I don’t think I’ve ever gone as long without writing a post on my blog. This summer has been one of extremes, some joyful, blissful moments and other darker, awful times. My way of getting through everything has simply to focus on each day and recognise what I can and cannot control. I also find compartmentalising problems has helped too, I only have so much thinking space so try to focus on one thing at a time, whether it be work, family life etc.. Nothing is resolved at present, more appointments and consultations are needed before decisions are made. The stories are not mine to tell, I am simply trying to keep it all together.

Within all the chaos of our summer there have been some wonderful moments.

I took my son to his first ever festival at Bestival which also doubled up as my birthday treat. It was amazing, such a hot, sunny day and we loved the sets from Craig Charles, Sophie Ellis Bextor, the Smyths and the stunning Pete Tong and Jules Buckley orchestra playing Ibiza classics, a real delight. My son was so chuffed to meet a girl from school whom he really likes and they danced and held hands aloft to Pete Tong, a very happy boy. And of course there was glitter!

The week which followed was carnival and lots of fun. We headed out on Weds night to fireworks and the traditional bag of chips .

The week after Bestival we set off on our cruise. This was preceded by a very difficult week and we left for our holiday as a trio rather than the special family holiday we had planned. Our daughter chose not to come with us and we are indebted to my parents for coming to live in our home so we could go on holiday. The cruise was amazing and we’re already planning another next year. We travelled on the Arvia, such a gorgeous ship and I was so pleased not to have any motion sickness which I had been worried about. I had an inside cabin on a middle floor in the middle of the ship and I think this definitely helped counter the movement. I did have a few qualms about an inside cabin but I only slept or showered and dressed in the room and it was perfect. I also slept brilliantly. I actually think my preference is now for an inside cabin on future cruises. On our cruise we went to the Mediterranean. Our first port was La Coruna where my son and I went white water rafting which was epic and so much fun. This was followed by Valencia, a stunning city and a tour of the football stadium. We continued to Barcelona which was an excellent day. I did an organised Gaudi tour, visiting Park Güell and Sagrada Familia which was outstanding, whilst the boys were to a water park. In Marseille we visited the football stadium ( a bit of a theme here ..) and walked around the city spotting the Olympic signs. The sailing and football had taken place in the city during the Games and as it was the last day it felt appropriate to be looking out for the rings. I also impressed my son with my French, ordering in cafes, chatting to a taxi driver, navigating the metro etc.. I was just relieved to still have my language skills as a French graduate nearly 30 years ago! Our next stop was Alicante where my son and I did a day sea kayaking and a brief time on a SUP. The kayaking route took us in a group to a deserted beach for a swim in the beautiful warm, blue sea. In both the rafting and kayaking I was super impressed by my son’s skills. Our last port was Cádiz which was another beautiful city and so easy to walk around and just enjoy the sights, I loved the flower square and had a delicious fresh paella. Our days at sea were full of activities, you simply couldn’t do everything on offer. I loved the thermal spa and gym, the shows and sitting outside in the sunshine reading my book. Life is full of simple pleasures. The food was amazing too.

After the cruise we had a few days out to end the summer holidays. I went to a sculpture park I had heard so much about and it was as amazing as promised. We also headed to the air festival on another hot and sunny day, we didn’t have many of these during the 6 week holiday but luckily they fell on the days we needed great weather. On one of the less favourable weather days I took my son to his first 15 film at the cinema, Deadpool and Wolverine, it had a great soundtrack and lots of celebrity cameos. The football season has also begun and I did watch a cracking match which also coincided with the celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the club.

We are now back at school. I’ve a lovely little class and team so am looking forward to the school year. I’ve been at my new school for a couple of years now and finally feel a little more settled and established.

Hopefully the writing routine will be resumed now and I’m pleased to have a record of my summer.