Almost time for the off!

Arrived in Las Palmas Monday evening. Horrible trip! I HATE FLYING!! Yesterday we had the most atrocious weather wind gusting to 42 knots apparently but at least it was cool on the boat so that stowing all the gear wasn't too uncomfortable. Today is more like it, pleasant sunshine. Heard it was 3degC in Guernsey today!
We are very cramped on board; everyone else has diving gear with them. (I like being on the water, not under it!) and you wouldn't believe how much fruit we are expected to get through before we can sit at the table. A whole hand of green bananas is lashed to the backstay. Hope there aren't any big spiders enjoying a free trip with us!
We are due to leave this afternoon around 2pm and have all had to guess how long the trip will last. The one closest gets a free meal in Barbados. Last time in 2005, I won and am still waiting for the meal......!

So that's about it.... Happy New Year to All and back in touch as soon as I can when we get to the other side.

THE NE WIND DOTH BLOW

Five weeks to go now and the panic is starting to set in. Had a little piece on Radio Guernsey this morning about giving up flagmaking and was almost immediately inundated with a phone call.. well maybe two or three... all asking if I could just make them one or two extra flags before I go.... NO I CAN'T!!!! I also need to EAT.

My new passport arrived. One more thing to tick off the list and ok except that they've done something to my photo so that I look like Myra Hindley in her most notorious mugshot and not only that, I look just like she would have looked 40 years later. Great!

I arranged to have my vaccinations done this week but decided that I might not yet be well enough to get these jabs after the flu etc. Sure enough, the doctor put me on antibiotics (first time in over 10 years I've resorted to them) and then he decided that I should have a blood test just in case I have some underlying condition which might leave me needing more drugs for an as yet undiagnosed problem or two. Can't wait especially as I am also currently arranging insurance to cover me for at least a year away and if I DO have some underlying condition, I'm supposed to declare it on the form.... but I may not know this yet...... Catch 22. Time is running out.

My dentist, Stefan, and his nurses, on the other hand was absolutely delightful..... until I have to pay that is!! It was suggested to me by the hygenist to stay off the coffee and red wine because of the staining.... No chance! In fact, I think I might just open a bottle right now.......

Don't Panic!

Before I caught this horrible flu thing 12 days ago ( they should issue masks as you board an aircraft), I had 54 healthy days to complete the tasks I had set myself before my leaving date ( Dec 29th) and so the answer to the question posed as this blog's title would have been correct. Now I have just 42 days to finish the same tasks, hence the title of this piece!
Douglas Adams knew a thing or two methinks.........