Cutting the Apron Strings

I haven't experienced the separation anxiety that I thought I might now that my lovely girl no longer lives at home. In 2008 she travelled the world and for a while there, I was a total mess. She'd lived at home all her life. We are incredibly close and the thought of her traipsing through the Amazon was horrifying. If it hadn't been for internet cafe's, Skype and Facebook, I'd have completely lost the plot. Old as she was, I just wasn't ready to sever the apron strings and the relief of having her back in the country was overwhelming.


However, when she announced a readiness to make her own way in November 2010, it was just right. I guess after having a month in each other's company and no arguments other than me complaining in Paris one day after walking for hours in search of a Lonely Planet Guide recommended tea house, we got on like a house on fire. She'd matured, wanted to cut her own path in the world, as she should and more importantly, I was ready to let go.


She'd made the decision and I was fine with it. Found a flatmate, someone she barely knew for a 'fresh' start and settled into a lovely flat overlooking the harbour. Well it would be a lovely view if there wasn't a huge Jacaranda obscuring the view it but she'd prefer the possums and Rainbow Lorikeets. I guess come winter she'll have a nice view of the North pylon of the Harbour Bridge. She was fortunate that her flatmate had most mod cons and all she needed was her enormous TV and her bed and frankly, I've never seen her happier.


Surprisingly she does know how to operate a washing machine, keeps a clean and tidy house, has developed a penchant for nice bed linen and even ventures into the culinary world by actually cooking once in a while (helped in no small way with a little 'beginners' cookbook that I made for her on Blurb). Ha! I guess that makes me a published author.  Although I am looking forward to spilling coffee on her carpet and leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Oh wait, I managed to fall over drunk and split my eyebrow and have never properly met her flatmate.


We talk daily via phone or email. She's home at least once a week and only 20 minutes away so very accessible and of course, I still have my lovely Adam and Amy at home so not quite an empty nester yet. Although it will be mighty quiet once he's left the roost.


I guess it's all in the timing.

Apero on the Balcony

Shady retreat

Kitchen (Not sure what "Wally's" sorry for but there's an apology on the blackboard

Living Room - Compact but comfy. And yes, that is a cleaning product on the makeshift coffee table. Who'da thunk it?

Yes somewhere behind that tree is the Harbour Bridge, so close you could spit on it

 So, I am left with . . .

My beautifull daughter-in-law to be

Arguably he funniest man in the world during a serious moment