Friday 17 August 2007

Wet wishes (as opposed to dreams)

It’s been a wet week here in Cornwall, prompted by my unfailing capacity to overempathise. I can’t help it – I think I was born with my emotions far too near the surface. It started with Graham’s extremely well written blog – see link on right hand side - which had me sobbing into my keyboard.

Then my friend Viv lost her dog. Another deluge from the Flowerpot department. Last night I met a friend for a drink and was trying to cheer her up but ended up telling her about Sammy and cried so much I choked on my wine. (What a waste.) Deb stared at me I spluttered and coughed, tears streaming down my face. Still, at least that took her mind off her own problems.

Lastly I’ve just finished Marley & Me by John Grogan – a wonderfully touching memoir about a completely mad but loveable dog and the effect he had on his family. I was reading that at 4.30am, sobbing into my pillow. Don’t read this if you’ve just lost your pet, but it’s a beautifully written story of farewells and new beginnings, and what dogs can teach us about life. Very heartwarming.

So in order to stop the floodates, I thought I’d write about something entirely different and one that will keep me dry (I hope).

Looking at the rotten correspondent’s blog yesterday, she asked what we would do with $25,000. By my maths, this equates to about £12,500 and the stipulation is that you have to spend it on yourself and yourself only. I find this difficult as I’m not good at spending money on myself, but here goes.

I’d buy a campervan** so we could take Mollie off for holidays. We don’t have holidays at the moment – they’re not in our budget, and I don’t like hotels or bed and breakfasts much, Himself doesn’t like camping, so a campervan would be ideal. We could take off and adventure when and where we felt like it. I’m not sure how much they cost, but knowing us we’d get a secondhand one.

What I’d really like is to live somewhere with a proper garden – we have a small, very secure yard where Mollie can go and frolic via the catflap (both cat and dog use it) but it’s not the same as a good bit of grass and trees and things – she can’t have a good run. That’s what I’d like but you can’t really just buy a garden and plonk it down next to your house. So -

I’d go to a supermarket and buy whatever caught my fancy – without worrying about the cost. Books, stationery (I love buying stationery), flowers, stuff for my tubs, wine (lots of), food and treats for Mollie and Buster. Am I allowed that?

I would then ring my dearest mates and we’d go out for a meal. Somewhere dog friendly of course.

What would you do?

** I've just told Himself who said he doesn't think much of the idea of a campervan. Spoilsport. So Moll, it's you and me, girl!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your kind comments. I read Marley & Me whilst Prince was ill, so you can imagine how tear stained the pages were! It's a great book though!

As far as the £12,500 goes, I'm afraid I'd have to be dreadfuly dull and use it to pay off some of my enormous debts. If this wasn't allowed, I think I'd follow your lead and buy a motorhome - I've always wanted one. The freedom and dog-friendliness would be ideal...

Flowerpot said...

I can well imagine the state of Marley & Me - not that any book is good to read in those circumstances.

Debts not allowed - so you're allowed definitely allowed a motorhome. I'm sure Tilly would love it when she'd got used to motors.

Em said...

Well, the sensible thing to do with that money would be to pay something off. But in practise, I'd probably do exactly the same as you - buy a campervan! We hope to get one in the next couple of years... a 4-wheel drive one... and use it to further explore the UK, starting with Devon & Cornwall :D

the rotten correspondent said...

You're a step ahead of me, because I'm afraid to even pick up Marley & Me. You get lots of points for actually reading it.

Being able to feel things deeply is so hard, but so worth it, don't you think?

Flowerpot said...

There seems to be an attraction with doglovers and campervans - though having said that, my husband's just said he doesnt want to have any part in campervanning. Spoilsport!

Flowerpot said...

Correspondent - I would urge you to read Marley and Me, honest. It was only one bit that was sad, the other bits were wonderfully uplifting and sometimes hilarious. As to feeling things too much, well I can't imagine being any other way. It certainly helps when I'm writing because I know exactly how someone would feel!

Akelamalu said...

I can cry at the drop of a hat!

£12,500? I'd treat our sons then blow what's left on a fabulous holiday! :)

Mopsa said...

Camper vans are hell - and you can't leave it behind you as it's your bed, your dining room and your mode of transport. I speak from depressed experience. All the pans, kettles and dishes are in kitsch miniature and even when the doors are open it stinks of camping gaz. It makes me feel elderly just thinking about it.
With £12,500 I'd think about getting some cows and the necessary accompanying equipment, and learn how to make amazing cheese.

Flowerpot said...

ak, glad to find that someone else is as dripworthy as I am. Hope you had a good time in London - will be going to check out in a minute!

Elaine Denning said...

A camper van sounds like a wonderful idea. The three of you on a open road...the whole of the country stretched out before you...what could be more perfect?

Flowerpot said...

Mopsa you have dashed my dreams! But having spent much time on a boat (when I first met Himself he was living aboard), the principle is the same. We had one gas ring, no toilets and - yes, you get the picture, it was Basic! I enjoyed it then but that was quite a while ago. Still, I will hold onto my dream..

Flowerpot said...

MissU - yes, I like that idea. Though it will be just me and Moll!

Poetess said...

Enjoyed visiting your blog. But if you don't want to find yourself in tears again please don't read my latest and unusually melancholy post.

I loved your style of writing.

Poetessxxx

Flowerpot said...

poetess - I'll risk it. Take care,