What I Learned, Looking Forward, Looking Back: November 2025

Despite being a bit chilly, November was a great month! I had some time to wander around, regroup, pet cats, hike some high peaks, spend time with friends, hug children and see some beautiful sights. 

Please copy and paste the questions at the end and add your answers to the mix! 

Where was I? England & Wales

1. What is the name of your last month's chapter or the theme of your last month if you prefer that? 

January: Baguettes and Many Steps
February: In Like Minnesota; Out Like Hawaii
March: Wet and Wild
April: My Life is in Ruins, and Beaches Too
May: Al Fresco
June: Tales as Old as Time: The Christianity and Wine Versions
July: Quick and Dirty: the Baltics and the Balkans Adventure
August: The Dark Tourist
September: Recharging The Batteries
October: Blown Away
November: Baby, It's Cold Outside

2. What did you learn last month? 

I learned about the textile trade in England. In Manchester, it was cotton and it was very important, which is how they became as big of a city as they are. Also during the Civil War they decided to stop buying cotton from slave owners, which meant that they had to source the cotton from Egypt and other further afield places, therefore driving up the prices. There are also a lot of well known bands from Manchester. Can you name one? 

I also learned about the silk industry in Macclesfield, which was kind of like the "end of the silk road" as London would send the silk there to be processed. I got to see an old loom in action, which was so cool, but very, very loud! I can't imagine working for 10 or 12 hours a day in that kind of environment! 

Silk looms

3. What was the weather like where you are? 

It was a tad chilly, with some rain at the beginning and by the end, on one of the colder days, it was about 17 degrees F! On that day, I was riding a bike, and it was icy! 

4. What event last month was your favorite?

Its hard to choose! I spent some time in Snowdonia, and loved wandering every day, as well as climbing Mt. Snowdon. The peaks and valleys there are beautiful! However, I also cycled from one end of Wales to the other on the Lon Las Cymru route, and that was quite an adventure! Last but definitely not least, I got to spend some time with Rachel and the kiddos (and the husband of course!) which was great. We even went hiking with the twins and I made a new bestie (Clara)! 

Me and my new besties!

5. What was the best thing you read, listened to or watched last month? November was not a good reading month. I was having trouble getting into any audiobooks, despite having time on the bike or hikes to listen! However, there were a few that were four stars for me. 

Book: A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Arden

Movie/Show: N/A

Podcast: nothing new... 

6. Tell us one funny recent story. 

I was riding the bike on a tiny Welsh road, down a hill and a patch of ice came along and I fell! It was such a slow speed fall (in my mind) and I wasn't really hurt. Also there are barely any cars so I was not in danger of getting hit. However, it was so hard to pick the bike up off the ice and gingerly make my way off the ice with the bike! Also, later I discovered quite a nasty bruise on my thigh, but I had not even felt it when I fell. 

7. What are you looking forward to this month?

Hugging my Mother! 💖(and my Dad of course, but there is something special about laying your head on your Mothers' bosom, isn't there?) 

Your turn! To copy/paste, highlight the text below and click CTRL-C, then put the cursor in the comment box and click CTRL-V.

NOVEMBER:

1. What is the name of your last month's chapter or the theme of your last month if you prefer that? 

2. What did you learn last month? 

3. What was the weather like where you are? 

4. What event last month was your favorite?

5. What was the best thing you read, listened to or watched last month?  

6. Tell us one funny recent story. 

DECEMBER: 

7. What are you looking forward to this month?

Bonus question! Can you name a band from Manchester?