Bagpuss Report post Posted August 17, 2007 (edited) Since our hols in the New Forest, DH is intent on buying a caravan So much so, he has now put a bid on one on the auction site, and is so serious, he has also bidded on a 7 seater car, as ours isn't big enough to tow, and he wants more space so the kids don't have to sit next to each other I havn't the heart to tell him I think I'll hate it, and just keep vaguely saying "oh, I'm not sure! I keep thinking about the cons...... communal showers , chemical toilets , having people right next door , no front door , having to socialise or live in a communal setting , not being able hide away or have privacy from other people, lots of noise, lack of peace and quiet, especially at night, lack of washing facilties to do clothes and having to wear mucky ones, youngest dd wandering into other peeps vans and tents , rain , muddy fields , no seperate bedroom to put youngest dd to bed ; .........crikey, I could go on and on. The pro's of course are cheap holidays, we can get away more , we can go where we want when we want , if a holiday isn't working out we can just come home or move on , the kids are desperate to try camping (hope an awning will fill this need), youngest dd loves static vans so will probably like a tourer Would anyone be kind enough to outbid him for me. ....I'd make it worth your while........ Please help me....I'm scared in a matter of weeks I could be sat in the middle of a muddy field, having to share a evening drink with the family in the next pitch, while the kids run riot, with the the smell from the chemical toilet making me feel ill. Very sad baggy (just read that back...blimey, how many traits!? ) , Edited August 17, 2007 by Bagpuss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted August 17, 2007 Just tell him it's incredibly middle-aged and sad to get a caravan, and that you'll buy him an M&S cardi if he does!! Or threaten a 'strike' It would be my worst nightmare, too Boho Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted August 17, 2007 Unless of course it was an old, traditional Romany caravan with a green curved roof and a sparkly interior Which didn't actually go anywhere. Boho Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 17, 2007 Bid, that was classic...........sparkly vans Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bard Report post Posted August 17, 2007 Oh, poor Baggy! My parents had a caravan for two decades. Has he ever tried to reverse along a narrow lane for two miles, having taken a wrong turn? Has he ever been stuck behind one for 50 miles on an A road? He wants more space, so the kids don't sit together??? Because they fight? When 3 children fight in a caravan, the whole thing rocks from side to side, like a bad WW2 special effect. You can time showering so that you meet few other people. You can pick small caravan sites, and go out of season so that you have a whole field and 5 caravans. You have a front door that you can lock. Were you ever a student? Washing is done by popping into town and finding a laundrette. You can either DIY or leave it and collect it later. Gives you the chance to have a wander around a new place. When my sister went camping with a group and a 2 year old, she tethered him in the middle of the circle, like a sacrificial goat. Passing people fed him, played with him and generally loved him to bits. A caravan is good for putting up unexpected visitors, easier than in the house. You can always feed, rest and entertain your children whenever you want if you join the snail club. It's like a playhouse on wheels. Or you could say 'Fine, darling Sweetums. I'll see you and your children when you get back' And smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 17, 2007 Bard...........tethered like a goat You are priceless You know, I shouldn't really admit this, but I never realised you could leave laundry and have someone do it for you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bard Report post Posted August 17, 2007 Not all laundrettes do, it's called a Service wash. Seriously, you need to communicate with your over-enthusiastic man-with-a-vision. Use simple, clear words. If you do end up with a caravan, start with short breaks, 2 or 3 nights at the most, then you can deal with some of the other issues that arise, before laundry looms at all. And don't feel you need to take everyone, every time. Perhaps a child or two could be left at a granparents', a friend's, a kennels...Just so you're not juggling all of them at once. Is he building a mobile hutch for the guinea pigs, or are they on a roof rack? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 17, 2007 (edited) Maybe that's why he wants a 7 seater, so the GP's can come too He has agreed if I didn't like it, he would sell the van....although I think if him and the kids like it, which I think they will, we will keep it, and he could go away, maybe with just one or two of them at a time. He's got plans to tour Europe next summer He has also looked into a course which teaches you how to tow, reverse, park etc a caravan. Maybe I should of got on that plane after all If we are successful with bids, we'll go somewhere local, book in for a couple of nights, just to see what it's like. Before the van idea, he was looking at trailer tents! All hope is not lost yet, we still have to win the auctions, and we could be outbidded Will let you know on Sunday. Edited August 17, 2007 by Bagpuss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KarenT Report post Posted August 18, 2007 Maybe that's why he wants a 7 seater, so the GP's can come too Gawd, for a minute there I thought you meant grandparents. Like it couldn't possibly get any worse... Good luck with the decision making. Can't think how you'll get out of this one, hon. Karen x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 18, 2007 I can feel awful bad back coming on Karen.......think it may be best if I just stay home, care for the GP's, rest my back, and keep the home fires burning...........what do you think............would he fall for it? As I'm typing this he has gone out to do a reccee on caravan storage sites and book one....we havn't even got a van yet, or a car to tow one........... He's also suggested that instead of staying in a B & B next weekend when we go to Ayr to see Ian, we book into a site, and try the van out Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lya of the Nox Report post Posted August 18, 2007 NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO dont van in ayr lol they weather is rubbish there just now lol ooh u poor thing thinkin of u <'> <'> <'> <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 18, 2007 Just checked auction site, and we are still highest bidders on car and van He has just texted to say the first storage place he has tried is full Gawd I'm evil, bless him Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kazzen161 Report post Posted August 18, 2007 If you make sure you go to good sites, they are nicely laid out with electric points, good toilets and showers and a place to wash dishes and laundry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 18, 2007 (edited) Thanks, that's reassuring. We've had our bid cancelled on the car, as it has ended early, been sold elsewhere. I've had a good chat with DH, and he understands all my reservations, but has asked I give it a go (he's convinced I'll love it, and maybe he'll be proved right) I've made it clear tho, I am not, under ANY circumstances emptying the chemical toilet, and strictly no No. 2's !!!!! Edited August 18, 2007 by Bagpuss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 18, 2007 There is a god..............we've just been outbidded on the van He's got another lined up "just in case" tho All hope is lost............I am doomed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted August 19, 2007 It was me - the van's in our front garden: you owe me. Hope he gives up on this obssession soon - keep praying in the meantime K x <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 19, 2007 (edited) I've persuaded him that it may be a better idea to actually buy a car, with a towbar, or buy one and get one fitted, before buying a van. He's now planning to go round garages today, looking for "the" car I'm hoping these delaying tactics may work Edited August 19, 2007 by Bagpuss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted August 19, 2007 He sounds like a man with a plan, a man with a mission.... and you'll be the baddy if you say no My colleague at work has just gone through MONTHS of this & aged 10 years - her OH wanted one of the static ones like bungalows, would have meant borrowing shedloads of money & never doing anything else ever again. She came into work recently looking like the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders, & said, he's decided, finally, against it Could you maybe reach a compromise by saying lets rent a few more for holidays first so we can be absolutely sure? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Too late Pearl............he's bought "the" car Picks it up tomorrow Because...wait for it.........it had a towbar Actually he chose well in the end, and bought a Picasso, which I've always liked The bid on the van on auction site has now been upped and he is determined to have us in Ayr at the weekend in a van Arn't fella's meant to want sports cars and motorbikes when having a mid life crisis? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Sheesh, he'll be taking up golf next .... is he bidding on canary yellow sweaters & 2-tone shoes? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clare63 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Could be worse Baggy, "Mr Nesbitt" wants a narrow boat !!!!!!! Clare x x x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Oh Pearl, DH asked me what I was laughing about, so I told him what you had posted..... He said, "I've always wanted to play golf, you know that, why are you laughing" I'm off to check the bids, the van runs out in 5 mins Keep everything crossed for me that we are outbidded Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Could be worse Baggy, "Mr Nesbitt" wants a narrow boat !!!!!!! Clare x x x Ooh, now I do fancy one of those! I've always hankered to live on a boat I can't persuade DH to try any boating hols tho Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 19, 2007 We won the van. TBH, we got into a little bidding war with someone, and DH walked away after putting his top bid in................but some form of animal instinct came over me, and after all my moaning and whinging, I decided we were going to blooming well win it His face was a picture when I told him. He had thought we'd been outbidded and went off to sulk and lick his wounds. He's on a high now, bless him, and has bounced out of the house to the gym. The kids are soooo excited. So, I've cancelled the B & B in Ayr, and a lovely member of the forum has given me some fab links for sites in Ayr. Come this Friday, all being well ( I think ), we'll be on a site in Ayr, in the van. Ian, if your reading this, I apologise now if we turn up at the opticians smelly and unkempt, and asking if we can use your toilet every 5 mins. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted August 19, 2007 See, I knew you were a saint! Congratulations .... I think! And happy caravanning! Just think of all the brownie points you've gained by playing fairy godmother, & make sure you cash them in. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
something vague Report post Posted August 19, 2007 LOL, You secretly wanted that van all along. You need new nick name... What about Gypsy Rose Lee? Now get making your own curtains, cushion covers and matching kiddies dresses and shirts SV Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bard Report post Posted August 19, 2007 (edited) You're full of suprises Baggy! After all those skillful avoidance techniques, YOU bought the caravan! I wouldn't go for the name 'Gypsy Rose Lee' though, some of her costumes looked a bit...draughty. And you'd have a constant stream of hopeful men banging on the door, wanting a show, and Mr Baggy would need to decide whether to defend your honour or sit back and rake in the cash. Could pay for your holiday, though. Edited August 19, 2007 by Bard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
something vague Report post Posted August 19, 2007 You're full of suprises Baggy! After all those skillful avoidance techniques, YOU bought the caravan! I wouldn't go for the name 'Gypsy Rose Lee' though, some of her costumes looked a bit...draughty. And you'd have a constant stream of hopeful men banging on the door, wanting a show, and Mr Baggy would need to decide whether to defend your honour or sit back and rake in the cash. Could pay for your holiday, though. I think Mr Baggy would say 'Lets make hay while the sun shines'....but is the caravan big enough for a show?? Does anyone remember the Father Ted episode where the priest (played by Graham Norton) has his followers doing irish dancing in a tiny caravan? SV Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Ooh yes! Was that the one where Ted was trying to teach Dougal about perspective? Ted: (pointing to plastic cows) these are SMALL (pointing out of window) those are FAR AWAY Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
something vague Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Ooh yes! Was that the one where Ted was trying to teach Dougal about perspective? Ted: (pointing to plastic cows) these are SMALL (pointing out of window) those are FAR AWAY Yes I think thats the one. I think I need to see if we've still got videos of them....if I can still work the video machine that it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Father Ted - NUNS - REVERSE REVERSE! I love it! Bagpuss - we look forward to hearing about your maiden voyage in the famous van - and seeing the photos. K x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 19, 2007 (edited) DH was so excited he had to ring my mum and her partner up in France to tell them....they are touring round France, in their caravan, and my mum said the weather is so bad she refuses to walk to the loo's and has invested in a bucket He said "Guess what" and she replied "The house is back on the market" Oh, she knows us so well They are now making "plans" for next year...........I assume we will set off in a convoy, via the channel, clean buckets at the ready. Tomorrow DH picks the car up, and on Tues eve he is picking the van up, once he's sorted which storage site he prefers. He's convinced I'm going to love it, I just need alittle gentle persuasion (ha, heard that one before ) I'm flapping like mad, wanting to make lists of what we need to buy before Friday..........I always feel calmer with a list in my hand . Tomorrow I have to take all 3 kiddies for their 6 month dental checks, and then I have to buy some of those mirrors for towing, find somewhere to get a number plate made, buy sleeping bags etc, kettle, toaster............. You know, I think I feel a leetle beet of excitement Oh, and DH has asked I get some wet wipes for the loo's............I've said I'm not walking to communal loo's with moist wipes in my hand....they'll all know I want a poo He thinks I'm barking...hey ho If we do actually make it up to Ayr, with the van still attached to the car, and manage to find out how to get it into position on the right pitch and survive an entire weekend, with no knowledge whatsoever, I will try to take some piccies and post them when I get back.......so you can all have a good laugh My favourite Father Ted was the one where Father Jack died Edited August 19, 2007 by Bagpuss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kazzen161 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 You can get number plates at Halford's or similar, but you need to take ID and the car docs with you (their web-site explains it all). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 20, 2007 (edited) Have had the BEST day ever DH is going to the garage this evening after work, so has taken the car I usually drive (Scenic) for the part ex. Today I've had to drive his for the first time.......a Scicento. Surprised we all squished in it ok. When I went to the car shop to get mirrors and ask about plates, I passed the pink fluffy section. You should see DH's car now......... He has a pink feathery steering wheel cover, with Pampered Princess on it. Some pink fluffy dice with little sparkly bits on. A little kitty air freshner. A pampered princess tax disc holder studded with little crystals. Edited August 20, 2007 by Bagpuss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bard Report post Posted August 20, 2007 (edited) And so it begins! I wonder if he realised how much his midlife crisis was going to cost him, not least in dignity. Edited August 20, 2007 by Bard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
something vague Report post Posted August 20, 2007 You'll be sorry when his REAL midlife crisis kicks in and trades everything in for a little yellow sports car, wraparound sunglasses and some loud T shirts. Enjoy the fluffiness while it lasts BTW dont forget to buy some pink fluffy trim for your bucket SV Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 20, 2007 I think we should arrange a girlie weekend away in the van for my 40th The van can sleep 5, and another 5 in the awning............bring your thermals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lya of the Nox Report post Posted August 20, 2007 I think we should arrange a girlie weekend away in the van for my 40th The van can sleep 5, and another 5 in the awning............bring your thermals me in lol me in i bring cakes, buns cookies, brownies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted August 20, 2007 Your definately in with a list like that Lya.............anyone brave enough to tow? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
