Posts that Didn't Happen: October 2024

At the time of writing (actually May 2025), the blog has rather fallen behind - so time for some catch up posts . . .

Back in time to October 2024 - life was pretty busy, what with the van conversion, and (for me) some archive consultancy work, although there was time to get out and about too.

At the beginning of the month, the planned meet up with the 'Archive Girls' went ahead on schedule.  

This was pretty much a re-run of last year's trip, staying at the same property, eating out at the same pub, and with another visit to Hay - time to relax, watch Strictly and have a good natter!

Then there was a trip to Cardiff (mostly in the rain) - some work, some 'van' shopping in Ikea, and an 'interesting' journey home through flooded roads - I was glad not to be driving!

Inbetween there was yet another Folly reorganisation swapping the desk with the sofa, so I'll be a bit closer to the heat from the wood burner as the days get colder.

Finally, towards the end of the month, we also had a trip to visit family - lovely to see everyone, and get a few bits and pieces sorted while we were there.

While all this was going on 'Project Van' was also continuing - albeit slowly, and with many frustrations - electrics, reversing cameras, window regulators, etc.  

Not least of these, was the realisation that the 'plan' for the bed layout wasn't going to work - there just wasn't enough room to overlay two single beds (as shown), so it was back to the drawing board.

The thinking now is to go for a sliding transverse bed (hence the trip to Ikea for more Skorva bed beams - a van conversion staple item!).

Some other tasks were completed, including the rather scary cutting of a hole in the side of the van for the electric hook-up:

So much more to do though . . .

Archive Girls On Tour Once More

This time it's taken us four years for what we always intend to be an annual archive girls reunion - of course the Pandemic did rather interrupt proceedings, and we'd only ever really managed a biennial event anyway!

Another new location (mid-Wales, a quicker journey for the Aber contingent), with Hay-on-Wye selected as our main 'day out' as a result.

Visited the fully refurbished Hay Castle, lots of bookshops (obviously), and enjoyed the last food market of the year, all on a gloriously warm and sunny October Saturday.  

For once I didn't buy any books, but did come home with a box of very nice cider!

Dinner out at the local pub on Friday night, then cooked-up a feast on Saturday while watching Strictly (as is tradition).

Finished our Saturday night toasting marshmallows sitting around the outdoor fire pit, glasses of wine in hand.

All in all a lovely couple of days - goodbyes were said on Sunday morning as everyone had places to be, but looking forward to (hopefully) doing it all again next year!