We're home now - weary and grubby, but having had a lovely time (notwithstanding the soaking tent complete with puddles throughout - after a particularly impressive night-long storm). I may be lying if I said that going home at that point didn't cross my mind.
But, visiting Tintagel - King Arthur's amazing castle which falls off the Cornish coast, was a high point. High point in many ways as the huge steps were cut into the cliff edge. Hattie insisted on climbing every step herself - showing a toughness suitable for the court of King Arthur himself.
We went to The Eden Project, The Tate at St. Ives, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Lanhydrock House and beaches, and walks.... and went to the circus.
Camping was kind of fun - more so than I expected. Hattie got increasingly overtired though, missing her afternoon sleeps and inevitably getting to bed much later than usual, bundled into her sleeping bag alongside her big sister. So - it certainly felt pretty full-on, but it was a good family time - time to play Monopoly, to eat breakfast outside together every morning. And Rog and I went to bed much earlier than we usually do. By the time it got dark, bed called - and reading with a flashlight on a blow-up mattress was certainly a novelty which after 10 days lost some of its charm.
The older kids had a great time - buying fresh croissants from the farm shop every morning. Ed made a friend who lives in London, whom he's determined to write to. Even Rog and I had the odd chat with fellow campers - especially our neighbours with their four sons and dog called Hattie (imagine Hattie's delight....)
We're already planning our summer holiday next year - camping in the French Pyrenees maybe?
I've managed to stave off impending job anxiety by living in denial. Job? What job? September? That's months away! etc etc.
I'm feeling much better too at the moment - which showed that I needed a holiday I think. However I am going to have to have an interview by Occupational Health before I start work, which has annoyed and upset me greatly. I'm well enough to go back to work, and if I'm not, then I should be able to receive the disability benefits for which I'm no longer eligible. I've been entirely up-front about my cancer when I had my job interview and I fail to see how an interview with some individual from a private company whose services are bought in by the council employing me, can shed any more light on whether my cancer will return and require me to have time off work. I wish I knew the answer to that question. Having this interview feels intrusive and potentially upsetting. I'm 2 and a half years in remission, and we're skint. So I have to return to work. If I could have some more time to rest and recuperate I would. But I can't.
Anyhow - off to Scotland in a couple of days. Lots of driving this summer, that's for sure.
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2 comments:
A good time was had then by the Rogkates.
Oh, as you had the car there is a trick with timber slats stapled to cloth straps instead of the rubber/plastic mattress. Lay them on a few 2x4's and you're sorted. Aldi's rubber is something one should only inflict on the much disliked cousin. And there is that plus, there is much more traction with the slats, far quieter too.
An interview to make sure that you are well enough to work? I wish I understood the health care system in the UK better. From here it seems that there is an elaborate system of benefits. All kinds, not just medical. And, again from here (the odd news story and movie) it seems like half the population receives them. Who pays IN to this system? Never mind. This might be political. I don't want to get involved in that. It is just peculiar to understand the language, but not the place. :)
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