I have not blogged for a while, been too busy and have not felt the need or compulsion.  This weekend has already been so good, that I felt it might help to share it and give some optimism for anyone staring out on their divorce.

It started yesterday evening when my partner and I met up for dinner with a Wiki friend and his new partner.  I hadn't seen the Wiki friend for ages and was really pleased for him at how well he looked and at how happy he was with his life now.  His new partner was great and we all had a lovely meal and some excellent conversation!

My partner stayed over and we have

I thing the thing that I have found hardest in divorce is trying to keep a relationship with my ex so we can talk as parents and make sure our communication with the children is clear and consistent.  When you are a married couple this is relatively easy, but on divorce it is much harder.

I don't know if it is more difficult as we have joint care for the children, or whether I m expecting too much and being too idealistic but it has been a real battle to have a conversation with my ex about a couple of important matters (well I think they are important).

I left a message this morning and

Spoke to the ex earlier to sort out arrangements for the kids for the weekends in November and December.

For half term, they are going away with me and my parents, we are staying at a cottage in this country - fairly cheap and cheerful but good fun. I had thought we had the cottage Saturday to Saturday, but it turns out it is Friday to Friday.  Since we would be back on Friday 30th I suggested to the ex she has them for the last weekend of the half term (some self interest on my part as there is a halloween party I would like to go to!)

Anyway ex said that she couldn't have them that weekend as