A full day in Austria started at 9:00 am with the three and a half hour included Panoramic Vienna tour. I of course grieve the loss of my husband but I also am grieving the loss of missed opportunities to have had a closer relationship with my husband.

The common rule you hear after your spouse dies is to wait at least one year before making any major decisions.Traveling solo was a bit scary, especially to the opposite side of the earth but I arranged to meet up with a tour group. I did not move right away either, but after retiring from my job, it seemed like the right move for me. I decided the best action for me was to “runaway” and plan ahead for these upcoming triggers to deal with my grief.

My husbands wish was to be cremated and his ashes put into the Gulf because we had such good times there. I HAD to deal with all HIS drama he left behind before I cld begin to even enjoy the new home I’m in now.I have been extremely lucky to have a wonderful support group in not just my family but lifelong friends and workmates. This step can be scary, especially if you have spent a long time with your spouse and did “everything” together. Together we figure out how to hold the phone camera steady and sweep 180 degrees to get both the sun and moon in the same frame. It didn't have the excitement of the previous books, though it gradually picked up the pace and I did enjoy it. Our volunteer guide showed us around a small village telling stories and once again showing us flood line marks, the danger of living near a river.

I slowly emptied his closet and drawers during that first year; donating some items, giving some to family and stashing away a few items. Back on the ship we enjoyed our first diner with appetizers, bread and butter, a main course and dessert. Even the day we visited, someone had painted on the wall and Pete got some wet paint on the back of his shirt. We walked across the Charles bridge into Old Town where we watched the 15th- century Astronomical clock strike noon and the 12 apostles walk past the tiny windows of the clock.Apparently, this beautiful building had been bombed during World War ll but underwent extensive reconstruction and shows incredibly ornate rooms, a stunning 6400 foot fresco on the ceiling and English-style gardens.