There’s been a lot going on!

I may have mentioned that I turned 60 last September (it’s right up there with “My perfect eyes” on the list of things most mentioned) but sadly I am no longer 60 – I am 61. “Thank God for that!” cried Catering, who I fear may have become a little tired of the on-going celebrations.

I haven’t written anything for a while and so I thought a quick round-up might be in order, as there’s been a lot going on.

Alex – qualified as an accountant. Woo hoo! More excitingly, he offered to buy us dinner to celebrate. How lovely, thank you Alex. The family gathered at Trinity Restaurant in Clapham for a fabulous meal and a really jolly evening and in true Spicer fashion neglected to take a single photograph. We did however record the wine we drank – my Oldies particularly unimpressed, as I had promised to be less useless than usual on the photo front.

Having qualified, Alex didn’t let the grass grow under his feet and shortly afterwards announced that he and the lovely Amy were engaged.

and then followed that up with & “and now we’re off to Australia” Return date tbc depending on how it goes, watch this space.

And just like that, they were off

The Smallest Boy moved jobs and as a result had 6 months funemployment, before being allowed to join his new crew in September. He considered many things he might do in 6 months and decided to improve his golf game – which he duly did, so I am reliably informed. He was also helpful in many ways to many people, lifting & shifting quite a lot of furniture, providing moral support whenever needed and generally leading from the front with all things celebratory. Finally he tired of having no one to play with and was thus delighted to return to the world of work (possibly not as delighted as his parents were to know he once again had an income) the same day as Alex & Amy headed Down Under.

Available for supportive mid-week lunches

I have celebrated all year with a number of you and it’s been great – thank you for putting up with me and my on-going enthusiasm for 60 (mine or anybody else’s). Special mention is dispatches goes to:

Cycling Buddies – Sarah’s 60th celebration in Norfolk

Quite a lot of cycling – possibly more chatting & drinking

Where’s my bike?

Then some b****** stole my bike! I know, it was a very old bike, but someone pinched it from the bike rack outside the security office (the irony) at work. I was outraged, came out to ride home from work (I know it’s a great surprise to me too) and it was gone. I was most upset about the new bell Mrs A had bought me, of which I was very fond. Still new bike duly purchased & Mel, bless her, gave me her bell which was the same as mine, so all is now well – though I still get cross when I think about it.

That’ll be my new bike (and the Smallest Boy – available for shopping trips)

We’ve travelled a bit. No RWC tours this year – but I may be branching out into cricket tours in 2026, while I wait for the next RWC in 2027. Cricket has grown on me, from the odd bit of TMS to a proper enthusiasm for it in all its forms. The Hundred, T20s, 1-day internationals & full blown test matches in all their glory – I am hooked. Still not a bloody clue where “Silly Mid-wicket” is, but think I am not alone there.

Please note naughty photobomber in the background

Sun sets on another lovely day’s play

Summer so far…

It’s been a bit wet, but we’ve still had some fun

Thank goodness for a solid gazebo

And a less solid umbrella

And finally in a year when many friends have lost their parents, I would like to mention my Oldies, only briefly as they will hate being written about, but they are still here, still together and looking not to shabby on it, though please note, she left her sunnies in the car, so nabbed mine!