Friday 27th May

I couldn't go to my friends funeral yesterday, but I've heard it was very special ,and very much about her, and how she would have wanted it.

The reason why I couldn't attend is because I am now in the UK, I flew over yesterday morning ... Left Jersey in bright sunshine only to land in Newcastle an hour and a half later in rain and many degrees cooler. Plus I had to share the whole journey with some random stranger on the flight who talked non stop .... Actually that's a lie, My friend SW planned the visit up North to see a friend and we chose seats next to each other so we could catch up - worked brilliantly and we will be able to fill each other in on our activities during the return journey too !!

My sister and bro in law picked me up, and as its been twenty years since I was last in their house, it's been lovely to see all the changes made, in fact that's one reason why we ( siblings, nieces , nephews etc) are getting together to celebrate all the O's....

My aunt being 70, my sister 60, my niece 40, any excuse for a family get together really.

After arriving at Sally's house I barely had time for a cup of tea before I was given my first job, go to the allotment and pick some veg for supper.
We had three modes of transport proffered, car, bike, or shanks pony.. I chose the bike.
My sister was alright she had her own bike, meanwhile I had the brother in laws 'mans' bike. Brief instructions given on which gears I could use and which ones I must not touch. I was also given an extra large helmet which spent the entire ride slipping down over my face.
My sister sailed off down the road, pedalling serenely with her panniers on the back wheels flapping gently in the breeze, followed by me somewhat blinded by the helmet and having to pedal furiously in order to make any headway, scared to touch any of the gears!

Needless to say we arrived at the allotment, picked the produce, spoke to the neighbours and made our way back home safely !!

After supper Sal and I drove down the motorway an hour or so away to collect two of my great nieces who stayed with us last night, aged nine and seven. They were so excited to see their Nanna, it was lovely, and of course they had the bunk beds in the spare bedroom whilst her poor sister (me) was relegated to a mattress on the floor of the sitting room! Adding insult to injury I had a very large grandmother clock ticking away in the background, a form of Chinese torture......

Another fairly long car journey today ( some family members longer than others, traffic works, car accidents etc) but at last we have all made it to Derbyshire and staying in a beautiful house that sleeps all 15 of us !!



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