Scrolling through my journals I came across this account which I don’t think I have blogged about. This is from my first journal started in 1993 and completed in 1995….2years.I can fill a similar size 3/6monthes these days……shows how addicted I am to document my days.

I had earlier always taken the kids with me when I went to see Sheila but this was the first time on my own.

Sat…9 am…I have just left Guildford.Train on time. Bit of a hassle getting into town as the bus was late. So we got a taxi instead. Hubby tearful as I kissed him goodbye…….Do not worry, I came back.

Arrived at Reading about 9.40!! Got 35 minutes to wait so as I had not been able to eat breakfast I had cheese.pickle sandwich and read my book. It feels weird to be travelling on my own. The train is very pleasant, no crowds…We have just arrived in Swindon at 10.50. Reading my book and having a glass of red wine. I hope hubby was not upset for very long. It really surprised me as I did not expect that. Arrived on time in Newport.S living there at that time. I Rang my hubby to tell him I had arrived. As I knew the way etc walked down to the bus station and arrived at S at 12.40.A welcome cup of tea when friends of S arrived for a planned picnic in the garden.Food and wine consumed from 2 pm till 7 pm. A lovely relaxing afternoon after supper off to bed with my thoughts and a soft toy that I had bought with me.

Sunday….slept through till 6.30. Loo visit and sat in bed writing in my journal. Got up and wandered down village at 9.30 to ring hubby from the phone box(no mobiles). Spent the rest of the morning, talking and cross-stitching most of the day relaxing. No bus service available watched Doctor Quinn on TV and Kramer v Kramer in the evening.

Monday…It seemed to be a habit…I awake at6.30 again, Really heavy rain.Another day of relaxing. Met more friends of S….a lovely couple J and P and I taught a lovely little girl O how to cross-stitch. Sat and talked, watched Eastenders and drank tea. We also played board games with S’s daughter J in the afternoon

Tuesday……Woke a little bit later. Sat in bed and wrote a letter…I had my Tarot read and with hindsight, it did all sort of come through. Even though it was raining we caught the bus into Newport itself. We went to the women Drop-in Centre where S volunteered….did a craft workshop ……Filmoclay…I made earrings and a fridge magnet. We then caught another bus and S rang J her friend from yesterday to let her know we were on our way. One and half hours ride…..into deep south Wales where J lived in a cottage on the side of a sort of mountain. Had a lovely afternoon finishing with a great vegetable chilli for tea.As it was such a long journey we stayed over…..playing word games all evening which was a good laugh and the cocoa before bed.

Wednesday….woke up in a strange bed and realized we were not an S’s S was asleep in a  sleeping bag on the floor and I had the bed. Then the little girls took me for a little walk and I took photos. Then a fun day out for the girls and then we were bought back to S’s place by car. Sewed and chatted all evening and bed until 10/15.

Thursday…We went to Cardiff by train where S met a friend called E. They had coffee and I took J  shopping and S joined us in shopping later. Did some “present” buying. Then visit someone who had a new baby then back to S’s.

Friday……last full day had a trip into Newport on my own and finished off any shopping I wanted to do. Back to S’s quiet afternoon in the garden…..then Tea. chocolate cake and chocolate biscuits with friends of S’.  then walk to pub….2 glasses white wine. Still talking ….we had not dried up all week..then back to the house chips a bath and bed by 10.30.

That was the first of what I called my retreats to S wherever she lives….always on my own. Very different from when I used to take the children. And very rarely have I missed a year……Once when J had measles and then Covid stopped me last year…. let’s hope I can do this year, Goodbye for this time.