Checklist being ticked off...

So much to do this week! We suddenly panicked last night about booking seats - I must have an aisle - I hate being trapped at the window on long flights. And so I hit the ground running (I use the term loosely, of course - my knees can’t rush) and whipped into town in time for the travel agent opening. I had a bit of spare time so I stood in line in the Post Office to get a book of second class stamps. Only after I had wasted 10 minutes of my life queuing, with the local radio blasting out (for my delectation) did I remember that I can buy a book of stamps anywhere. Duh!

From there I nipped into Greyfriar’s Churchyard for a blip that I had noted down last time I was there - looking through the gate to the church. This is part of the Flodden Wall. Despite my father teaching it, my knowledge of history is hazy. But I looked it up - built round the city after the Scot’s defeat at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513.

Popped into the travel agents, booked all seats, and got their travel insurance.

‘Do you have any existing conditions?’

I thought for a bit, then admitted,’ Well, I am a bit stiff…’

She laughed and said she wouldn’t charge extra for that. But truth be told, I am a bit worried about climbing in and out of big safari vehicles… Or worse, not being able to climb quickly to safety if a hungry lion is approaching! Perhaps they have some sort of pulley system for old codgers whose knees don't work...

Back home, no time for a tidy up, my visitor appeared. No worries. My pal was actually born and lived in Tanzania in the 50s. Her dad was in charge of building the railways, and they mainly lived in Tanga, a wee seaside town that we’re going to for New Year. Needless to say, she’s dead jealous.

A quick tidy up after she had left, drill out, and the first of the gadgets from Ikea is now in place - a thingie to hang up a hot iron on the wall. Anything involving the drill always takes much longer than I think. It might look straightforward, but I can find so many wee problems that inevitably it ends up with me wishing I hadn’t started, but can't stop. However, it’s there. Seems to be holding the weight of the iron, which is a bonus. But I don’t feel up to attempting the computer table (with two drawers!) yet. The instruction diagrams are many pages long, and seem to make just as much sense upside down.

Then popped up to the PO Collection point - luckily it’s nearby. There I had four big parcels! What a job I had carrying them home. I had to keep stopping and trying not to cry. They’re not all for us, some are for our pal in Tanzania. And when I got home, there was another ‘You were out’ card, so I’ll have to go there again tomorrow.

Going to light the fire now and get ready for more visitors this afternoon. Maybe those cinnamon buns could be put in the oven...