Wednesday

I spoke to the tile company about their failure to deliver on the agreed date to be told that 'just because there was an agreed delivery date, it didn't mean that it was the date they would actually deliver' and that 'I could collect it but the delivery fee wouldn't be refunded'. I thought I was in the twilight zone ... it was just a nonsense conversation with, I think, someone who was new to the job. Once I got the call transferred to the manager the situation improved and we've agreed that I will contact them when I am back from my travels to arrange for the delivery. He couldn't give an explanation for the failure to deliver but is aware that there will be no room for further errors and that the order will be cancelled if they fail on their next attempt.

Today is all about getting the furniture ready for collection tomorrow. On the phone the charity stressed that they are very fussy about the quality of items they will accept for donation (although having seen what is available for sale in their stores ...). However, I need the furniture out of the house so will apply polish and elbow grease to make it all bright and shiny and dazzle the collection team into taking it away.

The other must do today is to update the SatNav. It's integral to the car rather than one you plug in, and I don't think the maps have ever been updated since it left the Renault factory. It amuses me when it shows me driving across fields because it has no knowledge of the new roads, which is okay when I know or have a rough idea of where I'm going but this holiday will take me to new places and will involve a lot of driving so I'll need accurate road maps. It just feels like a bit of a grown up, sensible decision though!

Apart from that, lists have been made, information folder is printed and ready, packing is finished (apart from the last minute things to throw in on Friday morning), and last bits of shopping done. I'm just sitting here, getting properly excited, and waiting for it all to begin. 

A couple of friends are coming round this afternoon for a bit of a flute session. K has some trio music she wants to try out so it should be a fun afternoon.