A week on Sunday and I will be in a Devon Town called Totnes for a birthday get away. It’s my 50 birthday and so I wanted to do something different and hopefully memorable in a positive way. It will be the first time that I have stayed as a guest on holiday since going to Ireland with my Dad in 2024 for St Patricks day. Although its just a train ride down the track rather than a flight or a ferry it means a lot to me to try and get away and do something a little different.

Totnes is a historic and vibrant market town in South Devon, England, located on the River Dart. Renowned for its bohemian counterculture and focus on sustainability, the town features a steep High Street lined with independent boutiques, ethical restaurants, and wholefood cafes, sitting in the shadow of a medieval castle.

I’m really looking forward to getting there. I went and did a little recce (reconnaissance) a few weeks ago to decide whether or not I really wanted to go and stay there and loved the place and area and even took a look and had a meal and a pint at the pub that I will be staying in. Though it will be hot I hope to find places to keep my cool while there.

I have also ordered a t-shirt that I hope arrives in time to take with me which is a dragon singing design that I am having made up.

Being the first holiday with out my dad will be strange and also running into my 50 year while there will be strange to. if any one asked me how life is I could turn around and say yes not to bad thank you. I am grateful to presently have good mental health and not to bad physical health. I enjoy the company of good friends and also have close friends to call on when I need or want to. Social life is pretty good and though work can be a challenge I work with good people that help me get the job done.

Nothing is perfect nor should it be but it would have been nice to have had a chance to have another relationship / partner or something like that by now – the thought still somewhat terrifies me but it would still be nice to try again. I really think I would never have the energy or mental well being to have had children but most people that I meet that are single and want to mingle have been there and got the t-shirt of parenthood already so that pressure is not really on me or any potential partner.

Some friends have been busy getting in and out of relationships or sorts this year and I have been happy for them but also hoping I get to give it a try again at some time too but most likely will continue to tick along as I am. I am a nightmare hoping for the right person at the right time in the right place. Well we do live learn and love!