I am not used to being busy. My life is usually unhurried, with a certain familiar routine that comforts me in my retirement. But when a holiday is on the horizon, there are things that need to be done.
So there was much activity chez beetleypete this morning, including a rare trip into the heart of Dereham. (Sounds impressive, but it’s a very small town)
Up early, in the bath, dressed and ready by the time I am usually contemplating my second cup of coffee. I left a glum-looking Ollie wondering why I was going out without him, and drove through the gloom and light drizzle. In town, I was very lucky to find a nice big free parking spot right opposite the bank, my first destination.
As I do not yet cooperate with ‘Internet Banking’, occasional trips into the branch are necessary. This time I had to transfer funds from a savings account into a current account to ensure there was enough to pay the bill on Saturday week. Then there was a standing order to increase, and a transfer payment into our joint account. Second stop was across the road, to ‘Abigail’s’. This is a privately-owned gift shop that also sells a range of greetings cards.
When we are on holiday, it is our wedding anniversary on the Friday, so I had to make sure I had a card to take.
Back in the car, and less than a mile to the nearest supermarket. It has a petrol station attached, and I wanted to fill my car to the brim with diesel, ready for the longer than usual drive coming up. After waiting behind two cars, I was frustrated to discover that the diesel pump in that lane was ‘Out of Service’. Not wanting to drive around again to a different lane of pumps, I drove just over a mile to a much bigger supermarket where I was able to fill up immediately with no issues.
(*Worth noting here that the fuel prices have increased dramatically. The cost to fill my car has gone up from £55 to £63 today, in a matter of weeks)
Time to go back home. A very early lunch, followed by Ollie’s dog walk. (In light drizzly rain of course) After that, I had to fill the garden waste bin with hedge cuttings, so it can be left out for collection while we are away. I also sorted the regular waste bins while I was at it.
The time was now fast-approaching 4pm, and my next task was to iron the clothes I am taking on holiday. With chilly weather and occasional showers forecast for next week, it was an easy decision to take thicker shirts, and warm tops. I also washed a warm coat and thick fleecy cardigan, as I presume both will be needed.
It is now 5:15pm, and I am getting hungry. I think that is partly because of the early start, but also because it is decidedly cold for August, at barely 15C. Too early for starting dinner just yet, so I came in here to check blog posts and emails. (I also had been doing that between jobs, and when the iron was heating up)
For those of you with genuinely busy lives, my day might well seem like a holiday, I get that.
But I predict an early night for me!
Well, my father is retired and what you said seems super busy to me from his point of view. His day begins at day break with occasional naps sprinkled over the day. He does the laundry and helps my mom with cooking. But he has too much time to kill, so he writes books on Taxation, takes half hour walks, exercises daily and runs errands for my mom. And still he has enough time to watch several hours of TV. So what you said seems super busy to me!
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My normal day is more like your dad’s. Not writing Taxation books though, blogging instead.
(And walking Ollie)
That’s why this day felt so unusually busy! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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The time before starting into a vacation is horrible. Even though the preparation for it starts months before. Most times i forget something essential, and have to return to home at least one time. ;-( xx Michael
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I wouldn’t want to have to drive back 100 miles each way, so I made sure to take everything. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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There is much to do before a vacation (holiday)!
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And just as much when you get back, it seems. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh, yes!
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I always find running out to do errands exhausting, Pete. I am much happier doing stuff at hope even though it should be harder work technically. There is just something about errands.
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It was just unusually busy for my normally quiet lifestyle, Robbie. Still, it sent me to bed tired at 11pm, so that was a good thing. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Your posts are so relaxing. I love the unhurried pace.
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Thanks, Gauri. At my age, I actually found the day very hurried. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Haha. 🙂
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Sometimes days that are atypical are refreshing.
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I got it all done, which was a good feeling. Then I was in bed just after 11pm!
Best wishes, Pete. x
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You did have a busy day. I do not like errands that require banking or any sort of business. I love to get up early . . so I can drink a bit of coffee-that ought not to be interrupted. Waiting for gas, that you didn’t get . . .well lets’ hope you have a wonderful anniversary and that those sort of errand days are few and far between.
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Thanks very much, dear Michele. Some better news is that the weather forecast for next week is changing. We may see some sunshine on our holidays at long last. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Enjoy your vacation Pete. I am sure Ollie would enjoy it too. Regards to Julie.
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Thanks, Arlene. Ollie will be happy as long as he is with me. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Happy annniversary too.
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‘Cause he gets up in the morning,
And he goes straight away to the bath that’s waiting,
and then the shirts all need ironing for holiday so that’s the next thing to do,
Then he pats the head of his devoted dog and scampers out the back door
And he’s oh, so good,
And he’s oh, so fine,
And he’s oh, so healthy,
In his body and his mind.
He’s a well-respected man about town,
Doing the best things so conservatively. . .
Pops into the bank as has been his habit for quite a long time,
And he’s got a special day ahead so in he goes to find a perfect anniversary card,
Then the Petrol hose is not cooperating so off to Tesco he goes.
And he’s oh, so good,
And he’s oh, so fine,
And he’s oh, so healthy,
In his body and his mind.
He’s a well-respected man about town,
Doing the best things so conservatively. . .
Then he comes back home at five-fifteen,
Where he gets a familiar twinge of hunger after every rainy solo drive.
‘Cause his world is built ’round punctuality,
It never fails. But being up early his stomach has the growls,
then to bed early so he can do it all again. . .
And he’s oh, so good,
And he’s oh, so fine,
And he’s oh, so healthy,
In his body and his mind.
And he so looking forward to holiday in spite of the drive.
He’s a well-respected man about town,
Doing the best things so conservatively. . . 😉
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Channeling The Kinks and your inner Ray Davies for an excellent comment!
Thanks, Chris.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Took me like, 20 minutes. . . Worth every second! Enjoy your Holiday Pete!
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I agree with you on the ‘internet banking’ thing…..I am tired ju7st reading your day…have a great holiday chuq
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Thanks, chuq. I refuse to bank online, at least until they close down all the branches! (Which seems to be their plan here)
Best wishes, Pete.
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We are headed in that direction as well chuq
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I hope you slept well and have a great holiday, and Happy Anniversary when the day comes 🙂
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Fast asleep by 11:15! Thanks mate.
Best wishes, Pete.
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you had a busy day, Pete. enjoy your holiday and happy anniversary to you and Julie 🙂
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Thanks very much, Wilma.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Time to relax and enjoy after all the activity)
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I will be taking it slow on the beach, Beth. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Happy Anniversary and enjoy your break. For us retired old guys, busy days are great but you know you’ve had them.
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That is so true! Thanks, Paul.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, I got tired just reading it! One of the interesting aspects of a post-quarantine life is that I have gotten used to NOT going out much – doing everything from home…luckily we can do that, so when I ran out shopping today for some things I decided NOT to have Amazon leave on my doorstep at 5a, it was a bit of a culture shock. Literally in the last 18 months, I have been to grocery stores perhaps a dozen times!
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I have been shopping all through the lockdowns, but maybe once a week. Doing more than 4 things in one day was strangely exhausting. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Happy Anniversary and have a lovely holiday.
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Thanks as always, dear Peggy.
Best wishes, Pete.
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You and Julie enjoy your anniversary holiday. Warmest regards, Theo
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Thanks very much, Theo.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Very busy indeed! At least it comes with the promise of vacation, which makes it all good! My summer was too busy and I’m glad things have finally slowed down. At least enough to be planning for our next vacation, we love travelling in September! 🙂
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We always go on holiday in September. The kids have gone back to school. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I feel your pain Pete. I got stuck behind people panicking about the e10 unleaded petrol change
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Remember when they just sold petrol, and you were in and out with no fuss? 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yeah. I used to get Matchbox models of Jags and Mustangs with each fiver of 4 star!
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Enjoy a well earned rest Pete have a great holiday. I’m hoping there will be some photos on the way
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Cheers, Bobby. I will try to find something new for the photos. I am going back to the same place as last year, so don’t want a repeat of those. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Well I’ll keep my fingers xt the weather is bearable, good would be too much to ask! My days off which are normally quiet have been busy for a couple of weeks now, it’s really annoying! 🤣
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You’re back to Jessica! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes. There could be a great philosophical discussion based on the fact that a fair few of my followers were dismayed that I replaced her with a picture of my actual self! 🙄🤣
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I liked your Army photo. 🙂
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Haha Thanks Pete!
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Us retired folks, Pete, sometimes forget what we used to get done on a normal day. I’m one of those people, so yes, I do understand.
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Thanks, GP. Hard to believe I used to do so much in 2012. Including 12-hour shifts working for the police! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I can’t count how often I say “I used to …”
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Oh, an forgot to say happy hols, Pete!
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Thanks, Sue. Despite the dismal weather forecast, we will certainly make the best of it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pleased to hear the positive note, Pete! Where are you off to?
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Back to the same place as last year, the Lincolnshire Coast. (Sutton-On-Sea)
I wanted to retire to that small seaside place, but we ended up in Norfolk. I usually feel positive there. 🙂
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That’s really good to hear, Pete!
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My days are usually VERY un-busy these days, Pete….and I look back in wonder at what I used to achieve!!
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I felt as if today was ‘full-on’, Sue. Contrast that with a 12-hour shift in London, coming home to do housework and then eat dinner at 9pm. Age is taking its toll! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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In my case, disability…makes me feel old!
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That’s a shame, and I appreciate it has reduced your ability and enjoyment.
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It’s life!
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I find myself constantly wondering how I ever managed to fit in 8 hours of work plus commuting time. For a person who used to multi-task, I have become just plain SLOW. I guess it’s allowed!
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Definitely! I allow it! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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…and bonne vacance!
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Merci beaucoup, Carolyn.
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Sounds quite busy to me, Pete. I hope the weather warms up a little for your holiday but I’m sure you’ll enjoy the break whatever the weather.
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I think we will have to do just that, Mary. The forecast is not looking good!
Best wishes, Pete. x
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What a busy boy you’ve been! I was up at 05:30, went to work, came home and took the bike out for half an hour, cooked dinner, and now am catching up with social media. Time just flies by when you’re enjoying yourself, lol.
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It is only 7pm, and I feel worn out. 🙂 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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It sounds like you coped very well with all your pre-holiday preparations, Pete, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy the holiday all the more, knowing nothing’s been left to chance! [I know I would] Have a great time anyway, and I hope you get some decent weather 😀 Cheers, Jon.
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Thanks, Jon. I am not expecting any good weather this year, so will make the most of whatever we get.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Have a good holiday with great weather and if a day like that tires you out you are older than I thought. Don’t do too much on your vacation mate or at least take a couple of naps during the day . . .
xx
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I am not ‘napping’ mate. Not just yet…
(But I really do get tired now, unlike you.)
Best wishes, and love to you both. Pete, X
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It’s always crazy when preparing for a holiday! I’m doing much the same today, food shopping, laundry, and packing as we leave tomorrow for the long Labor Day Weekend at the lake with some friends. The excitement of the impending holiday gets me through the plethora of tasks required to take our leave. Sounds like you’ve accomplished all your tasks Pete and now it’s time for a nice meal and glass of wine. Cheers and safe travel, warmly, C
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Drinking that glass of wine now, meal to follow. I suppose you will have much better weather than me, so make the most of it, Cheryl. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I was “busy” yesterday writing lyrics for a new melody (our 108th songwriting collaboration). Today, I was supposed to go hiking in the mountains, but we got a bit of rainfall last night, so the trails are likely rather wet. The hike has been rescheduled for Thursday. As for today, since the hike has been postponed, I’ll be listening to a new melody in order to come up with ideas for the subject.
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Rain? Where you live? Was it headline news on CNN?
Best wishes, Pete.
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How in the world did CNN neglect to mention that we got a whopping 0.03 inches of rain yesterday? It’s beyond me!
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We have finally reached temperatures in the 70s for an entire week! a full 20 degrees cooler than it has been for over a month and a half! Wishing you a lovely anniversary and a grand holiday! xox to Ollie!
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Thanks for your kind words, Annette. 70F would be nice for our holiday but we cannot expect anything close to that, unfortunately.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sounds much like a few of my days. I would trade you my weather for yours, any day. Granbury Texas today, high 98 blistering degrees with a 10 percent chance of showers, low tonight 80. I dread my electric bill.
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I wouldn’t like that heat at all, Phil. But we have had no summer to speak of. No really bright days since early July, and complete dull cloud cover for all 31 days of August. It makes you depressed after a while, when you know winter is coming all too soon.
(I looked up Granbury. You have a beach park! The population is about the same as my nearest town here)
Best wishes, Pete.
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