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.
