Oh dear, so sorry I had no idea everyone was wondering where I was.All safe and well here.

First do hope you are feeling better today Nigel, keep warm indoors if you have the wet and miserable weather we have here at the coast, hot chocolate and a good movie for me I think.

So an up date, had a little scare with Billy as he had "tummy trouble" for ages and of course said nothing!Men!! Anyhow the Dr sent him fast track to Colchester Hospital and after a few unpleasant procedures they diagnosed Diverticulitus so that was good news as we were thinking the worst. So no more spicey foods.

Then our daughter had a housefire caused by a very old Tumble drier, the girls were sent out to the garden in their jimjams and bare feet, but were impressed when the firemen sat them in the fire engine while they checked out the house. Sam had put it out with an extinguisher , good thing as the fire brigade were the wrong side of the duel carriageway, Sam could hear the sirens but they were lost for a while! Did a few thousand pounds of damage to the laundry room but all the family were safe !

It is nearly a year since we lost my darling mum I miss her more every day, and sometimes photos of her pop up on facebook which cause a little heartache, but we have had some lovely family gatherings this year and she is always in all our hearts.

This time last year ,today in fact, Billy and I went to New Jersey to see his family for the holidays. How quickly this year has gone. So wishing all of you over there a very Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday. I will go to the galley and make coffee and get going on the pumpkin pies!!

lots of love and wishing all the crew health, peace and happiness
Wendy xxxxxxxxxxx

PS thank you Maeve I am in touch with Santa xx Ho Ho Ho