Who Knows Where the Time Goes?
I might not have totally squandered my life, but I haven’t set the world on fire either. So, before the flickering embers finally turn into ash, I thought it might be an idea to cobble together a few pictures to show how far I’ve gone downhill since I was the apple of my mother’s eye. Where did the time go?
POSTED – NOVEMBER 2021
Originally posted 2021-11-26 11:40:53.
Choosing this one for a special new year approaching revisit. Espesh with the grey skies outoside. Happy new Year to you and Kay when it comes. And hoping your Christmas went well and you will be doing something nice.
Thanks for the revisit Shey. Our Christmas went swimmingly but we won’t be going out to see the New Year in. I hope you had a good Christmas too and can I ask what’s special about this New Year?
LOl… New Year is just another day. BUT I am planning a nice hogmanay buffet in front of our open fire. And one daughter etc for a meal the enxt day with the other one etc joining us after. I ask them all but the younger one having made it their tradition just to stay in their house, changed her mind re that a few years ago and started appearing so… BUT I never got new year and I still don’t. For years we’d go out in a big hogmanay ball crowd but the sister got so obnoxious we came out of that and they are all in various degrees of decrepidness if not six feet under now. Even our own friends who’d come to that, making it amore beraable for us, drew a terrible hand from the pack that way.
Also the price of these things is now the cost of a weekend away! We have a nice wee place down the road that does a small Scottish one, we went to once or twice…the kind of one you can go to NOT in a big crowd, just the two of you. we were saying we might get back to that next year for a change. BUT I actually don’t blame you not even going out. The first few years we were here the Mr was all for going down the road, the Ferry pubs wer THE place to be apparently. But it was just the ferry pubs…. I ofen think it is all overhyped.
All the best though. Hope you have a nice day. AND anice seeing it in in your own ways.
Hogmany has always been a big thing up there hasn’t it? The older I’ve got the less inlined I’ve been to partake in the shenanigans, but I’ve had some memorable times over the years – if only I could remember them 😉
HA ha.. now why is it that???? Too good atime eh?Yeah it is abig thing up here but like that the first year we were here and pubbed it… I honestly couldn’t see what was so exciting. Yeah the Fish was jam packed…but that don’t take much…. espesh when a group of musiicans are doing the jamming and therefore the packed bit. These dinner dances we’d go to in a crowd?? Well obvi they were the sister’s crowd, the second our friends wanted to come she started getting worse than ususual. After we’d be asked back to on of her friend’s houses and sit singing till 4 in the morning, then be up some years to do a big 1st jan day. We used to do turn about with John’s brothers etc but I stopped that some years ago too cos it that bit of the family had got too big and it was just too much on top of doing Xnas. And I am glad I stopped it. For me it is a load of fuss about nowt. Hell, I have even dropped our fancy meal John and I would have on Hogmanay for a buffet, log fire and seeing as it is so damn cold, the bed settee, bought specially earlier this year…mainly cos we a re done giving up the cosy upstiars bedroom in the winter when we have the grandies overnight or our friends from Edinburgh come to exchange pressies, for the one out over the garden which is basically is constructed like a shed. Lovely but utterly freezing. But next year we may get back to Forgans. It is just down the road after all….. and not very dear. Also once they have done the meal they let folks in just for the dancing so. .. we will see. WHo knows, in this grand wporld we live in…..Happy 2025 when i comes.
Were you ever at the Clachaig over the New Year? I never expected to see so many people there but they were all sleeping in tents in sub-zero temperatures. Martyrs to the cause they were, as our room was not what you would call particularly warm. It was a great night though.
No we never were. If we hadn’t had family New Year’s to do we probably would have. But we certainly wouldn’t now. Sadly the place is not like or what it was. Glencoe itself either. Sold out to the American bus tour mob………. to their cost if their sudden fascination with everything a cut price deal is anything to go by…….
The Scottish Tourist Board did an amazing job in attracting more tourists to the country, but for every positive there’s a negative. Over the years we covered the whole north-east, north and north-west coastline. We spent time in different areas over several years to enjoy it at our leisure. It was fantastic – but then the marketing people decided to call it the ‘North Coast 500’ and now people want to cover the whole 500 miles as quick as they can to tick it off their bucket list. Defeats the object if you ask me, so I know exactly what you’re saying about Glencoe. Such a shame!
When we were in Arisaig last year, we…er..somehow…er ended up drinking with locals in the hotel bar after closing time…… let’s just say after they had been a trifle agressive to every other tourist. It is what you say re bucket lists. We go there to walk, to see the historical references..in Arisiaig that was the monuments to the Czech ww2 special agents who trianed there. So we were welcome. Especially when we said we were really glad they had blockaded their ‘high street’ to campervans, etc. Cos the previous that was utter torture in a tiny wee place like that which has lovely beach camper van sites 5 miles on. Like that they all tread this line between needing the business and not being swamped by idiots. Glencoe has been ruined that way. There’s Harry Potter groupies and Outlander groupies everywhere, the stay one night American coach tours. The last time we were at the Clachaig, last year, the bag area was filled with their baggage. A few years previously it was West Highland Way walkers. The walkers, climbers, kayakers etc have been priced out. We are not paying over 200 quid a night for grotty substandard accomodation and another 100 a day for ghastly food and highway robbery drinks prices. And judging from recent reviews of the Clachaig we are not alone in that. (Can’t help laughing at all the complaints re the dirty piled up with dirty dishes tables, things people coming off a hill caked in mud and soaked to the bone didn’t bat a lid over, but they’ve lost them.) You probably saw that coastline at the best time. Ahead of the game and I remember your psots. They were great. I like to think that everywhere we’ve gone we’ve been ahead of the game. Happy new Year.
Responsible tourism should be a natural thing for people to want – and that includes those who are in a position to control it. There are lots of places for you to visit out there in 2025 Shey where coach tours aren’t even possible.
I know. We got a couple of things in the diary.
This si avery moving post actually Malc. We all know the tiems goes but if it is wells pent…well, that is what counts.
Thank you Shey. I often think of John Lennon’s quote when he says that “Life is what passes you by today while you’re planning for tomorrow”. They may not be the exact words and I’m not sure that they were all his, but the sentiments are so true. Whatever, it’s the way I’ve always seen life 🙂
I think it is the best wya to see life actually. So you tqake the moment if yo’ve any sense .
Exactly right Shey.
I may have been sitting on this post rather a long while in my ‘must read’ folder but I’m glad I eventually got around to it! What a wonderful idea to put together a short film like this. Rather poignant but also a fascinating snapshot of all our pasts, to some extent. And I have to say I especially liked the Davy Crockett get-up 🙂 It took me back to my own childhood playing ‘Cowboys and Indians’ with the boys next-door!
I’m glad you thought it was a good idea too Sarah. I enjoyed wearing that Davy Crockett outfit. I thought I was the business 🙂
A touching film Malc – we should all have one of these. I tried to identify the football ground and red and white scarf. Is it Wembley? Arsenal?
It was Wembley when City played Hull in the Championship play-off final – and lost. Glad you enjoyed the video 🙂
Your video marvelously shows how you have lived your life, up to now, a poem made up of images.
It’s nice to look back and be happy with what we have been or have done.
This also implies a bit of melancholy, realizing that the road ahead is much shorter than the one behind, but this is life!❤️
Thank you for your lovely kind words Luisa. I know that English isn’t your first language, but when you say that I’ve created a poem out of images, that means an awful lot to me, especially with your knowledge of the written word. Thank you so much!
🙏😘🙏😘🙏😘
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I must say Malc that this post has really touched me, it is one of the best, if not the best post I have ever had the pleasure to read in my time on WP. You have created a wonderful tribute to life, not just your life, and those of us in our age group can understand now, more than ever the passing of time as we are now able to look back upon our life and see what we have done, how we’ve contributed and smile warmly as we notice that although we came with empty hands upon this earth now our hands are full as we embrace our loved ones and our children and see how they have also brought forth children to pass on our legacy. This was just beautiful and I’ve no more words to thank you…
As I said to Alli, this snapshot of my life is really a bit of self-indulgence for posterity Francesc, but I’m so glad that it has resonated with you also.
When the time comes to meet up with some of those in this post who are no longer here, I don’t want to be dragged out screaming and shouting, but to be able to say “That wasn’t so bad”. I’ve always been grateful for what I’ve had rather than worry about what I haven’t, and compiling this blog has made me realise just how lucky I’ve been.
Thank you for your wonderful comments my friend. People like you make doing these things so much more worthwhile.
I feel the same way Malc, no regrets, happy times, hard times, life is lived upon a balance, so I too am grateful for what I have and for good people, always want to meet good people on the way. Your post was wonderful and these platforms aren’t that bad if one can meet people like you. Cheers and a happy weekend!
I’m pretty sure that your life has been more adventurous than mine Francesc, but life’s rich tapestry is about meeting people from all walks of life no matter what their background is. It’s what they are as a person that counts – and I know that you are a good person and that’s all I need to know. Have a great weekend 🙂
What a lovely film, Malc. I feel all choked up. I detect a worrying note of melancholy in your post, but I can’t help thinking of the way I now feel about life that makes me feel much more content. Who cares if you haven’t set the world on fire when you’ve crammed as much into your rich and varied life as you seem to have done, and even more importantly, when you’ve been surrounded by that much love and happiness? The sentiment of this song has been resonating with me aswell in the last couple of years, and particularly with Maddie turning 18 in September. But I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not bothered about being some great mover or shaker in the world, as the precise things that your film shows are the mark of a great life, and one well lived. Nowadays, if I can in some small way spread the love of the Middle Ages or inspire one person to learn a little more or visit a castle, then I’ll feel my work is done. The world has got enough fire in it these days and it doesn’t need any more. What it does need is the softer, beautiful light that people like you bring into it, and you’ve done that in spades though your inspiring and fascinating blogs, your superb photography and the great person you are. That’s more than enough of a legacy for anyone. 🙂
You’ve gone and made my day once again Alli. I wanted to put a post like this on my website, warts and all for my own posterity, and I didn’t really expect anyone to comment; and tonight, I’m going to hide it away under ‘Bits & Pieces’.
I think you’ve got to know me too well when you say there’s a hint of melancholy in the tone of this post, but hey! I’m not complaining. It’s not all about how many years you live is it? It’s what you do with those years that really count. Don’t worry, I’m not about to meet Big G just yet, but life is becoming increasingly hard if I’m being truthful.
Your response has given me a big lift because I can tell that you’re a girl after my own heart. Too many people for too long have been looking for too much without seeing what they already have. Of course, that doesn’t mean to say that you shouldn’t have aims in life either does it?
In a world that seems to be coming ever more divided, I’ve decided more or less to leave social media, news forums and the rest behind and just concentrate on blogging. I know I don’t contribute that often, but I don’t do it for ratings, likes or number of followers. What really counts is that some people might find the stuff I write a little bit useful – but the real bonus is when I meet people like you Alli. You always seem to make my day 😊
Whatever is going on Malc, please feel free to contact me any time, if only to offload your troubles. I’ve been a little concerned about you ever since I read this and I want you to know I’m here. You’re right, of course, in every way. It’s really not how many years you have, it’s what you do while you’re here that counts. Quality over quantity and all that. As far as I’m concerned, when I go to meet the Big G, I’m going straight back to the Middle Ages, where I belong, to sup with Edward I and Richard III and all the medieval characters I love so much. Still, I”m only too glad to have made your day again, and hope to make many more too! And yes, to have aims in life is always good, and it helps get you through the bad times. I still want to live in a castle! 😀
I don’t blame you for opting out of social media. As you know, I’ve never bothered with it anyway for those very reasons, and more. But blogging is a bit different, and I genuinely do enjoy your posts and look forward to reading them. That’s sometimes why, at the moment, I’m taking a bit longer to get to them, because amid all the chaos here, I want to reserve quality time to sit and enjoy them properly rather than blast through them and not take it all in. 🙂
I’m out all day tomorrow, hopefully gathering some pics for a short post that I’ve been wanting to put out for nearly two years now, but do feel free to email me any time. I’ll raise a glass to you and wish you well my friend. 🙂
What a touching reply Alli. The same thing applies to friends as it does to how many years we’re around for. A few really good friends are far more valuable than lots of friends that come and go.
You’ve made me feel guilty now because I really don’t mean to give you or anyone else cause for concern. It’s just not my style. I much prefer to put a smile on somebody’s face. To be truthful, I’ve had a catalogue of health issues which have taken their toll, but individually none of them are life threatening or anything like that, but I won’t lie to you, it has dragged me down a bit, so there’s no need to worry about me. You have enough on your plate as it is and I’m not talking about the kids now. I was thinking more about how hard work it must be living with Stuart😊 I’ve hidden this post out of the way under Bits & Pieces now, so it’s still there, but not showing up anywhere obvious.
One thing I want you to know though Alli is that your medieval posts have taught me so much about those days, and as you know I really enjoy reading them. Your passion for the period really shines through and I do hope that your dreams come true.
As for reading my own posts, your approach is spot on. It takes me a while to put them together and I much prefer a few people like yourself to enjoy them when they have time instead of giving them a cursory glance. Fortunately, once again, I’m glad to say that I’ve got a few followers who do just that.
I’m in suspense as to where you’re going today, but wherever it is, I’m sure it’ll be somewhere worth reading about. Have a great day – and make sure that if you get blown away by the experience, it’s not the wind that does it 😊
I’ll email you soon anyway as I think it’s about time we had a proper catch-up. You take care too and thanks for showing your concern. It really is appreciated.
I couldn’t agree more with your first paragraph regarding friends – quality over quantity applies to so many areas of life.
Don’t feel guilty, you’ve put more than enough smiles on our faces over the past few years. But friends are here for the bad times as well as the good, and I’m truly sorry to hear you’re going through a rough patch. It will be good to hear from you over email whenever you’re ready and we’ll have a good catch up.
And apologies, but the post I was planning is going to have to wait until next year, largely because a certain daft twit I went with took his camera, but forgot to put a memory card in it! Oh well, better luck next time. 😀 One thing that really has made my year is that you have enjoyed and learned from my posts. So there, you see, I could say now that my work is done and I’ve achieved what I wanted to do. 🙂 But I’m not finished just yet – I’m having too much medieval fun, and that makes it doubly worthwhile. 🙂
Take care, and catch up soon.
Oh dear! Poor old Stuart’s in the doghouse again. If he’s not beating himself up over it then I’m sure you’ll do it for him. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but it did make me chuckle because I’ve done similar things and I’ve just thought of one that might make you feel a bit better.
I don’t know how far you went, but just think about this one. One of our early trips abroad was to Greece and I desperately wanted to visit the Acropolis in Athens. There are two stories about the Acropolis, but I’ll recount the second one because it’s similar to yours. We were staying about 25 miles outside of Athens on the coast and we arranged to take a bus into the city to watch a ‘son et Lumiere’ show. I anticipated we were going to do this and so I bought a new tripod (which I lugged all the way over to Greece) and a cable release so that I could get some decent pictures of the show. We even got there especially early so that I could get an uninterrupted view of everything. Just before the show began, I started to get all the gear ready and it was then that I realised I’d forgotten the camera. Duh! 😊
LOL! Oh that’s wonderful, Malc! It must have been galling at the time, but I have to admit it’s pretty funny to read about! Still, these things happen, don’t they? As for yesterday, although at first I felt like feeding the bearded twit his empty camera, after he bought me some rather nice chocolate to make up for it I felt much better, and there’s always next year… 😀
To feed Stuart his camera I take it 🙂
Well if he does it again next year, I definitely will! 😉
🙂 📸 🙂
So… Exactly how do you connect a cable release to a tripod?! 😀 that is hilarious Malc, I feel a bit better about myself now 😀
LOL. 🙂
Could it be that your lead photo in this post is from the VT meeting in Antwerp in August 2012? Just a guess.
https://operasandcycling.com/antwerp/
Not a bad guess Don 🙂