She left us just three days before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. She was spared from seeing the destruction and death there and later in Israel and Gaza and the endless misery of war in Sudan and in too many other regions around our planet.

Mum was a woman who was kind, full of fun, hard working, loyal, attractive and, as her 98 year old friend said to me on Friday, “She always had a wonderful personality”.

I could write much more but her life is better read in her own words in my new book which will be published later this year along with Dad’s story in his own words. They lived through decades of history which encompassed a world war and huge changes in society seen through the eyes of two people who lived life to the full.

My cousin just sent me a photo of this postcard which she found in a box of old letters and photographs.

Seeing Mum’s handwriting(which never changed) brought a lump to my throat. She was a 21 year old bride on her first short trip abroad with her 21 year old husband who had also never before left England. Dad wrote that they were overwhelmed with homesickness on their first night in Paris but went on to have great fun. They had pitifully few clothes and just a few pounds to spend. They returned to find Dad’s parents in debt. They didn’t complain. As always they rolled up their sleeves got to work, paid off the debt bit by bit and made the most of every single day of their lives. I miss them both each day.

Now he’s making green bean dip. When he vacates the kitchen I want to make pear, apple and chilli chutney

Two years ago Cieste was off her feet for three weeks and living in part of the sheep barn. After daily food, water and cuddles she miraculously recovered and rejoined the flock. Last February she gave birth to a healthy lamb which she fed for several months. She remained skinny but active until today when, at age 13 or more, she took herself into the field shelter to die.

The vet came to administer the final injection and then took her away. She had a wonderful life, gave birth to many lambs and couldn’t face another winter. Sleep well.

He died very young leaving her with two tiny children pictured here.

There’s more about this in my forthcoming book. The white-haired woman is an amazing 98 snd travelled from Florida to visit her girls. She is astounding.