Year: 2018

Today was  our tour of Lake Como. We did the whole circuit of the lake stopping off all the way round at significant landmarks. We had longer time in Lecco and Como. We also had George Clooney’s house and the Beckhams house pointed out to us. The day could have been better, it rained all morning. And where Mussolini was shot and killed.

We went to Thomas Becket’s church, in Dervio, where he was said to have stopped on his journey to Canterbury. I lit a candle for Torin. We also went into the very beautiful Como Cathedral. Surprisingly only 1€ entrance fee….a lot cheaper than Canterbury!  The Police came to remove some homeless guys who were under the arches, while we were there.

The hotel gave us a packed lunch. The food is very good in the hotel, the packed lunches aren’t!! We fed a lot of ours to the ducks on the lake.

It was a long day but once we were back at the hotel a quick shower and then a long night! Dinner and then in the bar for the music and dancing. I don’t think Pam could decided what to drink!

Thought for the Day – “We can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid or we can let them soften us and make us kinder. You always have the choice.” ~ Dalai Lama

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One of our early morning/middle of the night stops was in Lucerne………..5€ to spend a penny!! That’s inflation for you.

The drivers also told us about additional trips during our stay, like Milan, St Moritz but we have opted just for the lake cruise as we didn’t want to spend another 6 hours on the coach and we have three other trips included anyway.

We reached our hotel at 8am, the check in was so efficient. There were three other coaches arrived about the same time as us. Our keys were handed to us and within 15 minutes our cases were delivered to our room. That saves all the carrying cases at the airport!

We phoned Ollie as soon as we arrived as it is his 12th birthday today.

We went into breakfast and then back to our room and we both fell asleep!

Out for a walk in the afternoon.

Then we were in the bar chatting to some people from our coach and  it was dinner time! Back to the bar where they had music and dancing.

Thought for the Day – “Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” ~ Joshua J Marine

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A while back Mal and I said that one place we had been keen to visit was the lakes in Italy, so we found a coach holiday and booked it. We have had so much flying and waiting around airports and so decided to try a coach trip.

We took Ellie to Lou and Rhys’s and Lou drove us into Canterbury. Canterbury was a nightmare, lucky we left early as we sat in stationery traffic for so long. We eventually joined our feeder coach to Hythe. Another feeder had been caught up with heavy traffic on the M25, so we were delayed. When we did get going, it all went smoothly but we did take advice and took memory foam neck pillows and they were really good. Two drivers and when one wasn’t driving he was making us teas/coffees or soups. Also telling us the football results and quoting facts about places of interest. We had frequent “comfort breaks” often seemingly when we had just dropped off to sleep. The time went by quickly.

Thought for the Day – “Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” ~ Mother Theresa

The sun was out so off to the beach. It was colder than we expected. Time to put gloves and hats in the car! We went to Minnis Bay. Ellie loves the cold sea!

A bit of a weird day as it was a year ago we held Torin’s funeral. I think most of that day I spent in a daze. I’m still struggling and know that will never go away.

So, two days into November and the Christmas adverts are on the TV!!

Thought for the Day – “Life is the most difficult exam. Many people fail because  they try to copy others, not realising  that everyone has a different question paper.”

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So much for the BBC weather forecast for “light showers”, we took Ellie and we were drenched by the time we were home again. I should have put on my waterproof trousers as the rain just cascaded off my coat and soaked my jeans. I guess it was our fault a little as Ellie was having so much fun chasing around with a 6 month old labradoodle, so we let her play while we stood with her owner in the rain!

It wasn’t a day for being outside but nice that we have the conservatory where it does make the day seem a little lighter!

I watched the news about Craig MacKinley, our MP. He is in court over his election expenses but we are feeling he is going to get away with his fiddles. I thought he was an accountant!! A disgrace. They say the trial is going on for at least another month. That  will cost the tax payers!

Thought for the Day – “Anyone can show up when you’re happy. But the ones who stay by your side when your heart falls apart, they are your true friends.”

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A warmer day so a walk with Ellie over to Gazen Salts where she played with another Retriever.

We then went into Canterbury. Now I have my cathedral pass, I went into the grounds to see the War Horse. Very impressive.

They also have a field of remembrance.

There are a lot of poppies around Canterbury, these are at Westgate Towers. They are actually plastic bottles. The poppies at Marlowe Arcade are 7,000 hand knitted ones!

We had our lunch at Chapman Sea food restaurant (another Groupon deal). We have eaten here before, just fish on a sharing platter……yummy!

I went into Demelza to get my next year’s diary and also to Hotter to collect my new boots I ordered online. Parking is a nightmare in Canterbury, we should have taken the bus.

Thought for the Day – “You learn nothing from life if you think you are right all the time.”

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We had a very wet walk in the rain with Ellie. There weren’t many dog walkers out this morning! We did see a newly adopted greyhound, all togged out in his coat and scarf!

I have just finished reading a book “This is going to Hurt” by Adam Kay. Compulsory reading for anyone who cares about the NHS!

I met Rhys for lunch. Today we went to Chiqitos.  We look on Groupon and see how many deals we can get! It was a nice meal, Rhys had steak and I had salmon. They were both really nice.

It’s nice to see Rhys and chat. We had a wander around the shops after lunch.

In the evening I caught up with “Mediterranean with Simon Reeve.” An interesting episode where he visits Cyprus

Thought for the Day – “A little progress each day adds up to big results.”

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