Well it's now the month of my birth - another 2 weeks and I'll be 55.

 

Not having had children and definitely not having a husband - does help maintain a woman's youth a little.  I said it - however, it is a scientific fact.   It's a fact that a married man will live longer than a single man.  It's a fact that a single woman will live longer than if she were married.  Men are pretty hopeless really on their own.  The question is has anyone done a statistical study of two guys who married - to each other?  Answers on a post-card please. 

 

Anyway back to the Birthday Month.  Having my hair done on the 17th.  And having that week off work.  Yippee.  I'm going to have lunch out that day.  Not sure where but Hampshire is full of great pubs.  Loads of rivers here and streams with pubs nestled on their curves.  The Meon Valley - well there's a pub on every corner.  The Shoe at Exbury is particularly good. 

 

I was toying with the idea of moving back to Sussex.  Yesterday, I drove to Ashley Heath in Dorset for a booty and avoided the main road on the way back.  Came back through Cadnam.  A leisurely 30 - 40 mph through the New Forest.  It is so beautiful and only half hour or so drive from my house.   Had to stop for 5 minutes whilst a calf sat in the middle of the road, but the sun was shining and no-one was in a hurry, especially the calf.   Hampshire is one of the most beautiful counties in England - it's a tad slower than Sussex.  It takes me approximately 15 minutes to walk to Whiteley Woods.  10 Minutes drive to The Hamble.  As mentioned the Meon Valley - that is the most beautiful area around here.   And let's face it - fashion, well there isn't any here.  But one can visit Brighton and sit and take in the sights. 

 

I love the fact that I can drive to Dorset and Devon so quickly.  There's even a station within 10 minutes walk of my house with a direct line to Brighton and Gatwick. 

 

So I threw the toys out of the pram.  Hampshire is pretty good. 

 

And apart from Trendy Brighton what do I miss about Sussex?   People that won't speak to you in the street (they do here) . Seagulls - hate the noise they make.  Bad roads - the road system in Sussex is appalling.  Here it's pretty damn good.  Health Service is much better in Hants.  Less Crime. 

 

If anything I would move Westwards.  I love Dorset and Devon - not Cornwall so much (too bleak).  Or maybe Wiltshire.  I shall ponder on my future years past 55.