Winter Escapes

The British have something of a reputation for being obsessed with the weather. I don’t see this as a bad thing. I might be more of a weather watcher than some (I have two weather apps on my phone) but I’m not too bad. I have been known to have a weather-related moan from time to time….

I’m not a summer gal at heart, you see? I don’t like to be hot, I like floppy jumpers, crisp autumn leaves, fresh spring breezes and a proper winter.

A proper winter seems to be escaping us up in North Yorkshire once more (although it might be too soon to tell for this year). Last year was ridiculously mild and I think we had no more than one decent frost all year. If we aren’t going to have a decent winter with frosts and snowmen and such-like I’m going to opt out next year!

Now, I might not be a hot weather gal but I’ve been told by them in the know that when you go abroad, and to the right places, that the heat is a different type of heat. If it means escaping drizzle and out of whack seasons I’m going to have to risk it!

Now I’m not your clubbing on holiday, Ibiza type gal either. I’d be looking for something warm, not blisteringly hot and something interesting. I want culture, art, architecture and decent authentic food. What’s more I want all of this as part of a family holiday full of winter sun and fun so that we can all enjoy these experiences together.

So…

  • A beach
  • Nice accommodation
  • Nothing *too* touristy
  • History, culture, awesome buildings by the bucket-load
  • Food, wonderful tasting food.

Short of attempting to find my own personal Narnia, what can I do? Is there a family friendly location that will offer me all of this without having to sell one of Roy’s kidneys (I’m quite attached to my own)? I quite like the idea of Morocco – have any of my readers been? It’s too late to book for this year but I’m really coming around to the idea of a winter sun vacation next year, especially if we have another wet and miserable winter this year.

Where would your ideal spot be?

23463163003_24054b12e3_z

Photo credit

 

The Week That Was

What a week it has been!

Home

Kieran has been away on a school residential and while I’m pleased to have been able to offer him the opportunity I’ve missed him terribly! Taylor has burst into tears on more than one occasion because his brother wasn’t there after school, when he called him down for breakfast, when he came out of swimming…..

Taylor wanted to go to bed at 4pm on Thursday night so that his “one more sleep” would be over more quickly and Kieran would be on his way home. They are fab lads!

Needless to say, yesterday’s reunion was a very happy one. Now I just need to find a way to recover the lost (new) wellington boots, gloves x 2, hat, flask and numerous other bits and pieces that didn’t come home with him, including (to his horror) the Pokemon cards he bought in Whitby that he thinks he left on the bus!

Tired, in need of a shower but home!
Tired, in need of a proper shower but home!

Personal

On Thursday 4th Nov I celebrated 11 years cigarette free. Giving up smoking is bloody hard. I was a fairly heavy smoker back then and it was far from easy. Several times over the years I could have reached for a cigarette but I didn’t and have no plans to ever again. One of the personal victories I’m most proud of.

There have also been some changes on the health/weight loss front. More on this on Monday after I weigh in and report back.

Work

Work has been busy this week but then we’re in the mad run up to Christmas. In a week or so I’ll be writing about Valentine’s day!
On the upside, I managed to secure a fabulous new contract for myself which pleases me greatly. I also had to let a potential client go. Long story short my gut “kicked in” and as we couldn’t agree on a deposit (“I’m good for it” isn’t assurance enough for me) I felt it wise to walk away.

It’s important to listen to your gut sometimes.

Plans

This weekend we have a birthday disco to go to (Taylor) and if the wild wind and rain stops, a firework display to attend tonight. If not it’ll be a “watch out the window” affair with our homemade hotdogs and chocolate finger sparklers. Fingers crossed!