It was wet in Newport when I was there last week.  That was just fine… I was there to relax, and read, and eat some fun foods.  I was able to sit and watch the rain and wind on the beach – the waves were big and loud.  It was relaxing.

A lot of planning and preparation went into this trip… and I think it paid off.  I am tired, and a bit drained from going, but that seems like a pretty good thing since it was my first trip alone.  I am going back next month.

So I can’t go to the grocery store, but I can drive out to the coast for a couple of nights.  Interesting.  I have always liked the Silvia Beach Hotel, since the first time Lori convinced me to go there a couple years back.  People pretty much leave you alone to read, or just look at the view – no TVs, radios, wi-fi, or any such.  I have been in all the little shops, and I liked the Pub and Bakery.

The idea of going there alone goes back more than a year.  My readers will know that last year was a bit unsettling at times… but I never lost the hope of going to Newport alone.

I paid attention to where things were, and how things felt.  I gradually built a plan.  I had enough time to slowly figure out what I would do, and where I would go.  There is the Pub, which is right down the street, and has foods, and ales I like.  There is a fantastic Wine store where the owner knows what I like.  And the hotel itself, it calm, quiet, and comfortable.  So I planned…

I think it paid off.  Though there were moments when I wanted to give up and run home, I had a very nice day Thursday – I read a book and a half.  The evenings were the hardest – as they are at home.  It was more work than I had hoped, but went better than I had expected.  That is very good.

I still have a lot to think about… but I am going to be ready to go again, and it should get easier each time.