The decision has been took.

I am going to have a break.

Or, in case Herself starts complaining at being left out, we are going to have a break.

Under the circumstances this will involve a little planning.

First of all we had to decide on a location. This is done – in the absolute wilds of north Galway. This is a spot with little traffic [apart from wildlife] and no Interwebs [so far as I can ascertain]. They probably don’t even have mobile phone reception. It is really remote. There is nothing there except beautiful scenery provided the rain holds off and you can see out the windows.

Then there is Penny. We could bring her but that would involve a drop of stress. She doesn’t like long journeys, and anyway the is the problem of her probably taking a dump in front of everyone in the lounge. The poor girl is getting old. And that goes for Penny too. I would have to spend my time taking her [Penny] on walks and the point of the exercise is to remove any form of exercise. Anyway, Daughter is delighted at the prospect of moving here for the duration so Penny will have loads of company.

I have to remember to get some cash. This may sound weird but I am now living a cashless life. It’s an age since I had any coins weighing down my pockets as I use “plastic” all the time. And I don’t give a shite if that means someone is monitoring my spending habits. But I need cash for the toll roads as they don’t take debit cards.

I have to phone the establishment as we need a ground floor room and they don’t include that preference in their booking system. They do have ground floor rooms all right and apparently they are wheelchair accessible which presumably covers all aspects of wheeled vehicles.

We have stayed there in the past – the last time was about fifteen years ago – and it is one of the most peaceful places in the country. What I am looking for is the ability to sit at a table and be presented with a menu. In other words, no planning of meals, no cooking and no washing dishes for the first time in years. In between meals, the ability to just sit in a comfy armchair and read a book or the paper and maybe doze. The prospect of a couple of pints in a comfortable lounge also has its appeal. God but I’m getting old!

And no Interwebs.

Silence is golden.