Greetings from Naples! I’ve made it. It’s been a long day but I’ve arrived safe and sound ready to explore. I’m feeling decidedly grotty though. Flying with a cold isn’t that much fun! Dosed myself up and tried really hard not to be that person on the flight. Sure a good night’s sleep with help!

It was a bit of an adventure finding my hotel. The driver dropped me as close as he could but it’s on a pedestrian street, so off I trotted with my case over the cobbles. It was very hidden. In fact, you had to climb through a very small door in a very large wooden door. Rather cool really.

Checked in and am settled in my room. It’s tiny, very boutique hotel. Seems in a nice area. Kinda hard to tell in the dark though. Found a cafe and had my first (of many) slices of pizza and a scrumptious raspberry dessert. Looking forward to exploring tomorrow. But for now, it’s time to chill, rest and recharge…

Isn’t it funny how we have favourite bags for things. I pondered this as I drove to my Dad’s today. I bought a new rucksack for my trip. It came with a free satchel bag..

Winner you’d think. But when I started putting my stuff in them, they didn’t work how I’d hoped they would. So I went back to my trusty travel bag. I bought this one in New Zealand many years ago. It’s clocked up some miles since then I can tell you. It has just the right amount of pockets, zips and Velcro. Yes it’s a thing. It’s rather frustrating when you can’t get your passport, boarding pass or phone out quick enough in the queue. Most of us been that person. And a lot of us have been behind that that person!

I even dug out my Aviva backpack. Again, it’s small but mighty. That’s done a few miles too.

The new bags will get lots of use I’m sure. But for this trip, I have chosen familiarity over looks. My suitcase is neon yellow to stand out on the belt. See what I mean?!

Bert has already started his holiday. He’s having a blast already. Lots of zoomies with his brother. Let’s hope he doesn’t need a holiday to get over his holiday…

Someone knows I’m going away. Someone has been very clingy. Someone was stood watching me pack. I have had a rather sad Spaniel. He’s been velcroed to me today.

I’ve tried telling him that I will be coming back. And that he will be going on holiday too. I had a similar conversation with Buddy. I will be back before they know it…

Today has been a day of much frustration. Nothing bad happened, just ended up in a pile of bureaucracy, ineptitude and annoyance.

I was feeling rather pleased with myself too. There’s a saying in there. Something about pride and falls. Don’t quote me though.

I ordered two pairs of jeans from Next for my trip to Naples. Have I mentioned I’m going on holiday?! Anyway, I asked for them to be delivered to the nearest store today so I could pack them. Got a text this morning telling me they’d delivered them to the wrong store. And they would be at the right store within 48 hours. Ummmm that’s cutting it fine. Called and was told they’d gone to Kent! Not close then. And none of the three Next stores in Norwich had jeans in my size. Apparently size 8 tall is a minority size. Go figure!

Then I was rather pleased with myself for doing my personal tax return without having a meltdown and before the deadline. Only to find that they had charged me interest cause I hadn’t paid enough tax ready to pay my tax for a bill I hadn’t had. Honestly, it’s a dumb system. How can they expect you to pay tax on money you haven’t actually earned yet?! The joys of running your own business huh? Tried to call to discuss it. Their phone lines were down. So tried Live Chat. After an argument with their not so helpful bot, I eventually got into the human advisor queue. I was 142! Oh dear lord. Finally spoke to someone who told me that I should have known. And it wasn’t their fault they didn’t remind me. But it’s OK for them to send me near daily emails in January. Oh and they don’t give you interest on the money you pay in advance. Again, go figure.

The final straw was decanting my shampoo, conditioner and shower gel into the right sized bottles for the flights. I get there are rules, but once more the masses have to jump through hoops. It’s not the easiest job. So took longer than I thought. I didn’t have a ziplock bag so put them in another bag till I get to the airport and put them in the official ziplock bag.

I also woke up feeling decidedly crappy so that’s not helping my mood. Why do you end up being ill before you go on holiday?! Don’t answer that. I know. I really need a holiday…!

One of the liveries asked if Buddy and I could babysit her and her horse today. He’s coming back from injury so getting going again.

I love that fact that Mr Nappy Pants can be such a supportive babysitter. He has a lot of redeeming features indeed!

We just went for a quick walk round the village. Then we headed into the school for a bit. At this rate, I might have to rename him Mr Chilled Pants. Giving him quieter January really has helped him it seems…

Another day, another exciting delivery in the post. This time it’s my travel documents for my trip to Naples. It’s nearly here!

I love the fact I have actual travel documents. It’s a bit old school, but there’s something reassuring about having an actual piece of paper in your hand. Don’t get me wrong, I love technology, but I’ve seen it go wrong. I saw a poor woman literally meltdown as her phone died with her boarding pass on it…

I usually take printed copies as a back up. My printer has recently decided it identifies as a chocolate teapot and is refusing to print. So these bad boys are going in my travel bag.

Not that I have sorted out much. I have retrieved the suitcase from the garage (and removed the cobwebs). Well I haven’t left the country since 2019!

I’ve ordered two new pairs of jeans and a Lonely Planet guidebook. I’m well versed in packing light and last minute so it’ll get done…

Buddy and I went out for a lovely hack today. So lovely I forgot to take a photo. So this quote will have to do. He was a wise man that Mr Churchill. Especially when it comes to horses.

It was actually the first time I’d ridden Buddy this year! It started with the weather. Then it turned into some more time off for him. Once he’s gotten over his ‘but I’ve retired’ stage, he seemed rather pleased to be back out again.

I was very happy to be back onboard I can tell you…

Today I made my 4th trip to Carrow Road in as many weeks. I was there for two matches in December and this was my second match in January. After three league matches, this time it was an FA Cup match. Against Walsall.

As it was a cup game, it meant a change of seats. This time we were in the posh seats! Literally! Padded seats and three down from Delia.

There was no need for ‘let’s be having ya’ as we won 5-1. Into the next round we go. As do Brighton. They beat Man U no less. So I still have two teams in the cup. Hurrah!

What better way to end the day than with cuddles from two of your four boys. I am rather toasty under a blanket, with two animal shaped hot water bottles. Not that I’m complaining, I’ve been felt cold most of the day (well week really).

Hugo has been getting braver and braver with Bert. I do get it, he’s rather bouncy and slobbery. The kittens are much more refined. Bert is a bit like a bill in a China shop with them so I understand their hesitance to fully engage with the Baby Sprocker.

This was a lovely moment. Hugo purring, Bert snoring. Me slightly scared to move in case I disturbed them…

I met up with a friend tonight for dinner. She brought her two dog with her. Now one of them, Maisie, is particularly fond of Auntie Pip. So I got lots of kisses. She also didn’t want to stay still for the photo.

I decided to leave Bert at home so I could concentrate on my meal. He is pretty good, but not as good as these two. Next time I’ll take him.

We had a lovely dinner and put the world to rights. I was sniffed very vigorously when I got home. Bert clearly wanted to know exactly who I’d seen. Good job we don’t do that as humans. Can you imagine…