Back in the fast lane for the weekend

It's nine months since living on the water at a slow pace, and although it feels strange, I'm super excited to leave our narrowboat at a safe boatyard, to go across the country to spend the holidays with our friend Kevin.
It will only be a few nights away from my narrowboat, but a 3-hour car journey seems weird.

Sitting sideways on the back seat of a confined Audi TT, it felt exhilarating to be going at high speed in the fast lane on a motorway, compared to the 4km/h narrowboat speed that I've become accustomed to on the canals.
Swift traffic, foggy roads, and heavy rainfall; I enjoyed the sounds of raindrops as I watched the rhythmic movement of the windscreen wiper. I was thankful to not be the one behind the wheels.

I could not help but reflect on the day we first arrived back in the UK.

It was a cold spring afternoon. My husband and I had just returned to contrasting weather after living on a small tropical island in the Philippines for seven years. We were driven from Heathrow airport to Lichfield, in the West Midlands Uk, by our dear mate Elliot, who dropped us off along a towpath leading to the marina where we would receive the boat that had been purchased before leaving the Philippines. It was a surreal feeling looking at a tiny vessel that was our new home.

_{The tree I stood under anxiously waiting to enter the boat for the first time.}

Now, being at a conventional home, with a secluded garden, a regular shower, and a bath seems grandeur, but I'm feeling a similar excitement to the first time on the boat all over again.
I love my off-grid lifestyle, but it's a wonderful experience to be living a normal way for a few days.

A full-size kitchen, a grand living room, a big bed, with a large bay window looking out at a private garden, and it makes me realise that luxurious or traditional living carries an expense, and my alternative lifestyle is a tradeoff that I'm happy living and experiencing at this stage of my life.
Still, this luxury feels a little overwhelming, yet refreshing, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

Christmas comes once a year, so it's worth it, right?

It's been a while since I've done Christmas dinners. I'm not a big fan of turkey, but the meal prepared by our friend @diveratt was outstanding. A very traditional one of Brussel Sprouts, Turkey, Red Cabbage, Spuds, Yorkshire Pudding, and lots of Red Wine. However, it's the exchanging and fresh stories, good company, and a break in routine that stood out for me.

Another big bonus was that for the first time in 7 years I was able to get phone connections to speak to my family on Christmas day, so I'm feeling really lucky.
Christmas in the UK is very different from what my Christmas' in Jamaica was, but with the global change, my family back home have experienced their second quiet Christmas.
No street parties, but togetherness at home.
A nice way to celebrate the season, don't you think?

Peace and love, until next time 🙏