Waddaya mean, we need a wet suit!?
Middle Aged, Not Dead.
Defining a group or a generation is a little more challenging than it used to be.
The thing about Middle Age is knowing where it starts and ends. I mean, everything else is pretty cut and dry, we’re teenagers, then we’re in our twenties and thirties and forties. Decades are neatly marked out for us and oddly people don’t say, “Oh, you’re in your second decade” or fifth or seventh. And generations…When did that get so complicated? We’ve got The Silent generation, then the Boomers and there have been conversations that because of the sex drive of our parents (Yuck) lasting for several decades after WW11 was over the Baby Boomer generation should be split into two or even three periods. Then a few honourable mentions Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. Personally, I think I was part of the greatest generation after those who gave so much during two world wars of course. Yep, tail end of the Baby Boomers saw the late 50s then the 60s 70s and 80s. After that I’m unsure what happened to the music, I think we all became a little lost. I’m kidding about the music, every generation brings its gifts and its short comings.
But it brings me back to the big question on my mind; ‘Where does Middle Age begin and end?’ With ‘Middle Aged, Not Dead’ we plan to enlighten ourselves and hope you as well as to the answer to that very question. But more than that, what does middle age look like in this ever changing world where we live longer, healthier and more adventurous. Well, if you’re ready, lets take a look.
Lee&Chris
Be Brave, Believe, Be Happy!
Tin Trains and Seals.
We went to AirBnB in a Tin Train and Sealed the deal at the beach
When we talked about starting a YouTube Channel, we thought about would be the content that we enjoyed as well as you. Obviously, if our content is so niche we only attract a few niche followers then we quite possibly are not going to create a business. We have been trying to create a channel that is a combination of entertainment, fun and informative content. It’s a bit of a juggling act but I believe we will get there. Part of the fun of watching YouTube for us, in knowing that we may never do the things that some of the channels get up to. Constantly traveling around the world or participating in high risk activities is a bit of a distant memory for me (mostly done in my time in the Army) but it’s fun to live vicariously through the people we follow who’s channels are based on those subjects. On the other hand, it is in part the results of watching several content creators who’s channels have featured subject matter that we believed we could and indeed would like to do, that we are here today.
We found a niche for ourselves which is using the vast Airbnb library to find unique and interesting places to stay. We have found ourselves in a train, a book shop and this next episode, a 250 year old Piggery. We will be staying there in March.
Meanwhile, we found ourselves staying in a converted train carriage that was first part of Britains rolling stock 1895. The Tine Train, took three years to complete and like so many AirBnBs, the effort that has gone into creating this location is extraordinary. I am sure that this is why people like to spend time in AirBnBs. We had a wonderful time staying at the Tin Train and we‘ve dropped in the link below to the episode and also to the AirBnB. We highly recommend staying. You have the Norfolk Coast within a quick driving distance and there is plenty to do now that season is getting under way.
Be Brave, Believe, Be Kind.
Lee&Chris
Link for Tin Train Air BnB
Air B and Books
We spent a couple of nights in a book shop. No, we didn’t break in and it wasn’t illegal, but it was fun.
So, in the middle of 2024, I was out with some friend and one them mentioned that he and his wife had spent a wonderful couple of days in an Airbnb that was once a book store. That peaked my interest enough to surprise Chris and I booked the ‘Old Book Shop’ in Uppingham in Rutland County. Did you know that Rutland County is the smallest County in the UK? Neither did I. We had an amazing couple of days and we spent time at Rutland Water, a man made reservoir that was started in the early 70s, that raving psychedelic decade of free spirit and great music and very colourful clothes and it was finished in 1975. We shot our first successful VLOG for our YouTube channel there, which has garnered nearly 500 views. I know, mind boggling right? Actually, we are grateful for all of the views and the like and comment. We are starting off on this journey, two neophytes on the journey that is ‘Middle Age!
Please enjoy the VLOG below of our stay in Uppingham and please give the channel a look, we’re going to heading up to Norfolk to stay in a train that is now an AirBnB. I’ve dropped in the link right here. The Old Book Shop
Lee&Chris
Be Brave, Believe, Be Happy!
Open Water Swim
Where the ‘PP Shrinkage factor becomes a real thing. I have no idea what that translates to for Women.
In a moment of joyous rapture we donned wet suits and gleefully and with gay abandon through our bodies into the lake!
NAH! It was more like a moment of madness really. In fairness it was a pretty cool day and I can see why people do it. There were of course those brave souls who didn’t where the obligatory wet suit, which we hired for £5 each (money well spent).
We spent the morning at the Lee Valley White Water Park. We’ve dropped in the link to their site, it’s well worth the visit if you within driving. It was built for the 2012 Olympics and it’s really a great contribution to the area. Kayaking, white water rafting, open water swimming and water assault course. Good Cafe’ and on a warm day great to watch those wild and crazy people white water kayaking.
Come on, do something adventurous and exciting.+