Coming up for air

 I have been awake since 4.30 a.m.  Typical.  Guidelines tell you to get as much sleep as possible before long haul travel.  Pah.  That's not happening!

Gabby arrived yesterday with travelling stuff for me (small case for cabin luggage and a smart little leather shoulder bag which will be an improvement on my ageing bumbag . . .)  She and Tam got cracking and sorted out everything that needed to be sorted out for me and I can only say, without them I wouldn't be going.  I've just had a lovely video chat with my NZ friend Rosie and could honestly say "see you SOON!"

Danny is arriving later and we will have the meal to remember Keith on his birthday.  He would have been 85 today.

The new header is taken down in the Romantic Dingle :)  We took Rosie for a little walk down there yesterday and the sun came through the trees to light up that beautiful beech tree.  

Of course, with perfect timing, Alfie had a big ding-dong of a cat fight last night - there is ginger and white fur in clumps outside (hopefully not ALL his) and Pippi must know something went on as she doesn't want to go out, and was lurking, worried in the utility, so I let her back in and she's asleep on the sofa now.  I do hope he doesn't get an abscess somewhere . . .

Oh, and with equally perfect timing, the scales are not weighing properly.  They tell me I am 9 1/2 stone and whilst I really wish this were the case, I know they are lieing!  Not sure where I can get the battery so might have to buy new scales (these have done sterling service) . . .