I don’t know why I’m sitting inside typing. It’s a lovely day out there and I really should be making the most of it: at the very least I should have some washing on the line. Thankfully, I had lots of fresh air yesterday when Dougie and I had a long walk along the sea bank of The Wash. Normally we have to travel nearly an hour to reach the proper coast/beach in Norfolk, but only 10 minutes drive away are the mudflats and reclaimed land of Lutton Marsh and Gedney Marsh where you can just about see the sea in the distance. It’s a strange place – rather wild but with those massive Fenland skies which were just beautiful in the sunshine.
Despite it being the summer, Rory is still away in Exeter. He came back for a couple of weeks work experience then returned to Devon to be with his girlfriend, Juliana, as they set up their fabulous little apartment in the city centre, in preparation for their second year. It’s a gorgeous new flat and, as it was unfurnished, they have surprised us with their ability to sort out utilities and purchase bargain furniture from Ikea and several online retailers. Rory has proved to be excellent at furniture construction – all those years of Knex and Lego play have proved to be most valuable.
Of course, we have missed him and I was keen that he should join us when we visited my mum and family in Newcastle last weekend. After looking at options for trains/coaches etc, we made the brilliant discovery that there are cheap flights with Flybe from Exeter to Newcastle. Far cheaper than the train, he was able to take a 10 minute bus ride to Exeter airport, a quick flight just under an hour and we picked him up at Newcastle. He stayed a couple of nights and then we drove him back to the airport. He was back in Exeter while we were still chugging down the A1.
Do you fancy finding out what else has been going on in Empty Nester Towers? My latest columns are, as usual, a complete pick n’ mix, from Dougie’s volleyball success, end of term plays, packing suitcases, hotels with history and wasting time doing quizzes on Facebook! Have a gander: hope you enjoy them.
Spalding firepower spikes Cannon’s guns
Treasure final weeks at school
Checking into hotels with history
Having great fun with Facebook
A very entertaining selection.
I like the sound of Dougie's packing technique, but grabbing a tee-shirt from the roll would probably send the whole bunch flying… unless you unpack your suitcase… (which I never do).
Ah you've found a flaw! I will take great pleasure in telling him đ
Just got caught up on all your columns, that was interesting that it was cheaper to fly innocently than take a train.
Yes, much cheaper and quicker. I think it was about ÂŁ60 each way. It would have been far more taking train to London, across the city and back up the east coast to Newcastle. Shame it doesn't work for him coming home to see us but there are no flights from Exeter to an airport near us.
Aww… I bet you miss him. My girl spent one summer working in her college town and it was awful. Mind you, now she's gone back there for good and that's even worse. Wah.
Yes, I do miss him. Thankfully we have made the most of Dougie's part time hours now to go and see him in Exeter instead! He can't get rid of us that easily. We popped down in June to help him move and we are going again for a four night holiday next week – staying in a hotel, not on their floor. But it does seem strange đ It must be hard for you with the distances involved – I know that Exeter is a fair drive but it's less than six hours so becoming manageable.
I can't even imagine how much you miss Rory! I always think that in the future I will enjoy the peace and quiet… the lie-ins! But I think I will just stalk Monkey wherever he goes! Glad you have found well-priced flights to go and see him though! It'll be like a little holiday each time đ
I do think you adjust bit by bit as they get older and become more independent. It was very hard the first few weeks and then the excitement of his new world was infectious and as a parent you just feel so pleased they are doing well. We are going to visit him again soon – he can't get rid of us that easily!
Sounds like a lovely walk….. there are some great walks in Norfolk, and I love the north Norfolk coastline – those lovely flat beaches. You must be very proud of your son – he sounds very grown up, and already living with a girlfriend! X
It's always lovely to visit Norfolk but we tend to forget this special piece of Lincolnshire on our doorstep – it's not a beach but it has its own kind of beauty.
I know, he is very grown-up in so many ways and yet when we meet up he is still my boy and still as daft.
I love that pic of the two of you. You sound so busy as usual and Rory sounds like he's growing up so nicely. Am sure you must miss him, but you seem to have a really good balance. I'm already worried about how I'm going to feel when mine go off…..
Dougie working part time now that Rory has left has been a big help – the two of us are very close and it has helped us cope with the empty nest.
It sounds like Rory has settled in really well in Exeter. My daughter will be finishing school next summer and hopes to go to Uni – I'm dreading it although proud of her and supporting her in her ambitions, obviously. Reading this post really made me think about making the most of our last year (probably) with her at home.
Yes make the most of it but don't worry as the next stage is very exciting for you as well as your daughter.
Ahhh I love that Rory is in Exeter (where I live) Its a great city. You should tell him to check out the vintage places too. Some fantastic, individual pieces for his home at great prices. The vintage trading Centre on Marsh Barton or Otto's on New Bridge street are both great x
I will tell them your suggestions, Karen, thank you. It is a great city – we love going to visit him as it's such a big treat for us. Just back from a few days there, exploring a bit further in Devon.
I tried to talk my daughter into going to Exeter uni, purely so I could visit her, but she refused. Your walk looks lovely, I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know that part of the country x
Up until our walk, I didn't really know that part of the country either, even though it's only ten minutes away! Funny how we have certain places we visit and some don't appear on our radar.
Wow, you really do look like Julia Roberts on that photo đ
Oh Maya, you have made my day. I do think it's probably the angle of my hat obscuring much of my face! đ