Ready to Go!

Being MC at season-end concert with ROCA  (Sylvia's pic)

I love retirement! I love the time to myself and the ability to change my mind without worrying about other people’s schedules. I still have commitments that take up a lot of time – notably my season with Richmond Orchestra & Chorus Association, and my work at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary. But this year I decided it was time to touch base with the family again, and throw in some just-for-me holiday. Two years ago, I treated myself to the services of a really good travel agent; this year, it’s been all me... I decided that I wouldn’t drive or fly (other than getting to/from the UK), but would get a EuRail pass and be a little more ecologically-minded.

I'll miss my furry friends!  (Debbie's pic)

So the plan is for a couple of days in London (to allow adjustment to another time-zone), then take the EuroStar through the Chunnel to France. I’ll be visiting Rouen, Caen, Mont St. Michel, Dinan, and the taking the ferry from Roscoff to Cork. Time for a good visit with Martin & Eileen, and then train up to Dublin, and a couple more days for exploring. Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, and train to Nottingham, and then more family time with Steve & Gill. Finally, a run to Reading for an evening (and a choir rehearsal) with my old friend Frances, and back to the airport. Lots of online planning and booking and discovering helpful apps and working out things like e-sim for my phone. Every year the electronic world gets more helpful to travellers.

McCormick

Two years ago, on my first big trip, my beloved Scout went to stay with my good friend Debbie while I was gone. He was pretty freaked out for the first day or two, but by the time I got home, he didn’t want to come home with me! I lost him to cancer this past January, but I still have his buddy who came to me last summer, McCormick. Debbie now has her own cat and can’t take another, but McCormick is going to summer camp at the Cat Sanctuary. There are lots of people who remember him and will want to visit with him and fuss over him, and I just hope he doesn't feel too deserted by me.

Tucked away in a temporary home

So, here I go! - McCormick is safely in his new Sanctuary place; I have made my lists, and (mostly) packed my bags. Time to post the blog, stow away the laptop till London. Watch this space....