Monthly Archives: September 2019
As autumn arrives …
I love the cooling crispness of autumn, the colours, the crunch of leaves beneath my feet.
A new season of promise following an eventful few weeks …
As August began we celebrated the arrival of our lovely great-niece Thea Eugenie, baby sister to Henry (now 18 months). Sweet as sweet can be.
During this month I also gleefully revisited my own childhood when my niece Marie-Claire – newly qualified as a primary school teacher – asked me if I would like to help her prepare her classroom ahead of her welcoming her pupils for the start of term. I was thrilled at the prospect (any excuse for a spot of cutting out, colouring and laminating) and here are some of the colourful results of our fun-filled hard work.
The end of August brought a visit to glorious Kew Gardens . We were lucky with the weather which made everything look extra spectacular. £18.15 (with a donation) per adult entry fee (well worth it). We also took a packed lunch as there are plenty of picnic areas. I couldn’t believe some of the weird and wonderful plants we saw, not to mention the glass sculptures. We braved the treetop walk which gave us the wobbles a bit. Overall, we walked about four miles, so the feet were well and truly hanging off by the time we got home. A fab day for sure. Took some good pics as well. See slideshow below.
Into September and off we went on the ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight for a mini break with two good friends. We stayed in Rookley which was centrally located, although nowhere is too far to get to on the island. I hadn’t been back since childhood and Briggy had never been so we packed in as much as we could during our four days there. Lots of laughs, good food and sightseeing including a visit to Steephill Cove which came highly recommended and didn’t disappoint. We also visited the sand shop in Alum Bay and filled a small glass vase of our own as a memento. A fond trip down memory lane. Loved it!
*Cymbal Clash*
On my return from the Isle of Wight I found out the good news that my sequel to As Weekends Go is scheduled to be released by Choc Lit early next year. Title to be finalised. Edits to be done. I am thrilled that my second book will be published. Watch this space …
At the end of the month my niece Jess and I took a trip to the MAC store near Carnaby Street where Jess had a fabulous makeover (18th birthday prezzie). All the staff were chatty and welcoming, especially Jess’s makeup artist who did her proud. Jess was able to redeem the cost of the makeover against some of the gorgeous products that were used on her face. I, of course, sat enthralled watching the process and snapped a few pics. We also had a wander down Carnaby street and a nose round the wondrous Liberty store. A top day out.
Bookswise, here’s what I’ve recently read and enjoyed.
I’m a big fan of Tammy/Tamar Cohen’s writing and have been working my way through her novels. Stop At Nothing is her latest and The Mistress’s Revenge a few years older – both novels thrillingly gripping in subject matter.
The Dead Wife is, in my humble opinion, Sue Fortin’s best novel to date. Full of mystery and murky family secrets. So cleverly written and engaging.
So many blooms to choose from this time around (what with our visits to Kew and the Isle of Wight) so here’s a colourfully foliage-filled snapshot.
Until next time, with much love,
Jan x
jan brigden, writer 