The funny thing about death is that no matter how well prepared you are for it, it's still a shock when it happens! 

My uncle was almost 82 and has been ill for about ten years. He's had good times and a good quality of life but there has also been the bad times, when he was near death but somehow survived. Since Christmas he has been in hospital five times. The gaps between the hospital stays have been getting shorter and the stays have been getting longer. 

When the news came through on Friday night that he had taken a turn for the worst I knew that the end had come. I had prepared myself all week for it but when it happened on Saturday night, it was like being hit by a bus. It wasn't the first time that I prepared myself for his death and maybe that's why it still surprised me.

I know that he has a long and mostly good life. Until he got sick he had as good a life as most of us can expect. I should be happy for the fact that he had this long life and now is suffering no more. For some reason, I don't understand, I feel very sad and all the energy has drained form me. There's a gap in my life, now that he's gone. 

It was good for him that he died. I don't mean that in a bad way, it's just that he would never have recovered and would have continued to suffer, it would have gotten worse as each day passed. So, why am I not happy for him? Shouldn't I be pleased that he has been saved all the pain and suffering?

Flew to Germany with my friend Chops last Saturday. He wanted to buy a camper. They are much cheaper in  Germany. When we got there everywhere was closed for the weekend. For the winter period Saturday closing is at lunch time and they're closed on Sunday. 

Coming from Ireland where most retail businesses are opened seven days and some 24 hours, this came as a surprise and disappointment. Well no point in wasting time, so we headed off for my sister's place in Schijndel in the south of Holland. She just happened to be having a party that night, so we timed it well. All Indian food, which was fantastic. She knows how to cater for a big crowd.  

Sunday night we went to a rock gig in a local pub. Samavayo from Germany were playing, watch out for them, they're good. There were two support bands also but I didn't get their names. One band were all 16 or 17 and very talented. Need a little work. The lead guitarist and drummer very fantastic.

Monday we went in search of a camper van. By close of business Chops had chosen one and the deal was done. We went to Kolner Strasse in Mulheim, there are eight camper van sales rooms on the one street. Hundreds of vans, if you cann't find one to suit here maybe you're too choosey.

The van was ready and all paperwork completed by 4.30 on Tuesday afternoon. We headed back to Ireland through, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, the Channel Tunnel, England and Wales. Got home about 10.30pm Wednesday, with only one and a half hours sleep on the way. We were very tired but that's no surprise. Took the day off today to recover. Back to the grindstone tomorrow.