1203.25 BATTLESTAR GALACTICA

When I was a kid I remember watching Battlestar Galactica, it was the early 80s and I was (and still am) sci fi mad, these were the days of Star Wars, Star Trek was back and Buck Rodgers was having his adventures in the 25th century.

I was overjoyed in 2003 when the re imagined mini series came to our small screens. I avidly watched the 1st season of the newly commissioned TV series. Unfortunately because of my shift patterns and the fact that no one in my household would entertain it for me, I lost my way and gave up trying to catch up.

I had to wait for Sky+ and for re runs to be able to complete my viewing, I started again from episode 1. It was worth the wait, what an epic series, twist and turns, mysteries and enigmas abound and for once a solid proper conclusion. I need to buy myself the box sets now.

1203.18 DAYTRIP TO WHITBY

I've never been to Whitby.

Hard to believe that I have lived over 40 years without visiting this fine seaside town. So when we were deciding what to do on Mother's day this year we decided to rectify this (Morticia has never been also and really fancied a day out to the coast) and head north to the town famous for whaling (in the past), Captain Cook, fish & chips and Goths.

Arriving we found that lots of others had the same idea. The town was packed and finding a parking space was difficult. We managed to find a car park with a few spaces left.

I wasn't sure what to expect, what I found wasn't the traditional seaside resort. Sure there were arcades and bars, ice creams but the feel of the place was distinctly different. The shops obviously took advantage of the gothic, there were some fun and interesting things on offer.

Highlight of the day was fish & chips in one of the many fish & chip restaurants. I didn't go with any recommendations so I think we were lucky to pick a good one, Robertson's Fish Restaurant.

We had a much needed family day out, it was like a relief from the stressful times behind us and I hope a turning point as we move forward together as a family.

As we (or I) drove into the sunset, well sort of, I took a slight detour through Scarborough, a place I knew very well. A place with a lifetime of memories.

We all said we must visit Whitby again someday.

1203.06 DAD

Some years ago I fell out with my dad (or he fell out with me). This lead to becoming estranged from my family, as time progressed I realised that the damage grew deeper with every passing year and I faced up to the reality that I may never speak to them again.

Things changed at the end of last year. My uncle died at a very young age which shocked the whole family. At the funeral my dad spoke to me, we agreed that life was indeed too short and that the situation has to change. A few weeks later I visited my parents and spoke at length about the things I believed led to our estrangement. We ironed a lot out and a few weeks later (delayed because of other events, see previous post) they came over to our house to visit, and re-get to know their grand-children.

Tonight we all went out for a meal at Meadow Farm, one of our favourite eateries. All went well and the feeling I feel at having my parents back in my life is truly indescribable. It's still early days but I have high hopes for the future.

1203.01 HOW LOW CAN I GO?

I haven't blogged for a while. There's a good reason for that,  life recently has been hard, there has been issues and trouble abound. I'm not going to go into detail about it, that's personal stuff that isn't really for sharing. All I'll say is that the last month has been a very dark time for our family. We've asked for help.  But it's yet to materialise despite being promised. I'm struggling day to day even though I try to put a brave front up, sometimes I wonder how I will get through or if all this effort is worthwhile. Then I look at my family and realise that they are the reason I do this and we are worth saving.