Fear not blog followers, I am still alive and out and about, but I'm somewhat behind on the old blog front and it's going to take some catching up. As with most things in life, when one thing goes wrong it's sure to be followed by another, and before you know it, you don't know where you are! Typically, bad news seems to come in threes and I'm up to two at the moment, so I'm keeping a low profile in the hope that the third one will pass me by. So what has been occupying my time then? Well for a starters and most importantly, unfortunately "The Old Cheese" has moved on to the great Fromagrie in the sky. I've mentioned a few times over the previous months that she hadn't been well, and despite fighting a valiant battle and remaining positive and cheerful right up until the end, she finally slipped away last Friday. Unfortunately I couldn't be there at the end, due to being on my way to Wales to see "The Boy", but she had the Girls by her side and will be forever in my thought's. Like many of her generation she didn't always have an easy time in life, but always gave everything her best shot, and ensured we had a happy, adventurous and fulfilling childhood. She gave all of us the space and support needed to grow and find our own way in life, whilst always being there to pick up the pieces when things didn't quite work out, or go to plan. And, whilst I certainly never lived in her shadow, or hung from her apron strings, I always knew deep down that she was there if I needed her. If she hadn't given me the space to grow, forge my own way in life, and have my own adventures from a young age, then I certainly wouldn't be the man I am today, and for that I'm eternally grateful. From camping out on the lawn at home, to cycling and fishing adventures with my mates at a young age, to waving me off from the train station to join the RAF at age 18, she encouraged me all the way. If I came home battered and bruised, there would be a plaster and a hug. If I bought my mates home there would be a warm welcome and an extra place at the table for dinner. If I came home wet and muddy, there would be a warm bath and some dry clothes, woe betide you if you got your school uniform dirty though! When I left home to make my way in the big wide world, back in the day's before mobiles and the internet there were regular letters with all the news from home, letters that take far longer to write than today's quick text or e mither, but provide that personal touch and connection so missing in today's world. When, later in my RAF career I spent some considerable time in Afghanistan there were home made cakes in the post on a regular basis, which always bought a bit of cheer too a cold dark night. And, when more recently, work was getting me down, it was her I turned to for a bit of advice. I might be 48, but Mum's bound to know what to do! Gone then, but certainly not forgotten. Reunited with those that went before her, her Mum and Dad, brother Harry, and more recently, Peter, the person she finally found happiness with. God, bless you Mum, see you later, and if you are up there looking down on us, can you do me one last favour and have a word with God about this bloody weather! As I mentioned up thread, before things got a but maudlin, I have still been out and about and there are a couple of outstanding blog posts that I need to get written whilst they are still fresh in my mind, including what was my longest and possibly hardest run to date.
I will get caught back up, so please keep watching this space, I'll appologise in advance though that it might take me a little while, normal service will resume eventually though. Oh, and before I forget, the other bit of bad news that's been occupying my time? Well, if anyone happens to know where there's a spare engine for a 2.5L Vivaro camper van conversion then please shout out!
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Paul PerrattOld enough to know better, young enough to still feel invincible, stupid enough to keep on trying the same thing again and again. Cyclist, Gardener, Runner, Hiker, Cook, Woodworker, Engineer, Jack of all trades and master of none, Anti social old git and all round miserable bugger. Archives
March 2024
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