Frank and Josie's House

Last week the older kids had half-term. It’s wasn’t half-term in the Japanese school system so, because it would be quiet, I decided to take the kids away for a week. This was partly to keep them busy, partly to explore this beautiful country which we are lucky to live in and partly to give husband-mine a break so he could concentrate on work and his friends because he’s always putting us first (he’s a good boy). So the youngest was excused from pre-school and we packed our bags and the car and off we went. I had thought about getting the train as I’m not always keen on being the sole driver on long journeys as I get really tired driving a long way and also find it a little boring. But, knowing we were going to be walking the whole week (and we did - oh so much walking) I chose the car for flexibility and ease and comfort in the midst of a pandemic. Also, this meant that I could plan a couple of outings on the two long journeys, one going there and one coming back. I’ve so many places

Good morning/evening/afternoon* (*delete as applicable), Today I am preaching self-love. I don't usually preach as I'm never sure it has the desired affect but today I am. Why? Because I've changed , man! (Insert appropriate sufer-dude accent here). Actually I feel like I've woken up. For years, and I really do mean years, my husband has been telling me to "take it easy" or "take it steady, my love". Whenever I say I feel like I've failed at something he simply looks me in the eye and says "Chronic illness!". In short he does his best to encourage a little self-love and self-care every now and then. For years my poor husband has been taking this stance with me. He never makes me feel guilty for not washing up or doing the washing because he knows my energy levels have a mind of their own. In fact I make myself feel guilty. Sometimes he even comes home and tells me off for having done housework. He knows that if I spend energy on mundane