Sweet air

Sometimes, things happen that make you stop and think a bit, don't they? And sometimes, despite the busyness of every day, taking time to think is really important.

I have been thinking that the term 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' is just so true. I realised that for more than a year, FR and I have been living and being together for almost every hour of every day. Now, for some couples, this could a dream state; something delightful; the time to do things together, to do things apart whilst being together and to weave a state of married bliss that suits both of them. For others, it could be a nightmare state; where neither one can turn around without the other passing comment; that one or the other partner wants to talk and the other wants silence - where the frustration of having someone else watch, criticise, offer help, play music or even breathe in your presence feels like the grounds for divorce.

I hadn't stopped to think about it before - possibly there hadn't been the space. And mostly, we are somewhere inbetween these two points. But we recognise both extremes. If you haven't been there, you don't know.

Clearly, what we needed was a little enforced break to sweeten what was left of the air between us. Time to take big gulps of personal space. And what better way to do this than by spending this time with our own family - my with my mum and FR with his father.

And FR's return from Valladolid on Monday brought with it a deeper understanding between us - a recognition that we had fallen into bad habits in our lives together. And with minimal fuss and maximum effect, this week, we have generously given each other more space, more time, more attention and ensured less duplication of effort, less criticism and less noise - as appropriate. The air has been much sweeter.


Playing to our strengths today, we decided to pack up a picnic and head into the hills to explore as the weather continues warm, sunny and inviting. Within fifteen minutes drive, just over the border into Granada - oh I do love Granada - there's an embalse (reservoir) which I have wanted to have a closer look at for a while. I'm so glad we did. Just enjoy these colours and know that if there was sweet air anywhere - it was here today.

Old tree trunk - just needs putting in place

Perfect for sitting on to enjoy the view

Darwin's already been in for a swim

No, Ruy threw a large pebble, not Darwin

Swishing canes

Note - Darwin happily running about like the grown up dog he is becoming.

Love Romy's hat.

 A little further on from the embalse, we came to Colomera - a small village clinging to a steep hill but instead of going up to visit, we followed a sign to a Roman Bridge. We thought it was wonderful.

A perfect place to play

the ancient game of Pooh Sticks!

Sadly not for sale....