Coping alone, and hubby's holiday.

Simon went to Florence today.

He arrived at 9 am and left at 10pm so he made the most of it!

He went on a guided cycle tour, caught buses, ate at local restaurants, and from what I can gather got a good feel for a city I love.

I went there as well.

Not today.

But when I was 17.

Quite a while ago.

It was fantastic. We went as a group of A level Art students with our teachers and their partners. We were treated as adults and had a fantastic time and learnt so much. Although I have yet to return (it was simply too hot and too busy to take all the children this summer) I can still vividly remember so much of this beautiful place.

So how am I getting on?

It all started with hubby not wanting the ipad I had saved to get him for his birthday in January. It's fair to say the children were gutted at his rejection of an object they have for a long time coveted. I was a little too, but not for long as I received a full refund so my savings account looked much healthier!

So what did he want to do ?

It turned out go on holiday, by himself to Italy for a break, in the food capital, Bologna.

'Book it' I told him, knowing his love of all things Italian and cooking.

But I secretly knew he never would get around to it.

So I did.

Weeks of trawling hundreds of sites and I had found a fantastic deal on flights and accommodation.

He was surprised to say the least.

Having had screaming twins up a lot at night, I was nervous!

He now returns in two days. We have survived 3 already.

He did work away for three years so it is not altogether unfamiliar territory.

The children have been great and rallied around to help at tea times and bedtimes when one person cannot get around everyone.

I have enjoyed being able to do things at my pace, and determine exactly what I want to do and when.

It has been great to be able to just take Jono and Mair out. The elder twins are at home revising so once the little twins are asleep I have been going out for a couple of hours locally incase I am needed back.

Today we met up with Abie and Glenn in a pub that has an indoor play area. That cost just £2. We then went to Mc Donald's for lunch (I had nothing), and then the pier and the 2p slot machines. The children always love this treat about once a year when they get £1 in 2p's to spend on all those money slots that make you feel you are winning until you realise you have no money left.

It was a lovely, and cheap afternoon out and it was great to have just them, where I could talk and listen to them alone without any other interruptions.

Yes, it's been tiring, but not half as bad as I thought.

Am I jealous?

Not really.

Because I would not be able to leave the children to go away. I simply miss them too much. Leaving them and missing them would mean a totally miserable holiday. Simon is very different. That's good, because he has managed to have a great break, be able to do his own thing for the first time in 25.5 years of marriage without considering anyone else. I am glad he had made the most of it.

We have survived and bonded.

I am sure he will come back refreshed.

Sometimes you just have to let go.