Menogurgulation; A Bit Of This, A Bit Of That

Well... deep breaths... we are into Fear-buary, true and proper. As I coasted a bit through January, it crept up on me unawares. It was cushioned by the presence of Mac1. She decided to give herself a proper break and came to stay for a full week!!! Yes, this thrilled me. We filled the days very well, and you will see something of that in more posts after this. Today, though, a little sorting of thoughts as this month progresses past its first week.

In many respects, this Fear-buary ought to be okay. There will still be memories (per that linked post above), but none really give angst these days. They are merely symbols, reminders that this shortest of months can feel like the longest. I recognise and acknowledge that any worry (and let's face it, I am not of that mental tendency) is based on anticipation. 

The anticipatory prompt in this year of the Lord, twenty thousand and twenty-three, is that the YAMster is again at a point in life when she has to consider some Big Things. You see, on the last day of January, that long-run estate matter was settled. My siblings and I are now faced with being responsible for our inheritance. Although we are all relieved, there is a bit of what might be termed an 'aftershock'. True finalisation. Mac1 and I were glad of each other's company for that first week of considering safeguarding the gift and utilising it, and carrying ourselves forward as we know our parents would have wished. I reiterate an earlier statement - we are not talking megabucks here. However, without a doubt, we have been blessed. It will be interesting to hear how each of the other Macs build (and spend). For myself, there are some immediacies. Fear-buary, regular readers will recall, is the month of expenses for the Hutch. Then there is that ceiling repair, previously mentioned. Finding and engaging tradesfolk in this Bonny Land can be a major challenge - not one I look forward to, so must gird my loins! 

Vanlife beckons. It is now a matter of timing - and where. Accepting that getting repairs done will likely take some months, then getting the Hutch onto the sales market when we are hitting a recession in the housing market... well, in short, I expect to still be here this time next year. Then again, once the YAMster makes her mind up to something, experience dictates that things tend to move fast! I am considering setting up my van here, exploring the Bonny Land for a bit, and then transporting the van to OZ and pick up there. Or I could make the repatriation and set up a van once there. Or, I could set up the van here and drive all the way from here to India, then set sail... d'ya see how crazy my mind is at the moment??!!! 

I am faced with a world of possibilities again after at least four years of being fully anchored. The YAM that was the adventuress can feel the stirrings in her central being. On the other hand, the YAM facing her 64th birthday in April and has done next to nothing for two years solid recognises a wee tremor that never existed before. Lifting that anchor will require considerably more effort than at any earlier time in life, not least from the fact that physically I am much less than once I was.

Thus Fear-buary strikes again! While, on balance, things look very positive indeed, there are mental blockages to be dealt with, some basic updates and maintenance, and just overall getting my a$$ into gear.

Meanwhile, how about this?

Good, isn't it? Can't recall where I found it - very slack, YAM. I will place it on the sidebar - for myself, but as a reminder to all!

I also received the following news:

Now for some more uplifting interest... take a look at this sculpture. It is made from 'foraged' footwear. I kid you not; click the image to go to the Ocean Sole website.

Oh, yes, one last tidbit... I know a few of you heeded my callout for donations to the Ukraine Collection Pot set up by vlogpal Gadget John... He is awaiting word as to when he can go there again with all the goods that could be provided from the funds gathered... here was the closing figure. Thank you.