News of the train strikes made me think back to all the great trips I had by train. But that’s a long time ago.
These days travel is difficult not just because of my mobility, but because so much is organised online.
Friends tell me train tickets are to be bought or cancelled on their phones. I wouldn’t have a clue where to start. Buses are no better.
Remember the days when we memorised the paper timetable, turned up at the bus stop, kept checking our watches and hoped for the best? Now passengers can track exactly where the bus is on their phone.
But I can’t do that. I can check the weather, news and make FaceTime calls to my grandchildren on my iPad, but that’s it.
Once again, old people like me who haven’t kept up to date with technology are left behind.
My Happy Valleys!
Wales needs a rebrand says business leaders because it’s overlooked by tourists in favour of Scotland, England and Ireland.
I disagree. Every Welsh person knows our country is so beautiful, anyone who visits will hurry back. There is nowhere nicer.
We can walk miles through the valleys without seeing another building - then see a castle. We can stroll along the North West coastline without seeing a soul - then enjoy fish, chips, peas, a mug of tea and freshly buttered bread served with a friendly chat from cafe staff.
The world’s biggest stars, like Pavarotti, have performed in Llangollen because Wales is the land of song.
And yes, we do get bored of hearing sheep jokes but in a country where sheep outnumber people, roast Welsh lamb is exceptional.
Not long after I lost my husband Colin, my cousin John asked me of all the places in the world, where did I long to go? I didn’t hesitate: Snowdonia.
On the day he took me there, we caught the slow train to the top and saw beautiful scenery as we waved to the walkers. At the top there are views across to Anglesey and the Conwy Estuary so stunning I felt all tingly. I knew I’d never get closer to heaven.
So if Wales isn’t overrun with tourists even in its most picturesque spots, that’s just the way we like it.
Different gravy
My friend Janet invited me for a Sunday roast and made gravy just like my mum’s.
I wanted to ask if I could drink it from the gravy boat but knew I had to be polite. So I used a pudding spoon and within minutes the boat was empty.
Afterwards we sat in Janet’s sunny garden going through old photographs of our time at grammar school. Can anything be more of a mood lifter?
We dug out old class photos and challenged each other to name them all. And in our heads we were those young girls again.
Just as I was thinking how lucky I am to have Janet as such a long-time friend, she said: “You know I wanted some of the leftover gravy too, you know.”
Butter me up!
My daughter in law Kim, who kindly does my shopping, gently questioned if I really needed a 750g tub of butter each week.
I’ve been busted.
I butter my toasted crumpets on the holey side so the butter sinks all the way through. Crumpets are no good with just a scraping of butter - they need to be saturated. And even if there’s a quarter of a crumpet left, I stop eating to smear on another layer so thick I can see my teeth in it.
I’m delirious eating it and don’t notice the butter dripping on to my face until I see it solidified into my wrinkles and jowls when I’m washing my face in the mirror at night.
Scientists say if you can stand on one leg, like a Flamingo, and count to ten you’ll probably live for the next decade.
So I tried it. I clung to my walking stick with one hand and stood on my good leg. Then I counted to ten at lightning speed and flopped down on the sofa.
I could’ve started making plans for the next ten years. Instead I thought: what nonsense. Captain Tom Moore probably couldn’t stand on one leg and he lived to 100. No one, whether they’re 22 or 102, knows when their time’s up.
It’s up to us to live every day as if it’s our last and make sure we enjoy it. So pass the Lurpak - I need another chunk for my crumpet.
Feeling the Love
You might not guess it by looking at me but I have a serious addiction.
I cannot stop watching Love Island.
Maybe I don’t fit the target audience. I don’t agree with thongs and when the couples use code words for sex I have no idea what they’re talking about.
I switched it on to see Gemma Owen, because our Robert says her dad Michael is a lovely lad. One episode in and I was hooked on trying to work out who’s genuine and who’s just in the game for fame.
Gemma and Luca are the real deal to me. And I have to watch every second of every episode to see which couple wins.
If I miss it because I’ve fallen asleep, I tune in when I wake at 5am. But I still wouldn’t wear a thong.
Age no barrier
Dame Judi Dench, who memorises scripts because she has a serious eye condition, says retirement is not in her vocabulary at the age of 87.
Delia Smith says, at 81, she’s had enough of cooking on the telly - but admires Dame Mary Berry for having the enthusiasm and energy to keep going at 87.
All three are wonderful inspirations to people of a certain age. They show us that we reach the stage where we just want to do what makes us happy, whether that’s pottering in the garden or a job we’ve always loved.
Finding what truly makes us feel content, at any age, means a life well lived.
- If you’d like to contact Val, email features@mirror.co.uk or write to Val Savage, PO Box 7290, E14 5DD. The Mirror makes a donation to The Alzheimer’s Society in lieu of payment.
