Neil writes:

Our blog serves two purposes. First, to let people know what we’re up to, where we are and how things are going etc. The second reason is to have a copy on CD so that we can remember our life and travels when we can no longer get about and our memories are fading.

Sadly, some of the things that we write about are not just about having fun. Yesterday, January 10th 2010 my mother died. Of course I’m deeply upset but my sadness is smoothed by a sense of happiness. Ever since my dad died 12 years ago my mum has always wanted to be with him. They were devoted to each other and my father’s death left my mum deeply unhappy. Shortly after his death she had a bad stroke and, to cut a long story short, she’s been in need of constant care ever since.

For all these years she has had little dignity and whilst she has had excellent care, we really wouldn’’t allow our pets to suffer such an existence.

Yesterday, she had all the pain and suffering stopped and for that I am so grateful.

I’m very lucky to have had a mum and dad around to guide me in the formative years of my life. Many people don’t have that privilege so I count myself extremely fortunate. I’m also very lucky to have loved my parents and to have been loved by them, again something that some people don’t enjoy. My book of life now closes another chapter as we make arrangements to fly back to the UK.

So, the blog is on hold for a while but normal service will be resumed in the near future.