As the rain lashes down outside today, and I put on a heavier top to keep out the autumnal chill, I am in a positive frame of mind, and thinking back to nice times in the past. Good memories are so much better than bad ones, and are to be treasured. They arrive in my brain in no time sequence, and in no particular order.
The first house I bought, after we sold our flat in Wandsworth. The thrill of moving into a 3-bed house with a small garden, close to Wimbledon Park in London. Having a separate dining room with a large table, and an Edwardian house with so many original features retained. Friends coming round for dinner, new carpets, a new car, and only being 27 years old. My life was stretching out ahead of me, and I was feeling ready to enjoy it.
My first shift as an EMT after completing training. A busy day in central London, feeling nervous and unsure. I coped with it, and as I travelled home, I thought ‘I can do this’.
The best live gig I ever went to. Swing Out Sister, at the Jazz cafe in Camden. I was living a very different life then, and almost 50 years old. But that was one of the best nights of my life, never to be forgotten. I can still recall the whole night, despite the amount of red wine I consumed during that gig.
My third wedding, in 2009. Perfect weather, everyone happy, and an ideal location at a lovely hotel in Kent. When it was all over, those of us staying at the hotel met in the bar. Exhausted, happy, and having a quiet drink before bedtime. One of those perfect evenings.
A wonderful Greek meal in Camden, with two great friends. We all had the Mezze, endless courses of food that lasted for a few happy hours. Even when we tried to leave, the owner called us back from the street to join him for free drinks. One of those friends has since died, and that evening we spent at the Greek restaurant is one of my enduring memories of him.
Leaving London, and my retirement party. Moving to Norfolk was the best decision I ever made. I had a big leaving party in a bar on The Embankment before I left. As well as colleagues from the ambulance service and the police, friends and family came too. I was feeling very emotional, not least as my mum had died a few days earlier. They bought me lovely gifts, and some spoke nice words about me. I knew I was leaving for a quiet life, with no stress of work. I also knew I would miss them all. A fabulous evening.
Writing this cheered me up. It may become a short series!
I am so loving this sweet memories series, makes my heart happy. I’m so behind in the other series but I’m hoping you’ll put it all together at the end and I can read it in one setting? Keep these coming Pete, their good for the soul, C
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Writing these five posts has made me happy. There may be more to come.
Here is a ‘group link’ for now.
https://beetleypete.com/?s=nice+times
Best wishes, Pete.
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Great memories Pete, you had me smiling as you reminisced 🙂
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Cheers mate. I like doing these, they make me happy. So I did a Part 2 today.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Lovely memories. Thank you for telling, Pete! I think Ollie also enjoys the much more calmer life in Beetley. Best wishes, Michael
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He only knows Beetley, it is where he was born. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sorry, i forgot. But i remember your short journey to relatives, and his uncomfortable feeling in a town?
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Yes, he has been with us on trips, but he loves Beetley best. 🙂
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Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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I enjoy reading your memories, Pete. Best to you!
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Thanks, Jennie. I posted another like this today.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It was a joy to read! Best to you, Pete!
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Had just lost your Mum and then a retirement party? My heart goes out to you Pete. 😥🇬🇧🍾🙄🤔
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In the same week, my mum died, I had my retirement party, then 2 days later I moved to Norfolk for good. It was quite a week!
(I should have cancelled the retirement party, but I had paid for most of it in advance, and sent out a lot of invitations.)
Best wishes, Pete.
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Very positive! Warmest regards, Theo
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Makes a nice change for me, Theo.
(I spoke to Edward this week, he sends his regards.)
Best wishes, Pete.
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My regards back to him and Jill. Warmest regards, Theo
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As you know, I always look forward. But my most recent hike (Wednesday) is still fresh in my mind. Maybe that’s because my calves are still a bit sore…
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Must be nice to remember your best hikes sometimes? 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I love these special memories, Pete. Whenever I start to feel down, I tend to think of things I’m grateful for and it perks me up. It seems you have many things to be grateful for. I look forward to more of these posts.
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Thanks, Darlene. Writing these down made me feel good, so I am sure there will be more to come.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Fantastic! Always good to recall good memories…I have lots of ‘future nostalgias’ which keep me going in difficult moments….
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My way of shaking myself into positivity, Sue. I really enjoyed writing these down and remembering them again as I did so.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Excellent!
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Lovely, happy memories – just the thing to keep you warm during winter’s chill!
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Writing these down cheered me up, Mary. I think I will add more soon.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sometimes memories can make the world look a little brighter. chuq
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They worked for me, chuq. More to come.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Good memories are wonderful and a great idea for a series!
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Thanks, Susanne. I suspect there will be more of these to come.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Happy Days then making Happy Days now, good to see Pete! Keep it up!
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I felt happy posting this. Might well do some more like it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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You should, that’s what good memories are for x
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Keep sharing these, Pete…life experiences, while unique to each one of us, are also universal in so many ways, and continue to strengthen the bond of community!
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I think there will be more of these posts, John. It makes me feel good to reflect on the memories.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Lovely memories, Pete and nice to have so many friends to remember. I find life goes in stages, do you?
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It did for me. I tend to remember it through various jobs, and three different marriages. 🙂
I have sadly lost quite a few very good friends now.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Unfortunately, when you reach a certain age, it’s inevitable that people start disappearing. My Dad in the end out lived everyone of his.
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you had pretty good times and wonderful memories, Pete. i love to sit back and reminisce.
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There could be more posts like this one, Wilma. It made me happy to remember.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Always best to focus on the positive, Pete. Nice memories!
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Thanks, Stevie. remembering things like these helps me stay positive.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Wishing you more good cheer.
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Thanks, Peggy. Good memories do cheer me up! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’m happy to find you so cheered from good memories. The sun is trying to shine here and there’s no rain so far today. That alone had improved my mood and brought on some nice memories. You realise we may be the two most chilled people in the UK.
Hugs
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Thanks, David. You have made the sun appear. I can hardly see the monitor for such bright sunshine! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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It’s always good to reminisce, especially when the recollections are pleasurable 😀 Those were the days, eh, when an ‘ordinary’ person could afford to buy a house in London! 😉 Pouring with rain here, now, but hey ho, plenty to do……. Cheers, Jon.
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Raining and chilly here too, but I am staying positive! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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