mixed emotions

Made it back to the UK this afternoon and did my basic routine. I think I can call it a routine since this is the sixth trip I've done in the last six months, either from the US or from Amsterdam.

1. A quick walk around the house for a bit of an inspection - I'm not sure what I expect to find. Though I'm generally suprised that lights still come on, the fridge is on, etc. (btw - on one return the fridge had cut off). Today's report - all in working order except for the stove light and the hood fan.

2. Walked over to Waitrose to get some groceries. Was pleasantly suprised to see fresh produce - sometimes the pickings on a Sunday afternoon are not the best.

3. Back home, groceries put away, I started to tackle the two overstuffed suitcases. This is my least favorite part of my routine. Mid way through I stopped to enjoy a pot of tea and some dates. After the tea I was really quite tired. So, took out the worn out blanket that I packed and took a nap. (we've had this blanket for years and it has just the right amount of being worn and super soft from all the washings; plus Juju and Mooshi love it too)

4. Back to the bags - unpacked the remaining items. Including Mooshi and Juju's little bed, some of their favorite cat food and cat nip. Also brought some more of our tea cups. It's those little things that make this place feel more comforting.

5. Changed the sheets on the bed and took a shower. Started the laundry.

6. Made my typical dinner after a return flight. Steamed veggies - carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoe with olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, chopped ginger and sprinkled with generous serving of sea salt and black pepper. Very simple, but the veggies tast really good after flying. Plus, made enough for lunch tomorrow.

And now here I am. Waiting for D to get on line so we can skype.

The last couple of days in Portland weren't easy for me. I don't know what I would do without D, I am truly the luckiest person. I was so up and down emotionally. It started when we got his passport with his visa on Friday morning. I was relieved and thrilled. This meant that he could fly out on the 25th and arrive here on Saturday. The cats will be arriving on the Thursday before, so was happy to think that in a week we'd be finally together.

Later that afternoon I was looking at his visa to make sure there were no mistakes and that is when I noticed the 'Valid from' date. For some reason, they marked it April 1 and not the date that when they gave him the visa (like mine). Long and short of it, he will fly out on April 1 and be here on the 2nd. Just a week longer, I know, I know. Still disappointed. The cats will still be here on Thursday afternoon and D will move to a hotel in downtown Portland until he leaves.

On Saturday went for a very long walk with D, before my flight. We had such a good talk. I don't want to write about it yet, maybe it's something for my journal. I'll just say it balanced me and I was much better when I had to say good bye at the airport (again).

By the time D gets here I'll have been here for almost seven months. Through it all it has gone amazingly fast, considering.

Mixed emotions to say the least.