Today was rather unsettling; things changing and people moving on causing a tinge of sadness all round.

The funeral service of one of Mr C’s closest friends took place. I still find it difficult to take in the reality as he was so young and full of life. Rest in peace Bri I raise a glass to you.

As the evening twilight fades away the sky is filled with stars invisible by day.

Longfellow

Today also saw the departure of two of my work colleagues to pastures new due to restructuring of our organisation. One of those colleagues currently sat close to me and was a live wire inspiring everyone he came into contact with. He had only been working with us for a year and didn’t want to leave but his contract was due to expire and he had to plan for his family and future.

My other colleague is leaving on a voluntary early release scheme. She started working for the organisation the same year as I did. It seems like a lifetime ago now as I look back over all those years. I am sure we will keep in touch and I will be seeing her on the longstanding annual London trip in November.

The three goodbyes led to hugs and tears along the way…

Today I was a woman on a mission to find a spiky plant for my Mum’s birthday. She wanted it to replace the one that died off over the winter due to the frost. It was referred to as the spiky plant because it was located in the conservatory and if you sat to close to it you got prickled by it’s leaves. The proper name of it had long been forgotten, so it was a bit of challenge trying to find what I was looking for. It took visits to three garden centres for me to be satisfied I had tracked one down.

To set myself up for the challenge I thought lunch in Attingham park would be in order. Some of you might remember what I like to eat when I go there. It also gave me the opportunity to see the deer being fed for the last time this year which was a nice bonus even though I got a little cold.

All in all it has been a good weekend and I still have my evening meal of roast pork to look forward too