Island Holidays Blog

Off again!

Where the past couple of weeks have gone I have no idea.  Come to think of it, where did the summer go?   As I write - and before the clocks go back - it's almost dark, and it's only half past six at night.   Had a lovely walk this afternoon round Aberuchil (now owned by a terribly rich Russian) and it was gorgeous.  Didn't need a coat, the sun was shining and the autumn colours beautiful.   

It seems daft to go away when home is so lovely, but that's life.   Tomorrow morning sees me setting off for a tour which I really love - Ascension, St Helena and South Africa.   I had to cancel leading the trip back in January because, when the decision had to be made, Toby was still hanging on to life.  The dear boy died the day after I'd made the decision and I was sorry when January came not to be going but, on the other hand, it was good to have space at home.  (For those of you who are new to Island Holidays Plus and/or this blog, Toby was my wonderful springer spaniel who I absolutely adored.

As always, I'm leaving a deskful and far too much undone which ought to have been done but that, too, is life.   Being an optimist, I always reckon I can get through 50 million tasks a day and am regularly disappointed only to have managed 5!   Anyway, can't do much about it except sign off and say that I'll try to get to a computer to give you an update on the trip.  It should be terrific as always.

Postal Strike and Karon

Another gorgeous autumnal day - and a sunrise to die for this morning.  I do love Perthshire!  The Red Squirrel was romping around in the trees outside the office again yesterday which is always a source of joy, especially at times of stress.  It kind of puts everything in proportion.

Now then.  A word of praise for Gus Fraser, my local postie.  Gus, along with several of the senior "boys" at the Crieff sorting and delivery office, have braved the picket line and my mail (not much, mind you) arrived this morning.   There seems no doubt that there are two sides to this dispute - as is surely always the case.  What bugs me is the difficulty, and in some cases downright damage, being done to individuals and small businesses.   To take your own problems out on someone else really isn't any way to behave - and it's excessively unlikely that it will have any effect anyway, apart from loss of wages in the lead up to Christmas.   

There are, of course, lots of way round it as far as we're concerned - but that involves you!   Instead of simply posting bookings or whatever, give us a call on the phone or drop us an email.  If you want to send us money (and that's always welcome!!!) we can let you have our bank details and you can then make an electronic transfer.   Meanwhile, our latest newsletter is at the printer and I'm hoping to be able to get it out in between strikes next week and before I leave for St Helena a week on Sunday.   While I'm away, of course, Karon will be on the end of the phone.  She's only in the office itself in the mornings, so emails might not get an immediate response, but the phone is diverted to our "branch office" (Karon's house) so that's the best way of getting quick answers. 

I think it's about time to give Karon the credit she deserves.  Without her we'd be struggling here at Island Holidays Plus.  Over the nearly 14 years that she's worked with me she has been a constant source of strength and reliability and I really can't thank her enough for her contribution to the success of the business.   It was indeed a lucky day for me when she responded to an advertisement in a local paper.  At that time our business was principally public relations consultancy specialising in tourism, hotels, food and wine (but with the odd builders' merchant or shoe retailer thrown in to balance the books!).  Island Holidays Plus (or simply "Island Holidays" as it used to be known - and still is by many) was simply a second string to our fiddle (and you can take that how you like!!!!!).  Since then the travel business has taken over big time and we no longer offer  PR consultancy.   Karon calmy rides all the storms, adjusts to the changes and continues to offer a friendly and efficient service to our literally thousands of clients over the past 20 years.   Thank you Karon and keep up the good work!