3. An Aqua Massage

I received a voucher for an aqua massage from Angie & Ray as part of my birthday present, so today I went and used it - what an amazing experience!

You lie face down on a massage table and a hood is lowered over you. Inside the hood are jets of warm water that travel up and down your body a bit like a car in a car wash. However you are protected by a thick plastic sheet so don't have to get undressed or get wet!! 



The 10 minute session went so quickly and apparently is equal to a 30 minute hand massage.

I shall definitely be back to Invigr8 in Foxhall Road, Ipswich for another session!

2. Purchased a Paul Cummins Ceramic Poppy

This is something that I would have probably thought was a good idea but never got round to doing - so I went and bought one as soon as I could!  

It is a fabulous idea by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper to remember the 888,246 people who died in World War 1 - and they looked stunning against the Tower of London, there were hundreds of people looking at them when we went to see them in September - and the volunteers will be putting them out until November.

My poppy is number 247,779 and the money raised is going to 6 different charities - the Confederation of Service Charities (COBSEO), Combat Stress, Coming Home, Help for Heroes, the Royal British Legion and SSAFA (formerly the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) and could raise up to £15m.

 The poppy will be posted to me in January. You can find out  how to buy one or more information here
http://poppies.hrp.org.uk/

1. Visiting the Island of Crete, Greece

To kick-start my list is the beautiful island of Crete. We stayed in Rethymnon which has a lovely shallow sandy beach, quaint old town, lots of shops, bars and restaurants! 

I had a great time and spent my actual birthday sightseeing in the town of Chania, shopping and drinking champagne cocktails.

I've been to several parts of Greece before but never Crete, but as usual, the Greeks were very friendly and there were also lots of cats around for Libby to fuss over.