Leaving Gibraltar

I'm flying back to England on November 1st. Will I miss Gib? I think yes and no, I won't miss the weather as I'm not a sun worshipper. It's ok when you're on vacation, but try working!

I'll miss the anarchic Llanito sense of humour,but not the undercurrent of tension that always runs between them and the Spanish.

I'll miss kissing and hugging everyone at the start and end of a workday, but not the constant shouting that is normal conversation for them.

I'll miss Spanish radio, but I'm looking forward to getting BBC radio 2 on any radio in the house instead of having to go via the internet.

Most of all, I'm looking forward to seeing my family whenever the mood takes me, instead of having to apply for leave, and pay airfares. So goodbye Gibraltar, it's been fun, but it's time for my next 'chapter'.

Invisible Women

My eldest daughter commented the other day that she had lots of photos of her siblings,dad,grandparents, etc,but hardly any of me. "I was the photographer" I said, and now I've noticed since she became a mum, the same thing is happening to her. The thing is neither of us likes to be photographed,we hate the result and are too hard on ourselves. It occurred to me that they are not pictures to pander to our egos, they are a record for our family.

I have a photo of my father in law as a baby, identical to my grandson here. A picture of my grandmother at 15, I can see me and my nephew in her face. I never met her, but the picture helps me feel that sense of family. Now we can email photos, friends and family can share these memories easily with each other,and perhaps Helen and I will obtain more pictures of ourselves. I promise I will smile the next time mother in law gets her camera out!

Speilberg watch out!

As a grandma, of course I'm incredibly proud of my grandchildren. This is the eldest grandchild, aged 6 we were in the animal park in Gibraltar's Alameda gardens. Adrian decided I had done enough video and it was his turn,the end result wasn't bad especially considering it was his first time.
It reminded me of the first time my dad trusted me with a camera, it was a box brownie, I was 9 and the end result wasn't great but I've loved photography ever since. At least now with digital cameras you can snap away without worrying about wasting film, as you can delete the mistakes. I hope Adrian gets to enjoy the art as much as my dad and myself.

Mother's little helper

My grandson commented today that my chinese starsign is the same as his mum, we're dogs. This reminded me that 24 years ago, I was getting fairly big and not enjoying the heat of summer. Now her little sister is expecting and keeping a blog on her progress. How times have changed. It is a wonderful way to keep track of all your family and friends.

First blog

An uninspiring title I know, but I really can't think what to write! So, this is me, the picture was taken last August hence the very shiny face. It is HOT in Gibraltar, day and night in summer,so there's not much sleeping going on.
I'm lucky enough this summer to be on 2 months night shift rotation. The beauty of it is, I'm not a morning person and I get my week's hours done in 3 nights. That means 4 days off hurrah!