Holly Hill Woodlands Park, Sarisbury Green

As mentioned in my last post, I have moved back to my parent's home for a few weeks while I have some time off before bidding England Bon Voyage and clearing off to France.

I grew up here and though I could never live here on a permanent basis (actually I don't think I can live anywhere on a permanent basis if the past 14 years are anything to go by), it is an area that provides a combination of countryside and seaside and I can find myself out on foot or on my bike for hours on end.

Within spitting distance there is the Hamble River made famous by the awful series that was Howard's Way. Coastal walks and country trails can be found all over the place with enough room to accommodate walkers, cyclists and horse-riders though there are those in each category that would argue with me!

This morning, the sun was shining and eager to share my life with all you lovely people, I thought I'd have a wander to a place that is close to my heart as it was the place my Mum used to take me if I was off sick from school as it always made me feel better.

Locally known as Winnards Woods its proper name is Holly Hill Park. 35 hectares of woodlands and ponds which backs on to the coastal path along the Hamble River. It's a place where during the week you can find peace and tranquillity amongst the giant trees listening to the tinkle of running water and the comical quacking of loads of ducks. Beware weekends if you don't like kids (like me) as it can get overrun with children squealing in delight at feeding the ducks and kicking up leaves.
Anyway, here are a handful of photo's I took just for you!

A Curlew

You looking at me....?

That's all for now folks!

The future's bright. The future's Orange.

As it's been some time, I think a quick recap of the past few months is in order as there have been a couple of major events that need to be known in order for the "now" and the "future" to make sense to you.

Back in September 2011 I jacked in my job with Zurich Insurance.I had worked there since March 2010 after leaving my husband (in Borneo) after 12 years of travelling together. I just couldn't bear the thought that this was it for me. A desk and a pension. No, no, no!

I had a plan and as I sit here typing this right now, the decision has paid off and life is pretty much going according to that plan.

On the day I resigned, I said that I was going to get a temporary job again (better paid than perm) for a few months and find a way to work in France. 
Early October, I received a phone call from Canvas Holidays (whom I'd sent an application form to the day before) inviting me to attend an interview for a position as a Campsite Courier in the 2012 season! 
October 10th 2011, I started a temporary position with Mitie Facilities Management as a Management Accountant. I
December 8th, I attended the interview with Janet at the London Offices of Canvas Holidays.
December 15th, I received the wonderful email informing me that I had been successful and that I had secured a position with Canvas Holidays... but... starting on 14th May 2012. It was bitter sweet for me as I really wanted the job but didn't want to have to wait until May. Sitting behind a desk any longer than necessary makes me miserable. I rang Janet and asked her if she could put my name down to participate in "Montage" which is putting the tents up and prepping the campsites prior to the season start.
January 4th 2012, I received another email from Janet informing me that my start date had been brought forward to March 22nd! YIPPEE!!!!
January 11th, received a phone call from husbands' parents (I assumed they were ringing to wish me an early Happy Birthday), telling me that he had had a serious accident and was at that moment having brain surgery and he may not survive! (He does - and now I am even more passionate that life should not be spent behind a desk since it can be robbed from you without warning at any time)
January 12th, my 40th Birthday, celebrate with the best bunch a friends a girl could ask for at the Bangkok Thai in Albert Road, Southsea.
February 17th, leave my temp job with Mitie and look forward to a month off before heading off to France.
February 19th, move from Southsea back to parents house in Locksheath in order to spend time with mum, and get out on my bike and in the fresh air as much as possible!!

It's now March 2nd.
I have 20 days left in England...