This exquisite pink rose was presented to me a few years ago at the George Hotel in Stamford, during an afternoon whilst I was dining there after shopping in the town. I had completely forgotten that it was Valentine’s Day. 🙂
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Love From Years Gone By
Have you ever thought and wondered about a past love?
Often called a “First Love” or a “Significant Past Romance,” it can leave a lasting mark.
Sometimes, emotions can stay bright and fresh in our memory, even after decades. These memories serve as a touchstone of youth.
Many people find that, even when relationships end, the strong feelings connected to them may not completely fade. Sometimes, they lead to a lifelong sentiment that stays with us forever.
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Recently, a work colleague kindly came to pick me up for work. I truly appreciated it. While she was waiting outside the front of my home, a random woman unexpectedly entered the back of her car. My colleague was quite startled and exclaimed, “Oh Jesus, what are you doing in my car?” She noticed that the woman appeared to be alarmed also. The woman apologised, explaining, “I thought this was the taxi I ordered.” At this point, the taxi driver behind them began to laugh. It was quite an amusing situation. 😁
I am unsure what my reaction would have been if someone did this to me.
F x
😄
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I love to eat good food that is nicely presented.
This was a lovely baguette served with some salad and crisps at the Haycock Hotel, Wansford.
I have some lovely photographs of the Wansford bridge to add to this post soon. 🙂
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Here’s one English breakfast I enjoyed when I went to stay at Bacton.
Cooked Breakfast A traditional cooked breakfast—often called a full English breakfast—is a hearty, comforting start to the day, especially loved across the UK.
Here’s what you’ll typically find on the plate:
Eggs – fried, scrambled, or poached
Bacon – usually back bacon (thicker and meatier than streaky)
Sausages – pork sausages, often called “bangers.” The one above was a bit long and skinny. 🤣🙂
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This song reminds me of my mother and father. My parents were great ballroom dancers. My father loved the Waltz. It was his favourite.
🙂
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It’s such a lovely song. 🙂
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It has been a few years since my beloved pet bunny passed away. I miss him so much.
Bradley Soft Little Goodbye
In a corner where you used to rest,
A hush has fallen, soft and blessed.
No tiny paws, no gentle thump,
No curious nose, no playful jump.
You nibbled days like clover sweet,
With velvet ears and heartbeat neat,
A fragile soul, so small, so bright,
A flicker of love, a whisper of light.
The hay lies still, the bowl untouched,
But oh, how deeply you were loved.
In every hop, in every stare,
You left your quiet magic there.
Run now where the grasses grow,
Where soft winds wander, kind and slow,
Where endless fields in sunlight gleam,
And life is one long, peaceful dream.
Though you have gone, you’re not apart—
You’ve burrowed deep inside my heart.
A tiny life, yet love so wide…
My gentle friend, my soft goodbye.
Bradley kisses He was so sweet, right to the very end. He lived to be 8 years old. He was such a cute character. He loved me singing to him, which is another reason I joined Smile.
He was my best friend during covid and lockdown and also after my father passed away. I will never forget him. 🙂🩷
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I’m listening to “Save the Best for Last” by Vanessa Williams ‧ 1991
It is such a lovely song. I like to save the best for last. 🙂
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I’m listening to “City Of Stars”, which is from the film “LaLa Land.” I loved the film. I can remember watching the film 9 years ago, the same year my father passed away. The film starred Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.
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I was listening to this beautiful song, “When Someone Loved Me” 🙂
I love the song so much. 🩷🙂
The song is from one of my favourite animated films, “Toy Story,” which starred Tom Hanks and a host of other stars. 🙂
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Q. What school did you attend, Frances, when you resided in Cyprus?
A. I attended two British schools during my years living in Cyprus. My father was posted to Cyprus in the 1970’s. He was in the British Royal Air Force. Before my father retirement, he worked in the Education Department.
My educational journey included time at Campbell Junior School and subsequently at St John’s Secondary School. Both schools provided excellent education.
They were exclusively British schools, staffed solely by British teachers. Someone assumed that, having lived in Cyprus as a child, I attended a Cypriot school. However, this was not the case. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cyprus and had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. I was honoured to serve as a bridesmaid at a Cypriot wedding.
I have a great appreciation for Greek culture; however, this does not make me Cypriot. I only resided there for a brief period. During that time, I had some of the most memorable experiences of my life. I also maintain friendships with a few individuals from Cyprus (Greek Cypriots), and we have been in touch and visited each other since our childhood.
I sometimes think about all of those lovely friends I made during my school years and the locals i made friends with. They were special days. 🙂
You may reside in a different country and hold a deep appreciation for its culture without necessarily being from that cultural background. I only lived there during my childhood and still speak only English. Neither of my parents was Greek Cypriot; however, like myself, they enjoyed living in Cyprus.
I returned to England with a notable tan. Residing in warm countries can lead to skin tanning over an extended period. I had a healthy glow upon my return to England, which was quite pleasant.
Aww, I have such a lot of lovely memories.
F x
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I simply love this Neil Sadaka song. It is so sad that we recently lost Neil Sadaka RIP.
“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”
I love this cover version by Gloria Estevan.
I have always been a fan of Gloria Estafan.
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I love it 🩷🩷🩷🩷 Take That has released a new single titled “You’re A Superstar,” It is fantastic!😀
Aww, I love listening to Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour. It reminds me of the good old days when I used to listen to him on the breakfast show. 😃
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I travelled to California for a holiday a few years ago. I really love the song “CALIFORNIA” by British singer Jessie J
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This photograph was taken in 2010. It shows me during a visit to London, standing outside New Scotland Yard. A few years prior to this, I was employed at our local police station. A small group of us had the opportunity to visit Scotland Yard, and we were privileged to have lunch at the on-site restaurant after the tour. It was a memorable day, one I believe few colleagues working in law enforcement have the chance to experience. I remain grateful for the occasion.🙂
I am standing outside Scotland Yard. -
I have really been enjoying watching this Police Thriller, “The Capture.” The character Rachel Carey is so me. She even talks like me.🙂 👍
It has been a long time since I enjoyed watching something good on the TV.
Rachel Carey 
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Today, I met Debbie M, and we went for a lovely walk in the park. We popped to the cafe to have a pot of tea and a slice of cake prior to setting off for another walk. We stopped to sit for a while and to watch the tennis, reminiscing the days we both played tennis at the same place.
I truly appreciate this time of year. Spring is one of my favourite seasons, marking the end of a cold winter. It is when the bulbs begin to bloom, and the parks become filled with more cheerful visitors.😊
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I love sunflowers.
My sunflowers. These were a birthday gift from my daughter a few years ago.
Stamford -
Fabulous! This evening, I went out with a friend Julie B. We enjoyed a meal at Bella Italia. The restaurant was bustling, and the food was very good. The staff were very friendly. My pasta meal was delicious.
Sometimes, you can chat with people in a friendly manner, but you don’t really get to know them. It is not until you go out and socialise together and you spend time in their company, that you really get to know and like them. I have done just that on a few occasions recently.
F x
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Friday Morning – The alarm has just gone off, and I am currently lying in silence, endeavouring to find some motivation. I am feeling quite exhausted. Fortunately, the weekend is approaching. Yay!
I hope the weather remains pleasant.
It is a pleasure to open my blinds and to see my cherry tree adorned with an abundance of delicate pink blossoms. Then, in the field across the road from me, there are rows of daffodils gently swaying in the breeze. I love springtime. ❤️
Aww. I have just seen a little squirrel scurry past me.
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My neice and I 💞
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Sometimes, going away on your own can be fabulous. I loved my own company. I met a few friendly people on my travels.
Frances My holiday began by staying at this lovely hotel called Petwood. My room was just lovely. The staff were very nice. 🙂
This was a quaint little Police Station I then headed off to my next destination, to continue my lovely holiday.
The ceiling in the tree house. It was beautiful x 
My favourite place to relax. 
My beautiful photo of the day.
Beautiful – My view from my room 
So delicious. Salmon Encroute. 
I loved doing G&T’s 
Relaxing in a hammock Feeling so relaxed.
The birds love this! 
😀 
At the end of the day 
Bags all packed -
I was watching Big Cat 24/7 on the TV this evening.
Wow! I had tears in my eyes when the lion prides reunited following a period of separation. The process is marked by vigorous social bonding behaviours, including head rubbing and vocalisations. It is absolutely wonderful to see.
I was a fan of “Born Free” as a child.
Me on action with my camera 🙂 The Born Free television series ran on NBC from September 1974 to December 1974. It was a short-lived, 13-episode series, following the 1966 film and the true story of rearing a lioness. I loved the series. 🙂
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I captured this photograph during a visit to RAF Duxford a few years ago. The daffodils were gently swaying in the wind. They looked so pretty.
Daffodils Dancing In The Wind Daffodils dancing in the wind,
Golden heads that gently bend,
Whispering softly to the day,
As clouds and sunlight drift and play.
They sway as though they know a song,
A melody the breeze hums along,
Bright little flames upon the green,
The happiest sight that spring has seen.
They nod and twirl in fields so wide,
With joy they simply cannot hide,
As if the earth itself has smiled
At something simple, sweet, and wild. 🌼🌿 -
Happy Mothering Sunday to all mothers out there. 💐🌼🌹🌸🏵
I woke up to my lovely daughters voice this morning. I realised just how much I have missed her since she returned to Australia, but distance does not have to be far away, especially when love transcends physical separation, proving that distance does not have to be a barrier when hearts are deeply connected.
Thank you for making me feel happy today. I love you with all of my heart. 🩷
I have chatted with both of my daughters recently. They were very warming conversations, heart to heart. I love you both more than words can say. You are both always in my heart.
Always remember — no matter how grown you are, you will forever be my precious daughters. 🩷
Children are the morning light
that slips gently through the day,
little voices filled with wonder
as they laugh, run, and play.
They carry dreams in tiny hands,
hope shining in their eyes,
turning ordinary moments
into a beautiful surprise.
They grow like flowers in a garden,
each one bright and free,
yet somehow in their growing
they grow a part of me.
And though the years may guide them far
to paths I cannot see,
my love will walk beside them—
wherever they may be. 🌷Omg! A box has just arrived. 😳
So beautiful! 
So beautiful Thank you Catherine, from the bottom of my heart. When you receive the most beautiful flowers, it makes you want to smile and cry at the same time.
Thank you. I love you.
You two complete me! 🩷🩷
A roast dinner for dinner 😁
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This website is somewhat akin to the treehouse I have recently been staying in. It provides a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, a space where I can feel completely at ease. It is a place where I enjoy sharing my thoughts and displaying some of my own photographs. It is my sanctuary — my personal space. 😀
Me 🙂 -
I ate the best ginger cake i had eaten in a long time, at the Burghley cafe.
Then I had a brisk walk around Burghley park
Lion Bridge, Burghley 
I used to work at the Crown Hotel many years 🙂 
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A day off is not meant to be rushed,
not a list to conquer
or hours to chase.
It begins slowly —
with morning light stretching across the room
and the quiet comfort of knowing
there is nowhere you have to be.
Perhaps the kettle sings,
and the first sip of tea feels softer
because the clock has loosened its grip.
You step outside,
letting fresh air brush your face,
noticing little things often missed —
a bird perched on a fence,
sunlight dancing on windows,
the easy rhythm of the world moving gently on.
A day off is a day to breathe deeper,
to wander a little,
to read a few pages,
to call someone you love,
or simply sit in stillness.
Because making the most of life
is rarely about doing more.
It is about noticing more.
And on a day off,
life quietly reminds you
that peace, joy, and contentment
were never far away —
they were simply waiting
for you to slow down. -
Lol I use this word instead of swearing sometimes 🤣🤣🤣
Truthfully, I love profiteroles, so much so that I recently bought some from M&S. They were so delicious.
The photo below was taken during a trip to London, at a cafe. They were delicious. I love Choux pastry.
😀
Profiteroles -
One of the reasons I decided to create my own blog/website was to establish my own identity and prevent any further misassociation with individuals who may be impersonating me. I value my individuality, and I prefer to be recognised independently. Think more people should do the same thing. Only sharing their own photographs and not mine!
I am passionate about photography. I can express my favourite art here. I love being me! 🙂
I hope that one day, I can share my life with a like-minded individual. 🙂
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Sometimes, it is better to spend time away on your own than to not go anywhere. I went on an adventure. 🙂
Happiness does not always arrive
with crowds and conversation—
sometimes it sits beside you quietly
and smiles in the silence. 🫠🌿
The suitcase rests beside the bed,
No laughter echoing in the hall,
Just sunlight drifting through the curtains
And the hush of morning’s call.
I wander streets at my own pace,
No plans, but where my heart may roam,
A café chair, a seaside breeze—
For now, the world is mine alone.
There’s peace within the quiet hours,
Time to breathe and simply be,
To watch the tide, to read, to dream,
And listen to the restless sea.
Yet in the golden evening light,
When shadows stretch across the bay,
A gentle thought of those I love
Softly finds its quiet way.———–
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My holiday began staying at this lovely hotel called Petwood. My room was just lovely. There staff were very nice. 🙂
This was a quaint little Police Station I then headed off to my next destination, to continue my lovely holiday.
My beautiful photo of the day.
Beautiful – My view from my room 
No makeup. Yay! B
The birds love this! 😀 At the end of the day There will be more photos to follow.
At the end of the day
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Sunrise 
A new day Daylight spills across the lake
in quiet threads of gold,
touching water, touching sky,
a story gently told.The mist lifts like a whispered dream
drifting from the shore,
while ripples catch the newborn light
and carry it once more.The world is still remembering
the night it left behind,
yet in the shining water
a softer peace I find.For morning writes its promise
on every ripple it makes—
hope moving with the sunlight
across the waking lake.
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Salmon En Croute for Dinner this evening, with a couple of glasses of gin and tonic.
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It’s a fantastic song by The Monkees 😁
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A nice pit of tea at The Mall 
So lovely to meet Whispy the Jack Russell 
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Breakfast greets the morning light,
A gentle start, warm and bright.
A cup of tea, a slice of toast,
Simple things we cherish most.
It wakes the mind, it stirs the day,
Chasing sleepiness away.
A quiet moment, calm and new,
A chance to breathe the morning through.
For in that meal, both small and sweet,
The day and hope so softly meet.
My bedroom window today 
A lovely room 
The breakfast room 
I had a bowl of cereal, and I also had a full English breakfast, with hash browns, black pudding, etc. It was lovely.
All good things must come to an end, though. It has been a lovely stay. More will be revealed re my destination later.
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Feeling Warm So lovely. There will more photos to follow soon. However, the fireside was so warming. 🙂
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I’m a Barbie Girl -
Francrs Rose Agnes Napper – It seems that I have a rare name 🙂
Frances 
I am quite versatile in my look. The top photograph is of me wearing a wig and the bottom photograph of me is with my own hair!
F x
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Everyone needs a little pampering from time to time. I am in desperate need. 🙂
A lovely 1 hour long massage at Jasmine’s Spa, in town. Feeling relaxed. 🙂
I have not visited the Park Hotel in ages. Then to BE AR Cafe. I love this cafe.
Feeling relaxed at the Park Inn having a drink 
BE AR Bean Around Coffee 🙂 
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My daughter and I had a wonderful day together, just before she went to live in Australia.
We played shadows together during a day’s outing together. 🙂
Lauren and I🩷 Aww, Robbie Williams is ace!
My Dearest Daughter
You arrived like morning light
soft, golden, full of promise,
and from that very first moment
my heart learned a deeper love.
I watched your tiny hands grow strong,
your laughter, filled quiet rooms,
your dreams stretch wide as open skies
where anything could bloom.
If ever the world feels heavy
and the road seems long to climb,
remember, my love walks beside you
through every space and time.I love you, Lauren 🩷
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I took this selfie just to see what I would look like wearing glasses. It was taken before I coloured my hair darker during a photography trip to Brighton. 🙂
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A few months ago, I met up with one of my old school friends from Australia. We had not seen each other for years. We popped into the Central Cafe, Stamford, where I met my Knight In Shining Armour. 😃
You came quietly into my life,
not with swords or shields,
but with a heart so strong
it made mine feel safe.
Your arms became my shelter,
your love, my guiding star—
my knight in shining armour,
exactly as you are. ❤️ -
I loved this film. 🙂 It starred Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell in Four Weddings and a Funeral
It is interesting to observe that during your early years, up until the age of 50, life is often characterised by a series of weddings. However, when someone close to you passes away, it can lead to a significant shift in one’s perspective and experience of life.
I have been to at least 6 funerals in the past few years. 😪
F x
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This is such a lovely song by Eric Clapton
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Last night, I was truly swept away by the breathtaking splendour of “Giselle” – The Royal Ballet at the Key Theatre.
The tale unfurled with such raw emotion, telling of Giselle, a humble peasant girl whose heart was so pure it seemed to glow. She fell utterly in love with Count Albrecht, a nobleman who, in a desperate act of deception, claimed to be just a simple villager named Loys. Her protective mother, Berthe, warned her, her voice trembling with concern, praying she would marry Hilarion, the steadfast forester.
Then, the drama erupted with a hunting scene that burst with tension and anticipation. Hilarion, with trembling hands, uncovered the truth – a sword bearing Albrecht’s family crest. The devastating realisation shattered Giselle’s world; her heart plunged into despair as Hilarion revealed the treachery. Overwhelmed by heartbreak, Giselle’s fragile spirit broke. She seized Loys’ sword, and in a moment of tragic desperation, took her own life.
Albrecht, haunted by guilt and love, laid lilies upon Giselle’s grave, their delicate fragrance a testament to his grief. As her spirit rose, luminous and tender, he was so exhausted from sorrow that he was driven to the brink, drowning himself in a hopeless whirlpool of despair.
In a final dance of eternal devotion, Giselle’s spirit and Albrecht’s love entwined in a ghostly embrace. The ballet was a sublime display of love’s power and tragedy, so beautifully performed that every movement stirred the depths of the soul.
And as the story reached its poignant close, Giselle’s spirit quietly returned to her resting place, leaving Albrecht alone in the silent echo of heartbreak, his soul forever touched by her ethereal presence.
This ballet was simply wonderful.
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I had a most pleasant afternoon with my two daughters, shopping in my hometown of Stamford. It had been quite some time since my last visit. Since the passing of Dad and Marion, I have not had many opportunities to return. As a result, we thoroughly enjoyed our walk around the town. We also shared a lovely lunch at the Cosy Club.
SmileyRose Ramblings by
Frances Rose Agnes Napper (She/Her) 