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We awoke to some unfortunate news this morning - the old dachshund we have been dog-sitting from time to time passed away. She made it to almost the exact same age as ours, but it kind of feels a bit like losing him all over again - as they were so similar in so many ways. 

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/tarazkp/23yThUqnkGYhMGw5szYb4pnsJWstBq9WH8f23oyYxaqrD91wWoQrfRdZHMnn3wqRe3CvA.png)

My wife and daughter have had "dog fever" for a while now, but while I would like to get another dog, we haven't been able to travel really at all for six years, and I think it is time we ventured out. We are actually going to do an "international" trip this weekend, as we are going to do a "cruise" to Sweden - which sounds far more glamorous than it actually is. Essentially, we get on the boat to sleep for the night, spend six hours in Stockholm the next day, then get back on the boat to sleep on the journey back to Finland. 

> but, it is away together and other than some night snack food, we are going to do it without taking anything for Smallsteps and make do with what is on the boat.

*A big step for Smallsteps.*

We also started the process of getting her a passport and a renewal for my wife. After two years of no travel, it seems that people are thinking the same. There is no way to book an appointment and we will have to line up an hour before the Police station opens in the hope of being one of the first in - so then it will only take four hours of waiting. Finland is pretty good at paperwork normally - but they have dropped the ball on this one completely. We will have to try to do this on Friday morning, before the two hour drive to the harbor to make it before the boat leaves.

> Not looking forward to it. 

But, I am kind of looking forward to the the trip, as we are both taking the day off  - which was originally for my wife's birthday, but now will be to get to the police station first. Still - a day off is nothing to complain about and since I am using accrued hours - I still get paid. I have *a lot* of accrued hours - almost two weeks worth I think - plus I should have most of my holidays from last year, as I was off during them due to the stroke, so it was carried forward. 

>I should use the time. When I have the time. 

Being on the boat though isn't all bad, as it means being "captured" with very little to do - so perhaps I can wander around and take some photos of random boat stuff and write a post or two. If the weather is good, sunset can be quite beautiful out there, as it travels through the Finnish Archipelago - if the timing is right. But, because there is "nothing" to do (unless you are drunk), it is quite relaxing to watch life float by and the only thing I am a bit worried about is, whether I will have an internet connection while I write. 

>Perhaps I will have to find time to post before - just in case.

Funnily, while I don't feel the pressure of *having to post,* after such a long unbroken record, I would probably by annoyed if it was because of a lack of an internet connection. It would also be weird to have that break in the chain! But if it happens, it happens, right?

My wife didn't tell Smallsteps about the dog dying until the evening and she is pretty upset. Even though we only looked after it a few times, she really loved having her here with us and knowing she was coming from time to time, satisfied the *dog fever* a little. Now, I am sure it is going to ramp up fast.

> Please, please, PLEASE!!

No.

*Not yet.*

I will have to tell Smallsteps too. 

Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]



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