Teeth and pills, asthma and "droppings"...

Well, we are both all clear on the teeth front, and have been for checkups, to ensure there was nothing untoward going to happen whilst away. Then I got my prescriptions for the medication (blood pressure & cholesterol). Thing is, I don't believe I have serious problems in either area, but my doctor won't take me off them yet.

The other important one is the eye drops for the glaucoma, and I had to sit down and work out how many packets and potions I have to take.

Then you have to make sure you've got a letter from your doctor(s) to say that it is vital for you to carry this stuff, and so I have six of this and six of that, and enough puffers to alleviate the breathing problems!!

It only weighs 500gms or so, but it's the bulk, because you are supposed to take things in their original packaging, and that's all the cardboard packets, etc.

The one good thing is that at least this time, they haven't cost nearly as much as they could have, because I've now got the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

The "droppings" is now a little joke between Lee and I, when on one recent night, just before I went to bed, she said, "have you done your droppings?"
(I usually do all the pills and eye drops and puffer,and calls of nature, last thing at night)

The other thing that happened this week, is that they've taken the balance of the money required for the mini-cruise around the Western Isles of Scotland, so that's another thing out of the way.

Finally, we have been very diligent with the exercise, and have tried to make sure we keep at our three-times-a-week at the gym, and in between the walking, etc. We are already much fitter than when we went last time, so hopefully we will cope better with all the moving around, the driving, and the stairs...

Bits and bobs and batteries.

Itinerary done, some deposits paid, confirmations received, travel insurance done. Now, what apart from clothes do we take?

If you are paranoid about having clean teeth, take a small tube of toothpaste. If you can do without, buy fresh stuff when you get there, and then if you don't need it to come home, leave it behind. Same with shampoo. We all have our favourites, but if you can get by with what's provided on your stopover(s), then get shampoo after you arrive as well.

Medication is important if you have to carry it, but thankfully this time I am a Senior, and have been getting my prescriptions at the cheaper rate since I turned 65. When we went last time in 2007, I had to fork out over $500 for tablets and eye drops before we went. You also have to arrange to get enough to last you for the entire time away. I always take photocopies of prescriptions with me, in case all is lost, and I may be able at least to indicate what I need to an overseas pharmacist. It also proves to whoever might ask, that these are your prescribed drugs, and you need them.

Batteries and chargers are another thing. We want to take our laptop, both for internet access and for keeping a record of our trip. Plus, two cameras, a digital sound device, (to record family conversations and information), mobile phones, etc. etc. And they all have to be charged!!!! 

It's about time all the companies got together, and produced a 'universal charger' that would do all phones, all cameras, laptops, devices or whatever.

Thankfully, with cameras, you now don't need to carry rolls of film. You just have to make sure you have enough storage on your memory cards, and then don't lose them.

next time - cash and cards, and coffee...