My next move

I’ve been staying at DD’s place while he’s in London for work. His mum has a few medical appointments and it has been easier to take her while I’m based nearby.

I am in heaven up here. It is so peaceful and lush and I can leave the sliding door open for the dogs to come and go as they please without having to lug them up and down the apartment stairs for a wee.

The dogs adore it here too. They curl up on the cushions on DD’s couch or lounge in the sun on his deck or chase balls on his grassy courtyard and have the best time.

Due to the aforementioned medical appointments I don’t have much time for fun during my stay, but I am trying to cram a little of it into the schedule.

Each morning I walk the dogs to a local coffee shop and grab a strong flat white before I start work. The streets around DD’s place look like they belong in a holiday destination, they remind me of spending time at Hawks Nest with my grandparents.

I love being so close to the ocean. I took myself to Bilgola Beach for a swim at 5pm last night while there was still a lifesaver on duty to save me. The surf was a bit rough, so I stayed close to shore, but the water was a glorious temperature and it lifted my spirits.

I love how all the kids around here ride electric bikes that look like motorcycles. I find myself oddly attracted to them (the e-bikes, not the teenagers). Despite costing thousands of dollars they are absolutely EVERYWHERE.

I love the vibe on the upper Northern Beaches and the shops and the friends DD has made up here.

I love that when I wake in the morning the only sounds I can hear are bird calls and the distant surf.

I haven’t been cooking, just surviving on leftovers. I think my kids are visiting tonight and I will take them out for pizza in Avalon.

I want to move to the Northern Beaches very badly. But the time isn’t right just yet. I need to settle the youngest into university. I need to make sure the eldest is on their feet financially. I need to not be commuting to an office job in the city.

But I would like to be living here in a few years time.

If you are having a long weekend, I hope it’s a good one. I’m heading reluctantly back to my inner city pad on Friday morning, then I will pick DD up from the airport on Saturday night.

And my life will return to its regular rhythm.

Catch you on Monday.

Song of the day: Jack Johnson “Upside down”