Disenfranchised

Mrs SoL has already commented on our ballots (see Frenchtoast).
Arrived at 1230. Filled them in immediately, went to post office who confirmed they only had UK 1st Class postage, so needed a stamp.  The 1700 collection was the earliest available.  Also confirmed that they will not get to the UK before Saturday.
This is the third time!
No proxy available, but we could vote in person if we had travelled back today, costing us around €1,000 for the round trip.
After waiting for years to get the lifetime votes (I am a UK taxpayer, due to my previous employment), I still have no voice.
Very, very frustrating.