Well, what a gorgeous surprise I have Valentine's Day morning - a text message from the man with whom I have been exchanging many messages, saying: "good morning - Happy Valentine's Day..."after we'd both been comiserating (in our boring middle age) that a little too much is made of it these days in terms of commercial value. Frankly, I can think of worse ways to be woken - quite delicious, in fact! And then the messages went on for most of the day...a few mysteries, a few confessions, a few insights; all the things I would expect from a "testing the waters" activity.

From him not seeming to be entirely convinced that no, I don't have a man hidden away....to me left to wonder....he hasn't answered a similar question I asked him...deja vous? I really hope not....

I have stopped short (I think!) of being a brazen hussy, but have been totally upfront about how I feel - might have caused him to back pedal a little, obviously because there is a woman factoring in there somewhere - not a hugely committed relationship...but something none the less.

Then when we met through the week, I was sensing a lack of confidence and maybe even a little embarrassment, but it was still a good night with all the others - they all laugh at me so, as I try to ease back into a different music style - more than a challenge for me, but I need to admit that it's actually fun! More flirting ensued at appropriate times when we were removed from the others...however he did say that he was "in a lot of trouble", so I figure there's something he needs to sort. And as I trolled through our many many messages wishing to show him something on my phone (the electronic card he said he couldn't see), I commented about the "rubbish" we exchanged, only to be told: ..."yeah, but it was fun!"

He'd actually come to visit me at my workplace earlier in the day, saying if I felt so off with my back that I needn't come, but I said that I needed to. Had a lift that night, as my back had been playing up - a lift with one of the others. The three of us finished the night sitting round his kitchen table with our respective milos and tea.....

Rest of the week at work was a bit difficult and at times I had to reflect just what I might be getting myself into. There will be a hiatus now though, as he has an access visit then having all of next week off, going to buy a plane of all things. I really need to try hard not to send any messages - of course if he sends one I will respond, but I don't know if he's gone away alone - tricky.

Still, through all of this, debriefing with my bestest friend, I will be letting him know in no uncertain terms that however he views a casual relationship, I am unable to be "the other woman". I have a feeling he realises this. He had a sore back day off work himself this past week, then admitted that he could have gone to work - just felt like a day off...very indicative for me!

Back to the family problems - it seems that despite the horrible long phone call with the sibling in question, she is still stirring the pot - my other sister & i just can't believe it. now Dad's POA has called a family meeting interstate, so off I go next weekend. I will be staying with him & his wife, to allay further comments about the reasons I don't always stay with whichever family member. Heaven only knows how it will turn out, but it will be good to have the professional there - and then all go out to lunch together so that potentially awkward moments might be less likely.

Ho hum - such was my week! Today I feel like......