Image: Our new addition Milo another Boston Terrier enjoying a sleep as in poem 5, not to replace Louie but as a pet in his own right. Poem 5 was also my first of 2017. This will be the third blog in a row that has featured a Boston Terrier as the "Run up" image

 

13.08.2016 - 1) The urge to book my flight I feel

Search the internet for the best deal

Quotes printed of to the letter, but I’m sure I can go one better

Hop on the bus and I’m away o Leeds to a company called STA

Soon they’re knowing where and when I’m going

And noted what I’ve been quoted

So the search begun, to find a deal a better one

And soon it was done

Different airline, different flight and the price was right

Without doubt another bargain to boast about

So I paid and came away thinking my 2017 tour’s underway

All thanks to the company STA

And on it I’ll regale yet another tale

To students when I say “It can be much cheaper doing it your own way”

 

25.08.2016 - 2) More decisions made

Insurance taken out care hire deposit paid

Which I would feel would give me the better deal

Nothing to fear. Used the same companies as last year

So in April I’ll be away. Flight, car, now need somewhere to stay

 

26.08.2016 - 3) Accommodation sought through Motel 6

But I could be in a fix

As on their site I looked, I found every motel was fully booked

Wondering what was the score, this had never happened before

I was told my best bet, was to wait as they may not have their prices yet

So patience was the game and through the prices came

Prices were okay I booked the very same day

And can’t wait for departure date

 

25.10.2016 - 4) From STA an e mail came my way

Things had changed for departure day; I was to go via Chicago

But something was not quite right; the airline had cancelled the flight

They hoped a later one would do but that made me feel really blue

A later flight for my first night

The time difference far too big would make me late for my first poetry gig

So, on the phone straight away to STA,

Saying the flight was too late I was told don’t worry but wait

One call that was all, my plight would soon be put right

For soon they rang back saying things were back on track

Not via Chicago but now Heathrow

The price still the same in the travelling game

And the flight really fits the bill I’m going to get there quicker still

So it seems for deals when flying West, STA once more beats the rest.

Nice when you find a company that goes the extra mile

 

01.01.2017 – 5) New Years Day Morn, curtains still drawn

I’m sat on the settee, with Milo at the side of me

Head on my lap having a nap

Outside it’s raining, I’m not complaining

We’re cosy and snug as a bug in a rug

Enjoying the silence and the morning hush, let the world outside rush

Let the New Year slowly roll on, for soon today will be gone

But one thing I know is from today

My 2017 poetry tour is just three months away

 

27.02.2017 - 6) Car hire voucher waiting in obeyance

Need it when I collect my conveyance

Sat nav ordered, ESTA sorted, for April when I’m Texas bound

ESTA to get me there Sat nav to get me round

When at the first gig of my Poetry roam

Thom’ll smile an’ say “Trev, welcome home”

 

19.03.2017 -7) E mail said Car hire balance voucher ready to print

I took the hint

Printed and put away, ready for departure day

Then E ticket came so did the same

Next week GPS due to arrive, then wait for departure date

Boarding pass to download and print the day before

 

20.03.2017 - 8) News I’m glad to hear, Bob is joining us this year

He’ll be in Austin 3 days before me

An’ one thing’ll be really plain

The Commonwealth Poets’ll ride again

An’ if David joins us that’s one more

We could be Texas National Poetry Months Fantastic Four

Or when we rend our poems to others ears

He could be D’artagnan to me Bob an’ Thom’s Three Musketeers

Bob is Bob McMahon an Australian environmental poet David is David Lester Young, who dresses as Ben Franlkin, with Thom and me we make a formidable poetry team with out different styles.

21.03.2017 - 9) I worked at the AWR before,

Three times and wanted to do more

Again I’d volunteered, and felt really cheered

As expected, my offer had been accepted

Givin’ the animals a helping hand

Whether they fly in the air or walk on the land

Doin’ a job I really enjoy,

Ok little guys get ready once more for the poetry boy

AWR, Austin Wildlife Rescue this wil lbe my 4th year there as a volunteer, the tour wouldn't be the same without it.

29.03.17 - 10) Pre tour things to do on a list

Make sure none of them are missed

Tick them off one by one when they’re done

Taxi confirmed yesterday ready for departure day

GPS arrived gave it a test make sure it’s working at its best

Boarding passes to download and go with the rest

Download on departure eve, ready for the morning I leave

Pack for departure day and when it comes that’s it I’m away

 

31.03.17 - 11) Boarding passes printed and filed another pre tour chore

Out of the way, tomorrow is departure day

Suitcase packed and ready to go, GPS set for the USA

And the poems I need which through inspiration have taken seed

I’ll probably write some more on the way

On inspiration as I fly once more to Texas for my 7th poetry tour

But for now make sure every things right

Before an early night and away before it gets light

 

12) Poems printed and put away ready for departure day

With the rest ready for me to give my best

A fair choice to which to give voice

When once more I read many a score. Just written or from years before

An’ one thing’ll  be plain, The Road Poet’ll be writin’ again