When you live in the countryside, as we do, one of the accepted maxims is that it can be very inconvenient when you actually want to GO anywhere. Rarely does anything happen LOCALLY. The nearest we can usually manage to LOCALLY is Carmarthen. That's just a 20 mile round trip. If it's Swansea, that's about a 50 mile round trip. If it's Builth Wells (which we visit for the Antiques Fair, and a few years back, used to go to for the Smallholders Fair and the Royal Welsh Show), then that's a 100 mile round trip. The seaside - nearest is 18 miles away, and that's estuary really (at Llansteffan). If I want to take a basketmaking course, the nearest is just outside Cardiff - a round trip of about 120 miles or more.
I recently joined a craft group and have been so excited about learning new skills and improving on others. However, it is a 50 mile round trip. We have had so many unexpected calls on our finances this year, and now with Christmas approaching (and three birthdays amongst my husband and daughters), I have taken the decision that I shan't be going back to my crafts outside of the home until January at the earliest, and perhaps not at all. Fuel is so expensive and likely to get even dearer. I will just have to do without until we finally move. Sometimes you have to accept that you can't MAKE things happen. . .
I am envious when I read about other people visiting the London Museums (I stand a snowball's chance in hell!), or going to a Literary Group in the village (swoon), or meeting up with friends for a Crafternoon. Close friends of mine here in Wales have either moved away or gone in a different direction to me, so we have lost touch. Rural living can be lonely, although I am so fortunate in having my husband here at home with me 24/7.
So here's a positive thought that our house WILL finally sell (hundreds of brochures have been sent out) when someone else has finally sold THEIR house and is in a position to start looking properly for their new home. Then I intend to be nearer family and friends and able to join in again.
Where is that first photo taken? It reminds me of Kuwait, where there's just nothing as far as the eye can see.
ReplyDeleteHi Zev. It was taken on the beach at Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, West Wales. The view was looking South/slightly South-East, towards the Gower Peninsula. I wish I'd been somewhere as exotic as Kuwait to take it though!
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame you're stopping your visits to the craft group but with a 50 mile round trip I can see why and with winter approaching getting there and back could be difficult for you anyway. Hopefully 2012 will bring an improvement in your situation and the house will sell.
ReplyDeleteWe live out of town too, 8 miles to the small town nearest us, but 20 miles to any real shopping, museums, dining. Gas isn't as expensive here but we still plan each trip to get as many things done at one time as we can.
ReplyDeleteThe housing situation is just the same here BB - everything seems to be at a standstill. With winter coming on maybe you are better not venturing out on long journeys anywhere. We are in exactly the same situation here - wherever I wish to go is a long way. Good luck with the house.
ReplyDeleteI can so identify with this post! It's a seven mile drive winding through the Callahans just to turn left at the country store to head into town! (It's about a 20-25 minute drive into town.) I love that I can't SEE any neighbors but it still gets a little lonely. All my family are scattered through several states and flying from here to there is a literal pain. I hope your house sells soon!
ReplyDeleteThat is the downside to living in such a beautiful place, the traveling to and fro! If I move nearby we could craft together.x
ReplyDeleteIn Wyoming there were long lonely stretches, miles after mile of sagebrush and antelopes. These were places with no cell phone reception. Travel for building supplies was at least 3 hours each way, often an overnight trip if we had to go to Utah or Idaho.
ReplyDeleteIn the last area we lived while there I had friends and co-workers to enjoy. The first few years were often very solitary. My books and sewing [and the cats!] kept me reasonably occupied and sane.
I live in mid Wales so I know what you mean about travelling long distances. But living among such beauty makes up for it.
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