Ray has gone to Camp Breakaway for three days. I have all the usual things to do so can't kick up my heels but can re-arrange things so I can fit more in. As usual there was some fear attached to detaching him from my care into someone else's. But I know the care is excellent (all trained to take care of stroke survivors in all stages of recovery) and the meals are great and he just LOVES all the entertainment they provide. So it is a great experience for him and one he wouldn't want to miss.

I thought he'd had a slight fever the last couple of days but he assured me he is JUST FINE and nothing was going to stop him from going. I'm sure enjoying himself will give him the motivation to be well while he is there too.

It is a strange feeling to drive by myself, shop by myself, have coffee by myself. It is strange to push a shopping trolley and not a wheelchair and shop with a basket on Ray's lap. I might even admit I was a little lonely. But I can race around or slow down and window shop, no deadlines.

A widowed friend and I will dine out tomorrow night and a group of friends (our regular monthly get-together) on Thursday night so I will not be lonely then.

Will I catch up on the housework and the ironing? Probably not, I just need this time as down time, to relax and unwind a bit. And eat in front of the television, and read in bed and .... I'll think of a few other things to do I'm sure.