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  • July 2026 (Something & Nothing)

    July 2026 (Something & Nothing)

    I can best describe July as meh… and that meh doesn’t even deserve the effort of capitalisation. I think the weather has had a part to play but with 3 days to go it’s cloudy and cooling, at least in the mornings, so I thought I better make an effort and write something. Lyn and…

    Mark Simmons

    01/08/2026
    Monthly Update
    Days Out, Devon, england, history, life, National Trust, photography, Theatre
  • June 2026 (Island In The Sun)

    June 2026 (Island In The Sun)

    When an email dropped into my inbox looking for volunteers to work on Lundy Island for a couple of days, it implied that it would be oversubscribed. And after a week had passed of when they would select people and I’d had no notification, I naturally assumed I had not been picked. I’d expected as…

    Mark Simmons

    30/06/2026
    Monthly Update
    adventure, Devon, hiking, life, National Trust, nature, photography, Travel, writing
  • May 2026 (Italy Part 2)

    May 2026 (Italy Part 2)

    If you’ve not read part 1, then click here. The next couple of days proved the best, both in terms of weather and exploration. A lot of times these things go hand in hand. This is one of the first holidays I’ve just ‘winged it’, but to be honest, I don’t like it much and…

    Mark Simmons

    28/06/2026
    Monthly Update
    adventure, europe, food, italy, photography, Travel
  • May 2026 (Italy Part 1)

    May 2026 (Italy Part 1)

    I’ve decided to split May into 2 parts and it will focus solely on our holiday to Italy. Part 2 will follow at some point or it’s already here depending on when you’re reading this. This month saw our return to foreign travel as we went to one of our bucket list destinations, Lake Garda…

    Mark Simmons

    01/06/2026
    Monthly Update
    adventure, europe, italy, lake-garda, photography, riva, Rivadelgarda, Travel, tui
  • April 2026

    April 2026

    In April, the author enjoyed their first National Trust day, visiting Saltram Park and Antony House despite the poor weather. The experience included an unexpected ferry ride and the acquisition of a new car. They expressed humor and frustration about their adventures and looked forward to an upcoming trip to Italy.

    Mark Simmons

    01/05/2026
    Monthly Update
    adventure, Days Out, Devon, life, National Trust, nature, photography, Travel
  • March 2026

    March 2026

    March was eventful with a new window installed, enjoyable volunteering at Arlington Court, car shopping, and a memorable trip on the Flying Scotsman with family. Spring brings hope for completion of home repairs.

    Mark Simmons

    01/04/2026
    Monthly Update
    Days Out, family, hampshire, life, love, Travel, writing
  • February 2026

    February 2026

    In February, the author reflects on winter maintenance challenges, particularly renovating old sash windows, which reveal the unexpected responsibilities of homeownership. Amidst these tasks, they also volunteer at Arlington Court, gaining a sense of purpose. The month concludes with personal technological improvements and anticipation for upcoming events.

    Mark Simmons

    01/03/2026
    Monthly Update
    art, Devon, DIY, family, food, National Trust, writing
  • January 2026

    January 2026

    In January 2026, nostalgia prompted some to wish for a repeat of 2016, despite its tumultuous events. The narrator enjoyed bus trips around North Devon, reflecting on personal appearances and sharing too much personal history with strangers. A surprise birthday stay at a quality hotel led to a visit to the threatened Eden Project.

    Mark Simmons

    31/01/2026
    Monthly Update
    bus, cornwall, Days Out, Devon, europe, food, nature, photography, Travel
  • December 2025

    December 2025

    In 2025, the author reflects on an unexpectedly eventful year filled with travel, cultural experiences, and family milestones, including their daughter’s wedding. They successfully opposed a local council plan, engaged with their community through a WhatsApp group, and volunteered with the National Trust. The year concludes with anticipation for 2026.

    Mark Simmons

    27/12/2025
    Monthly Update
    Devon, English Heritage, family, life, National Trust, photography, Travel, volunteer, volunteering, writing
  • November 2025

    November 2025

    After an abundant October, November was a bit fallow. I did find out the arthritis in my right foot is a bit more extensive then first thought along with something called Freiberg’s disease which is in all likelihood another gift from when I broke my foot during COVID and nobody wanted to do their jobs!…

    Mark Simmons

    29/11/2025
    Monthly Update
    books, Devon, england, family, food, Salisbury, Travel, writing
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