I am forever surprised at how time passes. I suppose it is because I lead such an active life.
I realise that I have been writing this blog for 2 years. I started it mainly because I was so overwhelmed by life and felt the need to let out all my feelings and emotions. During this time I think I have managed to do what I set out to - and I am now much calmer and able to deal with my life. Though there have been times when I have taken a backward step.
Since I last wrote in January I started to work on a project through the U3A and the British Library. This has been very good for me as it has helped with my confidence, helped me use my brain and to learn something new. I seem to have done projects over the past 2 years (this is my third one) and have really benefited from them.I have met new people and shared new experiences.
The one I am finishing now is about Green London and the topic I am working on is about the Jubilee Greenway, which is a walking route around London to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and also the London Olympics. During my research I found out some interesting facts and also have been walking around parts of London that are connected with the walks. I also went to Buckingham Palace (not inside but one of the crowds looking on) to see the opening of the walkway by the Queen.
The photo is part of the opening ceremony. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were there and the lady in the cream coat was the Project Manager. I had spoken to her on the phone and she was very generous in giving me a lot of detail about the Greenway and also giving me her time in checking my work describing the project.
Eventually my work will be included with others in a book about the greening of London and handed to the British Museum. I really don't expect anyone will read the book but it is nice to know that I have made a contribution to this study.
I also spent this term (Jan-March) walking around London with a group from the City Lit (An Adult College) learning about little known parts of London. So this covered Saturdays. I have been doing some of these walks over the years and the Guides on these walks are usually excellent. Though I am learning new things all the time, it doesn't mean that I remember all of them.
My memory is really getting worse and I am often forgetting words and find it difficult to complete explanations because i can't think of the words I want to describe. This is really frightening. I must say the rest of me is not so bad. I have lost a little weight, and look good. I have a few aches and pains in my joints (Arthritic) but not bad enough to incapacitate me.
Last week I was feeling very tired and run down. It is OK to be as active as I am - but I forget that I am nearly 78 and no longer a youngster. So I do so much and then get very tired. I appear to be listening to other people's problems and feeling sympathy for them and giving support - but I still don't get the support I feel I need. Maybe I present myself as too independent - and hide my neediness.
In February I went to Florida for a week to be with my sister and brother in law. It wasn't my best holiday, but I did get on better with my sister. one day I will write about my complicated feeling about her.
That is all for now! I would like time to slow down a bit!
