We had a dresser to deliver to a trailer park in Zeeland. This piece has been difficult to sell, Kelli had already re-finished the top from a light wood to a black stain.
Finding our way around these parks is alway a trial, the numbering never makes any sense, and we end up driving up and down the various roads in a hope of finding the correct address.
Luckily we found it, and unloaded the dresser to an excited customer.
Finding our way out was a little easier, we headed back home.
I had started work on a black dresser that needed help.
It was back to normal, that is driving to Aldi to do the shopping. My cold was still hanging on, and although I didn’t feel bad, my tired eyes made me look it.
I had to force myself to walk into the garage, but it was a pleasant experience because it was so tidy.
It even forced me to return things to their correct places, up to now an unknown concept.
My first job of this new era was a large black dresser that needed some veneer repairs to the top. Luckily I had some veneer that was similar which I spliced in. The drawer fronts were also in a bad way, but they needed to be stripped so that I could see the extent of the damage.
All three had veneer damage ranging from minor edge area to seriously large patches. There is still the decision on what finish the fronts will be.
My evening was much the same as last night with my eyes closing during a TV program.
I expect a couple more days of jet lag before I’m back to normal.
Whilst I had been away one of the under cabinet lighting units had come away from the double sided tape attachment, Kelli had solved the problem in her most pragmatic way, it did make me smile.
I did sleep well, waking up around seven there was not a lot of enthusiasm to get up straight away.
The smell of frying bacon smelt like heaven, even though I had been in the UK for a month I only had an English breakfast once. I was looking forward to starting again.
I was told there was a big surprise awaiting me, and I had no idea what it was.
Kelli wanted to show me a bed frame she had acquired, once I walked into the garage I saw what the surprise was. Whilst I was away, she had completely cleaned and reorganised the garage, gone were the trip hazards, all my tools were organised in boxes, it was amazing.
There was plenty of space to move around and even the bench was cleared of crap.
She had done a fantastic job, I was so impressed, she had done something that I had wanted to do for ages, and I had to go to England in order for it to get accomplished.
This was the best surprise I’d had for ages.
Kelli wanted to go and collect a dresser from somewhere in Zeeland, so I was straight back in it already.
She had already paid for one, but there was another potentially available.
When we got there, the one that we were there to collect was a piece of crap, made extensively from MDF, that was not what we wanted. The other dresser had a bit more wood in its construction, so we grabbed that one, it’s not brilliant, but better than nothing.
I didn’t do much for the rest of the day, finally falling asleep watching television, not my best look.
The streets of Bath were filled with young people, even at 3.00am.
Of course it must have been Halloween parties, that were turning out.
Nicola and Colin had driven up from Martock, encountering roadworks and the inevitable diversion, just to take me to Bath bus station so that I could catch the National Express coach to Heathrow, what an amazing thing to do.
At 4.00am the coach started the journey, just after 6.00am it pulled into the bus station at Heathrow. The driver struggled to remove my cases, but with a grunt and a drag he pulled them out of the storage hold and set them out on the pavement. I had to get some synchronicity going with the cases so that everything was moving in the right direction.
First I had to get in a lift to go down a level, not an easy task when other travellers wanted to do the same.
There was an endless corridor that led to another lift, this time up a level which exited outside terminal three.
I found my way to the American Airlines drop off counter, the lady looked at the weight displayed on the screen.
“ It’s a bit overweight, do you want to remove some items or pay?” She said seriously.
“I’ll pay” I replied, there was no point in moving things, as all my bags were stuffed full.
Then I was hit with the total, which was more than I anticipated, but I had no real alternative.
Having sorted that out I made my way to the security area, it was easier to move about, so I joined the queue.
For once I didn’t have to remove my shoes, just belt, watch and coat. I was taking two laptops which had to be placed in separate trays, so all this had to pass through the X-ray machine.
Then there was the scrabble to put everything back in place.
I had a good breakfast, well it was alright really, then the walk to the boarding gate.
I had expectations that being a Tuesday the plane would be empty, that was totally wrong, it was heaving.
Thank goodness the flight was smooth, I watched two films and tried to get a bit of sleep.
In Chicago, there have been major improvements made to the international terminal, the one everybody has to arrive at when entering the USA.
These improvements included a bloody long walk to the immigration hall.
This was the first time I was a green card holder, so I thought it would go smoothly. I was wrong, the customs officer stared at his screen, then asked me to stand aside to await for additional screening. After a ten minute wait, my documents were passed to another officer who led me to a side room, full of other poor souls requiring further scrutiny.
After a short uncomfortable wait, my passport and card was handed back. When I asked what the problem was, the officer handed me a sheet of paper that would explain everything.
It bloody didn’t, all it said was, the US have total authority to stop and detain anyone they want at any time.
I then walked to the carousel to collect the large case, and find my way to book my luggage on to the next flight.
There is a driverless train that moves between terminals, this is quick and easy, so within a few minutes I am entering terminal three.
I then have to endure another security check, removing belts, shoes, coats and laptops then walking through the scanners.
“Remove everything from your pockets” the officer bellowed.
I checked my pockets, all I had were some used tissues which I held firmly in my hand.
As I passed through the scanner I opened my hands to reveal the tissues to the checking officer and asking if he wanted to check them.
He did decline the offer, leaving me to redress and repack, I had made it into the domestic terminal.
The short flight to Grand Rapids, seemed to take ages. There was a flurry of snow when we landed, but it didn’t continue, so I was surprised when the captain announced that we would taxi to the de-icing station. By now all I wanted to do was get home, so I was frustrated by this delay.
Then it had to taxi to the take off runway, this took ages, at times I thought were were driving there. The plane was full again, and the eventual flight was very bumpy.
As we flew into Grand Rapids I could see the snow, Kelli had already sent me pictures showing our garden covered in the white stuff.
Seeing her in the arrivals area made the journey worthwhile, I was back, and glad it was all over.
My last day, with nothing in the fridge, I had breakfast out. I was recommended Hartley Farm, it was close and I had never been there.
I pulled into the car park, there were a few cars there already, good, I was hungry.
Unfortunately I was early, they didn’t open until nine, I had fifteen minutes to wait.
Apart from the cafe there was a farm shop, but with more building work in progress it looks like business is good.
Finally the door opened and I was ushered to my table. I ordered a Farm Breakfast with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and waited patiently for the treat.
Other customers were arriving, most wore wellingtons and Barbour jackets, the farmyard gang arrived. I was surprised that they even brought their dogs in.
When my meal arrived I could barely hide my excitement, and dived in immediately, it was delicious.
My main last task was cleaning the bathroom, including the drains and everything shiny.
Then the only thing left was to try to close my suitcase. Thank goodness for stretchy zips.
I had my last fish and chip dinner of the trip, I did miss those
Now all I had left was to get to Bath bus station.
As the clocks changed last night I was awake early, I scraped the bottom of the fridge to find things for breakfast.
I had a full day of cleaning ahead, and a trip to the tip to dump the last of the rubbish.
I think I had a bit of everything, green waste, scrap metal and timber.
A quick stop at Sainsbury’s for cleaning material then I was set.
Louise came up to touch up some damaged paint work, now that looks better.
I was on my hands and knees washing the bedroom floors. Working my way down the stairs, into the kitchen then the living room, I had difficulty standing up properly.
I had a wonderful roast chicken dinner with Ryan and Louise, their three dogs welcomed me into the house with a rousing barking chorus.
I made my final visit of this trip to see my friend Martin down at Whitney on Wye.
It was not the best day for it, with rain forecast, but I slipped the Shogun from its moorings and headed off.
On route I had to stop for petrol, the beast does guzzle the juice. I thought it might be a good idea to put some oil in the engine, as the warning light did flicker last night.
But I was shocked at the price, over twenty-five quid for a couple of pints, what a swiz.
I hope the truck was happy, it bloody should be.
The day with Martin was fun, his wife Liz kept me fed, as their two Newfoundlands kept me damp.
The drive back was wet, most of the way, but I was pleased to have made the effort, we had a Skype with Kelli so she didn’t seem so far away.
There was not tip run today, because it’s shut on Friday, instead I moved more stuff from the small bedroom.
Nicola and Colin were coming back to plant more things to make the garden even more colourful next spring.
I had a message from the company delivering my new phone between 12.45 and 1.45, so my excitement was beginning to rise.
As the time edged closer I stopped what I was doing and kept my eye on the clock.
The time went on, soon it was 2.00 and still no sign, I checked my messages again. Hitting a link told me that it had been delivered at 12.55 and handed to a person called Emma. The photo showed the package handed to a person with black sock with white dogs on them, this was definitely not me.
This is what I feared, now I was on a time crunch, i got straight on to the shop, it was a long shot, but a darn sight better than the web site that didn’t help at all.
“You will have to call customer services” the young girl at the other end of the phone explained.
I eventually got the number and rang it.
Going thorough the menus eventually I was in a queue to speak to a human.
A short wait and I was put through to Arindam who, I was certain was not in the UK.
I explained the situation, and he repeated all the key points.
I was put on hold while contacted the delivery service.
He came back to say that the item was delivered.
I said that I knew that, but it went to a different address.
He put me on hold again, this time for longer.
Well after a 35 minute call he advised me that the item was going to be collected and re delivered to me later that evening.
Arindam gave me several reference numbers and hoped that it would turn out well, but if there was a problem a replacement would be sent out on Saturday.
I felt reassured that something was being done, but my mind started to think more about where it could have gone.
The cottage is not the easiest place to find but much easier since a sign was added with an arrow pointing up a sloping pathway. However anyone new to the area might struggle.
I decided to check another cottage on the main street with the number seven.
I knocked on the door, dogs barked but no one was in. I had the photo on my phone, but it was not the same doorway.
As I was walking back, I had another idea.
Near the top of the hill was another path leading to another row of cottages, could that be the one.
Climbing the stone steps I came across a big gate with a large metal number seven. I walked through, and this was looking hoping.
I knocked on the door and a young girl with black socks with white dogs opened the door.
She handed me the package, apologising that she tried to tell the person it was not the correct address but they were too quick. I not sure why she didn’t try to bring it to me, but I was relieved to have it in my hands at last.
After a day of trauma it was great to have dinner with Jeanine and Mark. I alway enjoy their company, and the meal was delicious. There is always interesting conversation, but when it got on to the subject of food, Almond flour was mentioned, I never thought for a moment that anyone in England had ever heard of it, how wrong was I?
Jeanine gave me a sample of a secret recipe she had made (patent pending) which was an amazing alternative to a cracker. I think I could have eaten the whole stock.
It was the perfect ending of the day, and really for my whole trip.
I had booked a hair appointment a couple of weeks ago, and thanks to Mike he also gave me his cold, I needed to thank him for that.
I took the train again, so I arrived in Bath quite early, but I wanted to organise a new phone, so I had plenty of time to do it.
There were signs that this wasn’t going to go well when they didn’t have the colour or model I wanted.
Not really a problem, I was prepared for an alternative, we carried on only to discover that none of the assistants could gain access to the system.
“ The best thing you can do sir is to order on line, then you can get the exact model you want”.
This was not really what I wanted to hear, some of these processes can be complicated and my attention span cannot be alway guaranteed.
I decided to go and have a coffee, sit down and try to order the damn thing.
With my hot drink steaming, I attempted to log on to my account, only to find that I couldn’t log on as well, my patience was beginning to match my drink. I decided to wait a while just to see if the website would suddenly heal itself.
I wandered around the town, suddenly having the urge to use the toilet.
I remembered there was a public convenience by the theatre, so off I went.
When I got there only one cubicle was available, but there was no notice advising me what coins I needed to use. There was no one around to ask, so I went off in search of another.
There was one at the bottom of town, but by now things were getting desperate.
So I found another coffee shop and had another hot drink. Quickly finishing that I rushed up two flights of stairs to reach the facilities.
The relief was for all to hear, but not all was lost, my telecom supplier was back on line, so I rushed back to the shop.
The shop system was still down, but I did get help to order my new phone.
“It will be delivered to your house tomorrow” the assistant assured me.
By now it was time for my hair appointment.
Mike was happy to see me, saying he felt rough a couple of weeks ago but was just getting over it.
I smiled, saying I know what he means.
Once that ordeal was over, I had planned to meet my friend Rob for lunch, another Masala dosa went down amazingly.
Rob was going to drive me back to the cottage where he was going to trim my two apple trees.
Later, as we were having a rest, an old school friend Pete knocked at the door. He lives in Bradford-on-Avon but has never visited before, so it was great to see him.
It is great that so many of our former classmates have got together after such a long time, all with interesting stories to tell. Our school was an amazing place, not that we appreciated that at the time, but it did make us into the people we are, creative, eccentric and a bit odd, but we don’t care.
Took the day out to visit Damian and the boys in the heart of the new forest.
This is the first time I’ve had to navigate my way there, and boy was it a task. Even with GPS it was hit and miss, having missed my turn I continued on route, but it ended at a flooded road. Not wanting to risk getting waterlogged even though I was driving the Shogun I made the decision to reverse and go back the way I came.
Success! I managed to find the place.
The boys were their riotous selves, George kept changing his costumes from Spider-Man and Black Panther, but ended up running around in his underwear. Ethan on the other hand was far more sensible. They had just returned from Florida, so they all had many stories of rides that would make my stomach turn, but then I was always a wimp.
The first thing I was nominated to do was have a kick around with Ethan in the garden. I last time I did this I thought I was going to die because I probably put too much effort into it. I was left a sweating mess, and I vowed not to do that again. This time it was far more refined, penalties.
Having scored a few, I again let the lad win.
Then there was a bout of video games for which I was a spectator. These have never been a favourite, as I have more valuable things to do with the time I have left.
Before I left for the long drive back, I had to read him a bedtime story.
His choice was Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets, a book I’ve never read with names I could not pronounce, however Ethan knew them all and corrected me as I went.
The drive back was more horrendous, the dark lanes snaked to the left and to the right, I craved some landmark that would give me hope that I would ever get home.
A wrong turn at Ringwood led me through a car park, through narrow streets that I wasn’t sure if it was a one way or not.
Again I backtracked and found familiar territory, then it was a long drive back home and a rewarding drink.
Another Lifetime to go 