I had never purchased a one way ticket before. This ticket to England and the one to France next weekend are my first. It feels liberating but also like I am forgetting something. Shouldn’t I be returning somewhere?

We have arrived in London after a challenging week of waiting and goodbyes. Lily and I picked up the rental car and somehow I drove it to the hotel that was mercifully only a bit over a mile away from Heathrow. I have a manual again and while I’m comfortable driving this way, using my left hand to shift and staying on the left side of ride will take some practice.

Sleep was not easy last night during our flight. I may have eeked out 3 hours but we were both in need of a nap. Now on the other side of that and a workout in the hotel gym, I feel a bit more human. Apparently there is a happy hour in the hotel with free wine, beer and snacks and we are both highly motivated to attend.

In spite of thinking I had planned well, I did a crap job of packing. Last minute I had to move a single shoe, hair dryer, toiletries and other necessities to my larger (do not open until you get to France) suitcase. I also seemingly only packed one workout outfit which won’t do. As I write this, we are using the hotel laundry.

There is relief in being here with Lily though we both are anxious to accomplish all we need to do before I bring her to school. Tomorrow we will shop in Salisbury ahead of visiting our good friend Anna and her children in Blandford Forum. We will stay with her for a couple of nights which will be respite. She is such a lovely person, her home is gorgeous and her kids are wonderful.

I would write more but I need to head down to happy hour. Lily is quite pleased with her 18 year old ability to order wine. We are tired but we are hopeful.