Backagin...

So, its Wednesday and I'm finally back at my desk with fingers poised and at least a little time to spend posting. My goodness, those last couple of days were busy... I can't BELIEVE the pictures from the oil tank fire over in Luton. The cloud of smoke is just unreal - it looks like something from a science fiction novel to me. What else? I think I mentioned a while ago that there were some very promising holiday plans in the pipeline. What happened was that we got offered standby airline tickets to go see some friends over in the States. So, C and I got all excited until we realised that I no longer have a valid passport. Now, this used not to be a problem back when we tried (and failed) to go to the States the last time (four years) ago - you would simply go out and get a temporary one. HOWEVER, these days the US of A won't let you in with only a temporary passport, as the Embassy website clearly states. Of course, I rushed out and had new pictures taken (which, apparently, have to meet some sort of new requirements. All I can say is they make my noggin look even worse than usual) and I'm going to hit the "rat house" (town hall) the minute I finish this post. The point is, though, that a regular passport takes about six weeks to be made and sent back to you. Which means our plans will be blown to smithereens unless I can think of some way of coercing, threatening, bribing or cajoling the system otherwise. Now, I understand that in some countries, this isn't an issue. In Germany, though, I firmly expect my chances to be about the same as winning the lottery (I don't play). Oh. Dear. Those of you so inclined, please don't hesitate to ask the heavens for a miracle in my name... Thing is, we would SOOO love to go. It'd be our first proper holiday in yonks, plus we'd get to see some very dear friends and, of course, the Land of the Free (Kentucky). I can't tell you how pissed C was when she turned up the info about no-more-temporary-thank-you. Yes, I know that's a rude word, but I'm afraid it fit the bill here. I've never seen her so close to doing a Basil Fawlty, waving fists at the heavens and all... No, seriously, it will be the disappointment of the year if this falls through. Which is why I will now up and hit the road for that passport. More when I get back... Lol to y'alls