Nip and a punch first day of the month. Here we are October and the weather is definitely changing. The cold is setting in and with it liquid sunshine could dampen our family plans. So with warm drinks and hot food packed we head out to enjoy our planned meet ups. After the last few years of coronavirus restrictions limiting our social gatherings life finally feels to be getting back to normal, and this month we have a full month of family get togethers planned.

This month begins with my siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles all descending on the North East at the same time! In a fortnight of group meets ups in the outdoors and smaller groups it feels like Christmas is in the air. Our first meet up is with my brother and his family at Beamish, while the weather may be cold, my nephew and niece keep us on the move with their enthusiasm to explore, as we chat away about our daily lives and future plans to meet up when more family arrive.

It’s not long after my sister arrives for a long overdue meet up. Coronavirus, subsequent travel restrictions and work commitments have kept us apart for almost two years now. And with other family arriving around the same time, a week of meet ups with family for food, drinks, walks, a little shopping and sightseeing soon brings a little normality back. We end the month with a relaxing weekend of TV, chats and card games at my future in-laws.

As the month draws to a close, we are exhausted by all the social meet ups, I don’t want the month to end. But as I sit now I can start to process and cherish all the new memories.