After the funeral Mum Dad and I went off to see my Uncle Mike (on mums side) up in Dorset. It has a really English countryside feeling… high green (narrow) hedges. I inquired as to how often crashes happen – and was told pretty frequently!

I have two first cousins my age (Cath and Thomas) and it’s always really special when we meet up. It was so interesting to hear about Cath’s Aids research in Africa.. heading off for walks and just having the luxury to spend a couple of days nattering. It certainly is the major downside to being in New Zealand – that of not not being able to see my wonderful family & friends as much as I’d like. Then again, Cath is hardly around anyway!! :)

It was a long old flight from NZ. It was 37 and a half hours from leaving ChCh to getting a cup of tea in Thomas’ flat. Did get to see ‘The Worlds Fastest Indian’ on the flight over – which is a great film. Highly recommend it.

Did have one very odd thing happen – which I may try to get a sound recording of on the way back. Auckland airport has these electronic toilets. They ask you to close the door etc… but…. they also thank you on the way back and ask you to come again… which is a little peculiar.

Anyway – Good times with Thomas & Paula and my Aunt Mary in London… Thomas still needs the A-Z to get him past his door…

Ok, not strictly true. We played our challenge match of scrabble. I was a good 100 points ahead for most of the game, but Thomas kept his cool and came through to win. I think this went to his head and he gave me another shot at getting my trophy back… which I duly did. Good old two letter words.. ZO, QI, XI, JO… you gotta know these things.

Did have a mini pub session in London and a few friends & cousins managed to make it.. lots of fun – thanks to all who made it.

Then on Wednesday 16th it was down to Sussex for my Grandfathers funeral. It was both a sad and a happy affair. There was lots of family, and we heard stories about Grandpapa (esp from the war years) that we’d not heard before – as it was something he rarely if ever talked about. Great to be re-united with Cousins Catherine & Thomas – last time we were together was in Venice I think.

It was great to see my nephew (Oliver) growing up (2.5 years will do that to you) and getting on with his cousin (Marta) who I’d not met before..

Have had a great time with family so far… pictures to follow – in the meantime a short video…

If you’re about and want to meet up for a pint:

Social Pint in London
Where: 223 Grove Road
When: Monday, July 14 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

and Dublin…

Cobblestone Bar
Where: 77 North King Street
When: Friday, July 25 from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Be great to see you!

Correction – am back to Europe in July (3 days time) not in August as I had said!

So – on the 27th June my wonderful (but old) Grandfather (mums side) passed away. While it is always sad when these things happen – he was almost 95, and healthy and lucid right up to the end.

I wasn’t planning on going home – but Dad suggested that they could help out a bit, and 6 hours later I’d booked my flights back. I arrive into Europe on the 11th July into Heathrow. Will spend about 8 days in England at the funeral, and then back to Ireland for the rest.

About a year ago the family had booked a cottage in Co. Clare (West coast of Ireland) for a week… everyone was going to be there – my parents, my siblings & husbands, wives, and children. Rather a large party. But no me. But now I can make it (yay)… so really really looking forward to that one.

Guinness will be drunk, games will be played, traditional music listened to…. and a reasonable amount of promoting the New Zealand lifestyle. I hope to meet up with as many friends as I can while I’m over there…

On Sunday went for a hike up Mt. Richardson with Mark & Christine and Maaike. Lots of fun and great to be out in the snow. Maaike is getting a few interviews now so that’s been great… hopefully by the time I get back she’ll be in a new exciting job :)