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Cycling nivarna!

This week we have mostly been enjoying the South of France and the delights of Mont Ventoux. We planned this trip ages ago and I admit that I hadn't paid too much attention to exactly where we were going - more so on what we were doing. So when I found out that we would be driving almost to Marseille, I was a bit concerned.  The amazing thing about travelling without the kids though is just how much easier it is.  They are both brilliant travellers, but you still have to consider 2 little people, whether they need to stop, the need to amuse them and so on. With just the 2 of us it was a breeze and we flew down to Ventoux with few stops and fewer delays - perfect.  Even more perfect was the cycling - it was just lovely.

We travelled on Thursday with plans to do Ventoux together on Friday (1912m of climbing at an average incline of 9.5%), a scenic ride on Saturday and then Glenn would attempt his 'Club des Cingles de Mont Ventoux'  (roughly translates to mad men of Ventoux) on Sunday - all 3 routes up and down in one day. This is no small undertaking, particularly when you add in the (welcome but hot, hot, hot) weather forecast of mid-30 degree temperatures all weekend. Then a dash home in time to put the kids to bed on Monday evening.  The plans were executed to perfection and it was a lovely, lovely break - just want I wanted before the final countdown and work - eek! A big thanks to Mum who very kindly came to look after the girls in our absence, Dad who released her from her chores for 5 days, and Liz who provided some much needed adult company and sanity on Sunday - thanks everyone! We arrived home to 2 slightly emotional children - very pleased to see us and admitting that they had enjoyed themselves, but also old enough now to ask that we promise to "never, ever to both go away at the same time again." Hmmm, can't promise that I'm afraid. We all concluded that the best way for us to do these trips is in the school holidays when they can head off to Somerset and be out of their normal routine with plenty to distract them.  That's next year's plan sorted then!

The clock is ticking loudly and in 10 days I'll be back to work.  Obviously I always knew this was coming but it's suddenly come round very quickly and I'm apprehensive. I keep reminding myself that I coped with going back after a similar amount of time off for maternity leave, I know what it feels like to change companies, and this is just a combination of the two! The other point to remind myself is that its a great job in a great company and the people I've met so far have also been great - what's to worry about?! The thing that keeps me awake most is settling into a new routine. Again, I know it will very soon feel like the norm, but I also know that while we transition we will all feel the tension and it may not be an easy ride for a few weeks.  The girls have already told me that they are going to miss me being around the house. Abi will miss her early morning cuddles before the alarm goes off in the morning. I tell her it's not an everyday occurrence and we will still have the weekends and days where I have a later start. Izzy will miss me being around after school to chat to.  I will miss just being around the house and the ease of not having to rush off in the morning, and I'll miss all the time Glenn and I have had together.

All focus then on enjoying the last few days of freedom - the sun is shining and the future is bright.

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