It’s been a busy few weeks since we had our little trip to Yorkshire just after the Easter weekend. I still have lots to write about our stay in Bridlington  – blog post imminent.
Rory has now returned to Exeter after a wonderful few weeks at home. He is now starting his end of year exams and then we’re not entirely sure when he will return for the summer – begs the question what on earth the third term at university is for? I can’t remember whether that was the same when I was studying – but then, that was in the Dark Ages…
Probably the best way to tell you what else I’ve been up to is to share my newspaper column pieces with you – here are the latest ones you might like to take a look at.
Small reminders of happy times
Find out about the five-legged glass bull and Granny smuggling alcohol though customs…
Limbering up for a musical night
Latest news from rehearsals for our next SADOS show and how I am at the age when choreography and words don’t seem to stick!
Photo from Julian at Welland Photo Services.
Spotting birds and bikes in Yorkshire
A little taster of what we got up to in Bridlington: birds on Bempton Cliffs and bikes in preparation for the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race.
Joining in World Book Night
Enjoying a glass of wine and a free book on World Book Night – at our local independent bookshop, Bookmark in Spalding.
Got caught up on all your newspaper articles, boy do I remember stuffing souvenirs in suitcases. Buying on the internet is good, just ask my bank account, but shipping from the UK is pricey. I've learned to be a better packer. I manage to fit an antique child's chair into one of our suitcases a couple of years ago.
That must have been a very small chair or a very large case, Janet! 🙂
I enjoyed your round-up of articles. I hope you enjoyed the book you eventually picked. It must have been very difficult just choosing one from such a delectable selection.
I am enjoying the book – it's good having two authors each take a different person's voice. What was even better, Dougie and I popped back the next day to see if the Irvine Welsh book was still going spare – it was so the owner of the book shop gave it to him. Plus, the book about the Fakir in IKEA was also unloved – so I got that too 🙂
Wow a great collection of articles there, I love the story about the holiday souvenirs, we have a very 'eclectic' selection of things that were my grandparents, parents and ours and the children find them and their stories fascinating.
I always regret not buying things when we are away: as you say, they are great to pass down the generations. You are lucky you have a great collection of souvenirs.
Sounds like you've been busy 😉
I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts about Bridlington – I've never been but my husband wants us to have a weekend away there as he went when he was younger x x x
Bridlington itself is brash in places but it's such a lively, friendly place and there's so much to do in the vicinity. We had a great time.
Good to catch up on the columns I'd missed (just two!) and had a great laugh at your description of preferred dancing as 'sedentary.' The combination of numbers you're performing sounds like a total crowd-pleaser – wish we weren't going to be in Dublin that weekend! Have filed away Yorkshire in my 'UK destinations' mental folder.
Just back from rehearsals – it was exhausting. Not enough sitting.
And you'll have to tell me about Dublin – I still haven't been!
All caught up! Laughing at the image of you all dressed up at the airport! I imagine you were not the only one! How was the book? Sounds interesting! And good luck with the production!! 🙂 xx
The book is really good – loving the two narratives.
And thank you – it's tiring but good fun 🙂
Lovely that you write at such a variety of places – and I'm glad it's not just me who has wrapped souvenirs up in washing!
Socks are the best!
I am hugely impressed with not only your writing, but your ability to keep coming up with it! In answer to your question in your comment on my blog – sadly new owners meant my column lasted a whole 3 weeks before they came in and decided they wanted to undo the last owners new initiatives – but I bet I would have found it hard to keep coming up with stuff – and like you said, even after a short time I found it left me with less to write on my own blog – so huge kudos to you for keeping both going to such a high standard!
Thanks so much for your comments, Sonya. I really appreciate that. Yes, it is tough keeping it going – handy having a blank canvas in some respects but a bit scary at times.
That's such a shame about your column – I thought your writing was fresh and unique. We just have to keep going and hope opportunities come up.
Loved reading 'Small reminders of happy times' – it's so true! It's hard to even pack much needed clothes these days, let alone bring souvenirs back home. I remember my mum bringing a Sandstone elephant statue from Kenya in 96… nowadays that would equate to the 20kg allowance!x
Now that's what I call a souvenir!
I remember people coming on planes with all sorts of stuff – lots of Capodimonte ornaments once on a flight from Italy.
I love catching up with your columns Trish and would definitely buy the paper for them. The range of subjects you cover keeps everything interesting – and I'd love to see you dancing btw. Good luck with that! X
I so appreciate your support, Anya – you always give me a lift with your positive comments. Thank you x Whether you would really enjoy seeing me dancing is another matter: I was exhausted today, danced like an old granny…which I suppose, age wise, I could be…!
Lovely columns Trish, must be really nice having that as an outlet as well as the blog. Love a good indie bookshop, you're lucky to have a good one so close by!
I was a bit tentative when I first decided to accept the challenge but have loved doing them – it's amazing what a deadline can do for the creative juices.
Yes, our bookshop is wonderful and has a super little cafe too.
Gosh you have been busy. I can't remember what we used to do during the final term at University either….I seem to think our exams were a bit later…but it was a long time ago now.
I agree Emma, I'm sure my exams were later – definitely the end of May – although that means it was still an early finish to the term, I suppose.
May I congratulate you on the use of 'malarkey' in a publically available medium. Its been a few sad years since i have seen its use.
We, from the old school salute you.
On another note, author, actress, geologist, singer, journalist and (probably) cook; we from the couch salute you.
It is a good word, isn't it. I'm pleased to have resurrected it for you.
I accept your praise with a curtsey and a coy smile – may I have standing ovation next time?
Oooh yes you ca…. Oooh no…. my back
Agree! The range of topics you cover with your column is amazing! must be fun to write (and read!)