Oh Bertram

 Sometimes I wonder why I write this blog because there is very little going on in this life of mine. And yet, I love it, love it so much that I want at least 25 more years of it.

That number must seem crazy to young folks. Twenty-five years. An absolute lifetime and yet, no time at all. If I am allowed that extra quarter of a century I know it will fly past and, as it goes, I'll get stiffer and sorer and - I don't care, I still want it!

Even if my lovely Bert doesn't come with me - I still want it.

I showed him that picture taken about an hour ago and told him it was online already. He said,

I don't care.

Living Our Best Lives

I have a nephew, whose partner (my honorary niece) posts Instagram pictures of her two youngest daughters 'living their best lives'. It's inspiring. Last September those little girls lost their big sister to cancer. My nephew and niece lost their beloved first daughter. And there they are, less than a year later, broken-hearted, but for the sake of the two little girls, the two big brothers and themselves, trying hard to live their best lives. I call that heroic. For it's not easy and I say that having no idea what it must be like. I can only imagine.

I had a few flat days recently, no particular reason, pissy weather, not much going on, a bit bored.

Then I saw that Instagram post. My two great-nieces, living their best lives with the help of their loving parents.

AVA

This photograph was taken by Ava's Auntie Naoise at the Sunflower Field at Portglenone. 

Ava Grace Byrne might only have had eight years of life but she was, and I do not say this lightly, an inspiration, and a legend. Like Ava, and like her bereaved family, I am going to try hard to live my best life.

Yeah, Jackie

This lady will be 91 years old in November and this is a recent photograph. She's had a bit of 'work' done recently. At the very least she has had her lips plumped up.

This is what I think of Jackie Stallone.

Firstly, there is no way I'd ever dream of emulating her. That attention to image and appearance is not something that matters very much to me. But - I truly admire her. I admire her spirit, I admire her tenacity, I admire her lust for life.  Ninety years of age and she is out there, getting work done, getting her face on, living her life. Way, Jackie.