Flying back there this afternoon, with two daughters in tow, and feeling mildly stressed about it all to be honest !

Hubby is not coming as he has no annual leave (don't start ) - but he would love to come too. Kids absolutely overflowing with excitement about seeing grandparents and cousins again (hubby's family) .... which is why we're going really - and it will be lovely for them

I'm feeling like I'm not really ready to visit yet. There is nothing partcularly that I miss - and no one in particular ( ) - but the flights were cheapish and booked in a moment of 'upset children' weakness several months ago ....

It will be nice to see people again - I sound really grumpy - but I suppose that because they are not my family, I could to some degree, take it or leave it. I'm also catching up with a best mate aswell for a couple of days, and normally that would be lovely and exciting too, but I think I am about to step into a 'domestic' war zone for two days, and will purely be a shoulder to cry on by an extremely drunk, crying woman. But, at least I will 'be there' for her. And I'll get a glass of wine, of four, out of the experience

So - no idea what I'm trying to say really. Need to get cracking and finalise the packing. It's only 9 days and I suspect I'll be pooped as a pooped thing by the time we get back. Kinda wish I hadn't booked it just yet - but I must be unselfish for my children

you will probably have a great time. Dont you find that when your not looking forward to something it turns out fine. Anyway get your hair done by a great british hairdresser if all else fails.

Hi Ann

I am sure you will have a great time when you are there - just think you will be able to re-stock your knicker drawer in M&S and fill a suitcase full of chocolate to bring back.

I know what you mean about not really feeling ready to go back. We have been having a similar debate about going back in the summer. I feel we have to go because we said we would and the kids are looking forward to it (and I have to admit I will enjoy meeting friends and family again) but OH does not want to use up his hols going back and would rather use them to go and see places here, which is understandable. So I think it might end up just me and the boys going over in the long summer hols.

Have a lovely time and nine days will go so quick, you will be back on that plane before you know it.

Lisa

Ann

Have a great time- I'm sure it will be fine. I know what you mean about going back!

The girls will have a great time.

Best wishes

Gryphea

PS

Of course if you find yourself in a supermarket and can't but help buy some bisto gravy powder (original) in the brown box we would love you even more!!!!

So tell me what is the difference between what you can purchase here in any Safeway store and what you are asking Ann to pick up?

Is it really that much of a difference?

I really am curious.

Cheers
Steve

Back on topic have a great time Ann, or at least as best as you can.

WEll the best match is veloutine, the gravy powders have loads more stuff in them (generally speaking this is true for almost all foods over here, I didn't realise until we came here how much 'stuff ' was added to foods.), by stuff I mean flavourings, colourings, msg, more salt, hydrogenated fats etc etc, eg they are way less natural. Now whilst I am not promoting powdered gravy as being the ideal in natural foods I do try to keep the added gunk for my kids to a minimum. However after the last lengthy postings I did find some bisto stuff which is acceptable but as I've sadi above not quite the same.

Original gravy powders are just potato starch , natural caramel colouring and I think thats it- there may be onion powder in there!! Veloutine is a reasonable substitute but my OH doesn't like it as much (he is chief gravy maker) as he says it doesn't make the same!

Gryph

Ann, what you have said makes so much sense to me, as it was how I felt when we had to go back.

I wasn't ready for a visit, I wasn't missing anything enough. I didn't feel any overwhelming sense that I wanted to go adn when I got there, I still wasn't overwhelmed and just wanted to get it over with.

Make sure you do something for just you and the kids though. Enjoy yourself and if you find you are in the middle of a domestic and your friend is being a lush - well join her

Make the most of the spring sunshine and blooming daffodils Ann. There's none of that here is there. Just another snowfall warning for 5-10 cm this evening.

It'll feel like you've never been away ! We had our first trip back after just over 2 yrs, and THAT felt like we'd never been away, and that our Canadian life was just a holiday memory.....really weird !

I.m rather jealous right now. Have a blast and come and tell us all about it when you get back

Have a good trip, and come back home soon!

Hope your trip turns out to be a ball...look after yourself and the kids and make the most of it

It's actually good to expect the worse because when you get there it can only be better!
You ARE being very good taking the kids to see HIS family, when he's staying at home - very unselfish of you.

Thanks all your nice comments guys - shucks !!

I was obviously having a funny day the other day. Have arrived, all is fine, girls were generally very good on the plane, apart from a mini paddy at about 1am their time as they still could not get comfy to sleep. Tell me about it - one of them got 3 hours kip, and the other about 2 hrs. Me - zilch. All absolutely pooped this morning and woke up at 11am! Kids and grandparents happily re-united, went to park with cousins - all is well ...
going to hit John Lewis and/or toy shops later - daughter number one can't find any Baby Born stuff in Canada, and this is her mission today !

Clear blue skies yesterday, but noticed how much smog sits over London - I know it was big foggy yesterday morning, but visibility or lack thereof, very noticeable. Strange thing to notice - never did before !

Oh yes, and the daffs are out, or just about to come out. Little teasers !
Hubby in the meantime reporting another dump of snow back at home.

Laters .....

John lewis and all the London shops thats got to be worth it, hope your having fun, it will go quickly then you will be back with your snow, which by the way you could have brought with you Dafs and snowdrops all out here in Cambridge,

all the very best, keep us updated, clare will be making the same trip in a month or so as we are obviously in the same position as you, i've been told no time off till end of august, deep joy.
in particular i'd be very interested to hear your opinion on how you feel walking around there with just you and the kids, as opposed to here, safer?