*As ever, this is not an advert for burglars, (you never know, there may be some of our Bermondsey 'neighbours' who've pressed the wrong keys with their thumbs and stumbled onto my notes).
Today, after what seems like an eternity of form filling, nose wiping and maybe just a little bit of actual teaching, we head away for 7 days of sunshine, tavernas, reading, swimming, beers, a few more beers and hopefully relaxing without any cares.
It's been a pretty awful few months really with my dad commencing his chemo and my mum becoming more and more difficult due to her Alzheimer's.
For the first time in my working life I've taken a couple of days off to help in their situation. I've only had 1 day off due to illness in nearly 10 years so I didn't feel too bad but there was no other way around it.
My mum went into a care home at the start of the week to give my dad some respite, coincidentally only about 10 miles away from Aldershot.
(You can see where this is heading can't you?)
It was good to meet up with Steve, Marion and Norm and also to actually think about something else other than family stuff.
Aldershot will be my only pre season friendly this year.
I'll be back in time for the start of the season, The Great British Beer Festival and also to be around for my parents when my sister and her family head off on their holiday.
As I'm a typical bloke, I've left my packing to the last possible minute.
Other than all the iPhone peripherals and Kindle that seem to be essential travel accessories nowadays, I don't really need much beyond a few pairs of shorts, havaianas flip flops, some swim shorts, a couple of loose shirts and sun block.
So, a fond farewell and I'll hope for some good reports from the home friendly on Tuesday.
Chocks Away Ginger!
