…where I’ve got to this time, life has caught up with me again and the next couple of weeks are going to be very busy. The very small campervan is undergoing restorative surgery as I type, so it will be the very small car that takes us across the Pennines to Yorkshire tomorrow.
DD and her two sons are all enthusiastic members of their music centre swing band and on Saturday evening the band will be staging a fund-raising concert in aid of her local church. Obviously DH and I will be there and I've been roped in to help with refreshments afterwards. In between rehearsals and concert we’ll be catching up with all their doings and probably marvelling yet again at the grandsons’ rate of growth. I’m starting to feel remarkably small whenever I see them.
After this family weekend it will be our turn to have a visitor. My dear mother-in-law is coming to stay for a few days and by the time we've taken her home again it will be the week after next and almost June. In between I have a meeting to host at home and two church services to prepare for and take, so it’s all go in the Transit household. Having finally caught up with all your blogs I’m about to get hopelessly behind again, so I’d better ask your forgiveness in advance.
Now I’m off to pack and put myself in the mood for Saturday’s concert. See you soon...
Its a coincidence, I was listening to this very music by James Last just an hour ago, and here it is again.
ReplyDeleteHello and welcome to my blog. It's interesting how sometimes a piece of music will seem to follow us around and we hear it everywhere. :-)
DeleteHello Perpetua:
ReplyDeleteClearly you are having, or about to have, a very busy time! But far better that than days spent with little happening as does seem to be the fate of so many people who have stopped full time work. Indeed only today there was an article, possibly seen on line in the Independent, about the importance of having a purpose in life. It would seem that you are not short at all of a purpose to your days.
We are very pleased to hear that the campervan is currently undergoing surgery which, we trust, will be completed successfully and without too much in the way of crippling expense.
Hello Jane and Lance. Yes, this particular busy time seems to have crept up on me and it won't be the last this year, I'm sure. I've just found the article you mention and it makes very interesting reading. It doesn't seem to matter what the purpose is, but just drifting is apparently not good for us at all.
Deletehttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/how-to-live-longer-find-your-purpose-in-life-9365420.html
It will be a few days before the campervan surgery is finished and we know whether it's been successful and how much it has cost. We'd better brace ourselves....
Yes, it is good to be busy - I know you will enjoy both your trip and your mother in law's visit.
ReplyDeleteThere speaks one who knows, Susan. :-) Yes, I'm looking forward to both very much, even though the present good weather is set to deteriorate by next week. Ah well, I'm sure we'll have no problem finding things to do.
DeleteNo time to grow old in your household Perpetua.
ReplyDeleteH and I were just this morning discussing how important it was to have a purpose to your life when you retire - as mentioned by Jane and Lance.
H still goes up to London regularly to do consultancy work, and is the longest serving member in our local CAB. I know many people around here think that he is crazy but it is important for him to be involved. There is still so much in life for us all to discover and learn about.
Have a lovely time with the family, also dear MiL, and finally when all of these activities are over, hopefully, little camper-van will be back sitting on your drive.
Thanks, Rosemary and you're absolutely right. As my mother would have said, I prefer to wear out rather than rust. :-)
DeleteI've put a link to the article Jane and Lance mentioned in my reply to them and it's worth reading. Like H, my DH keeps himself busy with post-retirement work, in his case writing and maintaining databases for a small number of clients. He enjoys the work and finds it worthwhile. With me, in addition to the family, it's church, music, blogging and a few assorted hobbies which between them fill my time very satisfactorily. Like you, DH and I both feel that life is all about learning and we hope never to stop.
Now, I know it's good to be kept busy, but isn't funny how everything seems to happen at once! Good to see a post from you again -- you have been missed! Thanks for the Glenn Miller -- one of my favourites!
ReplyDeleteTell me about it, Broad. :-) I've been averaging about a post a week, but know I won't have time to post for a little while so thought I'd get in while there was a chance. The Glenn Miller is super and I'm looking forward to seeing our three swinging with the best on Saturday.
DeleteWill your dear MiL be with you next Tuesday? And will you be back by then?!! Hope so. Have a great weekend in Yorkshire - and a 'bubble' will be requested for your travelling. Take care. P et B.
ReplyDeleteNo, I'm afraid she won't. We get back from Yorkshire on Sunday evening as DD and family have work and school the next day. DH then will go off on Wednesday to collect his mother and bring her here on Thursday. See you on Tuesday.
DeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteWow, this puts me to shame - was lamenting to my sister only yesterday that I still haven't quite found me feet in order to get on with the 'purpose' I moved here, resulting in lots of dithering and feeling out of sorts. You are an inspiring lady and look forward to hearing how you tick all the boxes... it may be a long time between 'drinks' but it's always worth it!! Have a great and SAFE time through it all. YAM xx
Please don't beat yourself up about it, Yam. I can dither with the best of them at times and sometimes days and even weeks can go by with not a great deal to show for them. But I couldn't be like that all the time, so a nice touch of busy gingers me up good and proper. :-) I will report back in due course...
DeleteI know you'll let us catch up with your busy weeks as you move from one event and country to another. Have a great summer P.
ReplyDeleteGosh, is it almost summer already? :-) Up here the spring flowers are still very much in evidence though it is a tad warmer now. Once this rush is over life should settle down again until it's time to head off across the Channel.
DeleteIt sounds like you have many nice events coming up. I'm sure you are especially looking forward to seeing your grandsons again! Do you ever fell busier now that you are retired than you did when you were working? :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, they all seem to be happening at the same time, Kristie, hence the busy-busy. I can't wait to see the grandsons who are always so much fun to be with and the concert will be great. As for your question, the answer is a resounding yes. Sometimes I wonder how I ever found the time to go to work. :-)
DeleteIf you ask your mechanic to include water wings the little camper van could make a transatlantic journey....
ReplyDeleteIn retrospect, work seemed quite relaxing compared with retirement and you seem to be finding the same thing.
I wonder if it is that work has certain prescribed hours which both you and others respect...and retirement breaks that prescription.
Have a lovely time in Yorkshire...and isn't it good to be able to look forward to a visit from a mother in law!
LOL, Helen. That conjures up a wonderful image. Not the ship that sang, but the campervan that swam. :-)
DeleteI'm sure you're right about the busyness of retirement versus that of paid work. The latter is usually more structured, whereas the former flows out to fill every corner of one's life if it can.
I'm really looking forward to the weekend and it is indeed good and a great privilege always to enjoy the company of one's mother-in-law.
You do have a lot going on. I hope you have a good trip and a nice time with your mother-in-law staying with you. Also I hope you find some time to relax soon. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, everything has come at once, Jennifer. That's just what happens sometimes. There'll be plenty of relaxation both at the weekend with the family and with my mother-in-law, as we sit and chat for hours on end. There's often no stopping us... :-)
DeleteThe swing band sounds like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I never had a MIL I enjoyed enough to be with for more than an afternoon. You are fortunate to have one you like. :) Enjoy.
All three of them really love playing in the swing band and Grandson#1 has graduated to playing trumpet solos in their performances.
DeleteI'm very much aware how extremely fortunate I am to have a mother-in-law whom I not only like but love. She is the dearest person and I don't think we've exchanged a really cross word. in 46 years.
Still chuckling at Helen's suggestion of adding water wings to the camper van - what an excellent idea!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you have so much music in your family - I wish my children showed some interest although, as you know, it's never to late to start!
Enjoy your concert and it sounds as though you'll have a lovely time with your mother-in-law as visitor. Axxx
It's great. isn't it? It would work out much cheaper than ferry fares. :-)
DeleteDD and her two play a whole raft of instruments and keep taking up new ones. As well as piano, which all 3 play, they play another 6 instruments between them! I almost lose count sometimes. :-) Some children show an interest in music.from early on, while others prefer to develop different skills, like Ruy's drawing. As you say, it's never too late to start - look at Mateo and his guitar. :-)
Enjoy the concert and your MIL visit. It is so much better to be busy that to sit around wondering what to do next. I think being busy is what life is about, and when we do have a moment to sit and smell the roses [or count our blessings] we realise just how fortunate we truly are.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased the little camper van is undergoing major surgery:) Lol, now it will last another lifetime ... and yes water wings would be a splendid addition transforming it from a camper to a hover craft!
Enjoy your busy time Perpetua.
Thanks, Shirley. I'm not sure I've ever sat around wondering what to do next, unless it's when I've been taking a breather and have a long list of jibs to get done. :-) I always manage to fill my days without too much trouble, even if part of that is just relaxing with a book or my knitting. It must be horrible to be bored or feel that life is empty.
DeleteI'm starting to get some wonderful metal images of a very small amphibious campervan bobbing around on the sea somewhere. DH always says he wants a boat, so hopefully that would do. :-)
Sometimes blogging has to take a back seat with so much going on. But it's good to be busy isn't it? My problems with internet connection has meant that I am behind on catching up with everyone's blogs, but I'll do it when I can. Happy travels xxx
ReplyDeleteYou quite right about blogging needing to take its turn, Ayak. I'm sorry you're still having internet connection problems even after the engineer's visit. I do hope it all gets properly sorted out soon. Must dash and finish getting ready....
DeleteI just wish I was better at prioritising ( should that be an s or a Z ??? ) I know exactly what you mean. We used to laugh when retired friends said they didn't know how they had time to work. Now we understand ! I hope you have a lovely time with MiL and that the concert is wonderful. Take care...dont rush around too much ! jx
ReplyDeleteThe concert was indeed wonderful, Janice, and much enjoyed by all concerned. DH and I were so proud to see both DD and Grandson#1 doing several solo spots on tenor sax and trumpet respectively. :-) Now to finish the preparations for tomorrow's meeting....
DeleteI am always in the mood for In the Mood, Perpetua. My feet start to twitching and moving on their own accord. Safe travel and lots of enjoyment and pleasure with your family, their music, and church festivities - then, with your dear mother-in-law.
ReplyDeleteLove your mother's adage of better to wear out than rust out.
We had a wonderful time, thanks, Penny and arrived home safely yesterday evening with the music still running through our heads. DH videoed the concert and once the next busy week is over we'll enjoying sitting down to relive it from the comfort of our own armchairs. After today's torrential rain I'm now crossing my fingers that the weather will improve for Mum's visit....
DeleteI'll be waiting to here all about it when you get back. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWe had enormous fun, thanks, MM, but the reporting will have to wait a bit longer. I might even manage a video clip. :-)
DeleteAgg. HEAR.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Down with homonyms. :-)
DeleteIt's wonderful to hear you are back in the swing of an active life, Perpetua, especially as you have had some enforced down-times over the past year or so. Such fun to have a swing band in the family - I'd love that! - and In the Mood certainly brings back memories for me. In the sixties we danced to that all the time, and I used to bang it out on the piano at every opportunity :)
ReplyDeleteThe conversation about retirement is interesting; like you and others I love to keep busy and have many different facets going on in my life. DH is sort of semi-retired these days, working in consulting, and we have had discussions about life in the future when he winds it down. He has much to offer in management skills and is considering options working for some local charities. My recent enforced quiet time has only shown me how keen I am to be up and off again. Enjoy your travels, and your visit from the lovely MIL, and we look forward to hearing of your further adventures. Take Care!
Thanks, Patricia. Being up and about and busy again has come just in time for me as so much enforced inactivity has done nothing for my weight or general fitness. Sigh... I'm looking forward to hours of vigorous activity getting our French garden back into shape before long. :-)
DeleteYes, retirement isn't something to just fall into without thinking. Even after retiring for the second time for health reasons, I still like to keep my mind active and my body reasonably busy, hence the meetings and taking services from time to time as well as my other activities. My DH simply couldn't be in a situation where he had nothing to do and finds his database work enjoyable and stimulating as well as having the satisfaction of really helping people. Good luck to yours as he considers his options. As for you, I hope you're soon completely fit again and back to your varied and enjoyably active life.
You are one of the busiest ladies I know. And never the slightest complaint.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy life, your family, your travels, it all sounds rather marvellous. Never mind about blogging, that’ll have to take a back seat now and then.
I shouldn't complain, Friko, as it's mostly my own fault when life gets busy. I survive because the busyness is intermittent, not continual. Once this particular week is over, things should calm down. :-) For now though, I'm just fleetingly popping in to reply.
DeleteYou're a busy lady, but how lovely to catch up with your family :)
ReplyDeleteIt's been super but hectic, Annie. I'm snatching a quiet moment now while DH and Mum watch TV....
DeleteJust having a catch-up over here. It certainly sounds like you have a full plate for the next couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteI just read about your little camper van. I hope it is well on its way to recovery after it's work. When we finally sell Pondside and buy a smaller property I'd like to find a van such as yours. It would be fun to go up and down the Island in such a van - and I can imagine little camping trips with one grandchild at a time.
I've been trying to do the same kind of catch-up in small doses today, but haven't got very far as yet. It will happen....
DeleteThe very small campervan is now happily legal again, with just a couple of finishing touches to be completed. I would heartily recommend a small van like ours. It's very manouevrable and easy to park, big enough for a couple of adults and a child or two and gives such freedom for short trips or days out. We've thoroughly enjoyed the last 12 years with ours.
Having been away from Prague for two weeks, I've got way behind visiting blogs & commenting & have only just managed to post on my own blog for the second time this month. Glad to read in your replies to later comments that the concert was a great success. I hope you had/are having a good time with your MiL.
ReplyDeleteOnce more, Blogger seems to have done funny things to the link about DD & her two sons.
Join the club, Ricky. :-) Glad to see you back safely and I'll catch up with you as soon as I can. Yes, thankfully the van is now repaired with just a couple of small things still to be completed. It got through its MOT re-sit on Wednesday with a day to spare before it would have needed a complete new test and fee. :-)
DeleteThanks for the tip about Blogger. The link has now been repaired, though I know I tested it before posting as I always do.There's obviously a new bug in the system. I'll go and report it in the Help forums for all the good that will do. Sigh....
Dear Perpetua, you and I really seem to be on the same wave length with regard to music. I so loved the Swing era/the Big Band era of the late '30s and the '40s and early '50s. Glenn Miller was my family's favorite. He died during World War II, missing in action, and I can remember the headlines in the paper. I would have been only 8 at the time.
ReplyDeleteLater, in my teens, I danced to the big bands at a place called "The Palace" in Kansas City. Such good memories! I love to dance. Peace.
We do indeed, Dee, even though I was a teenager in the age of rock and roll, rather than swing. The Beatles.and the Rolling Stones were my heroes back then, but I've since come to love the Big Band sound, helped by my family's musical performances. I also love the Nat King Cole song you put on your last blog post. My father was a great fan of crooners such as Cole and Crosby and passed on his liking to me.
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