A right royal welcome

What a welcome home!  As if picking me up wasn't enough, Julie produced this fabulous lemon cake and flowers and Noeline left the house sparkling, meals prepared and supplies in with flowers everywhere. Sleep evades me at the moment so what I came home in is in the washing machine and I await a call from the airline.

Dubai again

Was it really almost six weeks ago that I was sitting in almost exactly the same spot hoping this might mysteriously find its way through the ether ... But it didn't then and I doubt if it will now. 

All that crying has blocked up my sinuses so it's been a bit of a puff and blow time, but I had the whole central row to myself and I made claim to it very quickly.  Actually it wasn't a very full flight and so the care and attention was good - salmon for lunch and a mushroom and bacon roll for supper.  No, I didn't!!!

And in all I had about 4 hours of proper lying down across the seats, broken sleep, so that was good and it's still only 8.15pm UK time.  Im hoping the same will apply on this next leg of the journey.  It's much longer of course, but if I can get myself a total of 7 or 8 hours sleep before I get home, I reckon I can face the 5 am start.

These herbal "no jet lag" tablets certainly helped on my way over, and with less pressure immediately I get home, I'm hopeful ... at least.  Between them and the panadol I'm popping to control the dry throat and fuzzy head, I hope NZ lets me in!!

It's an awful long way but I'm pleased I've been.

Ah well ... here we go again!

Home again

Well at least I'm home ... I suspect my luggage is still in Melbourne.  Dammit.

I have a really stuffed up nose now ... as did several others on the plane.  Perhaps it was too much crying, perhaps it was the plane's air conditioning or perhaps it's just a jolly good heavy head cold.  No matter what, it is preferable to Henry's tummy bug and I am very grateful I've got home safely without any signs of that appearing.

Julie and Chalkie excelled themselves by meeting me at the airport at 5am ... and of course I couldn't even give him his advent calendar!!  

Noeline has left the house in pristine condition and I'm about to go and have a shower and perhaps a couple of hours shut eye.  I certainly didn't manage much on the plane(s).  Now would not be a good time to ask when I'm going back ... or perhaps it is if you're looking for a negative response!  

So here's me signing out.  I'm so pleased to have gone and I'm so pleased to be back home.  And you can't ask for more than that - except perhaps the arrival of my suitcase with all my knickers, medication, diary, phone numbers and Chalkies advent calendar.

Over and out.

Heathrow airport

I'm right beside a runway and can't hear a thing!!!  Or perhaps the airline pilots have gone on strike?  No matter what, it's a nice comfy room with a plug in heater (which I'm enjoying) and clean.

It's been a crying sort of day.  Gabriel put on lunch at her place - after all the uncertainty it turned out to be a farewell lunch for me.  Will was invited, so not realising I was too, I wandered up those however many stairs and had a shower.   I cried.  Of course.

Then three of Rachel's friends came around especially to say goodbye ... individually.

And after that Philip drove me here and we had a very pleasant meal together before he returned home.  He was supposed to let me know when he got home but hasn't of course.   I do hope he has!!

And them Emma came - and has just left.  Emma was the physiotherapist daughter of John and Ingrid, who came out to Christchurch for a couple of years.  It was lovely to catch up.

And now I'm off to my bed.  I'm more than ready to go home now.  Just don't get me started crying when I get there please!

Last night at Cirencester

Not many will have forgotten my last trip home with Noro virus hitting, 2 hours after take-off. So I'm really delighted to report that evidently Kitty was unwell over the weekend while I was away and that Henry has followed suit over the past 24 hours.  It seems a D and V bug has hit the school and while it is only a 24 hour thing, it doesn't auger well for my fellow passengers!

I've been awake now for the past hour or so.  Henry's had me take him down to the toilet twice (and Will once),  each time unsuccessfully, but clearly he has an uncomfortable tummy still.  Between times I tried to send a message to my neighbour, Kimberley, but each time rang her on FaceTime ... so I've had a chat with her.  And now at almost 6am I've decided that I may as well do something constructive with my time instead of just lying here.

Yesterday Philip, Rosemary and I went to Marlborough for the day - a 40 minute drive from here.  We had a leisurely stroll around the shops, had a coffee stop and a lunch break and then made our way home again.  It is beautiful scenery in this part of the country which was still stunning but cloaked in mist.  Everyone was driving with their lights on by 4.30pm but disappointingly there were very few Christmas lights around.

The Cirencester Christmas lights are now in place and are due to be switched on by Nigel Havers on Saturday, by which time I will be home again wondering if I've ever been away, no doubt.

Philip tells me that Hannah is coming up from East Compton to say her farewells today, though I haven't heard that myself - and Will tells me that she and Gabriel are having lunch together and she needs to discuss Estate matters with him ... so quite where I fit in, I'm not sure.  As a result Philip is suggesting he takes me to the Heathrow Hotel later in the afternoon despite the fact that I'd rather he didn't have to drive home on the motorway in peak hour traffic.  He's a big boy - I guess he knows what he's doing!

Hopefully I will sleep better there, because I expect my past record of only brief catnaps on the plane will not change.

So this may well be my last blog from this side of the world - I'll report on my flight home so those in the UK will know I'm safely out of their hair again.  Thanks for being on the receiving end of my rants, raves, excitements and distress - it's good to have friends and family who have cared enough to bother.

Only three more sleeps

In many ways the time has shot past, but in others its dragged interminably.  But now I'm beginning to think the "this time next week I'll be ..." thoughts.  

I slept well in Gabriel's spare bed last night and went on the school run this morning. Gabriel insisted we walk in the park again and we finished at jacks cafe for a scone with clotted cream and jam and a cuppa.  I was in two minds whether Rachel would have approved (she loved them) or disapproved (weight issues) but we agreed that it was probably no more calorific than the breakfast I hadn't eaten and if it was, then the walking should have countered the extra.

I managed to complete a beret that Gabriel started the last time I was here and repaired a rug I knitted for her, before moving back to Will's for a shower and to prepare supper for Philip and Rosemary to join us.

They tell me we're going out for the day tomorrow which will be nice and then of course it will be back here to pack and move on to the hotel at the airport the next morning.

Countdown really has begun.

A tough old day

We left Somerset at 10am and got to Cirencester in good time.  During the drive, Hannah got a text from Gabriel asking if they could drop me off at her house to assist getting the boys ready.  And by the time that was done we were all scurrying off to the church for Rachel's funeral.

Rachel had chosen a black and white striped cardboard coffin and she was waiting for us when we arrived.  I was perfectly alright until I met Philip at the door, fully robed and sending me off to sit with the family up the front.  The large church was packed even 15 minutes before the service started.

He took the service (mainly) and his "sermon" addressed the whole subject of asking why. He said it was not a question of "why" but ... and now I can't remember what he said.  But he faced it absolutely head on and gave a solid argument and strong deliverance of his beliefs.

Has that sufficiently given the impression I want it to? He never faltered. I meanwhile kept my head down so that he couldn't see my (by then) red blotchy face, nose and eyes.  

And then Will spoke without hesitation about Rachel - how she would not be pleased if he spoke too long or was inconcise.  He did extremely well and my respect for him is even stronger as a result.

Rachel remained with us during the tea and cakes after the service and left only after the last person was gone.  It was completely "her show" from the hymns we sang to the clotted cream and jam scones and four different cakes.

I'm blowed if I know how any of them maintained their self control throughout.  I did all the tears and snivelling for all of them.  Certainly I blame my brothers faultless strength of character and clear pride and love for his daughter for a lot of my response!  

The cremation is tomorrow.  I'm relieved to say that no-one but Will and Philip will attend.  I shall, instead, be walking up that blooming 1 mile mountain (yep, the slope) with Gabriel and Anne.  Rachel would not be pleased if I gave up now.  The 2 sizes smaller coat allowed me to raise my arms for hugs and greetings so I'm hoping that might mean I may have lost a little bit more over the past week.  And from the number of her friends that told me they'd been keeping abreast of my progress, I think it is probably just as well.

Wills parents stayed on another night, so I'm tucked up in Gabriel's spare bed tonight.  There really is no getting out of this walk tomorrow I fear!!

The Somerset weekend

The weekend at Hannah's in East Compton was very pleasant.  It is a huge house and the family disappears in all directions in it, but it was lovely to see Emilia get her first ever goal in hockey and, outside the window, hear Alice and George rehearse their Christmas concert violin music at their Saturday classes.

I've certainly missed my doggy fixes and 2 year old Bertie knew a kindred spirit when he met one.

He is such a beautiful dog with a matching nature. That's my shoulder ... he was sitting behind me on the dining room chair!!  Handsome or what??

James and Hannah with Francesca between them. The interesting green featured wall came as a result of a dripping tap over a period of a week while they were away.  Very disappointing for them.

George and I got through 200 pages of his Demon Dentist book by David Walliams in the three days and we managed a scavenge hunt all around their massive house without too much effort.  All in all a happy occasion in most respects.

Winter is here!

What a day to arrive in a Georgian home without any central heating!!  I am sitting halfway up the chimney and am still in ice block mode.

Sarah collected me at 9 am with Gabriel and we met up with Hannah in Bath.  We had a very pleasant late brunch together and wandered around the city which is very pleasant and if it hadn't been raining heavily, would have extended us some beautiful views of the countryside, rolling hills and beautiful autumnal colours.  But we did visit the local abbey, and the healing natural "bath houses" where King George took to the waters for their beneficial healing qualities.

We got back to Hannah's house in Somerset in time to travel on down to Wells to pick up the children from school and gymnastics and though we were home by 6.30 pm, it was dark by 5 pm, so it FELT more like 8pm or later.

It's now 10.15 pm and I'm more than ready for my bed.  Im looking forward to the electric blanket.

It seems funny to think that this time next week I'll just about be in Dubai en route for warmer climes - at least let's hope it will be warmer climes.  I'm not keen on this "two winters back to back" lark.

But it did get better

What a lovely dog Ripley is. He's just on a year old and this is the fifth home he's lived in - he's obviously been much loved though, so it's a win/win situation all round.

We went to a very nice pub at Sapperton - about 10 miles from Cirencester. Evidently it's where the junior royals often go, but I didn't really look around at the other diners. I had a lovely pork belly dish which has already translated into a porky belly on yours truly I suspect.  I won't tell if you won't.

It's an early start tomorrow. Sarah is going to take me to meet up with Hannah at Bath and I'll spend the weekend with Hannah's lot, while Will's family have a Clayton gathering together here.  Will has a very good cleaner who comes for a couple of hours each day, so all I need to do is strip the beds and she'll make them up for the family.

Had a pleasant supper here with Philip and Rosemary. Will has gone out with Sarah and Gabriel and Dean.  He's doing amazingly well but I can't help wondering how he'll fare once Sarah and I leave and all the hooplah is over and he has to get back to work.  The same as the rest of us, I guess.

And I'm about to turn out my light. I feel very weary tonight

The day is not starting well!

Will and I cleaned out the fridges and freezer yesterday ... and amongst other things there were six very black bananas waiting to be made into a cake, in the freezer.

Since Will's family are coming for the weekend, I'd already planned making a fruit cake, but when I asked permission to simply chuck the bananas (I don't like banana cake or muffins so don't ever expect anyone else to) it was suggested that I should try my hand at one of the aforementioned.

So at 7.15am I was putting a fruit cake into the GAS oven and removing two of the jolly offending bananas - and it was then that I realised I needed vanilla.  While I puzzled that conundrum I pulled out all the other ingredients, worked out how to use the fancy scales, opened the 1kg of sugar ... only to find it was icing sugar!!  Who would have thought?!  There are two more packs, same size, same ingredient ... and it was at that moment I found the vanilla!!!

I have now made an executive decision - the two bananas have been thrown out.  Sadly there are four more smiling up at me from the freezer but I am ignoring their beseeching pleas.

The fruit cake looks marginally better than the first one  - it helped that I eventually found a square baking tin in one of the many kitchen shops ($20 equivalent!).  I may yet bring it home with me but it's probably 1kg without ingredients.

                              

                               

I'm giving up - Steph and Ray are due here in an hour, so I'd better go up those how many stairs(?) and try to make myself marginally presentable.  They have a new dog for me to meet - Ripley - who arrived as a 'rescue dog' last week.  He doesn't know how lucky he is!  They always have great dogs and oddly enough I met their last one within days of his arrival in their home probably 12+ years ago.  He was a handful to begin with but a really, really lovely boy within weeks.  I admit that may well be a better picture than my cake baking efforts but ...

The hotel is booked

I've booked a room for Thursday night next week at the Holiday Inn hotel, 1.1 miles from Heathrow airport.  I hope they've got double glazing!!!

Philip and Will have both offered to take me and there's a shuttle from the hotel that will take me to Terminal 3 on Friday morning.  It means they won't have to drive to a deadline with the challenges and stress of peak hour travel on the motorway.  

It's not too far from Steph and Rays so it might even be possible for them to join me there for dinner .. and/or one or two of their family.  Or it may be possible to be dropped off at their house, catch up with some of the family and then go on to the hotel from there.

So many possibilities ...!

I've been so fortunate catching up with so many, even though I've been so tied up in Cirencester.  I am indeed blessed on both sides of the planet with good friends and family who love me - no matter what!

Not all, but sundry!

Ready for bed - a book with daddy before going upstairs

Sarah with Emilia and Alice - note the family similarity - cameras are not our favourite appliance!

Kitty and Henry on their way to church with Aunty Gabriel and daddy.

L to R: Dean, James, Gabriel, Philip, Rosemary, Hannah

Where has the time gone?

It's only a few days now before I wend my way home.  Leave Heathrow at 12.35pm on Friday week - or midnight Saturday in the antipodes. It came as a bit of a shock when I realised that last night.

This weekend Wills family are coming to Cirencester so I've suggested that I vacate my bed for the weekend and give them time to have some Clayton time together.  It's arranged that I'll go to Somerset for the weekend with Hannah, James and their family and return to Cirencester on the Monday ... just in time to wave Sarah off for her home in Zambia.

But on a happier note, my cousin (2nd cousin on mums side, but who's counting?) and her husband drove the 2.5 hour journey across from Kent yesterday and we spent 5 happy hours together - mostly just talking and catching up over a leisurely lunch.  I had a great day - I hope they did too, because they made all the effort.  It never ceases to amaze me how easily all of us have just slipped straight back into easy nattering, even with a three year gap since we last caught up face to face.

When I came over I wasn't expecting to see anyone but my immediate family in Cirencester so I've been really spoilt to have had three "lots" make the big effort of coming over to see me.  I've been so unreliable at this end that I've had to put off a couple of folks who were going to come, but yet another Kent couple are calling in on their way through to Birmingham tomorrow.  Emma their daughter came to Christchurch a few years ago - many of my Christchurch friends will remember her - and her parents Ingrid and John came over when she was there and stayed with me and are responsible for my concrete ducks.

Johns dad was in the airforce with my dad and when I returned in 1969 I was immediately welcomed into their family as the "older sister" which continues to this day.

It's good having family and friends so close ... I do so wish that we weren't normally so far apart.  But New Zealand's home and I find I'm missing my friends and adopted families over there as well.  I could have done with being twins!!!

Don't worry about the chicken!

I was able to roast the chicken and some vegetables and took them down to Gabriel's for supper last night.  Will took my place and took the children to the other house for supper, so all was well.

I'm presently sitting watching Wales beat the Fijians while Will is getting a good long bike ride to brush away the cobwebs and my washing is quietly turning in the clothes dryer below.

It's been an odd sort of day - very misty and overcast for a good portion of the morning, then bright sunshine and back now to dismal and overcast.  

New Zealand versus Scotland in an hour.  I shall miss having Noeline beside me to oversee Ritchie's behaviour.  

I'd better go and fold my washing!

A couple more photos ...

Henry watches proceedings as his big sister prepares for school. He was heartbroken not to be allowed to dress as superman!

Superwoman - for £1 in support of Children in Need, school uniform was dropped for the day!

Oh dear! Sorry Floss! Not my finest hour.

Blame it on the gas, I say.

Who was that mentioning workmen and tools!?

P.S.

Running true to form, though I took the chicken out of the freezer and put it in the fridge yesterday, Gabriel phoned me at the hospice to say she wasn't feeling terribly well, so called off tonight's family  supper date.

It was probably just as well because it wouldn't have been cooked in time to cater for the little ones, but I'll have to cook it tomorrow and I've been invited out for supper with the children!  I'm beginning to wonder if they're all a bit afraid to risk my cooking.

OK.  Confess.  Who warned them!?

A day with Rachel and Philip

Will spent the night at the hospital last night so came home to bed after joining the throngs, as we took the children to school this morning.

Philip and I went and sat with Rachel from about 10am until 5pm when Will returned.  It was a day of quiet companionship, the occasional chat and a few smiles together.  She had a restless night and so the doctors have changed her cocktail of drugs.  Today she was mostly relaxed and had two nice long sleeps.

It's an odd thing to say but it's been good to have these trips to and from the hospice and just sit in Rachel's room with her.  We are relaxed in each other's company and have had the opportunity to have some good chats together.

The book that Philly recommended for the children, regarding separation and death, arrived yesterday and I gave it to Philip and Rosemary today to see if they think it will help not only Kitty and Henry but all the cousins and little ones who know her.  I hope it will.  Certainly Philly has the expertise in such situations and it's good to have had it recommended.

I've got my 3 ingredients fruit cake in the oven as I write this.  (Well, if everyone has their own it's actually Sharlie's mum's recipe.)  I made cheese puffs earlier in the week which turned out reasonably well, but this being only the second thing I've tried in the baking line in a gas oven, I'm the slightest bit anxious about the result.  It's also the first time I've baked one in a round tin, but it's all Rachel had, so time will tell.  

There's not a lot else to tell.  The scavenger hunts continue to be the highlight of the children's day and the bain of mine!  Henry put in a request for a ramp for his cars today.  If I knew what he meant it would probably help but hopefully I'll find something reasonably close to what he's after, otherwise I'm in big trouble.

It's been quite a day.

Girls ' shopping day.

Christine and I met up at 10.30 once Henry's nanny had arrived. I was able to show her some of my favourite haunts/shops and she contributed very well to the financial welfare of the town!  It felt so good to be able to show her around and feel a part of the place.  She's gone back home now but we had lots of lovely laughs (and a few eye-welling moments) together.  It never ceases to amaze me how we just pick up where we left off a couple of years ago with hardly a break in the conversation.

Christine is reading the blog and as she passed through Paddington station she picked up two Paddington Bear exercise books and four Paddington Bear pencils for our next scavenge hunt.  Spot my "deliberate" mistake, but this was the result.  They were so excited.

Kitty, at just over 5 years old, read me what it said and worked out the answer with a little bit of help from me. She actually worked out two or three of the words before she had finished them.  So 5 minutes later and ...

Result!!

She's now started writing a story about Euro Disney - half a page already!

Tomorrow Gabriel is coming to supper with her two boys ... so I'll be double busy setting one up for them as well I expect.

There's nothing much to report.  Things just plod on.  I've definitely over eaten with Christine so I won't get on the scales for a couple of days.  Rachel will not be pleased ... still I'm on school run for the children tomorrow so hopefully all that walking will average things out in the end!!!

Uncousin visit

It's been a lovely day ... found Gareth Malone on BBC replay, starting a choir of celebrities in an effort to raise money for this years "Children in Need" appeal.  I spent most of the time with tears in my eyes ... you'll know who I mean I'm sure.

I walked Kitty to school this morning. Rachel told me off yesterday for not doing my requisite walking so I hastened to do what I was told today!    No sooner was I home than it started pouring with rain and it has hardly stopped since.

My "uncousin" from Kent arrived this afternoon so we spent five solid hours catching up and chatting as though it was only last week that we saw each other. She has managed to find a B and B literally around the corner so we will catch up again with a wee walk to the shops tomorrow morning before she returns home in the afternoon.

We went out for an evening meal at a very pleasant eatery at about 5.30pm.  Far be it from me to boast but I almost found myself a fella whilst there - a poor unsuspecting man at the bar.  Oh ok ... but why ruin a good story with the truth?  It was the maitre d's fault for asking for my phone number.   And it was then I noticed a white haired gentleman sitting across from us looking a little bemused when I pulled out a piece of paper with my UK mobile number on it in large print.  I think he thought it was for HIS benefit!  I might try that line again some time!  Or not!!!

So it's been a good day with another one ahead to look forward to tomorrow.  It's so nice having family around.

Another good day

Philip and I went to see Rachel again today.   He is such a nice man and it's difficult to watch him relating to her so lovingly and with such care.  You know me - I cry when I see happy events that include heartfelt emotions but I only let myself down once, in her presence at least.

Will is there with her - he is doing so well.  Clearly the nurses really like her too - today they wanted to move her and she told them to raise the bed first so it was easier on their backs. She's quite some lady.

Rosemary and Philip brought Henry home around 6pm and we bathed the children and put them to bed.  I'd cooked "supper" and it was good to have them both just sit down and allow me to wait on them.  

Funnily enough, both children's first words - separately - to me on return home were "aunt Sue, have you done the scavenger hunt for us?"  It's good to know I have my uses!  I'm running out of ideas for the end gift and Poundlands ($2 shop) is running short on fresh ideas!  Tonight's was a torch each ... and granny and grandpa had to read the bedtime stories by torchlight ... I of course was too busy preparing the meal!

Tomorrow my "uncousin" from Kent is coming across to see me.  Our mothers had the same cousins from different sides of the family and always enjoyed each other's company.    Being short on the ground for relations at the best of times Christine, her sister Jill and daughter Julia and I have also become good friends and I am very much looking forward to seeing her over a 24 hour period.  

Sarah is going to look after the children tomorrow evening, so I've been given a late pass!  

Remembrance Day

I wandered into the centre of town today to meet up with the family for a cuppa after church.  There was a ceremony being held with everyone there it seemed, from firemen, policemen and military to young men who looked to be just out of school, in civvies, but with a chest full of medals.  I couldn't make up my mind if they were ex military themselves or not, but they certainly take it very seriously over here.

I remember on a previous visit, driving past barracks with armed guards at the gate ... we are very fortunate in New Zealand that we don't have to live on a knife edge like that all the time.

Philip and Rosemary took the children to see Rachel again this afternoon.  I took advantage of the spare time to do a big grocery shop and then come home and sort out the fridge and the freezer so that I know where everything.

By the time they got home I had their supper ready and their bath run.  

I'm beginning to feel as though I'm a bit more in control of things now, so any day now I might write a whole blog without one negative remark!

Today's remark? My feet are really really sore over the instep.  I'm beginning to think that these blooming stairs have a lot to answer for ... but not nearly as much as my memory, which could help considerably if only I put it into gear BEFORE I trundle downstairs without sorting everything I need first!  I am perfectly able to walk around and do things, but I'm hobbling and looking ALMOST as old as my ex school peers!!  X

There were fireworks tonight!

Fireworks of the belated 5 November variety I mean.  We drove about twenty minutes to the Minchhampton school or similar, for a huge bonfire and fireworks display.  Not being one who particularly likes fireworks at close quarters, I was glad when it was over and actually enjoyed three other major displays in the surrounding villages from the safety of the car, far more,

The last time I celebrated fireworks with the family was in Christchurch about 40+ years ago in my parents' garden.  On that notable occasion we had a "guy" of sorts burning in the incinerator outside and I took advantage of burning a large bundle of letters from an ex beau/fiancé whilst dancing a solo war dance around it.

The following Sunday, Sarah's teacher - who was the pastors daughter at the church I attended - came up to me and said "I hear you've burnt all the love letters then"!  Sarah claims she has no memory of it at all but does recall that she had a mad crush on her teacher at the time!

As with Christmas, UK has got it right for fireworks celebrations too.  It is dark by around 5pm so there's no hanging around waiting for it to get dark for either the 5 November displays or the Christmas lights.  We were home by 8pm but I admit to being blooming cold with muddied feet and total night blindness.

Though, as previously I am amazed how clearly the "face" of the man in the moon appears here when all I can ever see at home is a large eared rabbit.  I know I've reported that in a previous visit's blog, but I really am amazed how clear it is and at home I often find myself wishing I could see it over there as well. 

Will says that Rachel seemed more alert today and joined in singing some of the tunes on "Strictly come dancing" tonight.  Hannah came over and spent some time with her this afternoon - and Will's family visited from Essex as well.  Sarah is going to be with her tomorrow morning so that Will can spend time with Kitty, Henry, Georgia and Luke.  I guess I'll be able to go again some time during the week but am happy with the time we've had together so far and don't want to intrude on precious time that the others could be having.

Philip was quietly pleased to give Rachel communion today.  She'd asked for it previously from the Harley Street chaplain, who happily did so but insisted on doing a full 1.5 hour private service for her.  Her father was far more considerate but said it was a very special time for them both.

We all seem to be breathing more easily just at the moment, knowing that we have a two week cushion before we need to start getting anxious again ... yet all the time knowing that's simply just burying our heads in the sand.

One or two photos

Aunt Sarah - who enjoys photo shoots almost as much as I do!

Grandpa and Henry - with Mimi round his neck and thumb removed for the occasion!  Henry's, not grandpa's.

All three prior to a trip to Magic garden.

Today I saw Rachel

Both children slept right through the night which is directly attributable, I reckon, to the fact that they knew daddy would be here when they woke up.   

Will stayed and had breakfast with them and because the pushchair was still at Philip and Rosemary's, drove Henry around to them instead of him having a wet walk through very steady rain, 10 minutes later.  Kitty got picked up by the passing mums once again, so I avoided having to go out myself as well.

Rachel opened one eye when I mentioned that and said "you need to keep up your walking.  Don't give it up now"!

Philip and I went across to the hospice around 10.30am and were able to spend about an hour with Rachel.  She wanted me (when I offered) to massage her feet and we recalled I had done the same thing for her on a daily basis when she was in the latter stages of her pregnancy with Kitty ... over 5 years ago.  I felt it was a very worthwhile time together.  She mainly just lay in the bed with her eyes closed, but chipped in when she felt the need.  (See above!!)

Will and I left Philip with her before we went home.  He's very quiet but heaving heavy sighs and just occasionally stroking her on the arm.   I expect it was probably one of the few times he has actually had time totally alone with her, so it was good to allow him that.  I managed to behave myself well in her presence (mostly) but was a bit upset when Will and I left the room.  The two of us are good friends and he just put his arm around me and said "thank you for making her smile three times today - she hasn't done that for a week". 

They were told, today, that she has about 2 weeks ... She herself said that she thought she had about that left in her too.  But as the doctors told her, there is no way of knowing exactly.  I don't want everything happening at once for the children or Will - and that makes it about a week or less from when I am due to leave.  Time will tell.  But meanwhile I'll have another talk with him and Philip and see what we decide about my return home.

It's the age old problem - how long is a piece of string?  

The children went to do craft work, have supper and watch a DVD at the next door neighbours after school.   They were due home at  6.00 but they eventually came in at 7 pm ... meaning that despite the fact that I took them straight up to the bath, it was after 8 pm by the time they both got to sleep, following far more stories than would normally have been read to them.  

I told Rachel how good they were being with me, today.  She just smiled, and still with her eyes closed she said "all my own work".  She can be well proud of her two little people and her light will continue to shine through them.

Will's due home in about an hour.  I've put a meal in the oven for him and will await his return.  

It's been a long day!

It's been a full on day.  The children were very excited to see their daddy for breakfast, but he was understandably anxious to get back to be with Rachel as soon as he could.

Rachel's friends are jostling to pick up both children as they pass the door and Gabriel is particularly good in that role each morning.   As long as I have both of them ready at the door, the normal school routine continues and they go off without a backward glance.

Today I needed to be here to let the electricians in, to complete some small tasks around the house.  One of their friends had been meant to get a light hanging coupling (laymans terms) but unfortunately hadn't gotten round to it ... so I was sent off to source one!  The electricians termed themselves as "imports" to the village so didn't know where anything was either, but in my explorations yesterday I'd come across a store that had absolutely everything - from kitchen utensils to building materials.   So they were my first port of call.  That was the one thing they didn't have, of course, but they suggested another store and I eventually got it there.

Rachel was right - I certainly needed some walking training.  Without a car I'm walking miles each day, even to just get another litre of milk, and I wouldn't like to count how many times I've climbed to the top of the booming stairs each day!  (Don't mention 42!)

Today friends who have visited me in New Zealand twice over recent years, drove for over an hour to visit me from their home village which is quite near Oxford.   It was so good to see them and I even managed to locate a very nice restaurant which Philip took me to when I was last here over 2 years ago. He is a retired doctor so I was able to ask him about my troublesome feet (particularly across my instep on both feet).  He tells me I have some soft tissue damage (I could have told him that myself, but I'd have been referring to my brain I fear) so I don't feel quite so elderly and infirm now as I hobble around. I had it before I left home, but assumed it would just come right.  Evidently it will!

And I'm really pleased to be able to report that Rachel now has a room of her own at the hospice.  I am to go to see her there tomorrow as long as she is still happy for me to do so.  Today she was overrun with visitors, culminating in a very brief visit from Kitty and Henry with Philip and Rosemary.  Will has been there all day and isn't yet home at 9.15 pm.  He will be exhausted.  As will she.

I don't think it is as any of them had hoped, but the staff are very caring and helpful.  It is meant to be a place of calm and caring but reading between the lines I think she may be wondering whether she's done the right thing.  It's a 17th century house with 16 patients ... all very much older than her.  It can't be easy for any of them and I'm sure that's why Will is staying with her as much as possible.

Last night I prepared a casserole for the whole family but Philip and Rosemary didn't feel up to calling in on their way home.  Will managed to polish off a goodly portion when he got home but there were still prepared vegetables waiting to be cooked.

Tonight Sarah came around with two chickens and more vegetables, so we roasted them and added the vegetables that were already here.  I can't get used to buying everything (including peeled potatoes, carrots, Yorkshire puddings etc) in sealed plastic bags and simply throwing them into the oven.  But we all ate together and Will's is on a plate ready to be reheated on his return home. I hope he won't be much longer.  

Getting into the swing of things

I haven't seen nor heard from Philip or Rosemary today - but true to this on again, off again plan for Rachel to be transferred to a local hospice, it has eventually happened today.  So I expect they have been across helping her acclimatise and settle in.

On that basis, Will has packed up all his belongings from the London flat and presumably (since his gear is here) will be arriving at some stage this evening.   I THINK he was planning to take time off work from now on so that he can spend more time with Rachel and still be here for the children for part of the day at least.

Kitty and Henry are in bed fast asleep - and I didn't alert them to the fact that their daddy might be home tonight.  It will be such an exciting breakfast time for them tomorrow!  Their usual excitement is the fact that weetbix and coco pop mix is the norm and great aunts tend to be putty in their hands (when appropriate).

Today I went to the supermarket to get in some supplies.  I bought one pork chop (the Wednesday only nanny feeds herself and the children so I thought I'd be looking after myself) plus a dozen sausages, 12 Brussel sprouts, 4 potatoes, ingredients for a fruit cake for Will's hollow legs and a loaf of sliced bread.  £20 or over $40 real money! On the other hand, I also bought some black darning wool to repair a jersey of Philip's for about 80p.  I've never had to buy that sort of thing at home, but the latter seemed pretty reasonable to me.

I've just had a phone call from Philip. They did indeed go, at Rachel's request, to see her at the hospice.  He sounded very 'flat' and said that they could tell that the nursing staff were excellent and very caring, but that Rachel is having to share a room with a very elderly lady who is very jaundiced and that the room has no other outlook or attributes.  They are anxious for both the lady and the children's sake, because they would like to take Kitty and Henry to see their mummy as soon as possible, but are thinking it would be detrimental all round.  Also, of course, she is so used to having her own room and organising things from her bed, so will find it very restricting having to consider someone else's needs and privacy.  

Evidently Rachel admitted today that she is feeling very emotional about the whole thing and that is entirely understandable of course - and very tough on Philip and Rosemary and the whole family, as well.  It's often worse to watch from the sideline, but it's very understandable that they only want the very best for her at this stage.

So it's one step forward and another step back I'm afraid. 

Thanks so much to all of you who are writing and keeping me grounded.  Unless you send me an email I don't have anyone's email address on this very clever system I've worked out, so can't make contact individually or even as a group.  Not that there's much more I can add to the blog.

Oh - and I said to philip yesterday that I was going to see about the possibility of changing my flights if necessary.  He has said I am not to even entertain the thought and I'm quite pleased we've had that discussion. Rachel wouldn't want it either, I'm sure, but I will check with her.  I'm glad I'm here and can now be doing what she wanted me to come for, but eventually they are going to have to carry on without me and hopefully they will all get the chance to recharge their batteries meanwhile and prepare for what lies ahead, while I'm here.

And the little one said "roll over"

With broken ribs in mind, "four" in a bed seems a little perilous!!

Photos perhaps! But not the ones I wanted!

 

Kitty and Henry meet Pluto.

Henry's big boy haircut

A routine is emerging.

Last night, Philip and Rosemary came around with the children after school - bathed, fed and put them to bed and went home when they had gone to sleep.  They would have preferred granny and grandad to be here, so we left it a bit loose on that score.  So at 1am when Henry woke, he went in search of them on the next floor down.  He was pretty upset but, unlike most men, was easily convinced that my bed was a jolly good substitute - and there followed 2 plus hours of reading "the pirate book" and then discussing its contents in great depth.

So this morning he continued to sleep and I had my shower - only to find, on emerging, that Kitty had fully dressed herself in the school uniform granny had laid out for her and was waiting for me at the top of the stairs.

We then descended the 42 blooming stairs for breakfast, where it was found that great aunts don't mind in the least if weetbix and coco pops are combined, or if bread/toast is slathered in peanut butter and folded in half.   Perhaps it's not so bad after all!

I'd arranged to meet Gabriel, Idris and Nye down the street to walk to school together, but true to form she was running late ... had forgotten to tell me that she'd agreed to take the little boy who lives right next to me ...so we doubled back for him and practically ran to school in time for the first bell.  

Then - knowing Rachel's walking regime for me, she suggested we walk across the park with another friend and her 10 month puppy.   What she omitted to say was that it was exactly one mile to the top of the hill (oh, ok, slope!) and then we had to go back again ... so in all I must have exceeded 4 miles today in misty, soaking rain.

Kitty is really enjoying the little scavenger hunts that I do for her each day - and Henry is a very fast learner!  Today's treat is a "Frozen" lollipop - the film, not temperature - so that should do no end of good for the appetite at supper (posh eh? For "supper" read "light tea" - cooked school lunches being the order of the day)

So at last I feel as though I am being some help and hope that Rosemary and Philip will make the most of this brief respite for them.  It now seems that Rachel won't move to the hospice until the end of the week and before that, Philip has the unenviable task of explaining the situation to the children.  

It will be so much easier for them to see their mum for whatever time she has left and I'm hopeful that now she will be closer to home, Will will take time off work and come out to Cirencester so that the children can see more of him.  He's been loathe to leave Rachel in London (where he works) on her own understandably, so has only been seeing them at the weekends when R and P take them to London and can visit Rachel as well.

Tomorrow I'm meant to be having lunch at Gabriel's and we're going to sort out some of the photos we've been taking recently.  If there are any good ones, I may just put some on the blog but don't expect too many of me!!

On a more sober note ...

Today Rachel has been told that the specialists feel that she is not strong enough to start a new course of chemo.  She was given the opportunity to insist, but has accepted their advice.

Probably as early as tomorrow, she will be transferred to a closer (only about half an hour away) hospice. It will be much "easier" for her than coping at home.

This evening she rang to speak to Philip and I heard him answering questions about how and what the children are to be told.  They are walking a particularly difficult path at the moment, and it is not easy to watch. We all know how hopeless I am when observing others' emotions and my biggest anxiety is that I can remain strong for all of them should they need it.  Both Rosemary and Philip are strong and coping well, but it can't be easy and I hope they can accept me as a backstop over these next few weeks if necessary.

I am undecided about what my return travel plans should be.

For those who are pray-ers amongst us, please uplift little Kitty and Henry - and especially Will - at this time. Well actually the whole family.  It is difficult for all of them.

Rachel continues to be concerned for everyone else.  I'm hopeful of seeing her before too long but am glad she knows I'm here and trying to do what I can on her behalf.  She is such an amazing mother, daughter, sister and lady and she won't be leaving anything to chance, that's for sure.

So many things to be thankful for!!

Frankly I am brilliant ... or perhaps until a sudden early morning surge of clear thought, I've been particularly thick.  Probably the former ... surely?

Before going to make a real nuisance of myself at the computer shop this morning, I suddenly wondered if there was another way around getting emails - and would you believe it?  I actually found it.  I, me, moi - all by my ownsome. And now I shall no longer bore you with tedious remarks about not being able to send or receive any emails any more - my life is complete and I at last feel more connected to home again.   Fait accompli!  (See what a few days at Paris Euro Disney does for a girl? Three lots of French in one small paragraph.)

On top of that Gabriel came round for lunch and we managed to transfer some photos of the 50th anniversary off my camera and on to my iPad, which I shall now attempt to include here.   Or not!  But I shall endeavour to sort that out soon as well.   As the one person you know who wears black most of the time, start preparing yourself for the fact that though everyone ELSE was in black, I was the only shining light - nay, beacon - in bright pink.  Be proud! be very proud!!!

I am awaiting the return of Kitty and Henry.  I was to have picked them up myself, but it seems granny and grandpa will return them to my care, for bathing and feeding and sleeping overnight.  Anyone care to cast bets on whether that actually eventuates?

The plan is that tomorrow morning Gabriel and I will take all four children to school and then go for a walk in the local park, before coffee in the village.  

Time will tell.  Au revoir.  (See what I did there?)

Blooming Paradise

Things have gone from bad to worse and it seems that not only am I unable to send emails, I also can't receive them!  Some of these self-styled gurus in the family have proved no match for Paradise and I'll give it one more shot in the village tomorrow afternoon. Jolly nuisance!

The weekend has been very busy.  After an empty house on Friday, the place has been inundated ever since.  The "African" lot have been staying at Philip and Rosemary's and despite all Rachel's plans, her children have been housed out for two nights and were babysat last night so that the adults could go out to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary in a private room, at a pretty posh restaurant in the village. Yesterday Hannah and James came to stay here with their four children and left mid afternoon today ... and because we could, there was a full family Sunday lunch here before that, today.  

Eight of my twelve great nieces and nephews - totally unco-operative and thankfully there's no sound! 

L to R: Anuerin, Idris, George, Alice, Kitty, Francesca, Henry, Emilia.

I opted not to go to church, but instead stayed home and prepared bulk number of potatoes, parsnips and French beans.  Even managed to get the gas oven started, as instructed, at the right time for family to come home and put two chicken pies on ... and defrost the dessert.  It's about the most useful I've been allowed to be, since arriving.

Tonight the routine of me getting the children to bed, getting them ready for school tomorrow and collecting them from school in the afternoon was due to begin.  However Rosemary changed that by allowing Kitty to go home with them - leaving me with just Henry.  (aged three).  We've had a lovely time together. He is the sweetest wee man, very free with his kisses and a real wee communicator. He's told me he will come into my bed when he wakes up but was agreeable to being settled into his own room for starters.

Meanwhile Rosemary insists they are coming back to Rachel's house to look after the children, as of tomorrow - so it's clear she's not going to take advantage of my being here and makes me wonder why I did!

Rachel was given blood transfusions yesterday and Will managed to take her outside for the first time in five weeks.  She's very tired, but due to commence chemo on Monday again, despite her operation wounds proving very slow to heal. She continues to (mostly) have a hand in organising all our activities and at this stage it looks as though I'll be given an audience with her next Friday.

I've managed to have a few chats with extended family members and had hoped, under the new regime, to meet up with a few of them here at Cirencester. That's been stymied with Rosemary constantly changing the goalposts but hopefully I can sort out some sort of programme that will work.

It's just past 9pm.  Hopefully this, at least, will send and I will get an early night. 

Be grumpy, she said.

In response to all those emails claiming that I only made myself official photographer to keep out of them myself ... Kitty can be very persuasive - and this photo shoot kept her happy for a good 5 minutes.  I rest my case.

Made it!

Got to and from Philip and Rosemary's successfully. Now back at Rachel's and have the whole house to myself. Not so on Saturday. Hannah and James, 4  children and their dog will be sharing with me and the kids for the night. I think that's the day we are celebrating the Golden Wedding anniversary.

Nanny Thomas - day one duties completed

Kitty and Henry have just been picked up for a sleepover at Rachel's friend Annie's. We filled our day very well, though my "Kissy Monster" innovation and the scavenge hunt may well be my undoing in days to come.  My ears are still ringing and my throat feels raw from all the roaring required to achieve full monster status.  And, as every caring great aunt cum nanny knows, it's always good to hand them over to someone else at the height of excitement and noisyness.

I am very aware that over the next four weeks, there are going to be many more days of sole responsibility during which I may regret today's enthusiasm.

Will phoned during the afternoon and said that the last twenty four hours had been difficult ones, with the news from the specialist being rather heavy.  Evidently Rachel told Philip yesterday, but nothing has been said to me, probably because they need to process it before sharing.  Basically, Rachel is at a crossroads now - her surgery wounds have to heal (and are proving to be unco-operative) before more chemo can be administered ... and without the chemo the cancer has a mind of its own.  

Sarah and Nick arrived in Cirencester this afternoon and shortly I am going to walk to Philip's for a family meal together. I am very familiar with finding my way in Philip's immediate area but it may be interesting finding Rachel's empty house on my return journey in pitch darkness.   I don't think anyone thought that one through when the arrangement was made - and I haven't got enough breadcrumbs to scatter, so that I can find my way back home again either! 

Henry is a delight at three years old.  He has an excellent vocabulary and understanding - most likely due to his granny's input.  So I was somewhat amused today when he was talking about our time at Disney World and seeing Stinkerbell with Peter Pan.  I suspect it was a deliberate play on words.

I sought professional help with the "sending emails" difficulty today - just prior to buying a full green wig for Kitty and Executor's axe for Henry in readiness for Halloween.  It must be very difficult for shopkeepers finding space for that AND Christmas fare - but it's certainly quite big over here with hedges and fences festooned with faux spiderwebs and evil looking plastic (I hope) spiders and carved pumpkins everywhere.   Another reason for looking forward to walking out shortly in pitch darkness!!

Anyway, it seems the iPad cannot be sorted out from here, because the relevant information seems to delete itself outside of New Zealand.  We did try to ring Paradise (now Vodafone) to get the relevant details from Australia ... held on for over 10 minutes and then got cut off.  They suggested I try again from here, but since I don't really know what I need in the first place and the cost of a call would be astronomical (particularly if they cut me off again) I have decided that I will just have to leave it this time and resort to texts at best and silence at worst.  Very sorry about that.  I have always had this problem when I come over here, but generally it can be sorted out. Evidently not any more.   Guess who is going to get a new provider on her return to NZ?

Thank you for the emails. I think this could become a very difficult visit and your support is greatly appreciated.

Cooee - I'm back!

"No jet lag" tablets - or even mind over matter - appears to have worked.  I've impressed myself (at least) by not dozing off into my meals ... but not the longest sleeper at the best of times, I am now tiring of my 2.20 am and 4.30 (today) inbuilt alarm clock.

Hopefully now we're back from France, and I'm settled into Rachel and Will's home and wifi, I can get into a better routine. Today I'm hoping to pop into the shops to attempt sorting out why I can't still send emails.  Receiving them is fine, but even the Australian brilliance of setting up a gmail account so I could communicate back on emails, isn't working here.

Euro Disneyland is h-u-g-e !  I had been to Disneyland (Los Angeles) in the 1970s and my lasting impression had been that it was such a clean and joyful place.  The Paris one is extraordinary.  According to Rosemary, who seems to know most things, it still isn't showing a profit. Admittedly it must employ a huge number of staff but when the gates open at 10am there are already queues of people that take about 20 minutes to just get through the turn stile. (and where we were, there were 10 turn stiles alone.) 

Rachel had orchestrated the four days we were there - from which of the rides we were to do first to what restaurants we would eat in each evening. 

Our hotel was within the Park confines itself (though outside the turnstiles and security X-rays) and we had three rooms between us - I shared with my niece Gabriel and her two boys. The plan had been that she and I would top and tail in one extra large double bed, and the boys (6 and 8) would share the other or we'd have one boy each.  However on my flight over I must have grown an extra head, because for the first time in my life neither child liked, or particularly acknowledged, me - and I got one double bed to myself for the full time we were there. Result!!

By the time we left, the only child who was unable to go on the tower of terror, parachute drop, or variety of roller coasters was Henry - and that was only because of height restrictions. So (overkill I admit) Philip, Rosemary and I jostled for pole position with him at the Slinky Dog ride, Dumbo merry go round and assorted similar rides. We often queued for over an hour for a two minute ride without complaint from Henry - but I think both Philip and I realised our folly when we found ourselves sitting up straight and behaving nicely together on one ride, while Henry and Rosemary were in the aeroplane ahead.  After that, I was official photographer of sorts - though I took them on my camera rather than this ipad, so I can't prove my worth at this juncture.

Signing autographs! The books and pens for the five kids were my allotted Rachel task. $120+ thanks. Worth every penny as can be seen.

All of us were taking photographs of everything we did, saw, smelt and ate it seemed and Gabriel is going to make us a shared website for all the photos and she'll make Rachel a photo album over the next couple of weeks.

We tried to send her photos and comments as they happened, but sadly we couldn't get them to go through from France - until we came out from the Chunnel in the train on our return trip. Evidently she was then inundated with texts and emails from us all.

Rachel continues to be in hospital, and there appears to be a timetable for visiting. I saw her that first night but it was late, she was tired and I was jet lagged. I'm not sure when I'll get back to see her again because it's an hour and a half's train ride back into London, not to mention the time it takes to get to and from the station and hospital.

But Kitty and Henry and I get on very well together and today I'm being allowed to look after them for the whole day. Alone! There are 42 stairs in this house - and 3 and a half levels!! Could be fun! That's possibly only because Sarah and Nick (the oldest daughter) arrived from Africa yesterday, spent the day with Rachel and arrive in Cirencester today. The children are then going to a sleep over at a friends house and I shall go across to Philip and Rosemary's for SUPPER  (read "tea").

I'm set up in the guest room at Rachel's - and we're all still hoping that she will get home before I leave.  It's been 10 weeks now, since she first went into hospital - a private one, just off Harley Street ($4000 equivalent a week) where she has her own room - with coloured lights brought in by a friend and an Exercycle in one corner which she is determined to keep using. It certainly proves the worth of medical insurance at times like this.

At that point Henry appeared - 5am - so task aborted. More tonight.

The Eagle has landed

I'm sitting in the London flat, about to have a shower and a cuppa - and then a proper lie down, in the hopes that I might catch two or three hours' sleep before the hoards descend, and that my head might stop spinning in this most odd manner.

Rachel's husband, Will, picked me up at Heathrow and then I scampered along beside him, because at well over 6'0" tall, even a casual stroll for him means a quick trot for me.  We were in the flat within an hour and he's now gone off to work, leaving me to do a wee bit of washing and changing my suitcase over.

Because ... Rachel is sending 11 of us off to Euro Disney tomorrow for three days. Initially she was to come too, but is not well enough yet, but absolutely insists we must continue with her plans.  She continues to amaze me with her generosity and thoughtfulness.  I hope I could be as good spirited in the same situation.  I am going to the hospital this evening to see her before we go.

Just wanted to record that I've got here safely ... Though rather uncomfortably.

Dubai

I have no idea whether this will get through but at just past midnight local time, I've landed AND found the right gate to carry on to London in an hour's time.

For the record I don't enjoy flying any more than I did three days ago.  I was seated beside a very wide (in all directions) man who overflowed similarly ... and snored!!!  And directly in front of me was a swarthy young gent with all the finesse that Dubai locals possess who leaned his seat back into my lap so that I was literally a handspan from the screen.  He was at the bulkhead so had plenty of legroom but within half an hour of take off he disappeared (into Premium economy) and there remained - empty seatback in my lap still - until half an hour before landing.  Actually the purser did notice my plight and returned it to normal about six hours in, so I admit to embellishing it a little!!

I don't sleep properly on flights - even over a period of 14 hours - and despite drifting in and out for most of the time, and taking "no jet lag" tablets, the ground feels as unsteady as Christchurch does at times. 

But safe I am. Confirmed in my belief that flying is for birds and not me ... but looking forward to arriving in Heathrow before too long.  Such fun ... as Miranda's screen mother would say.

 

Rogues' gallery

From left to right - Philly, Will, Ollie, Sam, Charlie, Les, Joe

 ten years later, same photographer

No walking exercise so ...

Email difficulties

Don't ask me  - I don't know the answer.  But for some reason I can receive emails but not send them.  The same thing happened in Greymouth and always happens in UK but of course I forgot about trying to sort it before I left.  It's a "paradise" thing ... It seems none of the other servers have this problem. Botheration.

We spent the day wandering around the shopping Mall yesterday and I can't get over all the Christmas decorations, wrappers and trees that are everywhere. Philly tells me that they've been in the shops for the past two or three weeks.   Thankfully there was no canned Christmas music being played but the supply of chocolate advent calendars had already dwindled and the wrapping paper displays were clearly emptying fast.  So I added to their sales and all the boys can now spend December tending their acne with the introduction of a daily chocolate.

Today Ollie and I have a hot date for lunch - he's home on study leave for his final external exams that he's already half way through.  He towers above me and it seems odd seeing this big man driving his siblings to school now, when it was only yesterday that I could look down to speak to him.

The next one down, Charlie is only a year behind him - learning to drive but, very involved in Air Cadets with a career in the Airforce uppermost in his mind, more interested in flying fighter planes. He's a bright cookie and leaves home at 6.30am to further his mathematical skills at special, before-school classes for advanced students.

They, all five boys, are a credit to their parents and firm friends with one another.  All have a wide variety of interests and sports involvement and seem fond enough of their godmother to freely give goodnight and goodbye kisses. Perhaps the scavenger hunt with "body part" sweets at each destination help a little for the younger ones!  Who said bribery didn't work?

Only 3 more sleeps until I arrive in the UK.  I'd planned on it being cold there but hadn't expected it to be so cold here. The boys assure me that's something to be grateful for - snakes only come out in warm weather.  It doesn't stop me keeping one eye open at all times though ... Just in case.

It's been one of those days!

There I was, quietly minding my own business with five hours before takeoff - when my mobile rang and a foreign voice advised me that my flight had been cancelled.  Great start.  Evidently the plane didn't come over from Sydney because of engine problems but eventually, after three attempts to get me away, I was transferred from Emirates and flew over with Air New Zealand, arriving half an hour before originally planned. Not pleasant at the time but all's well that ends well.

Julie dropped everything to take me to the airport and coached me in the art of handling the situation. Clearly it worked, because I didn't have to resort to tears once - or furious determination.  Indeed so pleasant was I, that I made friends with a nice young couple who actually had to PAY for tickets similar to my final replacements and a young German couple who both had dreadlocks and were surprised that they kept getting singled out for special X-rays everywhere they went.

I've had a lovely time with the family tonight.  Philly had done a roast chicken so already the 6.7kg weight loss is in serious trouble since I was the only one who would eat the skin! It would have been rude not to, I felt.  5 young lads/men are noisy bedfellows, so it's been a riotous evening.  But it was lovely how easily I was accepted and slotted back into their family group.  They, like me, have no other relations in the the Southern Hemisphere so it's always lovely to get together.

I'd planned on doing quite a bit of walking while I'm here but that's also gone out the window!  Five boys in a family are never going to be able to keep the secret that there had been a snake on their decking last week, but it was now dead on the roadside outside their house.  I fear I'm paranoid about such things, so am sleeping with the windows shut in my bedroom tonight even though it's on the first floor.  The time is probably about right for all its friends and family to appear for his funeral and I'd really rather not be part of the gathering.

So at 10.29 pm local time (past midnight at home) I'll push the "done" button and look forward to sending a less catastrophic message next time.

Rachel

Title explanation.

My third  niece Hannah, produced my second great niece (or 4th great in total) on Christmas Day, a few years ago.  The family phoned to tell me the news and her sister, Emilia was given the phone and told to say "happy Christmas Great Aunt Susan Mary" by her doting aunt, Rachel. So at two years old, she spoke my most memorable of all Christmas greetings, "Happy Kissmas Great Arse Mary".

My family is far too polite to remember or ever admit the phrase - and my friends are all far too polite to look up a blog of that name. And so it is great Rs for the title - but we, know the truth, don't we!

It's just 2 weeks until I leave for the UK ... Via Australia (Sydney) where 5 of my 8 god children live. They are also the only relations I have in the Southern Hemisphere  - my cousin Gina's daughter Philly, husband Les and their five gorgeous boys. I'll be there four days and then it's off via Dubai, arriving at Heathrow at 6am on Friday 24th.

Before then, Chalkie remains my constant companion while his owner Julie and her mother rent accommodation during the family home's earthquake repairs.  I definitely got the best deal out of that - and I shall miss my little shadow when he goes home.

This trip will be solely devoted to my immediate family.  I have written to all my relations and friends explaining that I will be there and suggesting that if they have the chance, they might like to come across for a cuppa or meal ... But it's a long way from most of them so I'm not expecting too many of them to get there.

I'll be home again 29th November. Just in time for the Christmas madness and bustle. Eat your heart out ... MY Christmas shopping, such as it is, is purchased and wrapped, awaiting my return.