Just a brief highlight of the last 2 weeks

as I really am struggling to get back into the swing of things at the moment.

The main reason for my visit back to the UK was to celebrate my Mum and Dad's Golden Wedding anniversary. It was all a huge surprise cooked up between my youngest sister and I, so that is part of the reason I haven't been posting so frequently of late because I knew eventually given my excitement I would write about my coming visit.

However, I managed it, right up to the last minute, I even phone my BIL's cell to pretend I was still in Austin and was so sorry I hadn't managed to get over but you know, job and all that jazz, just wasn't possible. As I walked up my Mum and Dad's backs were facing me and I tapped on Mum shoulder. As she turned I said, I thought I should say my message in person. The look on Mum's face was unbelievable, at first, I think she thought she was hallucinating then the realisation it was actually me, sunk it and she said 'but you are in Austin .

A good night was had by everyone I think and it was the first time in 24 yrs that all 4 sisters had been in the same room, so it was a very special occasion.

Back: Debra, Sarah, Julie and MeMum and Dad


My Nephews:White shirt, the oldest, Matthew, His Brother, Gary,in his lap is Matthew's son Kyle, Adam, my youngest sister's son and to his left is my niece's boyfriend.

Charlotte, my youngest sister's daughter with Chloe, Matthew's daughter


My Mum and Dad with my sister Debra's youngest, my niece, Bronwyn (Bronnie)

just signed out

and paid my bill. Tomorrow morning at 9.30am I will winging my way back to Austin. Tonight I am sleeping (or attempting to sleep) on my sister's couch as I need to be at Gatwick by 6am. The last week has just flown by and the highlight of the week was the look of surprise and joy on my Mum and Dad's faces as they realised I was standing there. Especially as I had just called them to say I was sorry I wasn't there for their special day.

Anyway more about that and all my other ventures in the coming days. I had a great time here but I am looking forward to Friday when my eldest graduates with her biology degree.

Xmas is fast approaching

and as usual life goes on its merry beat.

For the past 24 hours the house has been a hive activity with the arrival of Elisabeth to complete the family visiting for Thanksgiving. Not that we actually celebrate Thanksgiving but with everyone away at college or working, its a good time for a family get together.

The biggest drama (because there has to be drama in holiday weekend) was the upstairs toilet overflowing this morning and first time we noticed it was when Emily heard a dripping sound behind her as the water came out the air vent in the ceiling. Now we have the constant drone of fans as the downstairs bathroom cupboard and the part of the games room carpet dry. Just confirms that the US has the crappiest plumbing system. Very rarely had blocked toilets in the UK and here we have them on a regular basis, normally however, we spot it before any damage is done!

The past week I have been busy getting the house tidy and gifts for Xmas. As usual I have left the gift buying for my family to the last minute which isn't so great as I have to post them to get to Australia, France and the UK.

It doesn't help that I am not feeling so great to be honest. My stomach feels like its expanding by the day although my weight is actually going down! My back is killing me, so sitting in this seat at the PC isn't really helping. Everything seems tight around my waist so I can't get comfortable. Basically, I just feel bloated, uncomfortable and miserable, although having all the kids helped with that. How can you be unhappy when you are laughing and joking with your kids, its just a brilliant feeling to be honest.

The other part of my week was spent searching for a suitable gift for my folks, Golden Anniversary. Boy! that was a difficult one. Me and my sisters have already bought a joint gift for them, tickets to see Spamalot in the West End, London, that was a relatively easy decision to make. But getting a personal gift was almost impossible. Of course the best gift would have been if I had been there for their anniversary dinner on 8th Dec but with the rate of the pound against the dollar, 1 for 2, and looking for a job (which I have for the next 5 weeks, thank God for seasonal work), it was out of the question. However, in the end I think I found the perfect gift, bare rooted roses to celebrate 50 yrs of marriage plus 1 each for the birth of my sisters and I, 5 in total.