The first one.

So, here goes.

First of all a bit more about me.  I am 42.  I've been married for 20 years.  I have 3 fantastic children (I am slightly biased on that subject).  I work.  I am a part time uni student and I am just about to start the second year of a degree in Childhood Studies.  Should have done it years ago but lacked the confidence to try.  I live in the Garden of England - Kent.  Near Broadstairs.

So what's been happening to me recently...................

Well we've just got back from our first camping trip.  I've got to be honest and say...........WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING WHEN I AGREED TO THAT? One should not start one's tenting career at 42.  I am too old for paddling about a campsite in the pouring rain.  And whilst we are about it - why is it ok to walk around a field in the middle of the countryside wearing your pyjamas and dressing gown to go for a wee or a shower in the (freezing) shower block?  I wouldn't go down to the local shop of a morning wearing my pjs and dressing gown to get a pint of milk, so why is it ok to do it on a campsite?  And, incidentally, when it says '6 metres between pitches', it doesn't mean get as close as you can to my tent, because I really want to be able to hear your husband snoring and farting during the night.  Blimey, it's bad enough having to listen to my husband doing it - why do I have to listen to your husband's too? 

However, there was some joy on the camping trip.  High on my list of memories would be the conversation between husband and wife in the tent just down the field from us.  It was pouring with rain (again) and the wife could be heard saying "well why don't we go shopping?  Where could we go".  Hubby replies in a testy tone "Norwich.  That's the only place there is in Norfolk".  Fantastic.   No other towns, no villages, just Norwich.  By the way their two children appear on my list of highlights as well.  Conversation heard at 5.30 one morning, "If you do that again I will put my nails in your back" - Rowan (5ish) to Noah (3ish).  A couple of minutes later, mum yells, "get you nails out of his face".  Lovely.  Another highlight on my list - sitting with my family all wrapped in blankets to combat the chilly evening, drinking hot chocolate and watching the sunset.........fantastic.

So camping was an experience.  Not sure it's one that I want to repeat.  I've told The Old Man (TOM) that I will be willing to consider it if we can buy a tent that doesn't let water in.  He's now busy on the internet finding tents for next year.  I say, make my tent a brick one with 3 bedrooms, a shower, a toilet, a kitchen and a living room............oh yes, silly me.........that's a cottage.

Sal x