Steve and Cathy's Blog

Going on vacation is one thing.  Leaving your home for six months is quite another.  As I mentioned in the previous post, 90% of the preparations were done by Cathy.  She is a master organizer, admittedly obsesses about every detail, keeps lists, and lists of lists, follows up on everything, rides herd on Steve, and generally thinks of everything. Steve pretty much does what Cathy asks him to do.

Let’s start with the details of leaving the house.  Fortunately, a very wonderful friend has agreed to visit the house frequently. Another friend is a neighbor who will keep an eye out. Another one will be using the house after late meetings. The Wallingford Police Department have a “House Check” program as well.  And besides, anyone wanting to burglarize our home would only find a 30-year old stereo system, a 15-year old television set. A true disappointment for some lowlife looking for some quick cash.  There really is nothing worth taking.  No cash. No jewelry.

Our friend has a list of all of our vendors should something break down. a friend is going to start the car in the driveway from time to time. Someone will come to shovel the snow, mow the lawn and so forth. The newspapers have been switched to digital editions. Mail has been forwarded to our daughter for the purpose of paying bills.

Thinking about how much toothpaste, hair products, and other such items we consume in six months was interesting – something we had never had to think about before. Prescriptions that normally run for 30-60-90 days had to be changed so we had a 180-day supply.

And those are the easy things to remember. As I say, Cathy thought of all the rest, but this gives you an idea of some of the logistics involved in leaving for such a long time.