After months of packing and planning, the Deckhand has finally jumped ship, albeit for just a term at a time. To spread the cost, I’ve been buying things such as saucepans, bedding, a duvet and so on over the past few months. I hate to think how much this has cost me, though I have made use of sales, and Ikea so probably not too bad. My bedroom floor is at last clear, and I can get to my windows without a struggle lol. The Deckhand didn’t want to take any fresh food, however on seeing his work schedule, including a shift on Saturday which was moving in day, he decided some fresh food would be a good idea so off we sailed to the supermarket. He’s taken fresh chicken, pasta, OJ and so on so he can make a stir fry/curry/pasta bake – whatever. I made up a large portion of beef stroganoff and he took some bread too so that he can have a quick and easy meal on Saturday before work. I froze 2 portions for myself, so I have some quick meals for when I don’t feel like cooking.

Saturday dawned – we were up well before dawn! We set the alarm for 4am, though I was awake from 3am. The skies were clear and starry, and I enjoyed a small cup of coffee whilst stood on the deck. The Deckhand walked the dog whilst I made porridge in the galley. We packed up the car; what a game that was! I need a bigger car lol. It was deliciously cool, and a lantern left by my ex was of great help in the dark. We were packed and away by 5.40am. The journey up was good – 3 hours with 2 quick stops. Traffic through the roadworks was smooth and I guess the hour, and it being Saturday, helped.

I parked up where the ambassadors with giant foam ‘fingers’ directed us, and my son went to enrol. Despite having a car pass that stated we could park ‘adjacent to the house’ there was no parking so I had to move to a different car park and we carried things about 200 yards. I was not happy. We did 2 loads – I can’t carry much, then the Deckhand stated he would unload, and I could unpack which would be quicker. I was grateful for that. After about 90 minutes, he was all unpacked and settled in. No doubt he’ll want to move things around, but at least it meant I could take away any boxes and packing materials. His room is nice if a little small, and they each have 2 cupboards in the kitchen, and 2 fridge/freezers between 6 of them.

I had 2 big hugs goodbye, I was good and didn’t cry, and I left. We were the first ones to unpack in that house, and I wanted to be away before his housemates showed up so he could get to know them and not feel uncomfortable with his Mum there. Another 3-hour journey home with just one quick stop for a comfort break.

The traffic was worse, and the roadworks stretch very slow. About 10 miles from home my back started to scream at me, and the last 10 miles were a real effort. I envy Mick his massage chair. I quickly unpacked empty boxes from the car, and let out a very excited Ship’s Dog. He’ll really miss the Deckhand, as will I.

This week I’ve driven around 900 miles and the Ship’s Dog has been so good; no mess, and no chewing on anything except his chew toys. I had a huge sleep Saturday night, broken only by an hour when I needed a hot drink as I was coughing and I read a book before I could settle again. I don’t plan to get in my car again for at least a few days and will take it easy. I have French chicken soup served with couscous planned for dinner today – quick and easy and it always perks me up.