It’ll be a good while longer before we venture abroad together. The pandemonium rages on and I’m still scarred by my last experience with Special Assistance in 2019. So we will return to the gems that are (just) within driving distance.
I first came here in 2014 with my parents; The Three Musketeers. There were talks of new houses with annexes, or maybe putting a lodge for me in their back garden. A taste of independence with the care and security and company I would need.
In 2022 I returned with my husband. Who saw that coming?!? And we’ve come again this year.
It’s expensive but it’s our one frivolous act. I can see and hear the waves even on the days where I am ill in bed. Bungalow living and sea air suits me well.
I captured snippets of it for you all because I know that we so often have to live through each others’ experiences; I took you with me pals. You were in my thoughts; you who hasn’t seen the sea is so long. The sea is still there and will still be there for when your body is strong enough to take you to it. And if not, or in the meantime, I hope these snippets will be just enough to tide you over.
The logistics and organisation of travel and packing and being away from home make my head spin. So we’ll skirt over them for now.
Also! There were COWS in the field next door. Heaven.
Already aware of how the conditions of our holiday by the sea are preferential to home life
No neighbourhood noise.
No lawn movers or leaf blowers.
Minimal traffic (we live on a bus route and by 2 schools and a college).
No stairs.
No adjoining neighbours (constant TV/radio noise, shouting, swearing, doors banging).
No WiFi so minimal contact via text/WhatsApp. No building work nearby.
No guinea pigs (much as I love them and wouldn’t be without them, they need feeding and cleaning and caring for.
My husband being off work (which means he’s always around but also that I’m not exposed to the stress that comes with running a small company, dealing with HMRC and council planning departments, and being an employer).
There were only the waves, and their sound was predictable.
Being away also always makes me think about my use of social media. It is my most accessible place to socialise. And yet it does deplete me.
'M.E. myself and I' by Anna Redshaw 