I guess it has been awhile since I last updated.

I had a recurrence of illness – my operation became infected inside and I had to take antibiotics for 10 days to clear it. That put paid to the rest of the Christmas shopping as I had to rest because it was sore. Of course Dave was pleased I couldn’t spend any money (I’ve made up for it since!!).

Christina arrived on the 20th Dec. and on the 21st we all drove up to Knott End for a surprise dinner party for my mum’s 80th birthday. Together with my sister, Bernadette and her 3 boys, her boyfriend Graham and his 2 kids, we made 12. It was a great evening and everyone had a good time, even my dad who was somewhat bemused by all the children and Christina who found the mostly male kids a bit hard to cope with (very energetic!).

On the 22nd Dave, Christina and I drove Mum and Dad back to Reading for the Christmas and New Year holiday. More on this later.