The Highlights of 2025

How do I sum up 2025? I never imagined that I would lose my father this year; that was a complete shock. And let's be honest, my Mum is ill as well, and I don't think she will be around next Christmas, which is very sad. I just have to remember the good times and how they used to be.

We seem to have been affected by health issues this year, and Keith also lost his brother, Val. I'm very much hoping that 2026 will be better health-wise, but I face uncertainty with my job, and the move to our new office this month was traumatic. I am hoping that I will be able to work from home for a couple of days. If not, I will be looking for a new job!

However, we have had lots of enjoyable days in 2025, and some precious moments of happiness! Here they are:

Wednesday 8 January - a trip to London, Prosecco and olives in 31 Below, Inn 1888, Cote Brasserie and The Booking Office. What a day!

Thursday 16 January - The tiny roads of Normandy, war history, lunch with the Americans, beaches, and an antique experience!

Thursday 27 March - Weird art, coffee in the sunshine, beautiful Austrian wine, a kissing waitress and an opera to top it off!

Friday 4 April - Back to our second home - Marylebone High Street! Daunts Books, 31 Below, L'Entrecote and a truly memorable visit to The Booking Office, where we celebrated Sophie's birthday in style!

Saturday 17 May - A walk around a beautiful village and its gardens, followed by dinner at Lola's and an evening with Levison Wood!

Thursday 26 June - A day spent by the pool, followed by a gorgeous visit to Peratallada.

Friday 4 July - a beautiful road trip to Chablis, sunny weather, lunch in a wine town, and dinner in a special place! Wine Not?

Saturday 9 August - a trip to Leamington Spa, shopping, a Japanese lunch and an ice-cream after driving through England's stunning countryside!

Thursday 25 September - a lovely day when we explored Le Tréport, ate a delicious lunch, and enjoyed an afternoon visiting the gorgeous coastline north of Dieppe.

Friday 26 September - Another fabulous day exploring St Valery-sur-Somme and wandering the beautiful streets, before lunch in the sunshine.

Saturday 20 December - An Italian eatery, chatting with Duncan and his merry men, and a relaxed chill-out at a new (for us anyway!) wine bar in Market Harborough!

Friday 26 December - A beautiful day in Berlin, a friendly breakfast, Christmas markets and a delicious dinner. Possibly the best steak I've ever eaten?

💞I love these lyrics from John Mayer's song Clarity. They strike a real chord with me:

By the time I recognize this moment
This moment will be gone
But I will bend the light pretending
That it somehow lingered on...

And I will wait to find
If this will last forever
And I will wait to find
If this will last forever
And I will pay no mind
When it won't and it won't
Because it can't
It just can't
It's not supposed to

Some of our precious, happy moments in 2025:

Visiting the brocante shop in Creully-sur-Seulles and marvelling at all the objects for sale.

Picking up shells on the beach at Houlgate, France.

The drive to Chablis - a convoy of cars all driving respectfully, gorgeous sunshine and the fantastic French countryside.

Lunch in Le Tréport and the lovely atmosphere in the restaurant.

Walking along the promenade in St Valery-sur-Somme.

Stopping at an aire near Wimereux for coffee and gazing out over the French countryside.

Picking up shells on the beach in Wimereux.

Lunch at Les Oyats and the friendly atmosphere

Tea and scones at Farndon Fields after seeing the doctor, and the relief I felt.

Coffee and almond croissants in Just So Italian, Market Harborough.

Here's to 2026!