Adventures in Susan

Mobile joy: The Beginning

The rain gently taps the roof and splatters on the windows but it’s cosy in here. The bright orange kettle gently whistles, the warmth from the gas ring steams the window. Mugs clink onto the table, Uno cards are shuffled out the way, and a child asks for cake.

Welcome to the warm world of Susan the campervan.

Out and about

We bought Susan during the pandemic years, in a bid to have our own, sanitary mobile tea room (well that was my motivation, I think my husband had grander plans). With her own tea making facilities and toilet onboard, Susan was perfect.

Susan is a VW T4 (I’ve no idea what that means) Topaz campervan - that’s making me yawn - sorry about that. Susan is our piece of mobile joy. It’s impossible to go for even the briefest of outings in her without smiling. What’s not to love about tea and cakes in a living room on wheels?

I’ve not explained her name, have I! We’re fans of Susan Calman. Here programmes are joyful to watch and she is so warm, fun, and happy in them. Susan Calman is the embodiment of joy. In one of her programmes, she travelled around in a campervan. She called it Helen after Helen Mirren. So we called ours Susan, after Susan Calman. A nod to the programme, Susan, and joy. Our Susan has her own handmade sign - made by my mum out of a bit of wood, some shiny stickers and hand-painted flowers. The best sign ever.

Panda Pops (my childhood bestie) and Susan’s sign

So during those pandemic times, Susan would pack up her cupboard full of tea and treats and tootle us off to a nearby nature reserve, field, or wood for a gentle stroll. On coming back to the van, the three of us would clamber in, put the kettle on, and dunk a biscuit. Simple pleasures (and if the pandemic taught us anything, it was to find simple pleasures and enjoy the moments).

I remember the first time we had a meal in Susan. We’d been out for a walk a bit later than normal and decided we’d get fish and chips and eat them in the van. Why can you never find a chip shop when you want them though? We were near Witney in Oxfordshire and really struggled to find anywhere. Eventually we found a popular chip shop somewhere not far from Blenheim Palace. It was Autumn, so it was getting dark when we parked in a lane next to the Palace grounds. As we swished the little curtains shut and got out the little wooden table (Susan is literally equipped for all eventualities!), a cosy contentment spread through me. The fish and chips tasted amazing snuggled up in there.

Cosied up in Susan

And they still do, each time we do it.

It’s so easy to miss the small moments of joy when rushing around in a busy world. But we do try. Susan makes this easier - she’s such good company.

What simple things in life bring you joy? Leave a comment and let me know.