Well, I have had probably no more than 5 or 6 nights/days out with out family in the 4 odd years since Ellie was born and in the last fortnight I've almost doubled that. Not bad eh???? lol

First, I had a lovely day out with Margaret, Sorchar and Sam from BE. We went to Paisley for the day (where Sorchar lives and where Sam from London was staying for the weekend). What a laugh. We drank all afternoon, accidentally didn't pay for lunch and got chatted up by a scary bloke on the train home.

The following week I had a lovely meal out with Gail, Jenny, Gill and Susan in Glasgow at Cafe Mao. I met these girls at NCT classes when we were all pregnant with our first babies and we've stayed in touch ever since. Jenny and her family are now heading back to Oxford as her husband Simon's been offered a fantastic job down there so it was a goodbye dinner.

Next Saturday was another BE meet this time with Margaret, Sandra, and two new girls Andrea and Sarah Jayne who're both lovely. Sandra was late and we missed each other but it was great seeing Margaret again and meeting the others. We met at Walkabout in Glasgow during a VERY loud rugby game.

Because I missed Sandra and because she is moving to Aus next month, we arranged on the phone to meet quickly the next day. Off I drove to Glasgow to see Sandra and say goodbye. She had the packers in and her house was rapidly being packed into brown paper and cardboard boxes. I could see how tired and emotional she was, god I hope I'm not too much like that when it's our turn. I've only met Sandra a few times but I really like her and I think we're going to be good friends. She and her family have so kindly offered to meet us from the airport, put us up for a few nights, or whatever we might need when we get to Melbourne. Talk about the kindness of strangers !! She flies on the 18th September - good luck mate, see you next year.

I'm out again on Thursday but just for an hour or so with neighbours (kind of) Nicola, Lynn and Isobel.

Was at my cousin Myles' wedding on Friday night. Weird wedding!! V casual, bride had an elastic band as her hair dressing and took her dress off 30 mins into the reception to wear a dress she got in the sales for £30 because it had a rip in it. Was great to see so many of my family again though, might be the last time I see many of them !!!!!!!!

Other news here is that Mike's elder brother and his wife had their first baby on Saturday morning. A lovely daughter named Laura Kirsty. Haven't managed to see them yet but we're hoping to get over at the weekend for a cuddle.

Rebecca and Ellie had ballet today. Was only Rebecca's 2nd week and she loved it. Going to bed she insisted I read her "Becky Ballerina" and so sweetly asked "Mummy, was I good at ballet today?" melt melt melt :-) Mike's folks were over for dinner today too and looked well. They also brought me a gorgeous pressie for my birthday on Saturday...Elle McPherson smellies, really thoughtful of them.

The other thing that happened this week was that ACS said that our cc payment to them had been declined. A few calls to the cc company confirmed ACS put the wrong details on and we have asked them to reapply. Grrrr, has wasted a week of processing time. Should hear from them in 4-8 weeks.

My back's feeling better. I think the breakthrough was the accupuncture. The pills weren't agreeing with me, but given that the MRI has shown there's not actually anything wrong, then if all I need is a couple of sessions of accupuncture a year then I'll be happy with that.