VISIT TO STOURHEAD OCTOBER 2024

 Dear gentle readers- 😆can you tell I've been binge-watching Bridgerton?!  I'm not Lady Whistledown Just Julie from Somerset. 

I thought I'd introduce you to my travel blogs. I've written plenty over the years with the intention of sharing them.

Today is from my recent day trip to Stourhead. Hope you enjoy it.

7.30am Beautiful mystical misty sunrise opened up today. Set the mood and the scene.

Didnt take long to get here, however the heavens opened all the way here.  Having a now wet, dull day has made for an atmospheric visit. My first ever - an Autumn bucket list place to see.

The walk through the woods lined with very, very tall brightly coloured leaves is stunning.  The whole place is stunning.

It was the setting for Keira Knightleys version of Pride & Prejudice, a favorite film, of mine. I have a hankering to go home and watch it now.

The walk through the canopy of trees was just so tranquil, quiet, colourful, the musky aroma of damp leaves, the pop of red, orange amongst the dark green trees was just magical.

Talk about an endorphin/ dopamine hit. My mood elevated to maximum happiness and serenity. 

Might even go back in after lunch as the sun has appeared now and I've still got 3 hours to kill. Would love to sit and meditate under the canopy of trees, cocooned by their height. 

Love, love, love this place so much.

I didn't realise how knackered I was until I left the pub, The Spread Eagle, I had walked non stop for over 2 hours,  so I just walked up to the house instead.

Yes it is grand and well kept but certainly not a homely home. I couldn't see me and mine living there.  The "front garden" is a vast huge lush green field with far-reaching views and you can imagine the landed gentry in their period clothes parading about- just watch Pride & Prejudice to see how it was.

3.30pm - Sat now in another estate cafe having coffee awaiting 4.30-5pm home time. Crocheting to pass the time.

My fellow travel companion is a crafter from my old stomping ground of Reading.  Chat is one sided though.  Made the journey go quickly though, chatting.

My new thing on trips is to buy crystals, candles, incense sticks and of course a fridge magnet.  Today a pine scented candle decorated with pine leaves & twigs.

Coffee, crochet and quick loo stop before a quick jaunt to the estate farm shop for some wholesome goodies.  Then a perch on a wet log under an oak tree waiting to reboard the coach home.

Took a copious amount of photos, as l was in total awe of the whole place, a definite return visit will be had in the future.

4.20pm tired but fulfilled even being alone its been a great day.

A short read,  will add more  in the coming days.

SENSORY OVERLOAD OR RE-IGNITION

Took me, myself and l off for an impromptu day out to my favourite spiritual sacred place today - Chalice Well, Glastonbury.

Starting out standing in the overcast sunlight of Saturday morning awaiting the bus, looking at the array of Autumn colours appearing, delighting at seeing conkers for the first time this year, always an Autumnal delight.

Perched on a high seat towards the back of the bus, we rattled and wobbled our way through the Somerset countryside, always a delight to see. The levels not yet underwater from seasonal flooding, the patchwork of green fields, adorned by sheep, cows, bulls, calves, donkeys, jackdaws, magpies, buzzards and majestic goss hawks. The river and canals are lined in places with bullrushes and high grassy reeds. Chuck in the signature Somerset aroma of farmyard poo and you have the perfect countryside setting to re-ignite one's senses. I always admire the country cottages with tiny doors and many years of history, many wouldn't look out of place in a Snow White-type story. With their picket-edged rooves and leaded light windows. 

When you step off the bus into Glastonbury you're immediately met with another set of sensory delights, the sound of music, the sights and the smells just bring your heart alive and make you smile. Brightly dressed people mill about their business without a care in the world and without the judgement that so often arises in other places. Everyone here is happy, bright and joyful. The scent of sage, frankincense and a bit of cannabis wafts around as the signature perfume of this lovely town. I just love it.  The brightly painted shop fronts line the route to my favourite place, and famous murals beautifully, skilfully painted adorn many of the buildings too, a joy to see. 

Then you arrive after a short walk into The Chalice Well's sacred, tranquil garden which houses waterfalls, an array of flowers, trees, meadows, and a variety of benches scattered throughout for quiet contemplation, to meditate, sit and think, sit and listen, sit and see. 

Of course, no visit is complete without a paddle in King Arthurs's Healing Pool, where the water runs red and takes your breath away it's that cold and fresh. Once your feet are dry and tingling with warmth, l always head up the steps to the Lions Head fountain to collect a small bottle of iron-laden water, it is said to be drinkable, personally, l don't drink it but take it home to put on my altars. 

Past the Lions Head fountain walk up the cobbled path, pass the Angel seat shrouded in bushes to the infamous Well the most sacred part of the garden.  Step down to the wellhead which is currently adorned with Harvest/ Mabon seasonal fruits and flowers from the ceremony held last week. Take a seat on the wall or the steps and meditate. Taking in the absolute serenity and tranquil energy that oozes from the magic of the Well. Shutting out the muffled road noise to listen to the trees and birdsong which permeate the tranquillity.  Time stops here, worries stop here, visions appear- sometimes, peace comes, emotions come, happiness evolves and touches every fibre of your mind.  And when you leave you are filled with inner peace and calm and warmth.  Directly opposite the Well is the beautiful Mother & child statue which has caused some controversy this year. How you/ l view her is your own interpretation, she is whatever you perceive her to be a representation of. For me, she is the ultimate Mother & child statue she to me is not religious but is divine and sacred.  A lot of people are humbled by her and honour her- as l do.

The meadow area to the rear of this part of the garden gives lovely views up to the Tor and across the distant hills, I didn't venture up there today as after the recent heavy rains it's a tad slippery and muddy. I did go and sit under the cherry tree which was briefly the home of the Mother & Child statue, it has a blanket of sweet chestnut cases at the moment and a few well-used chairs for contemplation.

Down the cobbled stone stairs passed the Kings Arthurs pool back to the fabulous giant Yew trees which are currently home to families of squirrels.  Many people hug these trees and feel their energy. Today l just sat and watched Mumma Squirrel running back and forth with mouthfuls of materials for her family's hibernation home in the high trunk of one of the trees. Whilst she toiled back and forth her kitten babies played chase along the branches. In the neighbouring Yew tree, another squirrel family was also in residence. 

Then smiling to myself, l chatted to other garden visitors and walked down passed scent-filled herby shrubs to the Vesica pool where l sat and listened to the running water. Always a lovely calming sound isn't it, flowing water.

After leaving the tranquillity of the gardens l walked along the very noisy busy main road and around the corner to briefly visit The White Spring to collect a small bottle of calcium-laden water, it is drinkable but again l personally don't drink it. I do wash my face and anoint my heart with some.  Today l also stopped to chat to the guys selling spiritual wares buying a crystal and some jos sticks. 

With my senses buzzing I trekked off back into the town to buy more spiritual supplies, delighting once again in the sights, sounds and smells before travelling back home, enjoying the sights and scents of the Somerset countryside once again.

Senses well and truly overloaded or reignited......until next time.Thank you. 🙏

 

THE SAME YET SO DIFFERENT

Hi all, so the first week of term is back and done.

 New pupils, new staff, and new school years have started everywhere. Yet things feel so different.  I'm about to retire after 22 school years with my employer because mentally and physically l can't do the job anymore. I've listened to my body and it hurts a lot now from doing things I've done for many years. The stamina is lacking even if the mind says l can still do physical things.  

I feel mentally mixed -on one hand, l can not wait to no longer have to wake early with an alarm, wear the same drab dark clothes, and trek 30 mins in all weathers, light and dark mornings. Then on the other l will actually miss some of the morning treks seeing and being amongst nature as it changes seasons. I look forward to wearing my own bright clothes, and jewellery, waking naturally when I've had enough sleep, and taking my time to merge into the day with a proper non-rushed breakfast.  Planning my days and weeks activities, instead of the same 6 weekly routine. 

I feel guilty for leaving my work family, and my department colleagues whose lives I've been a part of for 15-16 years, some are actual friends now, confidantes, trusted guys- which for me is major.

 I mean the department will no longer be cleaned or set up like I've done it for the past years, l can 'read' the room and instantly know where things should be, where the boss man would like them to be. I am the font of department knowledge for the little things that keep it ticking over smoothly. I know when the staff members are looking for something or need to know things. l can assist pupils. l am a smiling helpful staff member, part of a team. 

That team is part of another team which functions within an even bigger one, which has in turn become its own unique community. 

Every school year I've been here things have been the same, yet different. Same routines, slightly modifying annually, yet new beginnings for staff and pupils alike. New lives blossom from the same learning facilities. Many learn and welcome new cultural differences too, all within the same structural buildings that have seen thousands of people come and go over hundreds of years. 

And now as l work my last weeks, my last term, my last school year doing the same things with the same people, things and feelings- my feelings are different. Mixed emotions because this 'institution' has been a part of me, and my family for so long. It has given me regular paid employment, which has provided for my family, and given us opportunities to travel, to see and experience things we never would have. It's employed 3 of my 4 now adult children. I've met and been privileged to have known and nurtured some now famous successful people. I've laughed, loved, sweated copiously, bled- a little and grown with this place. Because things were the same year on year but different.  Various world issues have also affected my time here as they did others- various medical issues sars, bird flu and of course COVID-19 when the whole world stopped. 911 when the whole world grieved. The passing of the Queen, Prince Phillip. the passing of my own Mum and family members when l grieved. Staff members have passed and the same community members pulled together to support each other. 

And things carry on the same, people get up, brush themselves off and carry on the same but different. 

THE BIG RETURN- I'M BACK

 Hi, how are you doing? I'm back, a little greyer, wiser- maybe, a little rusty at this that's for sure. 

The last time l posted l had a parent, sadly now l am in all senses an orphan who is about to retire from the world of work.  Hence coming back I will need somewhere to talk when there are no actual humans around.

So what happened, well we sadly lost Mum to the ripe old age of 95 nigh of 96, and we had a few trial runs at her passing!! In the end, she had her peaceful end surrounded by those who loved her in a place that respected her and looked after her albeit for the last 4 days of her life.  

Things started going downhill from June 2022 with little falls here and there, which gradually worsened. Cognitive capabilities began to fail, and hospital stays increased which made for difficult visits as we all work, l don't drive and there are grandbabies to negotiate too. We made the decision to help us more to move her up to where we all live so that we could see her and help her. We found what we perceived as a lovely home, modern, clean, lovely outlook close by. They sold us the perfect ending and care. Little did we know that they were liars, they in the end couldn't/ wouldn't cater to her needs. She'd given up on life and spent hours sitting alone in her room knitting looking out at nature, actual and imagined. Had she been in her own home, she would still have been sat alone for hours knitting, looking out at nature and the changing seasons, the passers-by who used to wave at her. But the 'care home' shipped her off to the local hospital where things went from bad to worse, to be honest. Physical and mental neglect, even we found out later, abuse. After a few weeks which felt like months there, they asked for her to be discharged.  We found hurriedly a new lovely home that actually cared, run by people the family knew. And as I've already mentioned that's where she spent her last 4 days on this earth. 

Thurs 8th June 2023 9.34am will forever be etched in our thoughts and memories, it was a sunny cool morning, with the scent of roses and honeysuckle. And we gathered together as a family to say our final goodbye. 

What followed was a lot of trips back and forth to her hometown 'to arrange things'. We went to see her for the last time too, she was dressed in her new outfit, laid in her beautifully lined 'bed', looking a bit like her late twin sister- she'd hated that. 

I had to go back to work before our final big family gathering, something l found hard to digest. It didn't feel right being at work, carrying on as 'normal' before she'd been sent on her way. Two long weeks l think it was until friends, and family from far and wide gathered. She's planned and paid for all of it we just had to pull it together and make it happen and we did. I think we did her proud, it wasn't an overly sad day, she didn't want that. 

Then we spent the rest of the year emptying and packing up her home of 35 years, we distributed the copious handmade pictures and treasure to family and friends. So every one of us has a keepsake made by her. She's made photo albums, records of every decade of her life from the 1930s up to 2021 even including the covid year when the whole world was locked up. History l find fascinating- seeing aunts and cousins from their childhoods is timeless.

Then we sold the house- the whole process of that is as expected an emotional rollercoaster, from removing the last filled box to the marketing promotion to the viewings from strangers who felt like they were intruders. The first one was her old gardener which was ok and felt right, someone she knew was interested. Didnt feel so invasive. The final accepting couple fell in love with it and were we were told very excited about buying it so that final chapter closed Mum's story. Sad ending but a happy new beginning.

Then of course the financial bits are dealt with, a little conflict caused by Mum herself but something we could do nothing about. Her legacies paid out and our new lives started or assisted at least. We are all duty-bound now to honor her wishes and make the most of her generosity. For me, this is a testing time as what l would've liked to do isn't quite happening as yet, if it ever will. In the meantime, l will give up my paid work which l physically and mentally can no longer manage and have a life, hopefully now of happiness and fulfillment,

Of course, along with every sad ending, there is always the joy of a new beginning and a new life and daughter no. 2 had a surprise baby on the back of Mum's passing. As she said a gift from Mum herself, and she is that. Auburn hair and the biggest blue eyes, the cutest smile that warms and melts our hearts. 

There is the story of the baby blanket too, but l will leave that for another day very soon. 

For now, l am back I've updated you on the main events and will regularly keep you updated.  I'd like to think- hope you will enjoy reading my waffling.  If you do please comment. 

Thank you and I'll see you soon. 👋

Never Felt So Lone

 When you're sent photos of your mum with her head injuries, following her latest fall on Monday. I fell apart. Were these the last images of her? 

We've never had the best relationship but love learned a lot & I am who l am because of her, even in spite of her. She bought me up exactly how her parents raised her- she hated that but still, she bestowed on me the same loathing.

I didn't visit as I'm still in the throws of covid fatigued, coughing, and breathless. They were there earlier, is it the same ward, l don't know as no one said anything to me her daughter.

They said the nurses had said they won't resuscitate, that she was not medically fit to leave the hospital. And that they'll keep her comfortable- this is nearing the end, the time l dreaded.

I'm alone processing what this means but then the bombshell - she will not speak to me about her needs only my youngest daughter.

All my life I've felt not good enough felt rejected unloved, and a disappointment. Even now in the last paragraph, she's chosen someone else.

I feel rejected again, angry, bitter, so so alone. Fighting back is fine- if she doesn't want me to sort her final days & place then it's less stress on me, better for my health- but is it really???

I have never felt so alone, fight or flight l want to run and disappear no one would notice no one would care. I was really poorly for 2 weeks did anyone notice, di anyone care- No!!  Why should now be any different?

Not sure l can endure this ..

I'll be an orphan no lovely Dad, no Mum no brother- he's not dead but might as well be for all the contact he's made.  No children- no that's not right l have 4 grown-up children who treat me like I've been with her, they don't notice or bother really. But do they not like me either?? feels like it. 

They like her but don't really know me, or how l think or feel because they don't talk to me, no one does not face to face not really online either. 

Next week is Mother's Day it'll be her last & mine.

COVID not COVID Situation

So today is day 4 of my battle with what l believed to be the dreaded Covid.  

Only to be told that because l haven't done an actual test nor got a positive result that its probably a classic "viral infection". 

Feeling like about of a fraud to be honest. As all the symptoms I've had and still have some ongoing. However l do admit to checking back in my journal to events of the end of January when l developed my first illness of the year. What l thought was a cough caused by air pollution in the department l work in, due to lack of extraction and ppe.  Could infact have been the start of the infection as alongside the school incident was more mental stress created by another of many falls by my elderly mother. I'm not blaming her at all before anyone jumps down my throat. But she's very elderly, independent woman whose been prone to a numerous falls recently,and which continue. 

So l receive or read a message usually whilst eating breakfast to say mums had a fall, usually in the early hours of the morning. I calm myself from initial panic, then make the call back to establish whats happened. Usually nothing. But my body immediately goes into fight mode heart racing, bowel movements resulting in quick loo visit. Even when l know things - Mum is ok and safe my head goes into overdrive, what do l need to do, who do l need to notify etc. = Stress!!!

End of January l got a call about Mum following the work incident. Today I was advised to contact the Covid line to report my symptoms to be told because l havent actually tested it would be recorded as a respiratory infection!!  

So I decided to phone doctors back and request antibiotics as l want whatever the "virus" is to buggar off as its affected my taste, smell, already compromised hearing loss and general well being.  To be told no antibiotics just carry on resting, vitamin C and drinking. 

Having decided on a vegetarian diet from now on due to high blood pressure again stress related and high cholesterol was told to carry on what lm already doing. And that the "virus" was probably caused by low immunity at a time l was Stressed. 

Just last weekend l went to finally visit Mum in hospital where she'd been for nearly week, unable to visit before due to work and lack of transport = feelings of guilt that she was in hospital again- with no belongings and no visitors. Me physical feelings of being unwell started again Friday- l saw her Saturday, Sunday evening Covid not Covid kicked in good and proper. Monday felt rough as hell, Tuesday tried to start fighting it. Weds- told Mum who lives in a different county to me- was being sent home again. She was sent  home escorted by paramedics to hygiene incident and frailty issues- on Thursday afternoon. Wednesday night l hardly slept, cried a lot, felt physically crap, achy, bunked up, exhausted generally crap. Thurs- online shop arrived with my recovery foods- fruit, lucozade and red wine!! Thursday night went to bed late 11pm after a small glass of red wine- slept right through until 6am this morning !! Wahoo!! No painful coughing, no stress, good peaceful sleep. 

So it appears to be stress related illness again is this going to be repeated continually until my elderly mother decides to actually spend her money on appropriate care to allow her to remain in her own home that she wants to remain in independently for her remaining short years.....to be continued

But yes probably is the answer which makes me feel annoyed to be honest. I know my adult children, daughters particularly carry a lot of the caring worries with them. Even they have had enough of the constant Mum/ Nan falls, stress phone call, re arranged child care lives, drives over to other county which involves cost of fuel etc £40 at least each trip. The mental toll on them on me is becoming too much. My health is suffering lot as a result and its not bloody fair as they say too its selfish and taking the mickey now to expect that we should and actually do put ourselves out to help and repeat the same things now. When the easy solution would be to be safe in a residential home being fed, safe, looked after in the company of other people the same age. Thats what l want l do not want my kids going through this with me. 

I wonder how many hundreds - thousands of other people go through this stressful viral infection laden process - situation because their parents have entered the last chapters of their lives?? It will happen to all of us but it is so bloody hard mentally and physcially.

My covid not covid means lve missed a whole week off work in term time, l don't do that, in 21 years of being there l don't think l've ever done that, actually maybe only twice broken toes & polyp removal. But am l going to be frowned upon when l go back are 'they' going to mark my card as one to watch?? Ive only 3 years to go to retirement. Its another worry to be honest.

THE NEXT STAGE- CONFLICTING THOUGHTS

 It's been a while since l took to here to air my thoughts and feelings. But as in all living things have moved on & changed.

Roles have reversed- my elderly mother fiercely stubborn & independent has become a frail old lady, reliant upon my adult children and me to help her with the many falls and incidents she's been having since July 2022.  

I've become the parent or at least because of my hearing loss disability my youngest daughter 30 has, she's previous experience of caring. While l do care for my Mum we've never had a brilliant relationship.  

I am not a natural old people carer, give me stroppy teenagers and children and l can deal with them. Oldies are not my thing, never have been never will be. 

But lm in conflict as her daughter l want her to be safe and happy.  l have my life here in a different county, l don't drive and am reliant on my adult children to drive me to mum or use public transport which takes 4 hours by bus just to get there- so not a journey that can be done in a day. It also costs- £40 per journey by train or bus- extra money l don't have.  My age lm over 60 now so my body objects to overdoing it.  These are not excuses they are genuine reasons. My own health is now at risk as a result of the stress which has been caused.  The relationship with my children, my youngest inparticular has changed, she wants and see that things for mum should be done immediately and in a certain way. But the fact is life and the system that is social care has its own agenda and rules.

If mum lived locally, we as my family of 5 would be able to fetch and carry for mum all the time and would gladly do it. Juggling work, home, and her to meet her needs.

But what do we do? Without a power of attorney and mums consent our hands are tied. Unless she agrees to what we see as the best option there is nothing we can do.

Just yesterday she was re-admitted to hospital at 1am, we were told. l don't drive and we were all at work or tied by childcare as its half term. So mums taken to hospital presumably in her pyjamas, no other belongings. She still there now and will remain there until a relevant care package for her can be put in place for her to return home to carry on her independent living. None of us can get firstly to her house to get her clothes, before going a further 10-20 miles to the hospital to give them to her. 

l do genuinely feel bad that she has no visitors or belongings with her but what can l do?? 

l do have a brother but he hasn't bothered for years, he wrote to her on her birthday in October with some hint of mental health problems but hasn't messaged me to ask how she is . He sent her a xmas card didn't ask how she was. His step daughter is disgusted how he's neglected her but has she done anything different  No!!  Sounds really mean and my daughter says its the wrong thing to do. But when she's passed l may message him and say "oh by the way mum passed" after the event of the funeral. Yes that's harsh but why the hell should l put myself out for someone who clearly doesn't give a monkeys. Despite numerous requests/ demands for help. 

I rant on here as there's no one to talk to, to rant too, l live alone. My adult kids rightly so have their own families and lives. And so l pour my heart and soul out on here. 

To be continued ...................