My wife has left me… but only for a week. When Aunt Sarah returned to Newcastle after our New Year celebrations, Sue went with her. Between them they have plans for a serious de-cluttering of Sarah’s home and I can’t honestly think of anyone better suited to the task than my Sue. She simply abhors junk!
So I’m getting my first taste of living alone. Yes, after 40+ years of marriage, this really is the first time for more than a day or so that I’ve had to fend for myself, since I swapped a mum for a wife. Call me naive, but I’m honestly surprised at how much of the day is taken up with preparing food and cleaning up afterwards, washing and ironing clothes, and cleaning the house. In addition, I’ve set myself the task of emptying the spare room of so-called junk and decorating it. Oh, and I still have to fit in my regular paid work.
I’ve been quite adventurous with my cooking – salmon steak on Thursday, lemon sole on Friday and chicken breast stuffed with cheese this evening. But it really ain’t the same eating alone and I’m beginning to feel lonely. To counter this, I have an adventure or two planned for the next few days, so watch this space.
Now that I’m the ‘wrong’ side of 60, thoughts inevitably turn to what life might be like, were I to be left alone. I reckon I’d cope quite well with the practical tasks but, having never really been alone, it’s the companionship I’d miss. You see a beautiful sunset, watch a calf being born or hear a good story… who are you going to tell?
A woman’s work is never done Angela but you’ll cope. Being lonely isn’t nice but it won’t be for long. Before you know it Sue will be back. Maybe you could cook a special meal for her return? That would be nice. I am intrigued as to what your ‘adventures’ might be. I shall be coming back regularly (I do that anyhow) to see what you’ve been up to.
Shirley Anne xxx
I’m also wondering about these adventures!
As for living alone, it must help knowing that Sue will be back. Being deprived permanently of someone’s company is quite another thing.