When we got up yesterday it was such a lovely sunny morning we decided to go to the caravan - being Saturday there was far less traffic about than there would be on Monday, when we were planning to go. So having put the washing on the line that had done overnight on the Economy 7 (using extra pegs as it was forecast to be very windy in the afternoon), I got some supplies together and off we went, arriving about 9.30. It was lovely to see a few more familiar faces there, 3 of the owners near to us were there, having all had their first stayover Friday night. We caught up with them then got stuck in to what we wanted to do - taking the horrible creaky metal framed bed to the big new hospice charity store in Weston. We got all the parts in and on top of the car with few problems....other than having to stand on a stool as the roof of the car is so high. There were staff at the hospice store to help unload it from the car, thankfully. We then looked for and found a nice second hand divan bed, it's nearly new, very clean and comfortable, has drawers in the base and was a remarkably good price. That's now installed in the caravan, just needing making up with fresh linen when we go next week.
After having a drink and snack, we then re-packed the car with all the remaining wooden bits of the old sofa, which we'd dumped in the van garden. One of our neighbours here at home has asked for them for firewood for their multifuel stove, so that has saved us having to take it all to the tip and helps her out. Oh, I also took a bagful of the tinned and jarred food we'd bought the other day, and put it all away in the cupboards. A quick hoover round before we left, so there's not too much to do now before we go to stay there towards the end of next week. We got home about 1.30 pm, pleased with what we'd accomplished in the few hours we were there.
Watching the news about Ukraine every day is gut wrenching, it's having a profound effect on me. I'm sure we all feel helpless, there's nothing much we personally can do other than making donations (we've done that a couple of times now). It's making me realise even more just how bloody lucky we are - we have 2 homes (ok, one of them is a holiday caravan) whereas many Ukrainians no longer have a home. Yes there are gaps on the shelves in shops and lots of missing items - but there's still plenty of food etc around, if we can't buy one thing we can get something else to replace it. Ukrainians, even if they're still in their homes, or what's left of them, may not have any food left in the shops, that's if the shops are still standing. Yes, prices of goods and fuel for our cars and homes are skyrocketing, but we can still afford to pay for it, albeit having to economise where we can. WE ARE SO BLOODY LUCKY.
It's very humbling. And it's certainly made me realise I have nothing to complain about at all.
It is humbling, I totally agree.
ReplyDeleteYesterday sounds absolutely brilliant with so much achieved in a short time - well done, both of you!
xx
You are so right, Sooze. We may grumble about shortages and price rises, but we are not in fear of our lives or those of our loved ones. We have a home, food, water, warmth and security. I do try to count my blessings, especially when I watch the news.
ReplyDeleteOn a happier note, I'm glad you've got the bed situation sorted and can now begin to enjoy your caravan, without a list of jobs to be done! xx
Yes, it's totally humbling and pulls everything into perspective doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteYou had a lovely productive day, well done. It will be lovely to go off to the caravan again won't it. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSue has summed it up perfectly. My bills are rising exponentially, as they are for everyone. But I can raid the savings pot and know I am unlikely to end up in debt, or cold, or hungry.
ReplyDeleteWhether Ukrainian or from another of the many conflict areas in our (supposedly) civilised 21st century there are thousands and thousands of women who would love to swap places with me 😢.
Glad you are all sorted with the caravan it all sounded to go very smoothly. I agree we really have nothing to complain about and everything to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting getting ready for the year ahead at the caravan, and nice to see some friendly faces there again on this trip. Yes, I think we're all counting our lucky stars at the moment for our comfortable lives when we see what the Ukrainians are going through, it certainly put any small troubles we have into perspective.
ReplyDeleteI too am fortunate. I know though in the west, the increased good and gas is breaking people's budgets that have no where else to skimp. I'll donate locally and internationally as both needed. On the pleasant side, your getting closer to relaxing time aren't you. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does put things into perspective. I've just been reading that April is going to be sunny and very warm, so you've got some lovely breaks in the caravan to look forward to. X
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