Tag: Goodbyes

A fond farewell to the zebras

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17 October 2016

All Summer long CJ and I searched out the wonderfully coloured zebras all over Southampton. Sadly, they couldn’t stay forever and, a few weeks ago, they all quietly disappeared, leaving the city feeling slightly bare and bereft. By the skin of our teeth we’d found all of them, although our trip to Marwell wasn’t entirely successful and we’d missed a couple of clusters of the miniatures. All was not lost though because there was one final chance to see every single zebra before they were auctioned off. Today was that day.  Continue reading A fond farewell to the zebras

Final view from the top of the world – first published 20 December 2013

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The final day had arrived. The longest week in the history of the world was over, along with my job. The final views from the top of the world were disappointing, no blue sky, no sunsets, just cloud and a lot of howling wind gently rocking the building until we thought it might take off. Most of the work that got done involved Rose’s car and then there was champagne… Continue reading Final view from the top of the world – first published 20 December 2013

A week of silent goodbyes – first published 19 December 2013

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The last week at Silver Helm had arrived. Every day felt full of silent goodbyes and last evers, even though some, like a visit to the warehouse in the docks, were really first times. Slowly, the building that had been our lovely, organised office was turning into a ghost town of boxes and empty shelves. We all bustled about, sorting, packing and shredding while trying to pretend we were fine. Inside we were crying, at least I was. The only things that kept me sane were the little things in each day to make me smile. Continue reading A week of silent goodbyes – first published 19 December 2013

gremlins and a goodbye first published 29 July 2013

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Gigi’s last day at work and I almost didn’t make it because of an upset tummy. In the end I did go to work though and, at lunchtime, there was some more rhino hunting with Alice. The Bargate rhinos were easy enough to find but the WestQuay rhino proved a tricky customer. Then we discovered one of the rhinos in the park had been vandalised… Continue reading gremlins and a goodbye first published 29 July 2013

Mirrors, rhinos and achieving the impossible – first published 25 July 2013

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Towards the end of July 2013 I was still in single digits in terms of rhinos found but the rhino hunting malarkey was turning out to be a rather enlightening exercise. Not only had I been led to parts of the city I’d never seen before, I’d been seeing parts I did know with new eyes. Alongside getting a bit of extra exercise I’d discovered the work of some fantastic local artists and I was just about to have a reminder of the power of perseverance in the face of difficulties and learn about a truly wonderful charity I’d had no idea about before. Continue reading Mirrors, rhinos and achieving the impossible – first published 25 July 2013

back on board for an emotional day – first published 24 July 2013

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Five thirty in the morning is no time to be getting out of bed. Even less so when you have to run around like an ant being chased by a magnifying glass to get showered, dressed, made up, have breakfast and get out the door by seven. This was what it was like on turnaround day in the summer when we had ship visits. There never seemed to be enough time and I always ended the day exhausted. Nevertheless I’d love to be still doing it now. Continue reading back on board for an emotional day – first published 24 July 2013

A naming ceremony and a goodbye meal – first published 13 June 2013

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Mid June 2013 and there was high excitement in the office about the naming of the huge new Royal Princess ship by a real Royal princess, especially as our boss was going to be there. There was also sadness as this was the last day we’d be working with Gail. She’d decided to accept a job in the new office up in the frozen north rather than redundancy and this was her last day. All in all it was a strange roller coaster kind of day half lovely, half prickles a bit like the first thistle of the year on my lunchtime walk. Continue reading A naming ceremony and a goodbye meal – first published 13 June 2013

Goodbye Canada

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20 and 21 October 2015

We got back to Toronto just as darkness was falling. It would be our last evening in the city and, once we’d packed as much as we could, we set off out into the night. We’d been either walking or driving more or less all day so we decided to take a short wander to Nathan Phillips Square to see the Toronto sign lit up and grab a snack in the process. When I’d been waiting for Commando to finish the marathon I’d noticed a Hero Burger place in the square. Hopefully it would be open. If not we’d have to think again. Continue reading Goodbye Canada

Wake me up when September ends

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After the excitement of Monday and Tuesday it was a melancholy, miserable sort of week so I apologise in advance for what is to follow. It started off damp and dreary on Wednesday morning and I was tired from the mental exertions of the weekend. Not a single photo was taken on my way to work, partly because there wasn’t anything worth looking at and partly because I was feeling apprehensive about the new RCSM visit. Obviously I wasn’t going to be top of her Christmas list after trashing her standard letters. Continue reading Wake me up when September ends

goodbye to an old friend – first published 5 April 2013

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It’s never easy to say goodbye but life was never meant to be easy. Once in a while we all have to make difficult decisions and do things we’d really rather not. In April 2013 we made a decision that meant saying goodbye to an old friend. It may have been a parting we planned but it was a sad day for all that… Continue reading goodbye to an old friend – first published 5 April 2013