From now until the second week of November I am home alone. Or more accurately home with Jazz n Jewel.
The skinny one headed off on holidays this afternoon. Is he well enough? I don't know, but he thinks so which is WONDERFUL.
He is starting in Iran, moving to Russia (and I have told him that a Faberge egg would make a suitable souvenir), and finishing up in the Netherlands.
I too am going to have holidays. For quite a long time now I have been putting my own wants and needs at the back of the queue. Time to focus on me. And the cats. And the garden. And books....
'On the whole the easiest way to relax is to stay at home and make everyone else go away.'
Alice Thomas Ellis
The skinny one headed off on holidays this afternoon. Is he well enough? I don't know, but he thinks so which is WONDERFUL.
He is starting in Iran, moving to Russia (and I have told him that a Faberge egg would make a suitable souvenir), and finishing up in the Netherlands.
I too am going to have holidays. For quite a long time now I have been putting my own wants and needs at the back of the queue. Time to focus on me. And the cats. And the garden. And books....
'On the whole the easiest way to relax is to stay at home and make everyone else go away.'
Alice Thomas Ellis
Wonderful news especially the books part. Why on earth would anyone want to go to Iran at the moment and does he know he'll be questioned before they allow him back in Australia? And Russia??? Who cares, the peace and quiet will be welcomed.
ReplyDeleteJahTeh: Natural perversity? He went to Iran some years ago and loved it. Loved the architecture, the culture and was treated amazingly well by the people.
DeleteThe peace and quiet is welcomed. So much.
In these parts, what you're having is sometimes called a "staycation." I hope you relax, enjoy and do exactly as you please. What is on your reading list?
ReplyDeletee: Staycation doesn't quite have the blissful tone... I will do a few things, but do them at my own speed, time and way.
DeleteMy reading list is, as always huge. I am reading a biography of Gwen Raveratt at the moment (one of Charles Darwin's granddaughters who wrote a memoir I loved), and hope to get the latest Ben Aaronovitch in the mail shortly...
Well, so long as you can still be within cyber-reach...
ReplyDeletedinahmow: Oh I will be. At intervals.
DeleteHope you enjoy the 'self' time! I used to find working in the garden very calming . . . except when I declared war on munching bugs and slugs and weeds. . .but aside from that. Caregiving right now is challenging, but I'm managing.
ReplyDeleteD.G. Hudson: Caring is challenging. And tiring. And sometimes demoralising. Look after yourself too (yes, do as I say NOT as I do).
DeleteWow, what a trip! I can't even imagine going to those places though. Your "trip" on the other hand sounds wonderful. Love that quote!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBookie: He has always been an adventurous traveller. Russia and the Netherlands are both considerably more upmarket than his usual trips.
DeleteAnd yes, when I came across that quote in a book I was reading the night before last I laughed. And knew I would use it.
Fantastic trips for both of you. I would love some self indulgent alone time right now as much as I would love a world tour
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: The me time trumps my wish for a world tour at the moment - unless someone offerred me Antartica again.
DeleteThat's a very adventurous trip for the skinny one. Enjoy your self indulgent holiday at home.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: It is. He is, as usual, travelling alone too. I hope he has fun and, while I will worry, I AM going to enjoy my down-time.
DeleteI do hope you and J&J have a wonderful restorative time, my dear
ReplyDeleteALOHA
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=
Cloudia: We will, though I expect the cats will continue to rule me with an iron paws in furry gloves.
DeleteThat is some trip and I can't imagine heading for Iran. Anyway I think home alone quiet time with only furry ones for company is great. My hubby is away on a business trip and me and my cat Sid are doing AOK. I still have 2 weeks alone time coming to me and then it will be back to the old routine so enjoy the time you have. You can plan out the trips you want to go on.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: I hope you are Sid continue to have a wonderful time at home. Peaceful, comfortable, blissful.
DeleteOn one hand, I'd be going out of my mind with worry. On the other, I'd be dancing a jig at the prospect of some alone time. The lot of a Gemini :)
ReplyDeleteSending thoughts of safe and happy travels to your SP, and wishes of seriously good adventures at home with your books, the kitties, garden, blog, some DVDs, chocolate treats and restful sleep.
I agree with Alice. Who said staying home alone was boring? Not me :)
Enjoy!
Vicki: Oh I will worry - it is one of my talents. But I can't do anything about it, so I will also enjoy my down time. Lots. Today after seeing him off I have done some weeding, and started some spring cleaning. And am not doing anything productive until tomorrow.
DeleteThe Skinny One must be feeling better?
ReplyDeleteMy husband is thinking of going away. If he does I am going to get a new cat.
Choices:
1. Iran
2. Stay Home
OMG! Stay home! Maybe the Netherlands and maybe Russia but why a holiday to Iran? Inquiring minds want to know.
Birdie: He loved Iran when he went there before. People went out of their way to be helpful and nice. He arrived during Ramadan and, even though they couldn't eat, a group of men insisted on providing him with food and drink in the middle of the day. And took him to the circus with them. And to the after dark feast with the family.
DeleteAnd, he likes to be different. And does it well.
"Time to focus on me. And the cats. And the garden. And books...."
ReplyDeleteYes. Yes. Yes. And yes. Wallow. Indulge. Relax. Enjoy. Be restored.
And all the best to SP for a wonderful trip.
jenny_o: I hope he is as well as he believes (he refused to check with a doctor) and that he has a wonderful, wonderful time. As I plan to do...
DeleteIt is well past time for you to have time for you! It'll probably pass way too quickly, but I hope you get to savor each moment. Have a wonderful, well-earned vacation!
ReplyDeleteEllen: I plan to - and wish you could as well. I really wish it.
Deleteoh wow! that's a considerable length of time to be home alone.
ReplyDeleteI hope you both have a marvellous time
kylie: Thank you. I suspect that both of us will feel that the time rushes by... Mind you, I will be glad to see him home, and I hope he will be glad to get home too.
DeleteWonderful news! It is great that he feels well enough to travel. Plus time for yourself. You have earned this and more! Get the rest you need. This should be a good time to refresh and relax. Now what will you do first? I hope something funn that you have been putting off for so long.
ReplyDeleteTeresa Hennes: He isn't a hundred per cent, and this is likely to be more bloody surgery in his future, but it is wonderful that he feels up to the trip.
DeleteI don't plan on doing anything much. Getting the house into some sort of order, playing in the garden, reading, resting. And with luck developing better sleeping habits.
I agree wholeheartedly with Alice Thomas Ellis. And a Faberge egg would be a lovely surprise, I suppose you already have a place set aside for it?
ReplyDeleteIt's great that The Cherished One feels well enough to travel abroad and alone. Six whole weeks of just you and the cats and the garden sounds heavenly. Are you taking time off from Lifeline too?
River: A Faberge egg would be amazing, but I won't hold my breath. It is indeed wonderful that he feels up to this trip. The last few years have been hard on him. And me.
DeleteI will still do Lifeline, but that is about my only external commitment. One day a week isn't too much. Probably.
Hi EC - those will be adventures with lots of interesting excursions ... all the best to the traveller - certainly an eye opening trip. Enjoy the early Spring with the cats ... and all that you will achieve - Alice Thomas Ellis has the right idea ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Over the years he has taken some amazing trips. Some have filled me with envy (I don't travel well) and others with awe. I hope he has a ball. I intend to.
DeleteHave a good rest and holiday at home, and you can if everyone else goes away :)
ReplyDeleteMargaret - whiteangel: I will have a lovely time so long as people don't get the (mistaken) idea that I will be lonely and will need company.
DeleteHI Sue Now I do not know why I do not know that the Skinny one has not been well, just leaned this through the comments so hope goes well for him on holiday. Now I notice you say you are going to worry This is totally unproductive and takes energy out of your body and mind and won't make ANY differenct to any outcome so put WORRY on the back bruner, just relax, garden, read books and sleep, then you will be refreshed better. Have a good week ahead.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: The skinny one had a ruptured bowel a few years ago and has had surgery after surgery after surgery dealing with it, and cleaning up other attempts at dealing with it.
DeleteI know that worry is unproductive, and if I knew where my worry button was I would disconnect it. Permanently.
In the meantime, I will relax. As much as I can. Thank you.
Bliss!! I love travelling (alone), and I love being home alone. It's great that the SP feels he is well enough to go away, and it will surely be restorative for you to have a peaceful time after the worries of the last few years. Enjoy the garden, and reading, and the spring. I'm already planning next year's travel - the Galápagos Islands are top of the list at the moment, and Japan, and maybe France... And I will have time alone at home too, when Mr A heads off to see his relatives in England.
ReplyDeleteI've got the new Ben Aaronovitch reserved at the library - it should be available soon 😀
Of course you will worry - but not too much, I hope!
Alexia: He went to the Galapagos Islands - and loved them. I am hoping that both of us get just what we need from this break.
DeleteI hope the new Ben arrives soon and will do nothing, but nothing productive that day. Despite not liking the last one as much as the first.
Oh wow ~ he must be well enough to be wanting to travel abroad. Some interesting places on his itinerary there. Enjoy your holiday too, at home.
ReplyDeletecarol: He still has some less than wonderful days (like yesterday and today) but has decided that life is too short not to do the things he wants to. I hope he has some self preservation, but am thrilled that he is feeling well enough (mostly) to make the attempt.
DeleteI rather like the idea of sending everyone off so I can have a vacation at home. Hope the skinny one has a great time and that you take some wonderful time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Vacations at home are lovely. Often busy, but productive and relaxing. And yes, fingers and toes are crossed that he has an amazing time.
DeleteEnjoy your alone time. Time for ourselves is a good thing. Hug B
ReplyDeleteButtons Thoughts: My introvert self doesn't usually get enough time alone. I wish I could bank it.
DeleteI like that quote. There's nothing like having a string of uninterrupted days at home alone to do as you like. Plus, having a faberge egg will practically be as good as going there, right?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your holiday :)
mshatch: I would love to even see a Faberge egg in the flesh so to speak...
DeleteI think I would rather scale a mountain during a landslide than go to Iran right now.
ReplyDeleteThe Retired man went to California for two weeks this summer to visit our daughter and her family. It was wonderful for the both of us.
Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Iran is not a place that women travellers are welcome at the best of times I suspect. And the best of times is certainly not now.
DeleteTime apart is good for us I find. Gives a new appreciation of together.
Enjoy your time alone... and do anything you damn well please! :)
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: Or nothing if I damn well please. Except of course minister to the felines.
DeleteThe word Iran is a nasty word on this side of the world. I hope he stays safe.
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: I expect that your country and my country are nasty words in rather a lot of places too. And yes, I hope he stays safe too.
DeleteHow wonderful that he is out gallivanting around and hopefully you will have a returned husband filled with excitement and adventures. I would enjoy being by myself for awhile, because then I'd really appreciate my guy when he returned. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I feel a similar appreciation when he returns - and love the time alone as well.
DeleteIt seems each of you have planned out the perfect vacation, an achievement in itself. What do the cats have to say when the wanderer returns, after so much time?
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: I expect the cats will punish him for his desertion. An earlier cat never, ever forgave him after a similar length of time away.
DeleteI'd rather like to visit Iran too, but not right now, thanks. Enjoy your books and garden while you have some peace and quiet.
ReplyDeleteBTW I've visited ACT, have some cousins in Mawson, had a great time there!
Shammickite: I am not far from Mawson. I am glad that you enjoyed my often maligned city.
DeleteEnjoy your time "alone" EC. I get some now and then, but having to do what the others usually do leaves me with precious little time for just me. Get some rest and do what you enjoy most. Show us some pics from the skinny one's trip when you can.
ReplyDeleteJono: I have a few 'tasks' to deal with too, but will do so in my own time and way.
DeleteI hope that he does send pictures - and will certainly share them.
Enjoy the time to yourself. You'll be happy to see him when he returns.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Yes, on both counts.
DeleteYes, take time for yourself. You deserve to focus on your own needs and joys.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: I have been neglecting myself for quite some time. A mistake.
DeleteAh yes, taking good care of you, is a glorious gift we never give ourselves often enough. Your days of kitty love, garden time, and reading yourself to other places, times and things, sounds perfect to me!
ReplyDeleteKaren S.: I wonder why we put ourselves at the back of the queue so often. It isn't sensible and is sometimes dangerous.
DeleteHe's going a long ways off, on vacation. Glad you get your time alone. Hope you get to go on a nice vacation again one day too.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: He is going a long way, but it is something he loves to do and hasn't been able to do for ages.
DeleteI do hope that you enjoy your time alone but I get the sense of some genuine loneliness shining through in your post. Don't feel sad! We're all here for you if you need it!
ReplyDeleteRobert Bennett: Thank you. I don't expect to be lonely. I will miss him, but I enjoy time alone. More time alone than I usually can steal for myself.
DeleteEnjoy your time alone. I don't think I could be alone for so long but that's just me. Is he going on a tour with a group or is he doing this all on his own? Does he like to photograph things? Hopefully these photos can be shared. I assume he will see some amazing things.
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: He is going on his own. Tours and groups fill him with horror. He does take lots and lots of photos, and with luck I will be able to share some of them.
DeleteThe quote was perfection!!
ReplyDeletefishducky: She was so very right wasn't she?
DeleteLove your quote!! I hope your enjoy your quiet time at home, doing as you please, when you please. Sounds like a dream!
ReplyDeleteCountryMum: It does sound like a dream doesn't it?
DeleteEnjoy! And be prepared to be draped with cats.
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: The cats are already jockeying for position. It seems that a queen-sized bed is insufficient for one person and two cats.
DeleteI do agree with that quote- that is the easiest way for me to relax.
ReplyDeleteI hope the skinny one has good travels and it sounds like they will be seeing and doing a lot. Hopefully they are traveling with someone. I am glad you will get some time to do what you want and to pay attention to your needs. You deserve it! Enjoy!
~Jess
DMS ~ Jess: He is travelling on his own. Not my preference, but it is his holiday, and his choice.
DeleteThe quote was a stunner wasn't it?
Enjoy your break EC. I've enjoyed trekking through your blog - its always a pleasure.
ReplyDelete.: Thank you. Do you have a home where I can return your visit?
DeleteEnjoy, EC.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect quote.
I love the Faberge egg request. Heh heh
Sandra Cox: Sadly, he laughed when I told him that a Faberge egg would be welcome. It probably won't be a happening thing.
DeleteDarn it.
DeleteSandra Cox: I live in hope...
DeleteAll of the comments are about how wonderful it is to have time alone. My husband traveled a good bit in our early marriage and I hated it. I wanted him home. Later he was home more often and I, being a writer, thought how much I would love some solitude. And then he died, and I'd give anything not to have so much solitude. Be careful what you wish for, ladies.
ReplyDeleteGlenda C. Beall: I am so sorry. Being alone by choice is fine. When that choice is removed alone becomes lonely. And lonely is NOT a nice place to be.
DeleteIt sounds like you are both are pursuing what makes you happy. I hope you each have a very lovely time!!
ReplyDeleteSusan F.: We are, and it works for us.
DeleteSounds like my kind of vacation...yours that is.
ReplyDeleteDelores: Do I detect that his holiday doesn't float your boat?
DeleteEnjoy your me time. And what an adventure the Skinny one will have!
ReplyDeleteladyfi: Judging by past trips he will have lots and lots of adventures. And will relish them.
DeleteThe Skinny is off to some adventure! How much do I envy him for going to Iran - one of the many places I'd love to visit. I hope he will be healthy and happy on all his endeavors and come back to you safely.
ReplyDeleteYour me time, however, sounds lovely as well. Enjoy every second of it!!!
Carola Bartz: He has been to Iran before - and loved it. Russia and the Netherlands are new to him, but Iran is a return visit.
DeleteI am thoroughly enjoying my me time, even though it has barely begun.
The skinny one...hahaha!!! Maybe some time alone will be more therapeutic then you think ;)
ReplyDeleteTammy Theriault: I think that me time will be good - for both of us.
DeleteGood on him hope he has a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteMerle...........
Merlesworld: Thats you and me both.
DeleteEnjoy. Sometimes it is good to be alone.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was married, my husband traveled a lot, and I got used to being alone. And now divorced (long time ago), being alone is not evil. I enjoyed getting to do what I want and at any time.
To be alone or to be lonely, they are different things.
Have a nice alone times, he will return soon.
orokki: You are right. Alone and lonely are very different. I am alone (except for the furry tyrants) at the moment, but definitely not lonely.
DeleteWow! The Skinny One must be feeling on top of everything; but why didn't he just go to Noosa...or just The Netherlands???
ReplyDeleteI think you'll be the one having the most enjoyable, relaxed holiday. :)
Lee: I was a bit surprised at The Netherlands. It is considerably more civilised than his usual destinations...
DeleteHave a good time EC, I'm sure that Skinny One will be enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I hope we BOTH have a wonderful time. And expect we will.
DeleteI used to love it when my (ex) husband traveled and I had the house to myself - listening to whatever music I wanted, take out on the sofa, reading, reading, reading. I totally understand. Enjoy, my friend.
ReplyDeleteLynn: I am. And early signs are that he is having a wonderful time too.
DeleteAT Ellis is a wise woman, and so are you.
ReplyDeletePlease enjoy your holiday time. You truly deserve it.
Rawknrobyn: It isn't (fortunately) about deserved or otherwise. Seizing the moment?
DeleteMy god, if he’s not in surgery or recovering from surgery, he’s traveling the world. I suspect you’ll be enjoying your vacation.
ReplyDeleteSnowbrush: It has felt as if he has always been in surgery, waiting for surgery, recovering (more or less) from surgery... This is a much better option.
DeleteAnd I am enjoying my holiday. A lot.
So are Jazz and Jewel behaving themselves?
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: In cat fashion they are behaving themselves. Which pretty much means they are doing what they feel like. They miss him though. And are punishing me for his absence.
DeleteCalling for him, and hunting through the house in the small hours...
Well it sounds like an excellent time to have a holiday yourself. Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: I am.
DeleteHurrah!!! You so need this! Go wild, or not, drink, or not, sleep (for sure), garden...oohhh enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! X
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: I have been gardening. And reading. And doing some cleaning. And 'laxing. And will do more of all of them. Going wild? Perhaps not at the moment. Or then again...
DeleteI do hope he stays feeling well. What a wonderful vacation itinerary for him, and what a wonderful restcation opportunity for you!! I hope you both enjoy. :)
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: So far both of us are loving it.
DeleteHow wonderful! I'm happy for both of you. For him, that he feels up to making such a fantastic trip, and for you, that you'll have the rare luxury of enjoying the peace of your own company and the satisfaction of following your own wants and desires for a good stretch of time. I suspect you will be much more rested after this trip than he will. :)
ReplyDeleteSusan: I am certain you are right. I will be much more rested - but I don't think he cares a jot. Whatever a jot may be.
DeleteAlone time...ahhh. My husband travels sometimes for work. He's going to Vegas for a convention in October for a few days. I DO relish my alone time when that happens. Mostly I just enjoy being able to eat what I want to eat for dinner and not having to go grocery shopping to buy it all.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Faris: And being able to stretch diagonally across the bed, and to turn the light on and read when I wake up. Bliss.
DeleteBoth these vacations sound awesome! I'd dig going to the Netherlands and Russia, maybe not so much Iran. But! A staycation is always nice, especially when you get the time to yourself. Have fun! :)
ReplyDeleteMadilyn Quinn: He has been to Iran before and loved it. It is early days, but he tells me the people are as kind and hospitable as they ever were. Which is lovely. So we are both having fun.
DeleteI'm sorry. Iran? He's going to Iran?
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, I hope he has lots fun ... and is safe. Very safe.
Wendy: Lovely to see you. He is in Iran at the moment - and loving it. And I too hope he stays safe.
Delete