The Spinster's Exploits

I suspect I suffer from a kind of health/wellness arrogance. I take pride in things that are mere good fortune health-wise. My weird hormones that mean I had easy periods and menopause and still have a self-lubricating fanny is one such piece of good fortune. My eyesight that requires little help at 71 is another. My general good health despite years of laziness and poor diet is something I take for granted.

I recently noticed weird lights in the sky in my peripheral vision, that disappeared when I turned my head. I forgot about it until it happened several times and realised that it seemed to be either my brain or eyes at fault rather than UFOs in South Wales. I wondered whether I should attempt to consult my GP or whether I was allowed another eye test when I’d had one recently. And then I forgot about it until the sun was making patterns on the sofa to my side – but only when I wasn’t looking there. I was fascinated, so tried several times but it did not succeed in catching it out or find the source for light play. And I suddenly had a new “floater” in my vision – a small black dot that was skipping along merrily as I was reading my book.

And then I happened to glance at my sheepskin rug, and the tips of the fur were brown and the whole thing was undulating – making waves toward and away from the centre! I actually got the giggles deciding I may be bonkers, but it was very funny. And it repeated its trick every time I glanced over.  I was going to have to do something!

It may be worth noting I have been teetotal for about 40 years after a history as a limited social drinker and my only experience with drugs was cannabis fairy cakes once about twenty years ago.

Weirdly I forgot about the rug and sofa when I made my hesitant explanations of my concerns. The “UFOs” had happened several times and I’d decided I needed to do something, so that’s what I reported. And when asked about “flashing lights” remembered the light display on the sofa. It was enough to get me an emergency appointment the following day.

So I went along and learnt all about flashes and floaters and learned I don’t have a detached retina (bad) but normal shrinking of my vitreous gel – no big deal – Phew.

Now because of the tests – pupil dilation – I was told I couldn’t drive, so had used the bus service to get to my appointment. And it was a scorcher of a day. Afterwards, I was desperate for refreshment and a loo, so went into a local coffee chain place. I found a shady table and sat sipping my tea and watching passers by and my fellow customers.

One of which, was young man asking about types of tea and which came in a pot. He settled down in my eyeline, nearer the window and shadeless. He poured his tea and disappeared from my consciousness until I heard sighs and saw him looking at what was a ceiling air-con unit, and enquiring of staff if it was working.

I realised I was at the edge of said unit, and my table was cool, unlike his which was in the sun. I looked up, said this to him and told him he was welcome to join me – and he did. We introduced ourselves and had a perfectly civilised conversation about accents, travel, heritage and backgrounds – me Malta, him Nigeria – that veered into pre-history and ancient temples! I had a lovely time and the place was ready to close so we were practically thrown out at about six – this is South Wales!

So we left after what was a delightful encounter with a stranger. We both said that we’d enjoyed meeting, and I thought that was that. He then asked for my number as he’d like to see me again! I was dumbfounded. Was he considering me romantically and/or sexually? I gave him my number and wondered…

…The wondering didn’t last! He rang me and made it perfectly plain that he was attracted to me and to older, larger women… He could of course be after my pension and worldly goods – or not…

I’ve agreed to meet again for a cuppa in a public place, but not yet happened due to our commitments. He knows I have two lovers and not at all fazed by it.

I have been very cynical about younger men hitting on older women. As one of my neighbours once informed me – if you go for the old or ugly, you’re more likely to get laid. I have to admit this charming young man didn’t look like he’d have difficulty picking up younger women, though…

So – despite my cynicism this is yet another area of life The Spinster has a theory! I have decided there are three categories of young men who will consider a large age gap. The first is those who see the person and connect with the essence of another regardless of looks and age. The second is those simply attracted to older women – a fetish/preference/kink/whatever. And the third is the rule-breakers/transgressors – they just enjoy breaking taboos.

Not sure if it will happen but I may be getting a new lover…