JUST ONE MORE SLEEP

Well it's nearly time to go. My big adventure starts tomorrow and I'm almost ready - just final packing to do. Dave's memorial DVD isn't finished, but there will be time to do that while I'm in Hartlepool. His family may have a few photos that I can add to it anyway.

I've been busy for the past couple of days except for a lovely, unexpected short break for coffee and lunch with Sandra C on Thursday.

I've decided to relax totally tonight, so this will be just a short message. I'll be back with my first true travel record as soon as I can get access to internet on my trip.

Be back soon.

THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES

Well it all seems to be coming together now.

I got quite a bit done today - mainly because Mum took Buddy off my hands for me for most of the day. I've been trying to keep things as normal as possible for him. His actions today proved this is working.


We got up at about 8am. I let him outside and started fluffing around getting breakfast ready etc. He came back in and headed to the lounge as usual to watch out for 'trespassers'' on the footpath outside the house. After a while I wondered where the heck he was and found -



"Where have you been Mum???

My bags have been laid out in the spare bedroom for some time now, and I made the most of his absence by sorting out some of the clothes etc I'll be taking.

When he came home we to played the usual chase the dog around the house with his toy game. This was the final outcome -

"Well I'm packed. Whats the hold-up."

I'm starting to learn the benefit of keeping the camera ready.

Well back to more work on the DVD tonight. Two full days to go - I think I will make it. Nite Nite.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Well today's been both sort of productive, mainly fun.

This morning was taken up with trip preparation - sorting out summer - yeah summer!!! - clothes for the trip and general housework.

Lunch was with Mum and sisters Sue and Merle. It's great to be able to do this. I've really come to realise and appreciate how important they are to me. I was just sorry my brother Larry wasn't able to join us as well.

Then it was a drive to Levin to meet up with Diane and Jocelyn. Buddy travelled with me so we had a small 'pee break' on the way for his comfort. What a waste of time - he disgraced himself at Diane's, much to my embarrasment. Luckily his bad behaviour didn't ruin things altogether. It's really great to have a good gossip with good friends sometimes eh.

Now I'm catching up with EMails, and downloading Skype on my laptop - just in case someone wants to talk to me -and relaxing a little because it's full on for the rest of the week to avoid a panic on Saturday.

So it's coffee time. Buddy's asleep with his head on my lap.
Photos tomorrow. Nite nite.

TIME TO GET MY BUTT INTO GEAR

For months now I've been mentally preparing for my trip to take Dave back to his family in England. Suddenly there's only a few days to go and yep you guessed it - I'm nowhere near ready.

I've resorted to a 'to do' list - something I vowed I wouldn't need. I reckon I'll get everything done - gardens seen to, housework all up to date, everything I'll need packed, bills all paid, Dave's memorial DVD finished, Buddy comfortable with staying with Mum, Mum comfortable with having Buddy etc, etc, etc.

I'm really glad I'm not working. I reckon I will have been a basket case by now if I had been. Instead I'm starting to get excited about it all.

Tonight's plan is to do some more work on the DVD - interupted by Buddy's constant demands for attention. Why is it he can sleep through the day just to pester me when I need to concentrate????

Tomorrows plans include lunch with the family, followed by a drive to Levin with Buddy to visit CHH (where I used to work)to collect the duty free orders from my workmates and then coffee later with my two good friends Diane and Jocelyn.

This will most likely be the last time I'll get free to socialise until Saturday so I'm determined to get the best out of it.

On with the work.............