During my time working for the Railway, a large proportion of my job went by the fancy name of Service Recovery. What that basically meant was, I’d spend a lot of my time apologising. In almost every case, I was apologising for something over which I had no direct control.
One of the best things about going freelance is that you only have to apologise for your own actions.
Please accept this Newsletter as just that - an apology.
You see, I try to produce a newsletter every month, at the turn of the month. However, I’ve missed not one, but two posts.
While the busy business traveller isn’t really interested in what has gone on behind the curtain, I’d like to explain to you, my dear patient readers, what the past couple of months has really been like… behind the curtain.
Rejoice!
The big news is, of course, I finally have my Airstream back.
I would only entrust my Pride and Joy with the experienced experts at Airstream Germany after being let down by the British agents who were involved with Airstream at the time (and who now have nothing to do with Airstream). The trouble is, Airstream Germany is about five days drive away from where I now live. Therefore it made sense to combine the collection with other jobs and projects along the way. Before too long, the eight week period looked something like this:
A night in a hotel in Muir of Ord near Inverness
Two nights camping at Barnard Castle (no, I wasn’t there for an eye test!)
A night in a hotel in Scarborough
Three nights in a Bailey Phoenix+ Caravan on tour
A night in a hotel in a motorway service area in Kent
Two nights on my friend’s sofa in Brighton
A night in a hotel in Ashford
Two weeks in the Airstream at Airstream Germany, Düsseldorf, and on tour
10 days in a Hymer Motorhome on tour
Two days in the Airstream in the Black Forest
8 days in a Bürstner Motorhome on tour
A week in the Airstream heading home
Over the period of 56 days, we were on the move for about 45 of them. I drove about 3,500 miles as well as moving in and out of leisure vehicles or hotel rooms 12 times.
On top of ALL THIS, I filmed, edited, and produced 24 videos at an average rate of three videos a week. Oh, and I filmed a further seven videos for production at a later date.
Let’s not also forget a two week consultancy assignment originally scheduled for mid-October that was brought forward with little notice by a fortnight, clashing spectacularly with the above.
I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
So this, my friends, is why the Newsletter article slipped by. The irony is, I did write an article at the end of August, but I just didn’t find the time to get it transferred over to Substack and create the images.
The good news is, it’s still sitting there, and now I am home and have cleared the backlog I have some time to breath, and to enjoy producing content a little more creative.
So that’s my excuse.
Dougal and I are VERY happy to be home. At the age of 10 and with a heart condition, I fear that the above ridiculous schedule has been too much for him. Heck, it was too much for both of us. Therefore, from hereon in, Dougal will be entering a state of semi-retirement. He’ll still be a very important part of many videos, but he won’t be making any long trips again. If there is one thing that the above crazy schedule made me realise, it’s that I want to slow down myself. That, however, is a whole other story for another newsletter.
In the meantime, thank you so much for sticking with us.
How to Support Streamlining
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1. If you wish, you can show your support for what I do through Buy Me a Coffee. Although I’ll probably end up buying tea. Or snacks for Dougal.
I understand that not everyone who would like to will be in a position to support in this way, and that’s absolutely fine! My content is available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
2. Most importantly, please subscribe and share Streamlining with those who you think might enjoy it.
Hi Andrew! Cracking photos of you & Dougal! My you have been a busy bee these last couple of months! But at least you've got your Airstream back finally! Do have a nice long rest if you are able to, you work so hard to bring these wonderful vlogs and newsletters to everyone! I and I'm sure everyone else really appreciates all your efforts to entertain us all! You are a star but please don't overdo it, you're too precious, way too precious!! You don't have to apologise either, you can't do 10 things at once, nobody can! Anyway, hopefully you can grab a bit of 'me' time in your sanctuary that is your wonderful home up there in the Uists! We've all been spoilt these past few months, you deserve a nice long break but knowing you, you'll be hard at work trying to keep everyone happy but don't neglect you & your wellbeing ok?! Well done Andrew, take care & see you soon! xxx 😘☺
Was great to see you in the midst of this hectic schedule! 🙂