'Nobody gets remembered for the things they didn't do' Thank you Mr Turner.

Well, I have precisely 4 weeks left in Kent. At the end of today in 4 weeks time I will be singing on stage with The Tuesdays and then making my way back home for the last time.  I'm looking forward to going home and can't say that I enjoyed my time down here wholeheartedly. There were quite a few reasons why, mainly due to stuff down here in Kent itself but various other things too. 

Anyway, I'm trying to look at things in a positive light, and see what was great about this year, because there were some things that were truly wonderful. Also, I want to make a list (my whole life is lists...) of things that I didn't manage to do whilst I was down here, in a bid to try and do them at some point in the future.

These are a few of my favourite things:

1) Friends- I have made some absolutely wonderful friends down here, people like Mummy T and my Best Singing Mate. Lots of the other domestic staff where I work and all the rest of my friends in The Tuesdays. I'm going to miss these people terribly when I leave and owe them a lot for supporting me down here when I found it tough. 

2) The Tuesdays- Well this bunch have been an absolute delight, every Tuesday, for a couple of hours in the church hall, worries have disappeared and lots of laughter has been shared as we sing away to our little hearts content. We have performed publicly 4 times and I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. In exactly 4 weeks time we will be performing our HEADLINE! (how exciting's that?!) set at Tentertainment Festival. It will be standard 'it'll be alright on the night' Tuesdays style but some of our songs already sound most excellent, even if we do say so ourselves. It will also be the most fantastic way of rounding off my time here, as friends from work have promised to come and watch me and then say goodbye as I leave. 

3) Rare Breeds Centre- There's nothing like repeatedly cuddling your favourite baby goat as you introduce a class of city kids to a farm and farm animals, often for the first time. It was probably one of my favourite trips to take the children to, as it was really rewarding and the children obviously got a lot out of the experience. Also, it was lovely to be able to spend time with all the animals and improve my own knowledge. I will miss Twix the goat kid though and I'm still annoyed the Elder Basons and The Boyf won't let me bring her home!

4) Canterbury and the Cathedral- I was very lucky to visit Canterbury twice whilst living down here, and enjoy a free trip to the Cathedral with one of the groups that came here. The Cathedral is just incredible and the guided tour we had was fabulous. Canterbury as a city is also beautiful and I look forward to visiting it again in the future. 

5) Scotney Castle- I have visited a few of the National Trust places whilst being down here and have to say that Scotney Castle is just beautiful. I went a second time with The Boyf and although the weather wasn't as nice second time round, it was still gorgeous. The folly is exquisite and I hope to come back and walk further around the estate in future.

6) The Historic Dockyards, Chatham- One of the best tourist attractions I've ever been to and we had a fabulous day out there. Was a bit dubious of the £15 price tag to get in but there is so much to do that we didn't even see everything and had we had more chances to revisit, our ticket does actually give us entry for a whole 12 months. 

7) The Woodland Walk- The woodland walk on which we take the children most weeks is one of my favourite things about having been down here. To see the woods change through all 4 seasons, has been simply wonderful and the one time I was able to do the walk without the kids, but taking The Boyf to see what I harp on about, the weather was outstanding and it was a truly wonderful afternoon. I really really hope to come back here and do that walk again in the future.

8) The Coast- Whether it was at Camber Sands and Rye Harbour with the children, or the days spent at Dungeness Nature Reserve by myself, the fact that I've lived this close to the coastline has been wonderful. I love the fact we're an Island Nation and have a great interest in our Maritime history, so to experience the seaside for more than just a couple of weeks in a year, was lovely.

The Things I Didn't Do:

1) Visit Brighton- This was quite a big one, I really wish I'd gone to there, it seems like such a vibrant and exciting city.

2) Spend more time in London- I was hoping to do a few more things in London, but alas, I didn't find the time or company to do so. 

3) Go to Broadstairs. It's probably one of the furthest places to get to in the county from where I am, which is a shame as the long drive meant that I never did go and see this beautiful town.

4) Go to Battle- This is almost embarrassing. I was so close and a History geek. I should have made the effort.

5) Visit Tunbridge Wells- Again a beautiful town I was advised to check out by many people but never did.

6) Visit Leeds Castle- I have always wanted to go here, but mainly due to money, I didn't get to. I think I regret this more than most things but I will make it back down here again and will go one day.

Already planning to come back down here and stay with Best Singing Mate for Snowball in December and I'm sure that it won't be too long until I'm back down here to visit friends, sing and visit new places. It's been a gorgeous place to live and the weather has certainly been better, I look forward to come back of my own accord.