Friday
I’d thought long & hard, I hated to not go see
@2jays, but my uncle fell & broke his hip, so I decided I had to see him & my aunt. I couldn’t see a way to fit all 3 into the trip home, so I reluctantly called
@2jays & cancelled
The days started well. I left earlier than I’d planned, so I had more time with my uncle if I needed it, less rushed is good. The trip over was 25 minutes, not 45 as I’d thought, so that was even better
I arrived to a locked gate, I expected that, but my cousin still hadn’t called with the code. As I’m looking for her number, 2 cars pulled up, with the carers. They were a bit hesitant, but let me in. It was obvious I knew the house as I walked straight to the kitchen, put the kettle on, milk in fridge, then went off to find my uncle.
I lent over to give him a kiss, forgetting what I was wearing & he grinned. Cheeky
I laughed, zipped up my top & left the carers to get him up
We sat chatting, me with my coffee & him with his orange juice, saying he’d take his meds “in a minute”. After an hour, he was getting tired, so I told him to take his meds & I’d leave him in peace. Eye roll from him, then he took the lot
I couldn’t see my aunt as she’s caught a bug, I daren't take that home, so I’ve left an Order io Service for her (she asked for it).
I climbed back in the car with Pooch & set off to get fuel, then I was heading home. It was 11.30 & Madam SatNav said 5 hours 45 minutes. I blooming wish
A third of the way home, with the nasty Madam SatNav still saying 3 1/2 hours to go, I saw a turning for a place
@2jays had mentioned in her text & pulled off. The M25 was not calling me at all. I was tired. Too tired to keep going. I pulled into a private club car park & phoned her. I was 6 minutes from her when I put the address into Madam, so I pulled out & set off again
The relief at seeing a friendly face & the chance to relax was overwhelming. Between
@2jays & 1Jay, they fussed over me, fed me, watered me & I chilled. Thank you. It was perfect.
Much hugging later I climbed back in the car with Pooch & off we went. It rained. There were Road works, variable speed limits & a stranded vehicle, causing the road to be closed while it was recovered.
The M25 was its usual mix of Lane hoppers & undertakers, mixed in with 3 junctions where the queue on the slip road was such that not only were people slowing right down in the slow lane trying to jump the queue, but at times the middle lane was also blocked with some cars trying that one
I saw a few cars on the chevrons trying to push in
, it was a relief to get off that & head towards the coast
I pulled into the last service station, about an hour from home. Pooch got out & mooched about but wasn’t interested, but I was desperate, so bundled him back in the car & legged it to the ladies
The last part of the trip is 2 way, mostly unlit & windy. Whoever you catch up to ... that’s the speed you do till you get home
So, although I have 2 cars in front of me, I got tailgated for the last 20 miles, lights on full beam ... what a delight
We pulled up on the drive just after 23.00.
To say I was tired wouId be an understatement. Taking out the various stops, I reckon I drove for 10 hours to complete a trip that should have taken 5
Pooch & I went to bed & slept & slept & slept
Edit to add: 776 miles from Tuesday morning to Friday night