#i asure you its the greatest thing in you life

[lordfrog]

I’m not like many people. No, honestly, I’m not. I know this is hard to imagine but it is true. What I mean is that most folk I am acquainted with take holidays but I tend not to as they are a lot of hassle.

However, this year has proved different and I have experienced new things I wouldn’t have entertained a few years ago or until now. There are a number of reasons for this and I shall be happy to tell you even if you don’t want to hear or read them.

Women. They can be a pain but in fact they are very good most of the time. Mad? Well of course and they do things strangely but they compliment men (who are normal and do things strangely too) and help iron out the conscious mind.

Am I mad, eccentric, strange or just misunderstood? I have no idea but I have been in a dark place for some considerable time and Lucy (my long-suffering partner) has helped me out by drip feeding me concerns and paths to find a way out of the pit of despair. Jony was my first port of call and then the doctor and finally drugs and self help.

A massive weight has begun to lift (it’s still there but gradually becoming lighter as though gravity has a less stronger pull downwards) and there is such a thing as fun. so this has been the first factor.

The second is my new little car which I can’t stop banging on about but believe me when I say its been a brilliant discovery and a massive bag of joy. I so love it that trips are now becoming an excuse to do not ones to avoid.

I guess my third enlightenment has been that friends and family have stood by and waited for me to get better which is an enormous gift; so thanks to all involved there.

Finally, being able to set unimportant crap free from the mind has also got me thinking that certain things don’t matter and does one have to give a flying …. about them?

So armed with this, seemingly, new outlook on life I was pleased to accept two invitations. One to visit my Bruv, Sis, Mivver and Bonnie at their new home in Bawdrip and the second to attend a gathering for my old friend Duncan, Charlie, Blades, Curnow at Chelwood House also in Somerset. To top the cake with cream was travelling down in my new little car.

Both visits were brilliant in their own ways even though they were totally different.

I saw old and vintage cars at Haynes Museum, listened to birds and relaxed in a beautiful garden and drank beer and ate sumptuous food with my brother. Did a bit of work, walked and helped mantle a flat pack chair. I even received Two Easter Eggs; fantastic.

Next came my biggest fear. Crowds of people and the dreaded children….How wrong and unfounded those thoughts were. The complete opposite and I don’t think I would have changed a thing. Everthing was balanced perfectly. The most astonishing aspect was that it was more saddening to return home not to have the kids and folk about. I shall adjust though. But write to me those who read this, please especially you kids.

The greatest gift to give an old friend at 50.

To top my week off was to see the faces, on the motorway, of the people (mostly men and their big car egos) who saw my little car burble passed with ease and to watch the shock and horror of being left standing at lights and junctions when I decided to give my stead it’s head and put my foot down (all within the confines of the law officer, I asure you).

Home now seems happier and more relaxed and I even partook in a couple of beers in the garden at home which I haven’t done in decades and bought some mixed nuts and dried fruits.

I’m even listening to music now thanks to The Amazon Echo Speaker and have discovered bands, tracks and styles I never knew existed. What fun.

None of what I have written would have been or seemed possible without Lucy insisting on getting help and the support of Jack the dog and the trip would have just been an academic thought if not for the kind sacrifice Lucy made in staying at home to look after Jack the Spack dog.

SO THANK YOU LUCY.

A Smart Getaway. I'm not like many people. No, honestly, I'm not. I know this is hard to imagine but it is true.