Izabella I hope you do get back to Aotearoa.
Backpacking here is relatively easy for people of all ages and abilities, as there are so many Backpacker Hostels all over.
Around £6 buys a night's stay and often a free breakfast. For a little more, you can have a private room, rather than sharing a bunkroom.
I backpacked all round this country for many years and met wonderful people, of all ages, from all corners of the world.
If you ever seriously plan it, do drop me a line and I'll help if I can
Missedout Glad your DH is driving again, that's a very hopeful sign. Do you go to the water in winter or are the boats dry docked?
Grammaretto I was so glad to see you have good carers. It will make all the difference.
Sometimes, impersonal, professional help, rather than family, can ease everyone's day.
How poignant that your DS is looking for photos, bless him. Doodle is right - we often go to a happier past when the present is sad.
And your DD singing to Dad....another very touching and emotional gesture. They must be heartbroken, poor things.
Never forget though, dear Grammaretto we are thinking about you as well.
As a fairly stoical, down-to-earth person myself, I know how a brave face and well-covered grief can be misconstrued.
Mamissimo you obviously love your garden and what utter joy to be planting roses. What kind are they?
I feel so sorry for your DD2, having to lose her cat. My New York friend is facing the same issue with her much adored Ryan (13).
I do understand how it may be a bit awkward now to have caring children 2 fields away, especially as you are hale and hearty enough to deal with an extensive garden (and much more) but they will be there when you need them.
My own son would love to have a house with a granny annexe for me, and that was the plan, but world-wide, houses have become a commodity, rather than homes, so that's out of the question.
It upsets him deeply, especially if he finds out I'm ill (or have been) so, like we all do, I cover up and put on a cheery face.
Panache such wise, wise words from you today and brave too when you are 'holding on' in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Hope the sunshine continues
Doodle I've just been reading about Tier Two on the UK Govt website. Families can't associate but 1,000 people can?
"public attendance at outdoor and indoor events is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1000 people indoors
That doesn't really make sense - or have I got it wrong -which wouldn't surprise me one bit.
Maybe you should all go to a permitted 'indoor event' with your families for Christmas
You may remember when my son came over during our strict lockdown, we were able to obey all the rules by me at one end of the garage and him at the other!
We both wore masks but were at least 8 metres apart.
We even 'shared' a meal: he brought his and I'd prepared mine.
It wasn't ideal but it was certainly better than not meeting at all.
I'm not, by any means, encouraging anyone to flout rules, just wondering if in the UK, within the existing law, this would be allowed?
Yes, it did cross my mind that Hanna may have imposed her will on the genius boy. Being thousands of miles away, he resisted.
No matter, she'll be here soon and I'll play it down as my irritation of last night has gone.
NfkDumpling I miss you, is everything all right ?
Nortsat I'd love to hear more about your Scandi cruise.
dragonfly You can rest easy now with no daily dashes to be zapped but look after yourself nevertheless.
Are you in an area which allows your family to visit for Christmas?
I shall do the last of the gift wrapping this weekend and write clues for my dgs Treasure Hunt - then I can begin to look at what to serve on The Day.
So many things are already unavailable in the shops but we certainly won't starve.
Love to you all.