That is it all said and done. The holidays are over and back to school we go. For some reason they absolutely flew past and almost already forgotten. They were mostly fabulous, but I wish they were still happening because the weather hasn’t really reflected what should be holidays. We had a week of summer and then, who knows what happened. No decent storms to even enjoy, just meh.
I still managed to get a tan, although it was mostly from artificial light and an occasional sun burn. What did we achieve? Not a lot and I think that is the idea. We made a summer bucket list and did it all, which included visiting the “dead fish shop”. We are not the same people we began the holidays as, in fact I think we managed to be even more sassy, less classy and 200% more assy.
The highlights were conquering fears this year. The boys jumped a few harbor piers and swam in the ocean more days than I can count. Of course I joined them and challenged my fear of heights. We did the “skydive” jump at Landmark forest adventure park, (with the promise of £50 when complete) which began the series of challenges. This encouraged the trying to drop in a huge ramp at the skate park, (didn’t end well, ask for the video if you need a laugh) and a jump off the back off the lighthouse at the harbor and paddle boarding into the open ocean. Crab catching and of course a ton of football which of course we are well versed in.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to be at home with my kids the whole summer for a change and not having to ditch a day out for work. It changes a lot and gave us freedom that we really didn’t take advantage of, but was beyond enjoyable.
We harvested our first round of potatoes and made some amazing toasties along with some cucumber and strawberries. The corn and tomatoes are taking forever this year, but I blame the sun for that.
My kids need school to go back. I don’t, but they really need to see more faces than the ones they wake up to every morning. We didn’t travel very far beyond our comfort places and didn’t need to. We spent far too much on ice cream and pizza, but strangely I don’t regret it a single bit, in fact if anything I feel we could have bought more. Not that my jeans think the same.
I spent the summer growing out my hair and I am pretty impressed. I mean, I don’t have a full head of it, but there is definitely progress and less of my scalp on show! I also revamped my book. I fixed the spelling and grammar that I could find and added a new cover. The contents page also now lines up with the page numbers. For anyone who purchased the original you have a rare version that will never be printed again and when I sell millions of copies you will have the privilege of being an original supporter, something I am beyond grateful for. Also if anyone knows how to advertise a book about a time in life that most people now want to forget, let me know.
The biggest blow this month has been that we lost our dog, which we had a feeling was coming although the reality is a bit more horrible. He had been ill for quite some time now and has spend the last few months being spoiled with cuddles and food. We had a walk in the rain and went for breakfast the other week. A local cafe that is dog friendly was a literal treat for us all. He sat chilling in the corner munching sausages before our slow wander home for a bath. He was the best dog and more part of the family than I ever realized until it was time to let him go. This is the kind of things I would like to have been prepared for growing up. These moments that make you hate being an adult.
Its been a bit of a week this last one, but it wont last thankfully.
Other unnecessary things happening included, bringing my car home from the garage for a day before the exhaust snaps in two. Of course though the garage is shut for a week so that is next weeks problem. The vet was also strangely enough closed for a week at the time we needed and the nearest is an hour away. The joy of living in small towns by the sea is that nothing happens at speed. If you want something done fast you better be prepared to travel or wait an eternity.
The bonus of all this slowness is the beach, the sea and the ridiculousness. If I want to chill out, I go to the beach. Want to have fun, go the sea. Want to be ridiculous and nobody bats and eyelid, because they are all bat shit crazy too.
Is there a bright side this week? Probably, but today is not the day for me to find it. Maybe tomorrow. We will try again and enjoy the sadness and mull in its mood. Its not to be feared because it too shall pass. If you need a moment to wallow, I suggest listening to this wee song. Try not to wallow for too long, but enjoy it when you are there.
Rich men north of Richmond – Oliver Anthony music
