Someone asked me today ‘how many sleeps?’ and I knew she was referring to our forthcoming trip.

I hadn’t really thought of it in those terms until then – too busy getting work done, making sure that everyone who is filling in for me whilst I’m away, knows what to do and where to find things or how to find them out, making sure that everything continues to run smoothly whilst I’m away. But after that question it kind of hit me with some reality – it’s 3 more sleeps…. Christine got her luggage packed yesterday and weighed it – just inside the allowable amount.

I packed mine today and then had to unpack some of it – was 2kgs over! Graham has started putting his things together and should finish tomorrow. And then Monday we’ll spend picking up last minute things – some items at the dry cleaners, my travellers cheques and overseas currency.

The cat needs a new ID disc – he’s lost yet another one, so a trip to the Council as well for that. Different cat this time – Shadow (on the left here) – who hates his collar and the disc attached to it. So he made sure we couldn’t find them – bright purple collar, you’d think that would stand out in the garden somewhere. He’s now got a bright blue patterned one on instead.

By the way, Beauie is doing great, his fur is nearly fully grown back and he’s looking normal. The upside is he now spends a lot more time in the house – instead of outside as he used to do.

Some items to post off before I leave, tidy up my desk (hate it to look untidy) and then we’re just about ready. Hope it’s much cooler on Tuesday. They’re forecasting 41C for tomorrow and that’s really hot. From really hot to really cold – we’ve heard that UK and Europe are experiencing their coldest winter in a long time. Not sure if I’m ready for that but I’ve been told ‘layer upon layer upon…’ should do the trick. I look forward to posting photos and updates to you once we’re over there! KMT