5 DAYS - AND COUNTING …
I’ve been trying to organise a bit more time with Philip and Rosemary - and also their youngest daughter (my “youngest” niece) - in Cirencester. I think most schools start their new year around now, after their long, summer break - so Gabriel, (a teacher) also returns to the workforce - but I’ll still get a chance to have a brief “catch up” at some stage, with her as well.
Now that I am a seasoned train and underground traveller, Julia has once again helped me to book and collect tickets to travel (train to London, underground across to Paddington and train, again, to. where Philip will collect me at Kemble.) Just until Thursday, when I will return to Sevenoaks to complete packing my bags. Julia has kindly offered to take me to Heathrow on Friday and then it’s up and away ✈️ to Singapore.
My ex workmate and good friend Julie is meeting me there from Christchurch - about 1 hour after I am due to land - for 6 days. It’s likely to be 32 degrees, evidently. Fortunately “our hotel” has a swimming pool. Julie enjoys swimming. I don’t - and have had the perfect excuse of “no swimming costume” … since I was about 19. I’ve promised to sit on the edge of the pool with my legs in the water - but the latest message from her is that she’s packing “an old” costume of hers for me. It’ll have to be a lot hotter than 32 degrees to entice me in, but I guess time will tell. Watch this space - or, preferably, not.
Mandy (Keith’s daughter) drove for over an hour + to see me yesterday at Sevenoaks and we had a leisurely lunch in a very nice country pub about 15 minutes away. We have talked and laughed so much but I forgot to take a photo while we were there - but you may remember this photo of her as chief organiser (with her sister Philly - Australia) of her dad (Keith)’s 80th birthday celebrations … the main reason why I came to the UK in the first place.
Today Julia, Chris and I joined her mum and dad plus Jill and Tom for lunch at another local pub. We had a lovely time - but I don’t enjoy the “goodbyes” very much and my eyes tend to leak a bit.
I’ve been very fortunate, catching up with so many family and friends. Everyone has been generous and welcoming and for me, at least, it’s been very easy to just slot back where we left off all those years ago. But almost 3 months is a long time to live out of a suitcase - and to be dependent on the good nature of others. I’ve said it before, but next time 😳… I think I’ll look harder at getting myself a car … if there IS a next time… AND if anyone is prepared to rent me one or cover me with insurance, as an octogenarian (by then).
Who knows what the next few years may bring - perhaps return visits from some of the people I love, over here??? No harm in hoping.