The day after the cycle the day before.

Thursday August 15th. 2013 10:09

Yesterday we finally managed to go on the cycle ride that we've been talking about doing for the last few days. All told, with the journey into Rye and back, I think we've cycled about 22 to 24 miles.

That's the furthest certainly I've gone on a ride in my life. I'm really proud that Chloe kept up too, and not a single complaint about it.

We stopped off half way round at the 'Rose and Crown' for a pub lunch. I've even managed to catch some sun.

The countryside is beautiful and the country lanes that we've travelled on barely had any traffic on them at all.

Returning to Rye, we went into the supermarket and stocked up on supplies, so it was with a back breaking load of food in my rucksack and another canvas bag full on my handlebars.

Pretty soon after getting back to the caravan and some light food, Chloe was snoring on the sofa. After our somewhat quieter Wednesday, I don't blame her. For me, I'm surprised that I'm not immobile with aches and pains.

Celebration

My daughter's birthday. I'd offered to take the day off work, but she'd wanted to spend the day with her friends, and with her Mum.

Her Mum sent me a text message, pretty much echoing my thoughts about how I can't believe that our daughter is 14, of all the things that we've all been through in those 14 years, and how she's turned out. We're both really proud of her, and just can't quite find the words to express how surreal it is that she's that old. That she's growing up so fast. I know that she's doing very well at the whole 'teenager' thing.

She shares her birthday, with of all people. Wil Wheaton.

Happy Birthday to you both.

How did I get to be the parent of a 14 year old ? (I know the answer to that question. I'm not that stupid).

The summer wave has ended, or at the least been interrupted.

Still warm though. After booking the holiday yesterday, I really wish I could have been on holiday today. I wanted to be in that mode, of not getting up unless you wanted to. Not going somewhere unless you wanted to.

Looking forward to those sun-kissed walks, the open space. The Countryside. It may piss with rain all week for all I care. I would probably still go out and enjoy the outdoors.

The only thing I will miss, is the cats. I've asked my Mum to look after them, because I don't want my sister to end up having to do it when my Nephew can't be bothered to. She's got a pile on her plate at the moment, and well, really that's no different to normal. For her.