The Big Adventure

Goldiegirl

Karmacat wrote: »

I suppose if you've got two really long ones close together, you might feel there'll be a terrible gap before you can have another long one ... I don't think that was an issue for *you*, but its something I think about even with ordinary time off, spacing it so I don't get it all bunched up. Not such an issue when you're retired, even though you still need a break and whatnot!

Both the holidays sound gorgeous

I still think spacing of the holidays is an issue, even after retirement.

We still need to bear in mind things like our health, but I feel as if I don't want to cram 'everything' into a few years - I still want to have things to look forward too. Plus, I enjoy being at home, so I don't want to be away for long periods of time in quick succession.

Although Mr Goldie also likes being at home, he wants to press on with the holidays that we've always dreamed of. I think it stems from his dad dying at the age of 67. He had a stroke, and died soon after (this was before I met Mr G). I know it plays on his mind that the same might happen to him. I keep telling him it's unlikely - his dad was a smoker and Mr G has never smoked, plus his diet is much healthier. But can't help thinking it's behind his feelings that he needs to get everything done, pronto.

But, as ever, with these things, we spend a few days disagreeing, then work out something that is acceptable to us both.

Watty1 wrote: »

love that you made a decision. I'm so looking forward to your hols :rotfl: I'm living the retirement dream via your diary!

I promise - there'll be photos!

BookWorm

Hi Goldie - I wasn't around yesterday so couldn't offer my thoughts when you asked. However, it seems like you have reached a good compromise yourselves anyway. I've never been to Oz but have NZ and I'm sure you will love it - as it's fabulous!

Lots of lovely travels to look forward And like Watty, I can live vicariously

misscousinitt

I was going to suggest, "why don't you go for Oct 2017 as a compromise?", but you got there before me!

On the paella front, I often use chicken instead or (or aswell as) prawns.

The tagine sounds lovely - never heard of putting apricots with beef - sounds interesting.

MCI

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

Sounds like a brilliant compromise. It will be great and I do see both sides. Mr G is right, you never know what is round the corner. But if you like being at home too, as you do, two long trips in a year is a lot.

greent

misscousinitt wrote: »

I was going to suggest, "why don't you go for Oct 2017 as a compromise?", but you got there before me!

Snap - I was late to reading it because we were away.

Goldiegirl

The art of compromise is alive and well!

It finally stopped raining today, so we actually managed to get out for a walk this afternoon.

I'm hoping to spend some time in the garden over the never few days, as it needs some tidying after all the rain.

A few of our blueberries have ripened, so I'm hoping the rest will follow soon. The peppers are now doing well, and we should be able to pick a couple soon. We're now able to pick tomatoes on a regular basis, but the courgettes are very disappointing this year.

I had a £50 cheque delivered this morning, which was the refund of the cancellation fee for the old car insurance policy. I'll pay that in next week.

I'm now waiting 'Who do you think you are' to start on BBC1, one of my favourite programmes. Ancestry emailed me the other day to advise it's free access for the bank holiday weekend, so I'll be checking my tree for anything new. I love it when there's a new snippet of info.

Karmacat

I'd forgotten about the free access! Must check, as you say.

I've just been out to the garden to look at what's happening out there, and you'd think I hadn't been out there for months :rotfl: everything has grown *rapidly*

Enjoy the walk

Goldiegirl

Walk was duly enjoyed - it was a relief to get out of the house!

This morning we went to Dobbies for our free coffee for August. This month we were careful only to buy what we went in there for (none of last month's profligate spending:rotfl:). We bought some flowers (cyclamens) for a couple of tubs, to replace flowers that we'd planted back in May and had gone past their best. This should now be it for garden spending for the year.

We spent time in the garden, tidying everything up. It looks so much better now.

We also fought our way round to the side of the house to get at the blackberries, and then went out to pick more blackberries. There are so many around at the moment. They're in the freezer now, probably to add to apple for blackberry and apple crumble.

It's been a very pleasant day. A bit of sun makes all the difference.

Goldiegirl

1st September already!


Apart from the 1st of January, the 1st of September always seems like a significant 'new start' day.


I think it goes back to school days when it was near the start of the new term.


Plus, in 1981 I started a job on 1st Sept, that I stayed in for 28 years and moved into the first house that I bought just a couple of days later, so lots of new starts there as well.


The 1st of September also seems to be a sign that the year is moving on, and a time to look inwards towards the home as winter approaches.


We managed to go for a decent walk this morning, and I'm getting my washing up to date (between showers) as we are going away for a few days on Thursday on a short cruise to Antwerp and Amsterdam

Goldiegirl

We've been doing our packing today.


We are due into Amsterdam on Friday, but the weather looks decidedly dodgy. I suspect we are unlikely to go in, but that's all part of cruise life.


It might be a bit kinder for Antwerp on Saturday.


Fingers crossed and all that!