Silver and Gold

Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano that looks out over the Firth of Forth. It is relatively easy to climb and the panoramic view is well worth the effort. And this is where I started thinking about my blog posting for you today, as I am up in Edinburgh on business. In the distance, I can see the inky calligraphy of the cranes - the city appears stencilled and scribbled below me in the early morning light.

Did you ever learn the song with the chorus, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold?"

Well I can speak to strangers in supermarket queues and have a new friend in a matter of minutes...I guess I subscribe to my mothers belief - that a stranger is just a friend that you haven't met yet.. However, I never forget the value of old 'golden' friends.

Do you keep in touch with people who matter in your life? It is vital to have networks of family and friends and to stay in touch regularly. I do urge you to make contact today with someone that you haven't spoken to for a while. It will renew the bond and probably make their day into the bargain.

Barbara Robertson and Jane McLaren and I go back decades...and boy did we have a lot to catch up on last night. My aim is always to do business and pleasure when I am on a trip away. We had so much to talk about that, thanks to Jane, we have planned a renuion in early May next year. We will escape to the Cairngorms; to Rothiemurchus Lodge to be precise. We were all there with a skiing party from GSUOTC back in the early 70s. In fact, this is where I met my husband - the gorgeous ski instructor - more of that anon.

I adore the Scottish Highlands and when I return I always ask myself , "Why did you stay away so long?" It is the ultimate escape to have time to walk and talk and think ...and contemplate fresh challenges.

I love fridge magnets - and here is my favourite from Barbara's collection - Real women don't have hot flushes, they have power surges!

So, regardless of your age and stage in life take the power you have in your hands today and move forward...

Just phone that good friend first! And maybe plan a reunion - I am looking forward to ours already!