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.