A New Beginning 2nd May 2016

For a long long time I have talked to people about acquiring a caravan or similar, in pleasant country surroundings, that I could relax and spend quality time in. I even did the maths when I first divorced to prove that it was financially viable, the big problem was finding this elusive place despite conversations with my friends.

People who had them both as a permanent home and those who used them as holiday homes, explained some of the issues to consider, one of the most important being the difference between permanent residential sites and holiday sites,but also between static caravans and lodges. Another important issue was the annual service charges and restrictions on how long the can be used for, many it seems close down for some months in the winter. Most important seemed to be to find somewhere that was not to isolated and ideally near to bus and other transport links.

All of the above made it hard to find this elusive place that ticked all the boxes, so in the end I decided to do some travelling instead,  as you will of read from my previous blogs and spent some of that money that I would of allocated elsewhere.

In the meantime I had a series of health issues that restricted my exercise tolerance, made my arthritis worse and I aquired heart problems as well as issues with my breathing, so seeking this elusive place was forgotten for a number of years.

A couple of years ago I had spoken to an acquaintance who had a holiday caravan somewhere in Cumbria, it sounded a pleasant setting and reasonable cost to run. I had considered asking him at various times if I could visit his caravan to gain some idea of what was available and what sort of cost, but did not wish to impose on him.

A few weeks ago a group of us were in Cumbria including him, so I asked was it this area that his caravan was located. He confirmed this and asked if I and others in the group would like to see it, five of us said yes so off we drove to the site. We turned off the main road and travelled down a series of smaller narrow lanes passing a number of other sites.

When we got there he led us to his caravan, it was not a conventional park with rows and rows of uniform looking units, rather small clusters dotted about the site with bushes trees and vegetation keeping them looking in a more natural setting. His caravan was in a group of three  in a small cul de sac, as wee went down the side he had steps onto a broad decking area, there was a set of table and chairs that looked quite in fitting with the scenary, better still to one side was a small pond and trees, it was bliss, then along came a peacock ( later found out was a pheasant   )hopping up the steps oblivious to us all. My first reaction was to say please can I have your caravan now.  The rest of the group went inside to look round inside the caravan, whereas my friend asked if I would like a tour of the site, which I happily agreed to.

It seemed there were 140 units about the site and it is owned by a family, they had been very thoughtfully set out in the landscape with plenty of trees and bushes to break up and disguise the units. Some had breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, I said I was really interested in buying a caravan, so he took me to the office.
It seemed there were four units up for sale, ranging from quite reasonable to quite expensive ( these were equivalent to 3 bed bungalows) of the ones in my price range, one was second hand 5 years old and one brand new, one of the issues is that the site only allows caravans on up to the age of 15 years, then they have to be removed,  which made it more complicated, plus its a holiday park so youhave to prove you have a permanent alternative address, even though the site quite unusually is open 12 months of the year if you choose to stay there.

We went away and I had a think about it all overnight, ( we were staying locally) then I decided to go back for a further look the following day. It still seemed very attractive and the second hand one looked immaculate almost as though it had never been used, but the people were still using it at times whilst waiting for their replacement unit to be installed on the new position on the site, I asked for more information I could take away, also if there was any chance that one of the large companies may buy them out. It seems that was not going to happen, plus the site would not be attractive to some people as it had no bar, clubroom or swimming pool and most of the people liked the setting peace and quiet in a natural setting more.

I returned home and spoke to family and friends about it all trying to weigh up the options. The following morning I woke up and looked out of my bedroom window at the brick walls of the flats opposite, then later the view and disruption to the rear where there is a primary school and decided, that going for one of the caravans was the way forward to a happier stress free life.

The next thing was how to fund the purchase, them to continue to pay for the running costs on top of those for my existing home. I realised that I could afford the next couple of years without struggling whichever caravan I went for. So then went with friends that weekend to have another look round and to make a decision on which to go for. It was a good chance to see the site when it is busy as it was the bank holiday weekend.

So off I went with friends to look at both, the older seemed better laid out with better quality fittings, although there were one or two points that affected the choice, in the end I spoke to the staff and made my decision to go ahead with the older one and paid my deposit on the understanding if there were problems I would cancel. It was explained that the caravan would not be available until the end of April as the people who had owned it were being allowed to use it until theirs was ready, which I accepted.

I was still agonising over it all and it was only when my friend Jane, said why not think of it as a years holiday and review it after that, in a worst case scenario,  if I changed my mind all was not lost, although it would of bren an expensive experience,  I could always sell it on, admittedly at a loss,  but at least I would never have the regret of what might of been.  On the other hand if I enjoyed it I could then explore how to continue to stay there at that time.

This was one of the quickest and most expensive decisions I had ever made in my life, but it felt the right thing to do, partly because the money had been sitting in the bank and now I could benefit from it whilst able to. At the same time improving my health and wellbeing,  maybe that Mindfulness course I had attended had been more influential than I had thought at the time.

Until fairly recently for the last forty years at least, I had always been involved in some sort of voluntary work that often filled my time,  but was very stressful, whereas now hopefully I would be able to spend quality time in pleasant surroundings,  hopefully exercising more and improving my physical and emotional health. One of the decisions to do with this was to get out in the fresh air, to read more, watch less TV and to try to stay off the Internet so often, we will have to wait and see.

Well the magic day came a week early, when i had the e mail to confirm my date take over the caravan, all I had to do was to send the balance and I could have it a week earlier tham I expected. It was such sn odd experience seeing the money leaving my account knowing it was never going to be replaced. But there again the excitement of having a special place to enjoy for the foreseeable future.

I then chatted for the umpteenth time to Jane about what now needed to be done, I feel the need at this point to say she supported me through out the process without telling me what to do whilst patiently listening to my various thoughts on it all trying to help me explore my options.

We had made a list of essentials that I needed to buy for the caravan rather than just use all of my existing belongings for home, because some would not right for the new place. She had also paid for a number of items herself as early birthday presents such as a vacuum cleaner. We went off to Ikea first and she helped me choose suitable items without running up to much cost, we also visited various other less expensive shops for other items needed.

It now felt as though it was really going to happen, on the day before we loaded up my car only to then find I had misplaced my keys, so back to my flat for the spare set. On the day we finished loading mine then Janes ready for the trip there. We set off separately,  but arrived about the same time. I was givem the keys and Tom one of the staff took us through the various rules to do with the caravan and site,  but also how things worked.

Then it was start unloading everything inside and sorting out where things went, whilst doing this I finally found my missing keys. Soon we were settled and could actually start to enjoy our time here. We had no Tv or intermet but were happy to listen to the radio and read for a change.

2016 doesent time fly 27 April 2016

I am so sorry readers yet again so much time has passed and I have been neglecting you all. A lot of this has been to do with poor health and trying to balance to many things at the same time. Also as some of you will be aware I am in a relationship that fortunately also takes up a fair part of my time these days.
This year I have been reminded that for some of us as we get older, our health seems to be more of an issue.  First I was told some months ago I now have asthma so need to take inhalers to help cope. I seem to of have had all sorts of issues to do with my hearing this year, mainly down to the audiology department at Fairfield hospital not listening to me and the inconsistency in how each person has dealt with my visits,  more on this later.
My arthritis seems to of worsened this year, when checking recently,  just seeing one physio privately last year cost me over £600 without the others I have seen to try and avoid painkillers and put my pelvis back in place many times in the course of the year.
Now I am being investigated due to problems of shortness of breath whenever doing anything that involves activity at more than a very slow pace.
Well less of the bad bits onto the nicer things that are planned this year so far. Firstly in a couple of weeks time I am off with Jane to Edinburgh for a few days with other Buzzers(ex saga and others  ) then I have a trip to Northumbria with Brian and Andy, this will be a coach trip to an area of the country I have wanted to visit for many years.
In June I am off with Jane to Ireland to celebrate my granddaughters and my birthday plus fathers day which will be nice to catch up with my new great grandson as well as the rest of the family, becoming sadly due to my health I missed his christening earlier this year.
In September we are travelling down to Southampton for another caravan holiday similar to last years, so already its going to be busy for the year.
At present I have cut back with most of my voluntary work, mainly as its taking its toll and I also find that its harder to keep up with the constant changes in provision of services and benefits rules.
I am also exploring how to celebrate my 70th which is not that far off, sadly quite a few of those who attended my 60th seem to of disappeared out of my life, so it may be a much smaller affair, at present I have been toying with either a Teddy bears picnic( niw thinking it might be to complex  ) or maybe some based on the 40s or my year of birth. I think soon I need to start exploring venues as the last has now closed down.

The end of the year and some thoughts on 2015

I must thank my friend Mykle for reminding me that I had forgotten to post of my adventures for some time now hopefully rectified, I have been catching up whilst visting my son and his family in Southern Ireland,  more of that later.
Unlike last year there have been no huge trips rather a number of short ones in the British Isles,  seeing pkaces I had often promised myself to visit over the years but never got round to, having Jane as a travelling companion has definitely made a difference with some as with Brian and Andy on others.
My health has been a bit of a seesaw this year for no terrible reasons rather the time taken to get issues resolved. For example I started with severe breathlessness and was worried about the cause, so eventually it was diagnosed as asthma and I now take inhalers for it. The problems I started having last year with ingrowing toe nails I am hoping will soon be resolved now they have operated to remove part of the nail. Unfortunately the problems with my hearing seem to of got worse despite new aids a couple of months ago and at present no improvement is in sight. This makes it had now to listen to music which has always been a pleasure,  also to be able to hear people clearly other than in a quiet room with no background noise, I now start to understand the life those born with this must cope with every day, not sure though if its worse to of lost the ability,  I sm hoping with more knowledge to explore solutions in the new year.
Sadly there were health issues for my elderly neighbours this year,  he due to ill health has now moved back to the area he grew up in and his wife who has some degree of dementia is coping on her own not really sure what happened or when, although somehow she is still managing with some help from her family, the lady who lived below me has moved out so it will be interesting to meet her replacement in due course.
The nicest piece of news was to find out my grand daughter was to become a mum at the end of this year making me a great grand father, not sure how I feel about this,
Well will close for now and do another update soon

Christmas 2015 in Milton Keynes

This year Jane and I were invited to her daughters to spend the period with them, she was uncertain whether I would be happy with this, but I quickly explained that being in the company of 2 young children who believed in Santa was just up my street
We drove down and a trip thst should of taken 3 hours took nearly 5 there was that much traffic going away I presume for the period,  we were made welcome by the family and it seems that my full Christian name was to be used whilst there by the children,  so often I would hear " Jeffrey  " from the children who were lovely and seemed to take to me.
Janes daughter and sil were very busy on Christmas eve sorting out orders for turkeys they had bred over the last 12 months, think there were something like 50 to be delivered or collected,  another issue it seems was that because they had been so wrll cared for people were getting birds that weighed more than they had paid for or ordered, so more negotiation and sorting out.
They had their own 2 pet cockerals that were quite inquisitive about all the coming and going so were in the habit of looking through the living room window, I do wonder if they realised how fortunate they were as with the 2 pet turkeys also enjoying the break.
Normally I would not of mentioned the problem I was having but with Christmas lunch fast approaching it was quite important to me in that I was suffering acute constipation so unsure how to cope, particularly with all the effort the family had gone through.  I ended up going to the chemist and by the lunch the problem had reduced. I suppose this is a good time to mention that the new hearing aids I had fitted a couple of months ago were not up to the task so in normal conversation I struggle but 2 very excited children made it very hard for me to follow the chat.
On Christmas day morning I went to the toilet about 4am to be greeted by the little boy who was aware that Santa had been and left presents for him, fortunately I was able to return to bed with the promise that I would come down later to see whay had been left for him.
So thats what happened,  its so nice when every gift is so special and the children struggled to open the wrappings, but then which for them to play with.
I enjoyed the time I was down there and appreciated the effort everyone went to to include me, we went to visit Janes aunty and uncle whilst there which was another change
Janes sil and grand daughter got dressed up to ride with the hunt on the bank holiday, now for me I did not and do not want to get into the rights and wrongs of this, but it was nice to see all the different colours of horses and riders, whilst they were gathering so I enjoyed the chance to take photos of the grand child who suddenly was no longer the little tomboy but a confident horse rider and at ease, also it was the first time I saw the sil dressed and riding a horse. I obviously misunderstood how they would set off because instead of them heading cross country they went down the main street resulting in me missing what would been some really good photos.
The trip was soon over so back home very slowly,  again over 5 hours, I think it was just sheer numbers of cars on the road, on our return all the essential tasks like washing of clothes, also I had not left the heating up so as the temperature had dropped a lot at home, it took a long time to warm the flat.  We had seen on the news about the floods in our area but luckily neither Jane nor my home were affected, so the end of Christmas for another year.

Our trip to Liverpool The cavern, Mersey Ferry and the Snowflake Trail 17 December 2015

Last year Jane went with friends to Liverpool and mentioned how good the Christmas lights were there compared to those in Manchester,  so we decide to go there this year and see them properly.
We decided to travel there by train and stayed at the Adelphi Hotel a former grand hotel not quite run down, but first at the station a chace to be photographed with the statue of Ken Dodd the well known Liverpool comedian.
It was a shame at the hotel because it was possible to see how beautiful it must of been in the past, our room was spacious,  but poorly lit with old out dated furniture, but a huge bath with plenty of hot water.
We had learnt of the Snowflake Trail through the Internet and we enjoyed the many set pieces and lights in the centre.  Our first stop was the Cavern, famous a place the Beatles had first played all those years ago when first starting out, it was not actually true as this place had replaced the original. We had to climb down a series of steps to the basement where loud music was being played but with no connection with the Beatles, there were few people there on the day so we only stayed a few minutes, before continuing on our journey down to the pier and the Mersey ferry. We had timed it well as one was due to depart in a few minutes, it was 5pm and not very busy, but still played the classic music Ferry Cross The Mersey that Jane sang along to, we travelled over then stayed on for the return, Liverpool looked quite beautiful at night. We them went along Albert dock which was deserted as it was early evening but nicely lit up, then a meal and return to the hotel
The following day we set off again to look at more of the lights and explore the shops,before returning to the ferry for their excursion along the Mersey, ido have to say the commentary was the clearest I have ever heard, but soon the hour was up and we docked again. Just by the ferry there were larger than life statues of the Famous Four Beatles so another photo opportunity,  we did some more shopping and looked at more of the lights before it was time to return to the station and catch our train home

Trip to Milton Keynes and Southampton 20 September 2015

The 20th was the anniversary of Jane and my first date here, so we decided to return again but this time to stay over in the hope Jane would not lose her way in the woods this time, we stayed at Willen Lake which is a nice setting
All went well and this time we had the chance to enjoy walking through the woods and round the lake just relaxing
We then continued to the caravan park at Southampton that Jane had stayed at in previous years. Trying to find it using sat nav was not a solution but finally we got there. It was on the banks of the Solent and the caravan we were staying in was well equipped in a good location. We spent the next 5 days there wandering round the area and along the beach, due to being out of season it was peaceful and quiet with many of the caravans privately owned,  buy it was well away from public transport so not very helpful if you did not have transport,  we had taken plenty of food plus there was a restaurant on site
On the way back we met up with my granddaughter and and her boyfriend whilst taking a break on the way home at a hotel near Stoke for a meal and catch up, then back home again

Homeward bound 21 August 2015

Again did not sleep well, had done most of my packing the previous evening so only last items to put in case, and remembered to put case out ay 8am, had a shower dressed then off to breakfast with the others.

Afterwards rested for a while before boarding the coach, one of the things I looked goward to was that the driver was a female therefore hopefully a pleasant helpful person, sadly this never seemed the case throughout the trips, this morning was no exception, this is not to say she was not a god driver or other skills to do with the job but there was no wasted conversation at any time and her body language did not give an impression to make conversation at any time.

Back to the trip home, it was a warm humid day, the coach was a little to warm for me but nobody else seemed bothered,  we were informed we were having a stop at the National Arboretum on the way to Stretton. I had never heard of this before but as much as I understand,  it is a place to remember the people who were in the forces and died in the wars or in active service since. So there were a whole range of different styles of monument depending on the particular service, there were even tributes to the police and railway workers. In the time we had I was unable to fully explore the site, there were many people there on the same day as us and they provided a range of methods for people to get round the site from electric scooters to a slow moving train.

Soon it was time to depart again for our next stop, at one of the service areas, but I fell asleep for a time,  when we got there, a bonus for me was that it had a Subway so I was able to indulge myself in one of their filled rolls and a coffee then back on the coach to Stretton,  unfortunately it being a Friday afternoon the traffic was slow moving so I am taking the opportunity to write the blog up as the scenery is quite boring.

Well if I was bored before things could only get worse, firstly the coffee machines in the shop had not been topped up, so we had to wait for that, next we found there were problems with one coach being delayed so for reasons I do not quite understand unless the people on that were spread from all over the country, none of the other coaches were loading up until it arrived. It seemed by further announcements at least some were but definitely not ours, sob sob.

Eventually a coach arrived in our bay and it was the same driver as on the feeder coach out do this did not bode well. Andy noticed that against Shearings own policy he had lit up a cigarette on the coach, I did consider mentioning at the information desk but then realised it would most probably delay the coach. we waited and waited but it was gone 6pm before we finally started to load although Andys wheelchair was still waiting, we joined the queue but the driver had disappeared,  a woman complained because I stopped her boarding, she was quite rude and seemed to have no insight into the issues Andy faced. I eventually found the driver sat on a seat in the boarding area having yet another cigarette, I mentioned to him about the wheelchair to make sure it was not left behind, I also asked if he could give us some idea of what time we would reach Bury, he seemed to have no idea, which filled me with confidence I dont think. We did chat about the smoking and the feeling is that we should report this when home as its a problem for anyone with breathing issues, but even worse that if a customer was found doing it, it could affect their holiday.

We rang Colin the taxi driver to inform of the delay and and what was best to do, him it was agreed we would speak again when we were nearer home. Well it is now 6 45pm and we are still on our way home and have yet to reach at least Bolton. It does seem ironic that in the relatively short distance we have travelled we could of flown to Spain or similar or been home again. What an unfortunate end to what has been a pleasant few days away, plus it is pouring down with rain now.

Warwick castle 20 August 2015

Today we had a trip to Warwick Castle,weather started out damp but warm although it brightened up quite quickly. Was brief journey to the castle, luckily the cost of entrance was included because otherwise it would of been at least £24 even with concessions.

We had an member of staff escort us round and explain the background to the castle he was pleasant and easy to listen, it was odd how we acquired other people on the tour which I did not mind, apart from the children who were disruptive and pushed to the front, access was a problem for Andy and other wheelchair users unfortunately but I suppose not easy with a place 1000 years old,

I was surprised that the castle was fairly modern, compared to many others,  afterwards we wandered round the grounds taking photos of it and the surroundings, it was quite busy but I suppose it was a good but expensive place for a family day out.

Later we gathered for the jousting which was well presented before finally going for a well deserved cup of tea, for most of the trip we were accompanied by Arthur our new member, we wandered round the gardens and visited the conservatory, then a short drive back.

In the evening it was a pleasant meal apart from the very spicy soup, then all went off to pack or watch TV then get some sleep before our trip home tomorrow.

Broadway here we come 19 August 2015

Well today we are off to Broadway,  great lots of lights and shows and music, sadly no it was to a quaint little old village for the morning. Trip was uneventful, village was pleasant place as one thinks, a main street with a green and beautiful old buildings and views across the countryside, again a gid example of how buildings used to be built with consideration to their appearance and durability, but for us an ideal photo opportunity again.

Chico also came along with us for the trip so we acquired a number of photos of him also, which will appear on Facebook, someone mentioned to me why do I still take him out as the fundraising is now finished and maybe he is a distraction from my more serious photography, I am tempted to ask on his profile or mine what people think, any comments on here also welcome, my own thoughts are that it adds a little humour to my trips out and can also be an icebreaker,  the expression on some people's faces gives the impression there must be something wrong with me, but this is countered by the opposite when a wide smile comes to some others. Is it a good sign that he still recieves comments from people on the posts on Facebook and no criticism in that sense, for those that wonder yes I do know that in reality he is a stuffed toy, but the conversation and fun so far makes me feel I should continue until maybe one day he runs his course.

Well back to the trip we met up with our new friend Arthur for a drink then back on the coach to the hotel and a rest before we met for a drink in the afternoon, sadly it was raining so my thoughts of visiting the grounds across the way were cancelled, I returned to the room to remove the dressing on toe and have a lovely soak in the bath and catch up with stuff on the internet.Whilst on there I looked at Booking.com and reviews for here, it was interesting what contrasting views there are of the same place.

Then off for a pleasant evening meal then a chat before returning to the room, Andy had mentioned concern about our trip the following day to Warwick Castle and accessibility so checked on internet and it seems that there are obviously some parts that he will struggle with, at the time it was built they obviously did not consider disabled access as an issue lol, only problem I can see will be if it is raining on the day. Finally spent some time reading and listening to music before going to sleep, the fact I am typing on here at 5.48am is am indication that I am struggling to sleep, so shortly will try to settle down again.

Our trip to Shakespeares place of birth18 August 2015

Had not slept well previous night partly due to pain in toe, found couple of chiropodists in Stratford so hoped whilst on trip there will be able to obtain treatment.
We had a full breakfast then on the coach for a short trip there. I was quite surprised at the size of the place I had always imagined a smal quaint village rather than a large modern town with some old buildings, I must say some of the well known stores and cafes had made effort to make their frontage appear mock tudor although very obviously very modern inside

First there was a free talk and walk round the Tudor Experiance in a building dated back to the 15 hundreds, it is amazing how this and some of the other buildings have managed to survive so long whilst more modern ones last a fraction of the time. The talk was very interesting but I found the settings a little tacky in the house.

After I left the other 2 and went looking for a chiropodist, got an appointment for later the afternoon, so went back to met up with friends and then took a series of photos round the town, including a few of Chico.

Whilst near the canal I noticed people were gathering for some reason, as I got nearer I saw it was because someones ball was in the canal and a young man had striped to his undies to retrieve it, kind and brave though it was it was also stupid, what if his head had hit the bottom or he could not get up the side again, plus the chance of picking up an infection from the water,  maybe a sign of my getting older and common sense prevailing

Later went for treatment seems is going to be an ongoing problem unless have operation so trip to Gp now planned on return, foot still painful, I had planned due to time of appointment to travel back on the bus, luckily as it was solved quickly by walking back quickly enough I managed to board the coach and then on return had a rest before the evening meal, also gave me chance to catch up with e mail etc, oh forgot to say I actually have purchased some postcards was going to send one to sister but had forgotten her address,  very embarrassing so may send on return home.

Evening meal pleasant, but again Andy and Brian returned to their room after. Chatted to Arthur for a while, could not settle so spent some time reading before going to sleep.