I miss the simplicity of it

what’s not to like?

I think I miss the simplicity of it. We’re in Penkridge picking up Rebecca, Steven and Henry from Stevens mum’s. We got here early and have just taken a short walk along the canal, a waterway we know well having spent many nights here with Bex and Steven a few years back. The simplicity. Ahh. That is the simplicity of van life. Living in Doris, full time. Everything we needed and pretty much everything we owned in a 4.5 tonne truck. 

It was a simple life. Park up, do something, normally involving walking, running or a bike, eat something and then repeat. Day after day. Moving on when the mood took us and only worrying about finding a washing machine, as everything else was on board.

I miss it, I do. But do I miss it enough to want to abandon everything and head off again? Part of me says yes to that. But a larger part reminds me that we live in a beautiful cottage and still have the time and flexibility to push off in Doris, pretty much at will. That’s what’s happening next month: Scotland for 5 weeks. But it’s not quite the same. It’s, and I know I’ve rehearsed this argument many times before, living in a van full time changes your outlook on life. You are necessarily constrained by the confines of a small box. You can’t do big administrative things, because there aren’t big administrative things to get done. So you focus on, in the end, what can only be described as your wellbeing. Sure there are pinch points and compromises, but they far outweighed by the plusses. Van life focuses you onto good things. The moment you move back into a house, the world encroaches … and not much longer it takes over. 

Funny old world, isn’t it? And, I know, all this nonsense from a couple who has pretty much everything they need. So stop moaning Roland … ok. Will do.

one of the many things I’ve sold

It’s been a week of sorting and selling and, I have to stay, I’ve really enjoyed it. I don’t think it politic to mention the sums involved, but they’re worth getting out of bed for. And I can see these things heading off to people who will use them (rather than putting them into a skip), and who think they’ve secured a bargain. That makes me feel good. Oh – and I know the lady at our village post office really well now! It’s a 10 minute walk across the fields. Perfect.

C had been doing what C does. Getting the place ready for the team to arrive. She’s been baking and shopping and cleaning, and we now have enough food in the house to survive the apocalypse. Well done her. And we’ve been doing a lot of exercise. The hills here shout out to be climbed.

those hills won’t climb themselves

And we’ve just finished a big family lunch. Both kids, spouses, Henry and the dog. Fabulous in this place. Just fabulous. If we were still in Doris that would have been impossible. So, note to self: don’t be such a misery … but, the simplicity of van life, hey?

For the record we had a really productive time with Mary at the end of last week helping her sort some things and we’ve planned a further visit around the Coronation. I’ve got all that pomp and circumstance to look forward to. Yey!

Stay safe, everyone.