A Dull Woman's Van Life

Birthday celebrations began on Sunday with a delightful meal at Nino’s Italian restaurant — the perfect way to ease into the week.

On the big day itself, Pepper and I set off for a late afternoon wander up Musbury Tor, planning to sit at the top and watch the sunset. A fierce easterly wind had other ideas. We managed no more than thirty seconds at the summit — Pepper’s ears flapping wildly — before retreating from the dizzy heights and heading down through Tor End Woods instead.

Pepper took full advantage of the detour, climbing onto the wall to scan for squirrels before we made our way home.

This morning, Christmas Eve, we set off a little later and followed the same route. The easterly was still blowing, so we settled on the lower slopes to watch a beautiful sunrise instead.

Along the way we met a canine friend — Colin, the local lothario — out walking with Kelly, accompanied by a lovely spaniel. After a brief stand-off, Colin was joyfully admitted into Pepper’s club and zoomies promptly ensued.

We continued down the Tor path, all three dogs climbing onto the wall for a perfect trio pose before we went our separate ways.

Back home, the garden was full of life. I’d cleaned and refilled all the feeders, and the birds celebrated by flitting eagerly between them.

Out front, they were joined by a roe deer quietly browsing the apples I’d left in the field.

I’ve finally closed my laptop for the holidays — out of office until the 5th of January — and the Christmas celebrations can now begin in earnest.

As the year draws to a close, these small, unplanned moments feel like quiet gifts — a wind-scoured hilltop, a shared sunrise, laughter in the cold air, and life gathering close to home. There’s a gentle comfort in stepping away from the rush, in letting the days slow and the light do its own careful work. For now, it’s enough to be here, to notice, and to welcome whatever comes next.

I’ll see you on the other side.
Merry Christmas xx