I had a surprise visit from an old boyfriend over the Bank Holiday. Well, I say it was a surprise but it wasn't really all that surprising as I am living in the same cul-de-sac where he grew up and where his parents still live. I'd seen his parents around and they'd told him where I was living - which is a bit of surprise for all concerned (including me!!) Anyway, although he now lives in London, his Dad is none too well so he was down to visit when he called in to see me.
We went out together for about a year when I was 16 and he was 17 and he was my first boyfriend. We have met up again several times since then - the last time being well over 20 years ago as it was before I'd met P - and it is lovely that we seem to be able to pick up conversations and stories as if all the years in between have never happened. Though when we compared ourselves to a photo he had on his phone of us in our 'youf' it was easy to see the toll the years have taken on us both. He is now totally white haired and I have to hobble round with a walking stick.
That photo has really brought home to me how soddin' old I'm getting - though as was pointed out, it was 37 years ago when we went out together so it's not surprising we've both changed a great deal. I'd love to show the photo on here but Typepad is still refusing to allow me to put photos on the blog. I really must do something about that ASAP or pack in blogging altogether - which I am thinking of doing, anyway.
It's a funny old world, ain't it? I never in a million years thought I'd end up living just a few doors down from my ex-boyfriends family home. Nor did I ever think when I was 16 that I'd become the wrinkled old bat hobbling round on a stick that I seem to have turned into. Ah, to be sweet sixteen again and have all your life ahead of you. I'm pretty sure it was Oscar Wilde who said 'youth is wasted on the young,' how bloody right he was!!
I hope you are not serious when you say you are thinking of giving up blogging. I would really miss your posts, I love reading about all the great buys you find in the charity shops, car boot sales and rummage sales. Also your posts about the new things you make from recycled things. I know it is a commitment to blog but hope you reconsider.
Sue.
Posted by: Sue | 05/10/2013 at 03:18 PM
And how old are you inside? I'm still only 16 in there and I'm sure you're not too far off.
Sort out the pics and keep blogging or else I won't have a blog to read when I click my link.
Take care.
Love from Mum
xx
Posted by: Mum | 05/10/2013 at 07:42 PM
Your Mum has spoken, and I do hope you do as she says. :) I enjoy reading about your thrifting, cooking, and crafting. I was thinking the other day about my blog, and how I have been so hit and miss lately. But then I thought about it as my journal, and as a journal, it has been most successful for me...the longest I've ever stuck with a journaling project.
Hmm...I did the math, and I find I'm a year or two older than you. I've been thinking that I was much older than you than that. :)
Posted by: kathleen | 05/11/2013 at 12:34 AM
I'd be sorry to see you give up your blog but I do understand it can be a chore to write posts sometimes-I'm a very occasional blogger these days and do wonder if it's worth it. My daughter says I should keep going as she loves reading my blog even though we live in the same house! I agree with Kathleen, a blog is a kind of journal which is interesting to look back on to remind yourself of what you've done. Hope you'll continue. X
Posted by: gill | 05/11/2013 at 09:14 AM
I would miss you :)
Posted by: Maureen | 05/11/2013 at 10:18 AM
No! Don't stop blogging, I love reading it!
Posted by: Fiona | 05/13/2013 at 07:52 PM
This Canadian has you bookmarked and loves your comments on life across the pond. I live with a disability and can never travel overseas. You give me a glimpse into life as I would hope to look for if I was able to come and poke around in the shops. When we do venture out here in our Prairie towns I have conditioned my husband to stop at thrift shops. Your poignant descriptions of adapting to changing fortunes inspire me as I try to adjust to mine! Keep on blogging....even with out the pictures! I read every word and check you weekly!
Posted by: Hope | 05/15/2013 at 02:59 AM
Oh please don't stop blogging! Your blog always feels real. It's great, one of the best out there. All best wishes, must be tough for you coping with P so far away!
Posted by: RachaelC | 05/15/2013 at 05:38 PM
I rarely comment but am always here reading along, and must add my voice to the clamour asking you to not stop blogging :) I love to read of your finds (and am jealous, as I never seem to find much myself!)
Posted by: Debbie in London | 05/20/2013 at 12:59 PM