…we worked out little butts off!

I’ve already had a week off from work, ostensibly to prepare and pack both ‘The Beast’ and the ‘Tin Can’. I’d managed to get through a fair bit of it, but there was still a lot more than I had expected, yet to be done.

Bec, not being quite so lucky had finished up only yesterday, arriving home elated, but suffering from the onset of a cold. That fails to bode well for her.

Thus today was the sole chance that we had to strike off a myriad of last minute items from our agenda, a list which if I wasn’t mistaken, seemed to get longer as the day got shorter. It started off with a quick jaunt down to the shops, hunting for a new pair of shoes for Bec after she found her favourite pair in dire need of fixing or throwing out, and a bottle of special chemical for the loo in the caravan to stop it from smelling well, like a loo.

Back on home soil, we took it in turns within the cramped confines of the van to unload the bulk of our closets into the dimiuitive storage cupboards. I’m not 100% sure, but I might just be able to go the whole trip without washing. My clothes that is! I know I’ll personally need washing more often than that.

The fridge and freezer presented similar issues as we fought to wedge foodstuffs in at oblique angles just to allow for the shutting of the doors. I realise now why the doors have little clips on them. It’s to keep them shut without needing to resort to a bit of 2X4 chocked against the opposite wall.

It was after 5:30 by the time we had the bulk of our chores done and Bec reminded me that we had a party to go to. Oh, boy I had just about forgotten our surprise going away party. At least that was what I read into the explanation of it being for a ‘friends birthday’. Sure. What coincidental timing. Whatever the case, with nary a moment to waste, I changed into the best clobber I had that wasn’t already packed tight into the van. As it happened, it turned out that it was in fact a ‘friends birthday dinner’! I guess it was surprise in some respects then. At least it was for me! On the other hand, Happy Birthday Simone!

Truth be told, we did actually delay our trip by a day so that we could be home for the birthday. It seems that we tend to travel at this time of year, every year, and I have lost count of the number of times we have been gallivanting around the globe instead of spending time with those nearest and dearest to us. This year was not to be one of those years.

Following a delightful meal, in good company at a local Thai joint, it was a last minute mad dash about the house to make sure all that could be done tonight, was done tonight. That still leaves a few items to be crossed off our list before we finally depart tomorrow morning, but at last, although excitement reins and I know that sleep will be hard to come by, it was time for some much needed rest.

He even sleeps with that bloody thing on.

So, in closing for tonight, it is tomorrow that is ‘D-Day’ for our upcoming adventure, as we hit the road and head for parts unknown. As I said, I’ll post a running commentary as time and internet availability allow, so feel free to log in and have a gander at what we’re up to or hit the “follow” button on the home page to have all of my ‘ramblings’ dumped into the in-box of your chosen e-mail account, the moment I post them.

A don’t forget, I really did mean it when I said that I can be reached at marcus@myramblingtales.com or by just leaving a note on the web site. I’ll read and reply to all comers as best I can.

And finally, I’ve just got to say that “Marcus chooses to wear  hats”. And if you click on the logo enough times, maybe I can get a sponsor ship deal (or an intervention order for stalking. Either or would be cool!)!!!

Until next time, have fun, stay safe and don’t forget to write.