What the Boxers did on holiday

We climbed the dunes

We walked at Penrice woods (Millwood)

We made a Brin-cave for his cool, quiet time

Zozi slept with Mr B

Pawfect for everyone.

Rested, restored and ready

I think we all underestimated the toll the building work would take on our health and wellbeing. Whilst we had excellent builders, the project did have its ups and downs and the bathroom still isn't quite finished to our expectations. Nothing to do with our fabulous builders, but a totally avoidable cock-up between the plumber and his supplier. The less said about that, the better (for the time-being anyway). On top of which, our practice has been extremely busy (good), and Dad hasn't been well (bad).

When Dr B suggested we book our week away in Wales as usual I must admit, I wasn't sure. So soon after the builders? At the beginning of summer? With all that work to do in the garden? He was adamant, and so our wedding anniversary week was spent on the beach at Llangennith (possibly the best beach in the UK).

We booked our usual cottage. The Boxers felt right at home. The neighbours all came to say hello. But we were tired. It took 2 days to feel normal. We simply hadn't realised how tired we were. 

But a few hours in the sea washed the tiredness away. It restored us, we hardly even spoke to each other, just getting on with getting better. We knew it was all OK when we got in the car for the drive home on Saturday. We looked at each other and smiled.

When did life get so gritty? Why don't we take more time out?

It's not a Blue Monday here

No way. I just don't believe it. Perhaps it's because I've not only booked our holiday but also because we're not waiting until the Summer - we go in a few weeks!

Yippee, and why not? After the year we've had, we deserve it, the whole bang-shoot. My OH was amazing throughout Mom's illness. Although he's only a Cardiologist, he helped us pull together all the specialists we needed to keep Mom out of hospital and well looked after at home. He suffered too. He cried when we got Mom's diagnosis, mostly because he knew what we would go through. And he was right in all respects. It was quite a roller-coaster.

I'm pleased though to repay him for his support by making all the arrangements, sorting out who will take care of the dogs, and Dad. And that just leaves me to take care of him, after twenty years together, still a beautiful friendship.

Gerbera, Lesley Beeton

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