Well I'm not making any promises on this latest blog. I'm writing it, recalling and typing as I go, as I normally do and deciding what I can include, and what I can't just for laughs!
I also write them as a kind of diary full of good memories for myself, so often include long drawn out intro's and travel day info which may bore the ass of you, so feel free to scroll.
You will also notice that often a lot of the blog seems to be centred on social time, which is often pub based, particularly this time round due to the wet weather. I will admit that normally that would scare the life out of me as I suffer from social Anxiety, and Anxiety in general, and I'm only a social drinker, so often only sit at home in the evening with a coffee and chill and that is often my safe comfortable place.
I can honestly say these events and the new friends and incredibly chilled no pressure atmosphere there, is a Godsend to me and my mental wellness. Geoff has created a wonderful thing over the years with these events, and I'm convinced he has saved a lot of people from themselves.
If you have read any of my blogs over the last year, you will know I have already written a blog about this particular location in Minstead in the New Forest and my previous really fun trail running adventure there back in August 2022, and what a great time I had with other @Focused Performance guests on that weekend.
I took loads of photo's last time due to the great summer weather, but not so many this time as it was often damp and I didn't want to get my phone wet, and dreary weather pics do the New forest no credit.
I knew our good friend Nigel would be on hand to take plenty, and it gave me a chance to run and chat with an old friend, as I'll mention later, instead of running back and forward taking pictures of the scenery and group shots from a distance and then catching up again.
This return event was taking place in the Winter of 2023 , January to be precise, and I'm a wuss, so don't normally do stuff in the winter because I know the likelihood of wet, damp conditions and lack of sun is likely 99.99999%, and it's also a long long way from where I live.
But I had an incentive, a good new friend of mine who I met at the last New Forest event, which was their first event. We spent some quality time hiking and chatting at the Yorkshire three peaks event back in October 22'. She was encouraging myself and other new friends from the New Forest event and the three peaks, to come down south and attend this newest winter New Forest event, as it was nearer to her, and it would be good to see us all again.
For those in the know, and if you read the last blog, that was little miss pink socks to you and me.
Travel day part one
As always Geoff the organizer of Focused Performance events was good enough to offer me a lift to and from the event in the New Forest, as I don't drive. I booked the day prior to the event off as usual so I could get a little rest after a week at work, and also give me time to pack etc.
There was an initial panic when new management at work etc reviewed my request and said we don't normally do time off in January, as I work in a gym, and it's usually our busiest month due to new starters. But I've got plenty of time off to use up, and to be fair, I would likely just have walked out of the job if they refused.
Panic over, and time off confirmed, I was looking forward to the time off and the trip down.
Geoff decided we would travel part way down the night before, along with Chef Jen as well and we'd all stop in a Travel Lodge along the way, in our own individual rooms.
Geoff booked them, got a good price and all was fine we thought.
After picking Chef Jen up and a few bits and bobs from the shopping list. Geoff got out his laptop to look for the booking confirmation so we could quote the reference number on arrival, and ...... well long story short, and no booking later we had to rebook, sat in a car park outside Asda in Chester two hours or so before we were due to arrive at Travel lodge in Tewksbury lol.
We got there after several drink stops, a snack stop and a few wee stops etc and it was a decent place to be fair. Bags were dumped and the nearest decent drinking spot was sought, which turned out to be a Brewers Fayre literally 100 metres away as a sober crow flies.
A quick pint later and it was back to chill and to try and get a decent kip ready for the next day. I for one knew this was an important one, as sleeping in new environments while away with others in the vicinity can sometimes be difficult, especially when you live alone like I do, and don't really get disturbed by any noise or noises.
Travel day part two
So I think I got a decent sleep, I certainly had a lie in as we weren't due to check out until 11am, and Geoff doesn't do early mornings, as we all know.
We also didn't have that long a journey, and wouldn't be able to get in the accommodation likely until about 3pm if we were lucky, so there was no rush.
The last leg of the journey was pleasant enough, nothing eventful along the way. Only one stop that I can recall for essential liquid transfers etc.
We got to Minstead roughly around 1pm, and the food shop for the event still needed doing, and the car was full. I kindly offered to be dropped at the local pub, The Trusty Servant, bag and all to create some space for the shopping, as you do.
Another guest Nigel was in the area somewhere, as he had stopped at the pub the night before, so we knew at some point he would appear.
Geoff and Chef Jen had a quick drink there before heading off to shop, while I stayed for lunch and a quick pint. I'm vegan and thankfully there were a decent amount of vegan options on the menu, which is rare. I had a wrap it yourself Fajita with sizzling vegetables, salsa, vegan cheese and guacamole.
I was wearing my pristine white 'Geoff Fest' hoodie, the only hoodie I brought and was about to eat a wrap it yourself sloppy fajita with all the sauces....what could possibly go wrong?
Arrivals day in the pub
Start as you mean to go on, as you do. I was happy to stay at the Trusty Servant pub and sit chill while Geoff and Chef Jen went shopping and started unpacking all the gear when they could get in the accommodation.
My good old focused performance regular/veteran/fellow trouble maker Nigel appeared not too long after Geoff and Jen left, It was great to see him and we sat and chatted and awaited our next fellow trouble maker! We knew she was on her way, as she lives nearer and we knew she'd already left and looking forward to getting to the pub prior to accommodation time.
Karen arrived like a breath of fresh air and a big smile, and was greeted with hugs from all, well me and Nigel, as we were the only ones there lol.
It was great to see her, I'd not seen her or really chatted to her since the Three Peaks last year as I didn't want to be a Facebook stalker, and it was too long.
If I've discovered one thing in life, it's that the nicest people, and the ones you treasure the most, are often those living the furthest away. Life introduces great people into your life then kicks you in the b*lls by taking them away again at the end of a weekend.
The best thing about the Focused Performance events though is, you can be apart from other Focused Performance friends for months, and then they walk through the door and you feel like it was only last week you saw each other, ( I may have stolen that quote) because you have had a great follow up relationship via the Focused Performance experience group or directly through Facebook as you are now solid Facebook friends.
I'm pretty sure Steph was the next to arrive, it was starting to become a blur now as more and more of my favourite lady friends were arriving one by one and we were all busy chatting to each other, and drinking either multiple coffees and latte's if they were driving, or adult drinks if they had already parked up at the accommodation, which was less than a mile down the road.
Every time a latte or coffee arrived at the tabl, a Lotus Biscoff biscuit would be on the saucer, and no one seemed to like them. I was starting to build a nice little stash that I could keep for runs later, as everyone kept giving them to me. It must be because it looks like I would fall down a grid, never mind a cattle grid.
Arrivals time and the first night
It wasn't long now until official arrival time at the accommodation itself, and Geoff and Heather our run leader and all round diamond for the weekend were still sat with us in the pub. So they left to greet the first arrivals directly at the accommodation.
We figured we had best get back shortly after that as we were sleeping in two big dorms and we wanted to keep together, especially as we knew we would be the noisy ones, and likely up late, so disturbing each other wasn't going to be an issue.
It's amazing how comfortable and down to earth you can be around each other as mixed sex friends, and it's often a mind opener. If it's not the conversations, it's the ill timed entry into a room just as someone has dropped their pants lol.
We got back to the accommodation, and entered the building to see some new faces, and quickly said hello as we continued onto the dorm area to select our bunks and dump our bags. I must say we may have been a bit loud and over enthusiastic as we entered, and I'm pretty sure the newer guests may have wondered what kind of weekend this was going to be, but we quickly calmed down and re-entered the lounge area and introduced ourselves to appear at least a bit normal.
Introductions done and all was good again in the world, we had all found an appropriate bunk and strategically placed ourselves away from prospective snorers, sleep walkers and were necessary near to those we felt the most comfortable next too.
In my case it was Karen, and we'd already determined which sleep direction we were in on bunks next to each other, as ours were both along a wall and next to each other end to end. so feet to feet meant no prospective snoring heads or possibly smelly feet where next to each others head.
We were also nearest the doors in and out so ideal to fall into the room on a late night, or out to the loo etc.
As literally everyone was now there in the lounge area and looking chilled, Geoff opened the bottles of welcome arrival Cava for those who wished to participate, or offered a tea or coffee to those that didn't want an alcoholic drink.
The welcome drinks is a great thought, as it allows you to chill straight away, takes the edge away, and often just gives you that little boost to set the mood. It's amazing how friendly everyone is after a little drink, as people often come out of their shell a little or just relax more around other guests and new friends.
Evening meal time was now here at 8:30pm to allow time for everyone to be there, and it was down to the old Victorian schoolhouse next door to our Eco centre building for an included two course meal of starter and main course, and more drinks if wanted.
It was a chance to sit next to some of those you hadn't chatted too, and was an ideal way to help everyone feel more included and comfortable, and that's coming from someone with social Anxieties!
The food was good as always, I had the pre selected vegan options, and they were nice. Geoff is lucky enough to have a range of chefs who all seem to be good at cooking vegan food as well, or in many cases, actually are employed as vegan chefs elsewhere.
After the food, there was a little chat with Geoff, some introductions, followed by a brief run down of what the weekend would likely involve run wise etc.
There were a good mix of runners with mixed abilities, and I go along to the beginners and beginners improver and beyond events, no matter what my ability, as I go to be with likeminded friends and to enjoy the surroundings. I only wear my running watch to record the route of where I have been, not to check my pace etc.
After the next day run fears or questions were answered, the usual invite followed from Geoff about who wanted to go to the pub, I may or may not have put my hand up first!
The Trusty Servant became our regular local for the weekend, and I'd already pre warned the landlady or staff of possible returning numbers, just to ensure we could get seating together. Thankfully as it was January it wasn't an issue, it was a lovely homely pub.
The obligatory who wants a drink rounds started and continued until closing time, when we all toppled out into the nice once quiet country village, headtorches an all.
Once back at the eco centre we split off into two groups, those who were going to bed (sensible) and those who were going into the old schoolhouse for a final drink or two, courtesy of Geoff's mobile bar!
A good half a dozen of us entertained each other for another 90 mins or so and the filters were off as people relaxed more and more, and provided more laughs along the way.
Eventually it was time to tip toe back into the darkness of our respective dorms, and learn the new art of finding your way through to the toilet etc without slamming every door in the building behind you, and trying to get undressed in the dark, and getting into a small bunk.
I of course came readily prepared with the red light setting of my head torch as I re-entered the dorm from the washroom and kindly shined it in the direction of pink socks so she could see what she was doing, just at the point were she was stood up alongside her bunk removing her pants! I at this point realised by the stunned silence, that this was not a good move! I was fortunate we were currently in keep the noise down mode in the dorm , otherwise I expect a loud FFS Les! May have followed lol.
The first run day
The morning after was upon us, and the did I actually sleep or not feeling, which I'm sure ensued for most of us. I was still staying safe in my bunk, hoping to avoid the slap I nearly got the night before due to the red light incident.
Morning coffees followed for those who needed in the lounge, and another chance to chat. Discussions about what everyone was wearing for what was going to be a wet run, and would definitely include wet feet also followed, interspersed by adverts by Karen for the benefits of wearing waterproof socks, and why they were a great investment.
It also became apparent later on that pink ones make a good depth measure when you are walking along side, or behind her and use them as a gauge as to whether that particular foot placement chosen by her was a good one ;)
Breakfasts were done and final clothing choice selections made after 90 mins to digest our food a little etc, and we were ready to go.
For todays run we were heading down the road on foot onto the New Forest trails and bridleways etc and the plan was roughly an 8 mile or so run, maybe a little more if wanted. As it was windy, raining and very damp underfoot, I was pretty much expecting no extra mileage (how wrong was I?).
I won't bore you with much about the run, as it was mostly mud, water, stream path, mud, water stream etc etc. Those that were there were there and know what the day entailed, and we each will have our own fond memories.
We were of course led by either Geoff or Heather as run leader, or tail runner or walker around some lovely parts of the New Forest. It wasn't a touch on it's splendour of the summer months, but had it's own unique winter character ...... mostly mud, mud, more mud, and a few good stream crosses to make it entirely clear you weren't going to come back dry.
Photo's and photo bombs were made or taken by many, I didn't take many as I mostly kept my phone safe in a plastic bag in my run vest, but Nigel took plenty for everyone to use, and we all shared our individual photo's via the Focused Performance experience group on Facebook. So most of the pictures you will see, will be from other guests.
I was also keen to chat to and stay with Karen were possible, as having recently suffered from flu only last week she was in no physical position to have an easy run, and was being incredibly hard on herself for being at the back mostly.
There was no need, as being at the back is often fun, and more relaxing, and there isn't any stigma attached from within the group, we all choose to run where we want, we are all going the same place and we always wait for each other.
I for one was grateful of the easy pace at the back, and some nice walk bits, as I've not ran much recently either, So I was immensely inspired and impressed by her ability to get it done.
The rain continued off and on and eventually we were beyond the half way point and beyond 4 miles, and pretty much heading back were the route selection were concerned on the map. At this point we came across a stream crossing we had crossed with relative ease back in summer. It was obviously not summer anymore and a very wet week in general, so this was going to be fun!
While a safe and reasonable crossing was being still being determined, Nigel had headed off in one direction to find one, and Geoff in the other. I followed Nigel, as I had confirmed with Geoff that once crossed they would be going in the same direction on the other side, so I was confident I could just jump across or get wet anyway if needs be.
Geoff did say to hold off for a bit, but Nigel was gone and I followed. We went too far mostly because we'd been to that spot before, but we couldn't find a safe crossing for the group, and returned as we hadn't seen the group on the opposite side of the stream yet.
That was our mistake, we'd put Geoff and the group in an awkward situation by wandering out of sight, and too far away. We put the group in an awkward situation and I offer my heartfelt apologies for that, I embarrassed myself in doing so.
We did get Geoff on the phone once we regained a signal, and told him we would make our own way back, and Geoff had confirmed he was on his way back to base with the group at this point, as were we. Geoff knew we were more than capable of finding our way back, to the pub at the very least!
To be honest I was missing my running partner Karen by this point, but at least I had my new old mate Nigel.
One thing I learnt is, don't rely on mapping on your phone if you haven't downloaded an actual map of the area prior, so your GPS signal and phone can work together to locate you., and don't get cocky and wander off at group events.
It's a lot easier in the mountains I'd say than a forest, all the trees look the same to me. I'm more mountain experienced.
Google maps is also pointless if you can't get a phone signal. I was more concerned about Geoff and the groups situation wondering where we are, to be fair, as Nigel and myself had wrongfully put them in that situation.
Anyway, we all got back, we'd added an extra mile or so to our route after diverting the long way round the flooded section of the stream, after using our GPS route so far on my watch that shows a map where we started, where we had been, and with common sense, where to go.
We got back in time for lunch as many had opted for showers first, as they discovered one side of the buildings showers were for some reason not playing ball and were cold.
After showers it was time for a Geoff master class. I chose this opportunity to use one of the hot showers, and then returned for a coffee and a delicious piece of vegan lemon drizzle cake kindly brought by Karen who knew I struggle to find vegan cakes and miss out on treats. Very kind thought indeed.
Masterclass done and it was time to chill at the accommodation or visit the lovely pub again.
Geoff needed to get some potatoes for one of the evening meals and offered to show some of us another nearby pub along the way as we visited Lyndhurst.
It was a nice village, and indeed so was the pub. We had just the one and then returned to the actual Minstead local once the potatoes had been sourced. Geoff was picking up Heather from the pub and returning ready for meal prep etc, and kindly dropped us all off at the Trusted Servant again.
The land lady was happy to see us, and had already put a few tables together ready for us, which was nice, near the real fire.
More drinks ensued, including coffee's, the biscuit stash was getting bigger and bigger in my coat pocket, and great chat continued, until it was time to return for our evening meal at 6:30pm. Our group had already expanded by this point as several other guests from the group at this point had already joined us.
The second evening
The Saturday night evening meal was great as always, a chat about the next days running followed, and any questions answered.
It was now time for those who wanted to retire early to do so, or have a more relaxed and chilled coffee, tea or hot chocolate etc in our lounge, or read their books, make phone calls home etc etc..
The noisy dorm peeps obviously decided it was back to the pub time, for the last time of the weekend, as it's the done thing to support the local economy when away on holiday ;)
We returned to our comfy tables by the fire again, continued our chats, made new friends, and learned new things about each other. A time for those who wished to open up about stuff they wanted to get off their chest if needs be or worries back home etc, or running fitness and race worries etc.
At one point a guest back at base posted a picture of all our run shoes lined up in front of the fire drying out , after being kindly placed there by a couple of the guests who had chosen the quieter chilled evening back at base.
Unfortunately for the very kind guest who initiated the kind act, it turned into a bit of an event as one pair got a little too cosy by the heater, and began to melt. The lady unfortunately managed to burn herself removing the offending shoe. She was thankfully ok in the end, and it was a shame the kind gesture had caused such a discomfort.
Meanwhile back by the fireside in the pub there were multiple conversations going on, so plenty of time to catch up with each other, learn new things, or just sit quietly and chill without feeling awkward.
Closing time came round, and not soon enough, it had been a long day, and we wandered off down the lane again and back to base for the last time.
Decisions were made about going back to the lounge to quietly chill, or go to bed, or to have a few goodnight drinks in the schoolhouse again.
I'm pretty sure it was the usual suspects from our dorm mostly who were up for drinks again, be it alcoholic, coffee or water. Some got changed into their PJ's and returned, others stayed as they were.
The filters were off again, the gents in the room yet again learned lots about the opposite sex in open and honest conversations, and to be honest this kind of time is when the best friendships are sealed when you learn how easy it is to relax around the opposite sex, without one party feeling the other is after something.
It was now after 1 a.m., and after the first volunteer to make the sensible decision to retire to bed got up, I followed. To be fair it was pink socks, and I was just trying to be the gent by waiting to walk her back safely to our dorms. Karen stopped for a quick smoke with Chef Jen, and I knew at that point, that was going to be no quick smoke if Jen was involved, so I decided to make my own way back up the stairs, as I know quick smokes are usually private girl time chats, and they aren't short.
I returned to my bunk, put my red light safely away ensuring I was at no risk of shining it in the wrong direction again as I'd learnt my lesson the night before, and I awaited for the safe return of pink socks and the others as I nodded off in between.
Occasionally I'd wake as different people slowly retired one by one, or fell over the plastic bag near my bed on the way to the toilet door etc and after two nights you could recognise who it was by their individual shuffles around the room, sighs when they couldn't find the way to the door in the complete dark or girlie giggles when they returned to bed after a water fight, like a naughty school girl trying to avoid the school prefect or mistress from school trips. Not that I'd know lol.
The final days run
The final day was upon us, and early risers arose one by one for their first coffee of the day, while others lounged in bed until the last minute to get every bit of rest and comfort they could.
I had a better sleep on night two, as by now I wasn't bothered if I snored, or if the bed made noises if I rolled over onto my other side, priority was sleep and recovery.
I also bought time for myself by only getting up in time to make a coffee 10 mins prior to going down to the schoolhouse for breakfast.
The weather was better, not damp, but one hell of a chilly breeze. No waterproofs would be required, but wet feet would be inevitable with the terrain, and lets face it, most of us were putting wet shoes back on anyway.
Breakfast was good again, thanks to Chef Jen. I had the vegan beans, tomatoes and mushrooms with some toast, but tried to eat less as it had sat heavy on my stomach the day before.
I had some good chats in the mornings and at meal times in general as I sat with slightly different people, and got asked various questions on various subjects.
I eventually realised why it hadn't digested easily the day before, I was chatting while others were eating, often answering questions about running, vegan food, plant based living, my charity running or my online sustainable clothing with custom designs on, that raise money for various charities, including a dedicated Focused Performance range.
I don't talk much, but when it comes to running, I don't shut up.
If you want to see any of that range, just go to shoutoutwear.co.uk and look for the 'Focused Performance' or 'Slate Trail collection' , all the profits I make go to charity!
Breakfast was finished and after several morning visits by the local red breasted robin for crumbs, we had a brief outline of the days running, and brief bed stripping instructions for our respective dorms to make final departure a bit less chaotic.
We got ready for the run and just prior to 10am set off for a car park a mile and a half away at the start of the route we were going to take.
I was sticking closely to pink socks and Nigel this time, and not wandering off at any point.
It was good to see Karen having a better day and running at various parts of the group from front to middle to back etc as she was feeling better than yesterday. She had thanked me and Nigel for sticking with her at the back the day before and not running off, as she knew we were well capable of running off at the front etc.
I had no intention of running off anywhere, and I told her, I had only gone on the event as she had invited me and others, and to get to spend some time with her. She appreciated that, and it was nice to see that meant a lot to her.
We both had a great time in the Yorkshire three peaks as singles, and while there it had felt like being a couple without actually being a couple, and having a close bond at the same time. It's no secret to some that I like Karen, and we get on really well, but we are just good friends, and we live a long way from each other.
It would be unfair of me to try and take it further, and I think it would break the friendship trust she has in me. I am happy being there as a friend for her, and get to enjoy her company at events with a bit of banter too. Who knows what the future holds for any of us.
I also hope she doesn't take offense at the openness of the above words on a public blog. (Update: I'm still alive).
Anyway, I've gone off on a tangent, a bit like my route tangent the day before (sorry folks!). We got to the car park and did our warm ups and off we popped along the sodden trails again. Dreams and appreciation of our nice fire dried warm trainers had dissipated at this point as we were lead right back onto the muddy trails of the New Forest.
Weirdly enough a lot of this section was Nigel and I's return route the day before when we returned with our tails between our legs.
At some point we actually returned to the crossing we had had issues with the day before. I promptly stood glued to the spot ensuring I didn't wander of looking for another crossing, and waited for directions to the downed tree they had all crossed safety the day before.
I did however try a different tree first, only to discover the first bit of the tree I stood on broke off and promptly floated off down stream, leaving me with my left leg disappearing into the icy cold stream up to my knee, before I could pull it out again.
I got across and wandered over to the official crossing, although some had taken the direct route through the stream option further back. I watched as various people had their walking the log experience photographed.
We regrouped and at some point ended up at a reptile sanctuary of some kind, with a few local New Forest ponies wandering around too. And more photo's were taken, including Nigel's slow motion descent off a tree log!
We started to run on a kind of return journey now as we headed back in the general direction we had come. The sun occasionally blessed us with some warming rays, and better pictures were available due to the better lighting and natural colours etc.
We did at some point pass a selection of little posts, and an ideal opportunity for a few group shots took place, so again we tried our best to maintain our dignity while balancing on one leg at some point, made all the more difficult for those sharing a pole.
The forest today did indeed show us a little more splendour and colour, especially when the sun occasionally made an appearance. I think we all had a good time, and certainly appeared to be. We ran at our own paces, front middle or back and enjoyed the company of old friends and new, a new close knit running family keen to see each other at another event.
There were lots of on run discussions with various people asking about other events, and who was going to which. Especially the new flagship of 2023 for Focused Performance, the Snowdonia Slate Trail hiking week. (Personally requested by me) 83 miles of beautiful often not ventured across scenery taking in the history of the Welsh slate trade industry of years gone by.
More importantly the new event on the slate trail is seven nights of socialising in between hikes as we are safely shuttled between a different hike section a day, and back to base daily, ready for food, rest and chill, and the odd drink!
The days run was over, legs had got a little weary, more relaxing walks had taken place in parts, and Geoff was using us on Facebook lives lol, and before you knew it, we were back at the car park we started from.
Cooldown was done, and after a brief visit up a nearby hill to a great viewpoint and pics, it was now back to base for our final lunch together, before packing and getting ready for leaving.
Some nice chats were had at lunch again, and I enjoyed my food all weekend, with ample portions and quality and variety, and I've heard that at future events from now on the chefs will have some of their own personal choices on offer alongside some of the regular dishes, which will give a little more variety to regular multi event guests who can end up with the same options throughout the year.
We slowly left to finish our packing, ready for departure. I managed to walk back into our dorm again just as Karen was in a state of undress and joking about the red light incident with others. I seem to have a knack of excellent timing, lol.
Everyone truly being at ease with other really makes these events fun and relaxing. It's not often you get this kind of openness and closeness without an uncomfortable feeling, but lets face it, if we are happy to dip behind trees for wees without a care in the world while still chatting to others, then what's the point of worrying.
The saddest part, the goodbyes...
Packing done, and the worst part of the day came all too quickly. Having to say goodbye to people one by one. New friends are hard enough, and a weird feeling, but old friends are even harder, especially those you get close too.
I will miss my friends, I always do, but I'm lucky enough to know I will see a lot of them again further down the line at other events, or little reunions.
I am really happy to know lots of my Focused Performance friends, inc Karen will be joining myself and all the other lucky ones taking on the Snowdonia slate trail in July this year!
Bringing this blog to a close, we will all have memories of this weekend to treasure, and I hope this blog reminds you of a few, which is why I write them. The ability to look back and laugh, and have a warm glow back again is a great healer.
We will see hopefully see something in our day to day lives from now on that reminds us of our precious time away together at these events, and those happy thoughts are often what gets us through.
My first has already happened on the long trip home by car to the North West with Geoff and Chef Jen. I was dropped off at a train station near Geoff's, only to find a rail replacement service to further down the line where the trains would actually be running to take me to my hometown.
Once off the replacement bus and finally sat down again on a train, I was sat feeling sad, when I reached into my coat pocket for a tissue (to blow my nose obviously) and ...... what's this? ..... pulled out a pocket full of Biscoff biscuits!
I chuckled, felt happy once again and felt a warm glow of happiness and contentment, and will now forever love Biscoff, and you all for such fond memories! xx
