Time With Friends!

I have been fortunate to spend time with friends during the last week. Usually I am working non-stop and get very little time to myself, but having two weeks off, with nowhere to go, I have been able to make time for people who matter. I am very 'picky' about those I choose to mix with these days; based on previous experience it is a necessary fact of life. Having said that it was great see two people who mean a lot to me.

Last Thursday I was able to spend the evening with my mate from work James, someone I have grown very fond of over the last few years here in Portsmouth. He makes me laugh and always holds a good conversation. He was someone I always looked forward to seeing, until he moved departments about a year ago. Both of us have been meaning to get together for a drink, so I am grateful I had the time this week.

Ten cocktails each at Gunwarf Quays in Southsea, plenty of gossip and chatter and for the first time in months, I felt relaxed and happy to be in the company of someone other than family. I have to find more time to spend with friends, I know that, but with Darrell in Australia I do find it difficult. James cheered me up no end and put a smile back on my face, which was most definitely needed!

From a relatively new friend, to someone I have known for many years.  I met Ramona in 1992, nearly thirty years ago, and we hit it off almost immediately. Attending University together, we were inseparable, spending every free moment together. I suppose Ramona knows me nearly as much as my husband; our history goes back a generation; we spent many happy times together.

I haven't seen as much of Ramona as I should in recent years, our lives went in very different directions. She was most certainly the sensible one and managed to reign me back from oblivion on many occasions. During this pandemic, we once again got in contact and very much continued where we left off, as we always do.  Meeting on Sunday was probably just what we both needed. Many of my issues resonate with Ramona, and we were able to talk about subjects only we could understand.

It was great to get out of Portsmouth for a bit as well and go for a wonderful meal at The Chilworth Arms, my favourite gastro pub, near Southampton. The food is always delicious, beautifully presented and piping hot. Although the price is a little more expensive at £17.95, compared to a typical Carvery for Sunday lunch, the experience is worth every penny. It was the perfect atmosphere to chat, catch up, remember the last thirty years and enjoy each other's company, as we always do.

Back in Portsmouth, we were able to take a brisk four mile walk along Southsea sea front, perfect for blowing away the cobwebs. It was reassuring to speak to Ramona about my current thoughts and feelings, something I can't often do with others. She has always been a good listener and great at giving advice, even if I didn't always take it. Being reminded of the past, especially now is comforting. It is certainly a reminder that things won't always be this way and the World will eventually get back to normal. Unable to hug as we used to, we have at least made arrangements to see each other once a month, as long as we can; friendship is important now, more than ever, COVID is testimony to that!

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