Goodbye 2009

Goodbye to 2009 - Hello 2010

Highlights : the Birth of Koby, Deciding to retire and with that being able to spend more time with family and help look after Fergus, Zac and Koby at different times, Travelling to UK and Greece, Catching up with Flo while on holiday, Camping with Jock in Scotland, visiting Findhorn Spiritual Community, Going to Santorini with Nik. Travelling to John ' o Groats and then to Lands End. Catching up with family and friends in Scotland My contract job at the ATO!! Walking with John, meeting Themos (lots of Rock & Roll) having Sally to stay. Scrapbooking on a Monday morning, taking up Scottish Country Dancing, renewing friendships, Spending time with friends, Going to see the Jersey Boys, Dancing

Lows: Leaving the ATO ; dealing with my next door neighbour and body corporate issues & VCAT; death of my Uncle in Zimbabwe. Arguments I may have had throughout the year turning 63~~!! Not having enough time to catch up with friends, living on unemployment benefits

What's ahead: Another birthday, a family holiday at Phillip Island, an unexpected trip to Zimbabwe, more VCAT 'stuff' ; spending time with friends, 60th Birthday parties lots of babysitting, more fun and living on a pension!!! More dancing, Latin dancing lessons with Themos and who knows what - lots to reflect on and so much to look forward to..

Til next year.. don't party too hard.. lots of love

4 more sleeps!!

Can Santa see my stocking there?

My Christmas tree and dining room

I asked Fergus today if Santa will know that I am sleeping in Ti-tree Cres when he (Santa) does the rounds and drops off the presents. Fergus assures me that Santa will know where I am 'cos he watches me and knows what I am doing!! I hope not?? It was the first day of the school holidays today and Fergus came over last night for a sleepover. It was a lovely day today so he chose the beach rather than the movies. We had a great day, we slept in this morning despite a phone call at 7.15 am from my walking friend asking where I was? I don't usually walk on a Monday morning so not sure if I had made arrangements or John got the day wrong. No doubt I will find out tomorrow. It was a lovely leisurely day, we had left over pizza for lunch and then ate jaffas and watch a video. The rest of the week is looking busy.

Last week was busy, the highlight being the big night out on Friday to see The Jersey Boys. it was a great production - I love the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The singing was great , but I think the London production may have been just a little more Glitzy.. (that's my word for it)

I am having great fun looking after Koby each Wednesday. Each week he is doing something new. Last Wednesday we had a scorcher at 39 deg, so we didn't have the usual walk to the market in Mornington. He played in his little paddling pool.

We are looking forward to having Christmas dinner at Darrin and Candice.

The bad news last week was that Shelley and Malcolm were burgled. Shelley, Zac and myself spent a lovely day in the city. We went to see Thomas, the Christmas windows and Myers and then Zac had a ride in Santa's train. We had lunch out and enjoyed the train ride home. Shelley got home to find the house in a mess and all her jewellery gone (and other things) Sickening.

News for me is that I am probably heading off to Zimbabwe to sort out my Uncles belongings. I leave on 24th January after our Phillip Island family holiday. So looks like a busy beginning of the year for me.. more about that later...

Let's hope Santa visits you!! To all my very dear friends and family have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year.

Til next time xxx

Countdown to Christmas

It's getting closer to Christmas, I have finally found time to write the Christmas cards and do some shopping. Once again I have had a busy week, but some activities have finished for the year, next week will be quieter or will it?? Still the last minute gifts to get and the Christmas tree to drag out hopefully the lights will be working. I saw all grandsons this week - Fergus is home and back at school after his holiday in Scotland. Perhaps I will hear more about the holiday each time I see him - he did have a great time meeting his Gran, Aunts, Uncles cousins and Malcolm's friends. Koby has another 2 teeth and looked bigger this week. he was very good for his Granny Trish. Zac walked to school to meet Fergus - no more stroller for him. He knows to stand behind the yellow line at the school crossing and wait for the crossing person to blow the whistle - he is so smart!!!

Didn't do any dancing last week, but will make up for it this evening. Probably one evening next week too

I caught up with my ex library team for lunch on Thursday. Lovely to see them all I can hardly believe another year has gone by and almost 2 years since I left XXX!!

Our weather is quite cool I know we need the rain, but i wish the temperature wouldn't drop! I think we had one warm evening this past week, (Wednesday) - did a nice long walk, about 7 k's.

Til next time - I am off to get the party frock out for dancing this evening....

Almost December...

The weeks are flying by - only a few weeks till Christmas. Last year at this time I had just booked my flight to UK and had my lovely holiday to look forward to.

Now a year later I am looking forward to my retirement, judging by the last few weeks - it seems to be a busy time of life. Perhaps it will feel different when I "officially" retire on 11th January, at least I can cross one item off my list "looking for a job".

The last two weeks have just flown by. I had my friend Sally to stay for a few days - we had a great time together, chatting laughing, shopping drinking coffee and the scrap booking! The weather was hot thank goodness as my hot water system finally died - only one day without hot showers as the plumber was able to install a new system the next day. We got some scrap booking done, enjoyed babysitting Koby, shopped and went dancing on the Wednesday evening.

Malcolm and Fergus headed off to Glasgow on 20Th November to help celebrate Malcolm's Mum's 80th birthday. Great excitement for Fergus! I am enjoying spending time with Zac while Shelley is at work. He is talking (a lot!) and asks many questions, loves to say NO when I ask him to do something and then when I say aw please he thinks for a moment and says OK with a big grin. he is now sleeping in a big bed - I put him to bed on Thursday evening said goodnight and went into the kitchen to wash the dishes, I thought he had gone to sleep until I walked back into the lounge and there he was sitting on the couch reading his book!! He wasn't tired....It's great fun being a Grandma. Wednesday I looked after Koby, he is so beautiful and he gave me such a lovely smile when I picked him up after his sleep. He is a happy baby, it's a joy being able to spend time with him. One of the many pluses being retired.

It's been another warm week with a lot of rain which is good, have done all the usual things like yoga, meditation group, early morning walks and some dancing last night. It was a big band, some great music for dancing. It was a beautiful balmy evening

Tonight we are going to movies to see The Boys are Back - looking forward to it..

til next time...

Monday again!

Monday morning and somewhat cooler - I have spent the last few days at Phillip Island enjoying the warm weather, relaxing and spending time with friends. It was a lazy weekend spent mostly outside in the beautiful garden of the house we rented. I have been there before with Rose, however last visit was in winter, so this weekend I was able to enjoy the garden. It was easy to wind down after another busy week.
The session at VCAT was once again trying, my next door neighbour will not give up until she gets exactly as she wants and it looks like it will be a long drawn out dispute.
The VCAT session was followed by a lovely lunch with my 'old' library team - that was fun. I then had an appointment with a financial planner and the good news is that I have decided to retire officially on January 11th, I have also had the paperwork from Centrelink confirming that I will move to the Age Pension (if eligible) on that day!! Hooray let's hope it's all transfers smoothly. Perhaps I will loose that feeling of being in limbo.
Last week the weather was hot, although I love the warmer weather I find 35 deg just a tad uncomfortable. I danced twice last week and managed to get in some walking and yoga despite the heat.
My friend Sally from Brisbane is in Melbourne and she will be staying with me for a few days. I am looking forward to our time together - no doubt we will do the usual chatting and gossiping with chocolate and red wine to help us along. We plan to go to Mornington market on Wednesday morning followed by some Rock 'n Roll in the evening - hopefully we can indulge in some retail therapy and our usual scrap booking sessions during the week. Sally doesn't know it yet but I have planned some early morning walks too!
Hopefully I will catch up with the family too this week.
Til next time....

Time flies by

Doesn't seem like two weeks since i updated the blog - it's the end of October already. I've been busy with one thing and another. I am going well with the exercise and feeling the benefit. walking 3 or 4 times a week, yoga on a Tuesday evening, and meditation group on a Thursday morning. Meditation group is very beneficial as it involves dancing!!
I decided to join the Scottish Country Dance group at my Mum's church as I need some cardio - if I mentioned this last blog post then apologies - I have been to two classes and am really enjoying it, keeps my brain active as i have to think about left and right !! LOL I have also managed to do some Rock n' Roll too on a Wednesday evening. So thoroughly enjoying the exercise program . Much more fun than a gym!!
i had my hair styled this week and had lots of laughs with my hair stylist re the modelling of her collection. Hoping to have some photos on here soon. Hopefully before she releases her next collection !!
The scrap-booking is going well I am enjoying the luxury of 2 hours plus each Monday just scrapping!!
The body corporate nightmare is back, with another "invitation" to attend a tribunal on 11Th November, the very & time that i have another important appointment in the city. I don't think she will give up until she gets what she wants.
Last Sunday saw Rose and I back at Y & J watching Jimi - the crowd gets bigger each time, lots of fun catching up with friends and making new ones....
The grandchildren are all well. I looked after zac for a little while on Tuesday, Shelley and I went shopping after that may not have been the best thing to do, i don't think zac enjoyed the experience!! Fergus is going well at school I only saw him briefly before driving to Mornington to see Koby. Koby and mum and Dad are in Sydney this weekend. He enjoyed his first flight!! He is growing fast and can now sit by himself. He has a beautiful smile!! Just for Grandma of course!!
I am still looking for work - nothing much on that front so have decided to do some voluntary work. More about that next post. I seem to be so busy there isn't a lot of time left for paid work
I have a busy November, going with Rose to Phillip Island over the weekend of the 13th - 15th November then my friend Sally from Brisbane is coming to stay for a few days. that will be fun, lots of chatting, red wine and chocolate!!
I think Summer may have arrived... let's hope it's time to pack away the winter woollies and get out the t shirts and summer dresses.
Til next time....

Time to get on with my life after the Big Trip

or something like that.....
Time has flown by since arriving home on 21st August. I have had two subtle reminders this week about my blog.." Your blog is seriously behind - how am I going to find out what you have been up to" and " your blog hasn't been updated for a while" It's great to know that my friends are so eager to read my blog and find out what's going on in my life!!!
Well there was the modelling gig last Wednesday evening that was fun!! To parade down the runway behind a real model was a little daunting - however I was allowed to smile!! and I remembered to swing my arms even though I didn't put one foot in front of the other and I didn't fall over even though my shoes were really seriously pinching my toes!! Do I like to be out of my comfort zone!! The next evening was spent enjoying Karaoke with a friend and I very much enjoyed staying in my comfort zone.
My three grandsons are just lovely. Koby is cuddly and has his first tooth. Last week he gave me such beautiful smiles, Fergus came for a sleep over in the school holidays and told me I was the best grandma in the whole world and Zac runs toward me saying "yeah it's Grandma - hi Grandma!!" then kisses and cuddles. I'm the lucky one.... :)
Life has been a bit hectic since I got back, with the Body Corporate issue, a VCAT Tribunal, looking for work and now planning retirement if a job doesn't turn up.
I am back to doing some walking in the mornings, yoga on a Tuesday evening and last Wednesday I went to a meditation class at 6.15 am. My Thursday morning group is most enjoyable with dancing and meditation, and Friday morning I am back at the yoga studio looking after the babies while the mum's try to do a little yoga in peace!
Sunday afternoon Rose and I enjoyed listening to Collards Green & Gravy at the Sandbelt. A great blues band. We have been to Y&J's a couple of times to listen to Jimi - have done a little dancing, but not as much as I would like to.
I started back to the scrapbooking last week and am working on Rose's birthday album before I begin my holiday snaps!
Looking forward to warmer weather but I don't think it will be this week!! Not according to the forecast.
til next time

Big day almost here!

Cousins!

Birthday Boy

Well the butterflies have settled in, feeling really excited about the trip and perhaps a bit nervous too - departure tomorrow/Saturday for London. I have had a busy week Fergus had his birthday this week he is 7! Where have the years gone. He had a party for his school friends on Sunday, Grandma was lucky enough to be invited. It was at a local play centre and they all had great fun, Zac too. On Tuesday the day before his birthday Shelley had afternoon tea for great Gran, Grandma, Darrin, Candice and Koby. It was lovely. Zac was funny - he wanted to hold Koby which he did. Koby was lying on the floor with Zac lying beside him at one stage, surrounded by soft toys that he and Fergus though Koby may like!

I have been mostly organising things for my holiday, but some socialising too, coffee's, dinners out, friends, movies. The weather has been fairly cold however I have managed to keep walking every morning. My walking partner went to Darwin almost 2 weeks ago, but we have been encouraging each other from a far and both have kept up the daily walk routine that we started some weeks ago.

My cat poppy is going on holiday today!! I hope she settle in and enjoys the ambience (two children a kitten and a dog!!) Shelley is having her so let's hope it works out or she will be taken to the cattery.

I won't be writing here while travelling so check out my travel blog, if I haven't been in touch to give you the link I apologise here it is now http://trishs-travel-blog.blogspot.com/

June already where did the time go?

The last 3 weeks have just flown by. My trip is just around the corner! I have finalised my coaches from place to place and the hotels are all booked. I have two weeks at the end of my trip and still hoping to fit in a trip to Paris.
My days seem to be busy with my walking in the morning, my Thursday group, yoga and Mum & babies yoga where I help out with the babies while Mum's are doing their yoga.
Last weekend was busy with two parties (a 60th & a 40th) and a long Sunday lunch at the Cove Hotel. I have had lunches with ex colleagues - good to catch up with all the gossip. It's a year since I left the Brotherhood of St Laurence - it's flown by

The family are all well, Koby is growing his Granny has gone back to Capetown, Zac is talking more and more and Fergus is doing well at school - this week he won an award for being friendly and helpful . The children in his class love sitting next to him - there are even a few arguments as to who will have the honour!!
I will make this short as I want to get started on my travel Blog... I have bought myself a small notebook and will be taking that with me as so many hotels, cafes & hostels offer WiFi
Til next time................

More news of Koby Jonathan Smith

Koby on Mother's day. Darrin, Candice and Koby - naming ceremony

Shelley, Fergus Zac and Grandma on Mother's day

Well the last two weeks have just flown by, this Sunday was Koby's naming ceremony. The ceremony was quite lovely, Family and friends celebrated the safe arrival of Koby. All grandparents were there and both Grandmothers were invited to do a reading. It was lovely to be part of the ceremony. Jen a friend of mine was the celebrant. Malcolm is the Godfather and Candice's Aunt Alison in South Africa is the Godmother. Alison's words for Koby were read by the celebrant. Koby is gorgeous. My Mum is a very proud Great Gran. Zac is very gentle with the 'baba' as he calls Koby.

Last Tuesday I started on a walking "program" - 7.30 each weekday morning, I meet a friend at Parkdale Cafe and we walk for about 45 mins and then have coffee! So far so good! I have been walking from Mordialloc to the Parkdale cafe so get in an extra walk. It's an early start, leaving earlier than I did when going to work. Most mornings have been quite mild so has been easy to get up and out by 7 am. With the walking and my yoga I should be fit by the time I start my holiday.

The holiday is getting closer! I am slowly crossing things off my list. I have made a few more plans and at the moment I am putting together a calendar for the family. I have no plans for the last two weeks of the holiday which is good as I am on the road from 10th July until 6th or 7th of August.

Last Sunday was Mother's day and I did the travelling around to Shelley's for coffee, Darrin and Candice for Lunch and then picked up my Mum from Gail's on the way home from Mornington in the evening. Candice's Mum Caronne cooked a lovely roast lunch.

The photographs today are from Mother's day and yesterday's ceremony.

So far semi-retirement is working! When do I get to read a book and do nothing - I can do that on the coaches as I travel around Britain!

Koby Jonathan Smith

Koby finally arrived safe and sound on 1st May just after midnight. He weighed in at 4.53Kg and is absolutely gorgeous. It seemed like a long wait! I am sure Darrin and Candice will agree. I only managed one visit as yesterday I woke up with a cold. So I am longing to see him again. Candice's parents are here and are thrilled to be grandparents for the first time. It's a happy time for us all. Shelley is an Aunt for the first time and Zac and Fergus have a cousin. Great Gran is delighted to have another great grandchild. Candice & Darrin are having a naming ceremony on May 17th.

We are in May already and now the serious countdown - holiday! I have made some more plans and bookings and after my visit to Dundee in Scotland, I am heading up to visit a spiritual community in Findhorn. Findhorn is near Inverness and I am staying at a lovely B&B in Findhorn. I will participate in the short term guest program for 2 or 3 days and then spend another 2 days exploring and having some quiet time.

That's the big news for this week.

Semi-retirement?

Finally it arrived - the last day of work - I felt quite sad to be leaving. I enjoyed the work and I enjoyed the people I worked with.

Week 1 of semi-retirement has been busy so far and very sociable. It's been fun catching up with friends , enjoying coffee and cake, lunches and dinners.

Today I went to Mornington to meet Candice, it was a beautiful day, we browsed the market stalls and had coffee and cake and at interesting book/gift shop in Mornington. The baby is late!! Nothing happening as yet.

On the way home from Mornington and I called in to see Shelley and Zac and meet Fergus from School. It was lovely to be able to meet Fergus from school once again - and Zac can now say Grandma!! I looked after the boys last Sunday afternoon. It was busy!! They are growing so quickly - Fergus is almost 7.

I booked flights to Santorini and accommodation - it looks so beautiful - I am so lucky to be able to meet up with my friend in Greece It's fortunate that he is going to be in Greece the same time as me, I don't have to worry about taking a phrase book with me!

So nice to have time to cook and have a dinner party ( last night) and then this evening to catch up with friends at a local restaurant.

No excuse now that I have bought a new bicycle pump! The bike will be out tomorrow!! The weather wil llbe just as lovely as it was today and I don't have to work!!

Counting down the days....

The Baby shower

Time is flying by once again - I finish work on the 17th April, baby Smith is due on 20th and I am almost counting down to the holiday on the 20th June. Yesterday we had the baby shower for Candice. It was a lovely afternoon with friends and family, lots of yummy food and pink champagne!. There were presents and games, and lots of fun. The nursery is ready just waiting for the arrival of 'Bean'

Well work is almost over with only 7 working days days left. I have been very busy the last few weeks working in Moonee Ponds once or twice a week and the rest of the time in the City.

Holiday plans are going well, the most difficult aspect is deciding when to go where and realising that 2 months may not be quite long enough!! I think I will start a travel blog for when I am over 'there' and moving around.

I didn't see Fergus and Zac this weekend but Easter is coming up and Fergus is coming to stay on Thursday evening. We will go out for dinner and then he will sleep over and we can do something on Friday depending on the weather, beach or birdwatching is good if the weather suits. DVD and popcorn if it's not so good. I will see Zac when I take Fergus home

I haven't been doing much since I last wrote - we had lovely weather last week and since the weekend it has been much cooler - reminding us that winter is just around the corner. We changed the clocks at the weekend, another reminder that summer is over.

This weekend is Darrin's birthday I can't believe he is 36!!

No more news for now - so till next time.....

More from Trish

When I last wrote I was just about to head off to Apollo bay for the long weekend. It was a lovely restful weekend - lots of good food and red wine, the only complaint was the weather!! It was cold... although it did warm up on the Monday when driving home. The drive along the great Ocean road was spectacular.

Work is fairly busy, but now counting down the days.

Last weekend was the Mordialloc food , wine(d) and music festival - it was the 13th year of the festival and perhaps that was an omen. It was rained out, I think Mordialloc was hit by a a mini tornado! We had given the festival the miss just as well as a huge squall came through on Saturday evening, tents were blown down, the music stopped and everyone sent home as it became dangerous with everything flying around! Sunday was almost as windy but NOT raining, so we headed off about 11am with Fergus Zac & Shelley. The boys enjoyed themselves, with both of them enjoying the carnival rides. Fergus loved the trampoline jumping and I was only sorry that I hadn't taken my camera.

Unfortunately the weather didn't improve and Sunday afternoon saw us indoors at the Mentone hotel listening to Blues music. In no time at all it was Monday and back to work!!

There was an other tremor today. I didn't feel it this time as I was over the other side of the city. Til Next Time...

Long Weekend.

It's the Birthday boy

Zac was 2 on 23rd February. I think he enjoyed his birthday cake and blowing out of the candles! He loved opening the presents once he got the hang of it. He also liked getting his photograph taken.. it doesn't feel like two years have gone by since he was born. Now we are preparing for Darrin and Candice's baby. It is due on the 20th April. Having the baby shower on 5th April. Keep checking here for more news.

I will be finished work by 20th April - I am still working at Moonee Ponds one day a week. I am enjoying the work, but not the traveling, I am sure all my friends are sick of hearing me say that.

Guess what I just felt the earth move!! yes we had an earth tremor. I got such a fright I thought my unit was falling inwards...The tremor was in the North eastern suburbs and yet we felt it here in the South east.

I am going away this weekend - I know we need rain and cooler weather but does it have to be this weekend? I intend going in the water on my boogie board with my wetsuit on. I haven't been to Apollo Bay so it should be fun!

Trying to find the time to get my holiday organised - I will get on to that next week

Til next time...

Valentines day plus one!

The time has flown by since my last post. It has been a difficult and emotional time with the tremendous heat Melbourne had followed by the devastating fires and the loss of so many lives. The temperature on Black Saturday was almost unbearable at 47 degrees. It was an emotional week, difficult to comprehend that so many had lost their lives. I think the whole nation has mourned this week.

The heat of the previous week caused havoc with the train timetable and I had one or two adventures - I was able to laugh about it and with the long delays I did get to talk to lots of different people. Work was understanding as I was late a couple of times and left early in the evenings to avoid the crowds.. Not that it worked on one occasion I eventually staggered home at 8.45 in the evening having finished work at 4.30.! One morning a car crashed through a barrier at a level crossing and hit the train I was on!

I have been working at Moonee Ponds the last 2 weeks but finish there this week and it's back to the city and the 36th Floor.

Lots of socialising, catching up with friends, a lazy Saturday afternoon listening to Jazz and a lovely dinner to celebrate Valentines Day.

It will soon be Zac's birthday he will be two and I have been blogging for almost a year.
I still have lots of preparing for my holiday a baby shower to organise and a new grandchild expected on April 20th, So much to look forward to .

Back to Work

It was back to work on Monday 19th Jan I was in shock for most of the day. I couldn't remember my password for the computer and for a moment couldn't quite remember if I worked on the 36th or 37th floor.. I think those are all good signs that I had a great holiday and relaxed completely. I did have a good holiday, had a wonderful time and Inverloch on my birthday. The celebrations went on for couple of days as my friends birthday was on the Monday, then I had dinner out with Shelley, Malcolm, Darrin and Candice on Tuesday evening. We went to the Japanese restaurant in Beaumaris - not too far away, the food was delicious. The weather was very hot that evening.

Shelley had a tea party for me on Sat morning before my birthday, that was fun with party poppers, candles and cakes!! Fergus and Zac loved it and they sang Happy Birthday to me. I was spoilt as usual and got lovely gifts from family and friends.

The weather was great at the weekend I was in Torquay on Friday evening, got a wetsuit as a birthday present - so will be trying that out very soon!!

Sat morning saw me at a laugh group in Geelong.. that was so much fun, I laughed and laughed just thinking about it now makes me laugh.

Sunday afternoon was spent listening to music followed by BYO fish and chips at the wine bar and a lovely glass of Pinot noir.

Well all that came to an end on Monday morning and it was back to work - I am looking forward to a long weekend this weekend which is great and weather forecast is for warm weather. More next week after the long weekend..

Happy New Year!

CHRISTMAS DAY PICS!

I farewelled 2008 with a few tears, as I reflected on some of the events of the year, all thanks to my wonderful family, colleagues at BSL and my great friends who gave me so much support in 2008. The year ended well with a great celebration at the Mordialloc Sporting Club, with new and old friends. We walked home after a fun night. Reflecting after a few red wines 2008wasn't that bad was it!!! I learnt a lot...

I had a great Christmas too - a lovely Christmas dinner with the family and then Christmas morning with Zac and Fergus. That began at 5 am. Fergus had great fun opening his presents and then enjoyed Zac's gifts! and Zac was a little overwhelmed.

The weather was lovely on Christmas day, in the afternoon I caught the train from Mordialloc to City and then City to Geelong (Thank you Connex for my free travel) I spent Christmas night with new friends and had a most enjoyable time.

A lazy few days followed with a trip to Arthur's Seat to the beautiful Seawinds park, walks and dinners out at the local pub. Last Saturday evening was spent a the Espy hotel in St Kilda went to see Phil Para and then stayed on for a Jamaican Dance Party celebrating Bob Marley's music.

I am looking forward to the next few days, the weather is looking good and I don't go back to work until 19th January.

I am spending my birthday at Inverloch with a friend whose birthday is the following day - hoping to get the boogie board out at last !

A few things on this week.. It's Candice's birthday on 8th January - will be catching up with her on Thursday. Movies tomorrow evening, catchup with the boys tomorrow during day, Lunch at Dantes (my favourite restaurant) on Wednesday with my friend Judy.

I have to start planning my holiday very soon. more on that next time.