It’s Monday, and I’m back home after a whirlwind visit to Wales. I’d set off on Saturday, a little before 8am, and had a good journey down with no incidents and not too much traffic. I barely got above 60mph, had a brief ‘comfort’ break, and had a comfortable journey of just under 3 hours. I stopped for petrol and texted my friend that I was almost at the designated meeting place. We’d had a falling-out prior to my move, however in recent times he’s exonerated himself and things are much better between us. He was late; some things never change lol, so I got myself a coffee and waited. He greeted me with a bear-hug, and we spent over an hour catching up and talking. He’s been very poorly, and I expected him to look a tad gaunt, but he’s put on weight, presumably through inaction whilst he recuperated. Anyway, it was so lovely to see him, and I confessed I’m always worried I won’t recognise him as we see each other so infrequently, but I always do.

I then went over to my sister’s house, where I’d be staying. Well, her dogs (4) went ape-sh*t. Two of them are older dogs and quite placid, one is a puppy I’d not seen before, and the other I’d only seen as a puppy. Well, a year hasn’t improved her behaviour one little bit, and they’re not training her well IMO. She’s a big dog, built like a small Doberman, and she almost knocked me down twice by trying to leap onto my back. If she wasn’t trying to leap at me, she had her nose at my butt which isn’t as much fun as you’d think. Yes, I can hear you laughing ;) I spent the whole time there either sat down, or with my back against the wall!

I had hoped we’d go out shopping, as she’d planned, but my sister didn’t seem inclined to leave the house. I’d taken down a freshly written will, and she and her partner witnessed it for me. I’m not planning on leaving any time soon, and I don’t have much, however I want to ensure that if and when I do leave, that my son doesn’t have any issues especially as he and I don’t share the same surname; his Father didn’t want to marry me, but he did want his son to have his name.

My sister had been given a large box of photos from under Mum’s bed, and we spent over an hour poring over the photos, wondering who certain people were, and having a good laugh at ourselves from when we were younger. I bought home a nice selection of them including some of my Grandparents which I don’t own, and some of my Father from his army days. It was a good afternoon.

After a less than great sleep, I was awake at 4.15am Sunday and read quietly until the rest of the household was awake. My sister and I then left for an agricultural show over the border into England. Another good journey and very sunny if a tad cool. After an hour walking around, we took our jackets back to the car. We spent almost 4 hours at the show, a record for my sister as she gets tired easily. We each bought some lovely cheese, including some Welsh cheeses that I can’t get at home in England. The nice lady gave me their website address and said they deliver, so I’ll have to have a look at their prices online. We sampled lots of food, had a nice lunch, a great coffee, and generally, a really good time.

I’ve been using a canvas handbag for some time after my leather bag broke (it was old) and I couldn’t afford to replace it with something nice. I’ve been saving for months, prior to the show, and was able to afford a beautiful, handmade (in Wales) leather handbag. An early Birthday present to myself; 60 next month! A new bag for an ‘old’ bag (laughing here). My friend has suggested he’ll send me a birthday present, of Sanatogen (vitamins) for the over-60’s. Cheek! Lol

I had planned to leave for home on Monday, after the rush hour, however my sister’s dogs are so annoying and sleeping on the sofa wasn’t ideal. The weather was set to be wet and windy too on Monday and motorway spray makes for awful driving conditions, so I set off for home again late Sunday afternoon. Another good journey though with heavier traffic and I did drive a tad faster when I could. A very brief ‘comfort’ break, and I arrived home within 3 hours again.

It was a great visit, and lovely to see them all, though I really don’t think I’ll do it again unless I can afford a hotel. And I mean it this time! My throat is always sore afterwards from talking too much LMAO, but I suspect, also cigarette smoke. My dog barks when someone comes to the door, as he should, but otherwise he’s quite calm and placid, old now, and practically mute compared to 4 excitable dogs. Also, I’m less tolerant lol. I do think I’d enjoy a visit more if I can escape at night for a decent sleep with no smokers, and no crazy dogs. I shall start saving up…

So, Monday morning, the rain has arrived, and I have a ton of laundry to catch up on. Have a great week.