What’s top of my mind: Travel.
Considering that I was going to stay home a lot more once I brought Hazel home, 2026 is filling up with lots of trips overseas…
Where I’m going: Egypt!
We all gathered at Mum’s nursing home for lunch on Sunday, as a belated Mothers Day, because I was away in the Balkans when Mothers Day was on. Afterwards, we came back to my place.
We sorted out the babysitting for the dogs for my upcoming South America trip, and then I told them about that idea I’ve been kicking around.
They were very enthusiastic.
Evan29 said that he’d like to choose a place that he’d never get to on his own – (excellent!) – and when David32 latched onto Egypt, he was in.
Originally, I was only planning to take my blood descendants, but when I did a quick check on the price difference between bringing 3 or 4 people, it was only a thousand dollars. That solo supplement is a killer.
I asked if Izzy wanted to come too, if they’d be prepared to cover the 1K. She was hesitant at first, worried that she’d be muscling in on something I’d planned differently, but when I asked, “How long have you been a member of this family, Izzy?” and David32 said, “Around 10 years!” she laughed and accepted.
So we’re heading off to Egypt in November!
We’re all very excited.
Poor Tom 34 liked the look of Nepal, but I’m going there in September. Someone suggested that I check it out – I might be happy to go back. I don’t know about that… the world is a big place, but Tom34 was happy to wait and take a trip with me sometime in the future.
Georgia32, of course, can’t come with us to Egypt. They’re not well-disposed towards trans people over there.
Where I’ve been: to buy USD for South America.
OMG. I have to keep track of multiple visas, currencies, itineraries etc.
I’m not complaining. It’s a great hassle to have.
I like to get my tips for the guides sorted before I leave Australia, so I don’t have to stress about getting cash for them once I’m on the trip. This next holiday has 15 flights (bloody hell!) and numerous guides, so I’ll have to be EXTRA organised. Seeing as I’m going to numerous countries, I’m just going with USD.
What I’m reading: Assistant to the Villain – Maehrer
This is a silly romp of a book, but the storytelling is fresh and unusual. I enjoyed it… in fact, I’m off to the library this afternoon to pick up the next one.
What I’m watching: The Traitors US.
Hell, I’ve watched the Australian and UK verions, so why not?
What I’m listening to: the heating.
Normally I hold off putting the heating on before the afternoon, but Scout’s feeling the cold now that she’s getting older. I’m thinking that when I’m away, I might have to continuously run the gas ducted heating throughout the house to keep her comfy.
The things we do for our pets!
What I’m eating: potatoes.
I bought a huge bag of potatoes, which was pretty silly. I’m trying to use up as many as I can before I go.
What I’m planning: my ‘to-do’ list.
It’s not just for the house; it’s also for administrivia for the future trips. Plus Mum’s stuff. I want to have the decks cleared before I go.
Who deserves a ‘thumbs-up’: aged care workers.
Honestly, I don’t know how they have the patience…
What has made me smile: how excited the kids are about Egypt.
I’m so glad. I’m looking forward to them meeting Holiday Frogdancer, instead of just plain Mum.
Dad joke of the day:
Do you think Scout would have any interest in a heated pad or bed, like cats sometimes use?
Very fun that you’ve decided to bring family along on trips, and very lovely that the partners can go too.
I’d worry about leaving a small appliance like a heating pad operating 24/7. Blogless Sandy has done the figures and says that operating 2 electric space heaters will be cheaper than running the gas ducted heating.
We use The Original Pet-Mat; had two of them for about 7 years now and they are still going strong. I put them on one of those timers you use to turn lights on and off when you are away. One runs for 12 hours, then it shuts off and the other runs for the second 12 hours. I’m sure safety was a concern for me as well when I was looking, but I seem to remember them being safer than heaters. Could be worth doing some research because they are waaaay cheaper than heaters or air con. They are expensive but they’ve been worth every dollar.
I mean expensive to buy, but cheaper to run.
How great to travel with your kids. Roll on Egypt.
Don’t forget you could make some pootato and leek soup and freeze it.
Would a fuzzy electric blanket help Scout be more comfortable?
My daughter’s cats love it when she brings hers out lol!