This has been a very busy and some what exciting week! It started when my sons Jo and Matt invited me to join them all on their summer holidays in August. They usually arrange something about this time of year but I have not been able to join them in recent years, as leaving Hamada for a fortnight in the care of others would not have been something I would have considered. This year they had their usual grand debate about having a villa in Tuscany or the South of France. They really love villa holidays and a large crowd all went together last year, having much fun. They are also lovers of the “All Inclusive†deals that take all the hassle out of arranging flights, accommodation and all the extras that go with a really good holiday. So this year we are all going to a very nice hotel near the Red Sea in Egypt. Both of my sons have been there before and do select well from the Hotels they know. This particular Hotel has a large casino, so I must put aside a little for that. What fun! Also Shisha and a nice Spa which Mummy likes very much. The recent troubles in Egypt have not reached this far, having a nephew in this area he assures me that all is calm and much the same as always. Egypt relies so much on it’s tourism that they must get back to normal as soon as possible. So lets hope it stays calm and peaceful and we get to go later in the year, I can’t wait!
So having then really got the holiday bug I booked a sneaky week away in May. Taking a page from their notebooks, doing the “all inclusive†thingy. This time a nice looking hotel about a mile from Denia on the Costa Blanca in Spain. I’m going back to a place I first visited in 1968. Denia was only a small port village then but is now a large rambling town. Set at the base of Mount Montgo, it has a very pretty Marina and I chose a hotel near to the sea-front and a room with a balcony. I shall look forward to doing a little walking in the May sunshine and also catching-up with an old friend while I am there too.
What a hoot! Two holidays booked in one week! Get me,the lady who has hardly left her village in five years, with only one exception, a short holiday in 2008 when we managed to take Hamada to Minorca, so he could dip his toes in the Mediterranean once more.
And so my exciting week continued…when attending a local auction I bid successfully on several lots, coming home with a much battered 1920’s writing desk. Needing much restoring but won for a ‘song’.
I may leave this desk with it’s busy past alone, as it seems to tell a story showing well it’s providence and what life has done to it, much like me really!
Then with a really silly bid, I managed to get a lovely picture that I fell in love with on the preview day. This picture shown below, called “Oranges and Lemons†was in a lot of two old pictures, well knocked about. I have cleaned and restored them and one now hangs in my sitting room the other, a sort of old Art Nouveau print is in a guest bedroom.
There was a few other little things but needless to say these also needed some restoration work, this will give me much pleasure to attempt and with little cost turn these bargains into something worthwhile. It was such an exciting day as my Sister Jenny and I were also bidding for another friend and I loved watching what items sold for, what we could manage to achieve and the antics of the whole procedure. We plan to make this a regular event, it’s such fun even if you don’t spend a thing. It was warm and cosy,we had lunch and even made new friends. Our local Town of Horncastle is well known for it’s antiques shops and with many house clearances that make-up the majority of these auctions. I am planning another little foray into this unique world of the local Auctions . Exciting it was!
Such a delightful post! I smiled the whole way through reading it. I am just thrilled you had such a wonderful week, Susie. Your trip to Spain and the summer holiday with your boys sound fabulous. And what fun to win some of your auction bids. I have no doubt that Hamada is smiling that beautiful smile of his as he sees you enjoying these things ♥
Well Dianne I do feel I’ve gone a bit mad this week but sure Hamada is sitting on my shoulder as I venture forward.
I made the young man on-line at the ‘holiday shop’ laugh aloud as I said “you have to make this first one really easy as I’m still not safe out alone! I am fighting everyday and everystep of the way, not to curl-up and die but to make something of this new life x love and hugs to you x
woo-hooooooo I am so happy for you and proud too. I know Montgo well … my friend’s parents had an exquisite villa half way up the mountain.
Cliff would have been impressed with your writing desk – he loved auctions and antiques and had a good “eye” for stuff, as you do.
I suspect you are right about that part of Egypt being spared by the recent troubles … enjoy xxx
Thanks Boo- we also used to go to a fabo Villa at the base of the Montgo -back in the 60’s called “Mar-Jon” owed by friends of ours who were in the film business. There were hardly any villas there then and we had some wonderful times. I know it’s very much changed from those halcyon days – sometimes it is good to go back – other times not, we shall see. Although this time I am choosing a very different holiday, it will at least be interesting x
Keep strong lovely lady x
Sounds like a great week – we’re all really looking forward to Egypt – it’s going to be a great holiday…. and good news about Denia… that’ll be lovely in May as well, not too hot, not too touristy.
I like the writing desk – very jealous of you being able to get to these auctions, there is hardly anything in our area – and all during the weekdays, so not possible for me. I shall find something on my week off, otherwise next time we are up with you – we shall have to trek up to the place we bought our cutlery (which incidentally draws admiring comments from everyone that uses it).
Speak soon Mum – love from all here!
@ Matt. Yes I am SO looking forward to our holiday in Egypt and the fun we will all have ! Can’t wait.
I was very lucky with the writing desk,only one bidding against me! Got a lot of work to do on it, photo does not do it justice though and a real snip – I do a little bit on it everyday and it already looks much better.
I did see some very nice cutlery on the preview day, a mixed set but all with your same lovely handles. I placed a bid but it went way to high. Still I will continue to look. I now have all the dates for the local auctions marked in my filofax and will try to go to them all and we can always go to Helmswell again. This is something that interests me greatly. x
Susie, I have written to you only once before but I have been reading your blog faithfully. My beautiful husband Daniel will mark 6 years of Multiple Myeloma with no remission. Three transplants and many treatments later I live with the knowledge that time is very precious. I am awed by you spirit. You have an admirer in Denver. Susan Patterson
Hi Susan, Thank you so much for saying “Hello” I am so sorry to read your dear husband has Multiple Myeloma and has gone through so much to remain well. I will remember you both in my prayers. Bless you for your kind words- really everyday is a struggle without my beloved but I try to think what he would be saying to me and I know he would be proud of me to continue well and to smile until we met again.
Daily blessings I send to you, with much strength for your continued journey. May you have many many more lovely years together .
Susie, I was thrilled to read your post about your fantastic weekend that Jo arranged for you. You are sounding very upbeat. Love the new writing desk.
Reading about your forthcoming adventures I could almost feel the warm sun on my back. How exciting you must be, yet at the same time apprehensive without your beloved.
I look forward to seeing the photos.
Much love Maggiex
Thanks Dear Maggie for your kind words. Yes, I am looking forward to my travels – little things to fill my days which seem SO long without my best man! All very best wishes to you X
Susie, it was good to read of your plans and activities and to know that you are being courageous even with the angst of not having Hamada directly with you. Looking forward to reading more of your travel stories as you do such a great job at it!!
Dear Susie Im thrilled at how you are getting on and finding new and exciting things to fill your days.I love a good rummage through old and interesting things,I agree with you about the beautiful writing desk,what stories it could tell,leave it as is. You are very brave to take your holiday alone,but I feel sure Hamada is never very far away,I will look forward to the photos. You take care my friend,I think of you often,lots of love Karen xxx