There is much to explain here. This is the day I have moved back, didn’t expect that a few months ago. As I said this requires some open heart honesty.

And what a surprise. Tilly sent me a photo which I missed so feel bad I didn’t respond straight away. Blimey, Tilly is having a baby.

This is Florence. Hello Florence from Grandad, you look beautiful already 😊 xx

Family Bear are returning to Gran Canaria, first time in almost two years. for the whole of half-term, two weeks.

Also working from here as obviously can’t afford to take holiday. But feel bloody fortunate to be able to work in the sunshine.

Daily routine is to work from 9-12, an hour in the pool with Mabel. Lunch while working till around 4.30. Happy Hour! Dinner in the apartment, bottle or two of wine while looking out over the well known view.

Mrs B booked surprise visit to Beach Club

Birthday weekend started with a party at the the house on Saturday. Weather was great so table in the garden. Alice planned pot painting with succulents for each.

M & A off to GC this morning, dropped them off at 5.00. Back, cooked breakfast, checked trains for art culture wander in London….engineering bloody works! bus replacement!

Never mind. In RA for second viewing of Summer Exhibition, arrived at 10.15 so nice and quiet. Highlights for me…

Plus coffee alone in Members room, a rare treat

Walked towards Tate via circuitous route came across this…..Be rude not to have a beer 😀

Well here’s a turn up for the books. Chris Wise, Services Director at Logicalis contacted me to ask if I wanted to come back as a Contractor.

After negotiations re daily rate, start date and length I have started today. 9 months at a very nice rate, thank you 😄.

To be honest having taken July out, it was becoming a slight worry about getting a job. Had quite a few interviews for Azure Cloud Architect positions . Always got through first interview but failed at second. I realised that I didn’t have enough experience but from extensive studying thought I could blag it through, nope. So at my age I had to go down the contract route and miraculously up pops Logicalis, basically doing my old job but paying me much more. Happy Days 😄

Strange times. Alice and Mabel have been in Beckley family holiday in Austria. Coincides with Caitlin, Ava and Oscar coming to visit so Alice very kindly suggests staying at Boyd Close. Makes sense, space and garden, but obviously mixed feelings for me.

However had a brilliant weekend. Saturday we visited Natural History Museum, dinosaurs being the main attraction 😀

Packed lunch at V&A garden

Met up with Lola

Planned to then go to Westminster, South Bank and Tate. But, too hot, too busy so decided to head back.

Sunday, Great Yarmouth, with Tilly 😀. Surprise for Mum.

Joyland of course, Snails of course

As I write this on plane to Ibiza, should have been in the air an hour ago but passenger taken ill just before takeoff so back to stand! However been informed we are ready for takeoff 😀….took off

This was a surprise for Mabel. Alice and Lola knew I was coming but we didn’t tell Mabel. Arranged to meet at our favourite restaurant Can Xarc.

I could see them sitting at a table and Mabel on the beach, hid behind a tree until Mabel walked up from the beach and jumped out! Never seen such of look of disbelief then big bear hugs. Wonderful.

Drove back from festival. Rather weary. Totally forgot it was my birthday until I got a message. Oh well, had loads of birthdays!

Didn’t do much as the celebrations happened over the weekend. Prepped for flight to Ibiza tomorrow morning.