Lake Luzern

The weather was still wet and cold so Richard suggested a boat trip down the lake and a train back. The boat was warm and very comfortable it took about 3 hours to sail to Fluelen. When we arrive at we were so pleased to find a cafe and have some hot soup for lunch. The train back was only an hour which gave us time for a rest at the hotel and a drink before dinner. Pam wanted to return to the pidgeon and Sven but an Italian pizza place the Tosccana was nearer and it was raining again.

Locarno

The weather forecast was dreadful cold, rain and wind so Richard thought the best bet was to use our rail passes to go as far south as we could get and visit Locarno near Italy for the day. It was an excellent idea. Malcolm loved the journey and when we arrived the sun was shining and the lake was blue. After lunch eaten outside with a view of the lake,we went on the funicular railway and a cable car where we had wonderful views of Locano. Reluctantly we had to leave to catch our train back to Luzern. Malcolm tried to make a case for mountain goats having legs of different lengths to stop them falling off the mountains... . After passing through a tunnel we emerged into a raging snow storm much to our horror and returned to a wet and cold Luzern. A fondue seemed like a good idea so we started with a vodka and potato one ( not sure we liked it) followed by a wonderful chocolate one which we loved . Well we were in Switzerland.

Switzerland

Monday we set off for our drive to Switzerland with Pam & Richard. The road went through the Black Forrest and took us most of the day. It was very wet and cold when we arrived in Luzern our hotel was the 3 Kings just five minutes walk from the old town which we explored looking for some where to have dinner. Pam and I were a little disappointed as we thought there were mountains around the lake......... There were but we couldn't see them.We dined at the Pigeon on rosti with tomatoes and fried egg delicious. Pam fell for the waiter she christened Sven and had to be ushered out at the end of the evening.

Pam & Richard

Our friends Pam & Richard arrived on Saturday night and we had a quiet meal together at home. Sunday we went for a city tour and had lunch out side much to our surprise as the weather had been so bad for the previous two weeks. We visited the American war cemetery it was very moving as it had recently been veterans day and every grave had the U.S. and Luxembourg flag plus a single red rose we were all quite emotional. Then we thought we ought to visit the German cemetery nearby. It was a lovely place quite different, longer grass, trees and the birds vere singing it had quite a rural feel to it. In the evening we went to our local restaurant the Bucherie where Malcolm and Richard tried the beer testers Marc had recommended.

Packing & Preparing to move

We are very excited Abigail & Romain are moving at last so we are busy packing boxes, the same ones we used a life time ago, it feels very odd. At the new house with Amelia's help we stuck the borders on in Emilie and Franks rooms so that the furniture could go straight in. Frank was very helpful as usual. It will be Emilie's last week at school next week and our friends Pam & Richard will be here for a visit.

Moving at last

Abigail and Romain have at last got a moving date the 29th of May so it will be all hands on deck next week to get the packing done. The best bit is we will be in Switzerland with our friends Pam and Richard so will be unable to help on the day. The children had a bug last week which Malcolm and I have had over the weekend. Amelia and I had a girls day out on Saturday lunch at Ikea and then some shopping, she came round today with some throat spray and strepsils and cooked us a tasty lunch. We bought a swing seat for the terrace which has been a great success and my pots are beginning to flower.

Busy Week

We started to do some packing at Abigail's this week we don't know when the move will be but there will be a lot to do. Frankie was very helpful packing boxes and helping Grandad with the ironing. Abigail took her class to visit a farm. Saturday we picked up Amelia and Marc from the airport on their return from taking Rhian back to England. Sunday we met Abigail ,Romain and the children at the park in Clemency and had coffee, then we drove to Arlon to check the motorway signs so we could direct Pam and Richard who are visiting at the end of the month.We noticed a street market and a supermarket open which could be quite useful to visit in the future.

Spring

Well spring is here at last, about 2 weeks later than normal. The trees are full of blossom and the gardens are full of flowers. Malcolm went to see the cardiologist who has changed his medication and was very pleased with him, we don't have to go again for another year. Malcolm is already feeling better with the new tablets. Rhian has decided to return to England we will all be very sad to see her go. Monday we had a farewell tea and she will be off on Thursday.

Grandad Sam is back at the local hospital after having his hip operation.

It would have been Hayley's 16th birthday today.