September – it went in the blink of an eye! I thought it would go slowly as I had no travel planned for work or pleasure. But it rattled past – quite pleasantly in fact too! This year I have been diligently sticking to (at least) 1 trip every month as part of ‘Take 12 Trips‘ however September was a manic month of travel for Mr P and so a month spent largely at home for me. However just because we didn’t stray far doesn’t mean we didn’t make the most of the weekends too.
Here are September’s best bits:
September was marked by gorgeous weekends – they surely can’t all have been warm and sunny, but looking through my photos, I’m struggling to remember much rain stopping play at all! We enjoy the Hambleton area of Hampshire and headed up there for a walk – a stunning day and a lovely time to be out in the fields during the harvest and when there is still plenty of colour, and butterflies everywhere. The Bat and Ball pub is a favourite and we enjoyed lunch there once again.
I spent a lot of time in London in September – but I love being in London. I will always get up early and be on the 6.30 train from Southampton, so long as I can get away at a good time and not lose my evening. I love walking from Waterloo into the city before the rush too – the walk across Waterloo bridge is one of my favourites – come rain or shine. I often have a tourist moment and take a photo of the view. Some of the commutes this month have been eery in a lovely way – such a lot of mist across the south downs.
September has been marked by 2 key social occasions – the Southampton Boat Show which comes to town once a year, and the Rugby World Cup which is increasing the stress levels in the house markedly. We had a lovely mooch round the boat show one weekend, bumped into old friends and enjoyed an obligatory Guinness in the Guinness tent. We also paid a visit to Southampton’s own micro-brewery – The Dancing Man. Good local ale and a fine location by town quay – I have a feeling we will be back to dine there soon. I also enjoyed the Red Arrows display that was put on at the show – I was at home and sat on my top floor windowsill with my feet dangling out of the window I was impressed, and amazed by just how close some of the planes came to the house! For now I will reserve judgement on the rugby as after 2 games, England have already taken us on a bit of a roller coaster of emotions….
Mr P was away with work at the end of the month, so I have thrown myself into work and running – revelling in the gorgeous weather and the stunning misty mornings and sun-dappled evenings. I am still moping around with no more holiday planned or booked this year – so I got to thinking about the quotes that have inspired previous travel – I loved writing it, it brought back all manner of memories! So did my interview for The Guy Who Files that is featured here.
I was also privileged to attend a friends British Citizenship ceremony this month. Growing up in Britain it is fair to say we take for granted what citizenship gives us and entitles us to the world over and it is stirring to be reminded of what it means to become a citizen. Now I can’t say that singing the national anthem is something I do often (and I am far too self-conscious in a small group), but I do think that any British National by birth might remember to read the oath of allegiance and take note of what it says….
We rolled the BBQ out for what I suspect will be one of the last times this year and cleared the freezer of BBQ bits. All very enjoyable – good company. Whilst the summer might be coming to an end I only just discovered a bottle of Pimms in the cupboard – the quintessential english summer drink. Summer will live on Chez Parker for just a little longer as a result.
And I have to say thank you to Polly from Follow your Sunshine for introducing me to Gallantis through one of her honeymoon vlogs – I absolutely love the music and had to use a track for the video backing this month – I haven’t been able to resist belting out this song driving around with the roof down this month either!
Onwards to October and the true arrival of Autumn. Come and join me as I co-host this months Travel Link Up which has its spiritual home on Rebecca’s, Kelly’s and Emma’s blogs. This month we are going public with our self-help group – Blog Addicts Anonymous!
