Bank Holiday!

This is the first bank holiday weekend I have had off in a long time and today I am nursing a rather niggly hangover. I say niggly, because it isn't bad, just rather annoying. All I want to do is sleep, but I have too much to do and it is getting in the way of what was going to be a productive day.  The weather isn't too bad today, so I've managed to get some washing done, pop into town and am cooking a lasagne for dinner this evening; I am doing my best to be positive today...I could make the same old statement - 'I'm never drinking again,' but that wouldn't be true, so I wont!

Yesterday I met a mate, Deb's from work, she was going to take me on a tour of her local haunts, the places she likes to go to - pubs, clubs and a restaurant on the coast . The weather was pretty much spot on for a day out, despite the odd few drops of rain and we enjoyed an afternoon drink followed by a good old traditional roast in the Thatched House pub, at Milton Locks, Southsea. I have been here once before, when I returned to the UK about a year ago, but not since.

The Thatched House, is a traditional public house serving British food at fantastic prices. I chose to have a carvery at a cost of 7.99 and it was huge. Three meats, roast potatoes and all the trimmings, I couldn't fault it and had absolutely no complaints, which is unusual for me. Suitably full, we went outside for a chat and beer, two things I love more than anything!

After the Thatched House, Deb's took me to The Duke of Devonshire in Albert Road. This traditional back street bar, is similar to the Newcome, where I work and was welcoming and friendly. We continued talking about life, the universe and everything, rather like being on a first date, but we weren't if you understand what I mean. Debbie and I were born a few hours a part at the same hospital in Portsmouth in 1971, so we kind of have a connection and we get on well, having a very similar sense of humour. Friendship is an important part of all our lives, but for me it is even more crucial in order for me to cope with living away from my husband. I have a lot of family and acquaintances around me on a daily basis and Debbie is another welcome addition to my close circle of friends.

After picking up two of Debbie's mates, we headed to Palmerston Road for more beers and a trip to the infamous Kingsley's, a nightclub that I can only describe as enlightening. To be honest I haven't been to a club in years, not since I lived in Spain and I rarely set foot in a straight venue, but the music was great, for an oldie like me and I enjoyed it for what it was. The average age must have been 60 years old and I did feel like the youngest one there...Another first for me. After getting propositioned by a lady old enough to be my Grandmother, I realised all the rumours about this place were true. It was like a cattle market for pensioners; I kid you not. Despite the obvious downsides I had a great day with Debs and felt more relaxed than I have done in a while; I look forward to our next 'Debbie Brown Tour,' there's nothing like letting your hair down to relieve stress, kick back and have a little bit of me time!

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