I was born many decades ago in a Yorkshire Town. With no brothers or sisters to play or even have fun fights with, I very quickly learned the value of reading books and would often vary the entertainment copying pictures from the books. That said, I did not fair that well at school, barely scraping through my 11+ examinations and leaving school examinations. As the years passed I delighted in the births of my two children Kathryn and Julia, and subsequently the births of my grandchildren and even my first great grandchild. Subsequently we decided to 'retire' to Ireland - and to be honest I have never worked so hard in my life. I went back to college joining a post leaving cert course which was also open to 'adults' who wanted to update their skills. I came away after that year with a host of examination successes and a rudimentary knowledge of the computer. I then went on to complete a 6 year Open University Degree Course in Health and Social Care, for which I gained BSc 2nd Class Honours, in addition to a Diploma in Health and Social Welfare. Though in my seventh decade - I still go out to work as a part time medical secretary in a nearby Medical Practice. I love all things arty and crafty - and am honing my skills in pet portraits using oil paint. I also hand craft greeting cards but in the past have done knitting and sewing too.