Life is a rollercoaster

Well, in the two and a half months since I last wrote a blog ALOT has happened...I got to experience some of life's ups and downs, transitions and traditions. Thankfully, after my Bad Day I have been well enough to survive all that was thrown in my direction and for that am very grateful.
Eldest son moved to start secondary school at the end of August and the " helicopter" parent that I might just show signs of, found this to be quite a big event. I realised I was holding my breath in his first few weeks, was uptight about our new routines and commutes and didn't actually exhale until about 3 weeks in when I realised he was happy out , unfazed by the whole thing and we had easily slipped into our new habits...phew ! At the end of September, having exhaled, I delightedly took off to Carcassonne with the Blonde, No Longer Single, the Financial Advisor and the Queen of Baking for 3 days of giggles, rest, relaxation, food and wine. It was a perfect tonic and reminded us all of the need to make time for friends in the midst of our frantic schedules. On the Monday we were there news of two different kinds came through to me, firstly the incredible news that MILF had welcomed her twins into the world, some of the worlds most wished for babies and I was simply delighted for her and Prince Albert. Twins are very special as The Mad One proved to me 16 years ago and I again get to relive the joy of holding onto a little tiny boy and girl and remembering the total bliss of them. The other news was that GASP's uncle who lived next door had passed away just shy of his 90th birthday. The circle of life hey ! GASP had visited him for 35 years, as they shared a love of small hold farming, a stubborn streak and their absolute belief that they were always right. Our house, thanks to him, is built in what was his vegetable garden and we are forever indebted to him for allowing us to live in such a beautiful rural place. He is sorely missed as a fond part of our and our boys lives and his wake and funeral a simple reminder of rural community, neighbourly support and a celebration of a simple christian life. Later that week the Queen of Baking bid farewell to her adored father and the Carcassonne friends gathered again, this time with tears in our eyes, to offer our support to a much loved family and remember one of life's lovely gentlemen.
Yesterday the Spud Farmer, who has always had on his bucket list to own and insure his own car ( apart from the tractors, family car and his mothers) won a flipping car ! The Mad One had bought him the ticket and everyone is simply delighted for him...especially I reckon the aforementioned soon to be 17 year old twins ! As you can see , it has been an interesting few months, highs and lows, swings and roundabouts. I am grateful for each high realising you can only truly appreciate them if you know how the lows feels alongside it. As life welcomes little wonderful additions it must take much loved older ones but we are lucky to have known them. In the midst of it all your friends and family are all that are important. For those who are finding a loss difficult, I found this quote which sums it all up