BORN FREE(ZYWATER)

A very sad day today as it marks the end of somewhere I won't visit anymore. My Mum's home in which she recided in for 63 years is now no more. The keys are with the local council and Mum at the grand old age of 92 is safe and well in a care home. I was born there in my parents bedroom, Dad I was told was pacing up and down on the balcony whilst Mum gave birth. This remained my home untill 1981.I got married, had a daughter and lived in kilburn untill 1984. By 1985 i was back in my nest with Mum & Dad, as my marriage broke down and I lost two flats within as many months. I lived there untill 1989 where again I got married and moved across the water to the garden of England. Dad passed away in 1991 and Mum remained in the family home. Mum has accepted she can no longer live on her own and giving up her home was the right decision.
I look back with fondness, remembering so many great times there, the laughter, the tears. When I finally shut the door last week it closed so many chapters of my life, but thankfully I can delve into my memory to re-live so many wonderful and never forgotten memories.

TIME TAKES A CIGARETTE..........

With all the laws we now have regarding smoking it wasn't too long ago that smoking was something most people did. It was cool, trendy, a way of life for most people, a way to impress. I always remember lighting up on holiday with my parents in full veiw and waiting for their response, i was 15 ! They did not approve although Dad was a smoker and Mum was'nt. I thought i was so grown up as smoke exhaled from my lips. I gave up nearly eleven years ago, my only downfall was at the Isle of Wight festival where Bowie was performing. I was lets say worse for the wear and craved a cigarette. I approached a group of guys who were all smoking and asked if i could have one, they obliged, and i remember only smoking the cigarette halfway down then throwing it away, i felt guilty of having one. Not one has passed my lips since.
Back in the day when pubs were frequently visited and a drink in one hand, cigarette in another was the norm, they actually went hand in hand. My first cigarette was a Kensitas, my last a Rothmans. There have been many brands from Old Holborn and Golden Virginia roll ups to No 6, No 10, Piccadilly, Senior Service, Weights, Woodbine, Park Drive,Embassy,Benson & Hedges, More,Consulate,Peter Styvesant,Players,Lucky Strike,Kent and Gitanes. Now Gitanes came to light, excuse the pun, because of Mr Bowie, poking out from his waistcoat pocket on tour in 76, so there i was trying to play the part, inhaling as much of this strong French cigarette as i could but not really enjoying it at all. I have always loved the design of the packet, the artwork is iconic, i did read that the artist M.Ponty said that that the design started as a birds beak !