Thanks for asking. I got home from the US two days ago, having spent a nice Thanksgiving with BIL, MIL, W's cousins and their families. BIL's two boys were fun to play with, and I had good conversations with BIL's wife and her mother.
Being back here makes what I don't like about it clear. Working alone all day and then regularly into the evening is no fun. I saw d15 for only 10 minutes yesterday. She and my still-W now share her bedroom upstairs, so at least we are on the same floor at night (in the States I don't really care about having people near, as I am alone, but here, where my family is nearby, it is nice to be on the same floor).
EE was a very positive experience, which I can imagine doing again. I felt like I could contribute, we on the support staff worked together on a common goal, and I got to know more people, which I really appreciated. What a wonderful thing it is to be able to give emotionally, especially for someone in a classically dry profession like mine!
W did the usual not saying hello when she came home, ignoring me, until I called everyone to dinner. She avoided my gaze during the meal, only softening a bit afterwards, as I explained and gave her the various kid stocking stuffers I had found in the States. She asked no questions about my time in the US or the flight, as if these did not exist. Bottom line - she can go jump in a lake (and there is one nearby).
So, it looks like the D is on track, but that is probably for the best. It sure would be nice to have a partner that I can share with again...
I have a beard now btw, as suggested a while ago. It was fun to get this trimmed at a place specializing in cool haircuts, including the 'slick pomp'. Perhaps a Napolean III Imperial is on the cards...
W is slated to get a book about Virginia Woolf's garden (she adores VW and our garden here) for Christmas, perhaps too nice a present. It is ot expensive, but certainly something she will like. My s, soon 20, gets a trip with Dad to Sicily. Only d15 still lacks a big gift, something that bears working on.
Luke
M58, xW54 S22, D18 M 1984, D 2016 Living a new life.
