I hate staying in other peoples spaces. Find it hard to relax and hard not to snoop. Loose a day trying to clean and restore their space before they return. Been there and done that. I'm happy to sleep on their couch or spare bed while they are there controlling the spaceship, but don't leave me alone and hope I'll get it right.
I'm the same with my place. It's a handbuilt cobbled together abode that needs a lot of prior knowledge to operate. The symbols on the oven have long since been polished off. I just know which knob does what and that 6 o'clock is about 180 C. There are 3 remotes near the not-so-smart TV and I know the order to press to get both image and sound to work. Don't turn the toaster and the coffee machine on at the same time. The fuse will trip...the list goes on and I didn't even get to the demented cats demands.
It's no better with my transport. My car won't go into reverse unless it sits in neutral for a while first-a known issue with the model, but not known to the uninitiated. My motorbike comes from an Italian factory which in the words of a bike magazine "...employed too many artists and not enough engineers" I hate to borrow someone else's car for similar reasons. I just know that the clutch will die or the gearbox will shit itself as soon as I drive away. There'll be awkward conversations about who's responsible and the good mechanic who 'knows' the car.
As I re-read this I can see that I'm sounding like a nervous man lacking generosity. That maybe true but I hope not. After 70 years I've just come to the conclusion that happiness on the road is a cheap motel and a rent-a-wreck.
You are definitely neither nervous or lacking in generosity! I think you sound like a man who knows how to take care of his own and can't be bothered messing around with other people's stuff - and yes that losing a day cleaning and restoring at the end of it is always a total pain! There's no place like home or a cheap motel and rent a wreck.
Yes, other people’s houses. Excellent post, the Malibu exercise pad sounds incredible. Love that chameleon!!
I am recovering from an addiction to half empty holiday houses. I’ve just realised your own home doesn’t have to feel like one, even though I’d like to have some half empty cupboards. It’s been a revelation.
You're braver than me Lo.
I hate staying in other peoples spaces. Find it hard to relax and hard not to snoop. Loose a day trying to clean and restore their space before they return. Been there and done that. I'm happy to sleep on their couch or spare bed while they are there controlling the spaceship, but don't leave me alone and hope I'll get it right.
I'm the same with my place. It's a handbuilt cobbled together abode that needs a lot of prior knowledge to operate. The symbols on the oven have long since been polished off. I just know which knob does what and that 6 o'clock is about 180 C. There are 3 remotes near the not-so-smart TV and I know the order to press to get both image and sound to work. Don't turn the toaster and the coffee machine on at the same time. The fuse will trip...the list goes on and I didn't even get to the demented cats demands.
It's no better with my transport. My car won't go into reverse unless it sits in neutral for a while first-a known issue with the model, but not known to the uninitiated. My motorbike comes from an Italian factory which in the words of a bike magazine "...employed too many artists and not enough engineers" I hate to borrow someone else's car for similar reasons. I just know that the clutch will die or the gearbox will shit itself as soon as I drive away. There'll be awkward conversations about who's responsible and the good mechanic who 'knows' the car.
As I re-read this I can see that I'm sounding like a nervous man lacking generosity. That maybe true but I hope not. After 70 years I've just come to the conclusion that happiness on the road is a cheap motel and a rent-a-wreck.
You are definitely neither nervous or lacking in generosity! I think you sound like a man who knows how to take care of his own and can't be bothered messing around with other people's stuff - and yes that losing a day cleaning and restoring at the end of it is always a total pain! There's no place like home or a cheap motel and rent a wreck.
And such a beautiful song, that one.
Yes it sure is.
Yes, other people’s houses. Excellent post, the Malibu exercise pad sounds incredible. Love that chameleon!!
I am recovering from an addiction to half empty holiday houses. I’ve just realised your own home doesn’t have to feel like one, even though I’d like to have some half empty cupboards. It’s been a revelation.
It is fun to explore different places, especially when they are full of space you don't have!
Another wonderful story! Like Laurie, I avoid house sitting whenever possible.
Thanks Bets! You do have a pretty rad place, I can understand not wanting to leave it!
Brilliant song choice 👍 Lo !
And the whole album is an absolute lifetime favourite of mine ❤️ 🎵
Yes its a beauty isn't it!