Author Archives: Linda Barnes

A family break to celebrate a milestone birthday. Impeccable timing as all seven of us arrive at exactly the same time. Recent heavy rain has magically turned the scorched forest green again, and the faint smell of pine and damp earth brings back memories of our happy times here in the past. The kids areContinue reading “Robin Hood”

I’m feeling pretty pleased, the grandkids and I have really pushed the boundaries this summer, my last duty of the holidays done and no trips to casualty! I’ve watched in particular my granddaughter grow. Not just physically but mentally, she has learnt that she is far more capable than she believed. Her older brother mayContinue reading “Catching up”

I seem to be suffering from ‘writer’s block’ or maybe it’s just the prevailing empty numbness on the periphery of my unconscious mind. Certainly writing has lost its appeal, without Ken my stories seem just of everyday life which I doubt are particularly interesting to you readers. I’ve a few things in the pipeline, butContinue reading “Facing facts”

Today would have been Ken’s 64th birthday. I know he will be smiling – he’s caught me up again and no longer my ‘toy boy’. I used to joke if had I known I was older than he was I’d have never gone out with him. We were very often on holiday this week inContinue reading “Birthday memories”

Six years ago. Proof that there is humour in dementia it certainly made me laugh out loud today. It’s important to remember the happy times, the times when Ken could laugh at himself, obviously knowing he wasn’t able to do something. A lesson for all of us xx

Hello again. I’ve been caught up in the turmoil of life and trying to survive the heat! You’d laugh if you could have seen the turn out on the village green last night all armed with colanders, and me with a Blue Peter style cereal box pin hole camera. ( which I have to sayContinue reading “Thursday morning”

Walked, trotted, and cantered, Gem my mount used to be a dressage horse so a really nice ride. My gluts are letting me know now though – I’m not as young as I used to be. All that core work with my PT has certainly been put in practice over the last week! Exercise isContinue reading “Back in the saddle”

I tried something new tonight, I was very nervous at first especially as everyone else was under 18! ( But I didn’t fall in, much to my surprise!) Perfect evening if a little breezy. The light was simply golden, the river so peaceful, I even saw an otter. Another thing ticked off, but I’ll definitelyContinue reading “Paddle boarding”

My passion for horses has been life long. My daughter is wonderful my only disappointment is that she didn’t inherit the trait, I’m rather hoping it may have skipped a generation though, my granddaughter has just started riding lessons. Leading her around the ménage I’m transported back in time. It’s that unmistakable smell of ponyContinue reading “Riding”

The heat wave of ‘78, I remember it well. Revising in the garden for my ‘O’ levels, burning my legs, (no factor 50 back then). It’s probably been the most prolonged period of drought since; a minor shower overnight but another heatwave is due mid week. Lawns everywhere are scorched, my newly planted garden isContinue reading “Plums”