Family Day!

This Sunday I had been given a personal day off from work, the first one in a long time. To be honest I have never really liked Sundays anyway and would rather be at work, so it was strange not being sat behind a till. After working at the Newcome on Saturday night, I hadn't planned to do anything the next day, except have a lay in and relax, which is a rare thing for me. True to form, I woke up on Sunday morning, as early as ever, ready to start the day!

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It was another horrible day outside; lately it hasn't stopped raining, just like it used to, the last time I lived in the UK at this time of year. I don't know why I am surprised, but I had gotten used to the Spanish seasons, so this constant rain is rather a shock to the system and if I am honest playing havoc with my arthritis that had all but disappeared when I lived in Gran Alacant!

I popped into Fratton with my Aunt and Cousins, where we bought the ingredients for Sunday lunch, that I had agreed to cook a few days earlier!

After sitting down watching a film, I spent the evening cooking a roast dinner....Proper roast potatoes cooked in beef dripping, roast pork and vegetables. It tasted pretty good if I do say so myself!

As we approach Christmas, I am looking forward to the festivities more than I have done for many years. Like the impending Yuletide, spending time with family on a Sunday is not something I am used too. As a child I used to sit down to lunch with my Brother and Parents, but we did it as a small unit and rarely with extended family and friends. Living at my Aunts house I am experiencing a very different side of life, quite foreign in nature, but one I like and have accepted better than I could have expected. Living here has also taught me much about survival under the most strenuous of circumstances!

I suppose Darrell and I were very similar to my Aunt. We would always have people in and out of our home on a regular basis and rarely got a moments peace. There were other periods when we also kept ourselves very much to ourselves, especially when we lived in Spain. We chose not to have close friends in Gran Alacant, because of our past experiences, living in the UK. We passed judgement on others based on our own topsey turvy life, preferring to keep everyone at arms length. My life was all the poorer for the distance we kept, but it has also made me appreciate the things I have today.

I rarely get time to myself, except maybe when I am blogging, like today, but I am happy with that; I enjoy having friends and family around me these days. I am content cooking a Sunday roast and comfortable living my life around children for the first time ever. Watching my Cousins grow is probably the most special part of my time in Portsmouth. Bonding with all of my family has been a fulfilling experience and I am sure there will be many more occasions we can enjoy each others company. First and foremost I am here for my Mother and Father at a difficult time, but I am also here to rekindle my relationships with those close, who possibly understand me more than my parents. Having an important network around you at demanding times is the biggest Christmas present of all. My wellbeing is enriched and enhanced dramatically because of the life I lead today!

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