and citizens were celebrating around the world. We may have lost the Empire but we still know how to throw a party and celebrate. We had bunting and Union Jack's everywhere. On Monday, there were beacons being lit, the final one lit by the Queen at the end of the concert. Despite the weather street parties were held up and down the land at various times.

Are you wondering why I have photographs of my books and Ice House Pool? Why do I have no pretty pictures of these festivities. Er...I stayed at home, in the warm, watching it all on television. I did go to the party at our library the Monday before and I was around when the bunting was going up at the Farm on Friday but Saturday until Monday, saw me and cheesecake, glued to the goggle box! I had a flag over my mantelpiece; it is now on the fridge. It was left over at the Farm on Friday!

Well, that weekend is over, tonight another event starts. . .Euro football. It's football fever for a few weeks. Then, in England, we are hosting the Olympics and have been preparing for seven years. The torch is being carried around Britain; it is coming through West Bromwich at the end of the month and I am looking forward to seeing it. Maybe, you'll even get photographs! I was concerned about the competitors surviving Heathrow airport I am now more concerned about them arriving at all. We have gale force winds here and tremendous rain with danger of more flooding but still there is the hosepipe ban.


Thought for the week: Do not let it rain on your parade!

Or as Sofia would say: STAY POSITIVE!

Yes, I am saying STAY POSITIVE!

Love to you all until next Friday, Sofia xxx