Poor Dh just called me with bad news.
Next summer is contract negotiations, usually this goes smoothly, but occasionally it ends in a strike, I remember his friend worked at the same place and spent the summer with no pay picketing outside for weeks.
So my wonderful plan to go spend the summer with the kids in the UK, and visit Mum and the older son are not happening, we may need the money for the mortgage and food I'm so bummed out about it.
Maybe if it goes well I can persuade him we should all go for Christmas? Who knows, we'll see.
OK that's my whine, pass the cheese please.

Ahh, sorry to hear this. Hopefully, the strike won't happen and you'll be able to go back. Is there anyway you could a bit later in the year when the flights are cheaper?

Aww how disappointing, hope things turn out OK and you can just postpone your plans.

Hopefully it won't come to that, now the economy is improving maybe the negotiations will go smoothly? As next summer is a long way off, I would keep my sights set on that summer trip. I have never tried this (because we are always booking last minute!) but if you book way in advance are summer flights much cheaper? Also maybe try to economize big time around Christmas (if possible) to have a bit of spare cash to tide you over next summer, if it comes to that?