Mum returns to England

Mum decided to return to England at half term. Abigail and family were going to stay at Aaron and Anna's so they could do some Christmas shopping. And visit Jon and Sarah in Reading. Amelia had a few days off and so she and Marc decided to join us. It was a busy time as we took some Christmas presents and cards with us, it was very odd wrapping up gifts in October. I have never been so organized. Malcolm insisted on playing the Christmas music c.d's while we worked. Our neighbour's must think we are mad. There was not much room in the car and we had to leave some wine and beer behind.

Frankie's 3rd birthday

Frankie is three we just cant believe it so much has happened since he was born. He is such a little character. It is wonderful to be a part of his life and to see him grow into a little boy. We love being Grandad and Ma to them both and hope there will be other little ones to come. When asked what he wanted for his birthday he said cake and Emilie.

School Bus

Malcolm has been adapting a rabbit hutch for the new addition to Abigails family, George the tortoise. He was found by Romains mum who kept him for a while in case someone claimed him but as no one did he now lives in Clemency. Emilie now goes to school on the bus Frankie loves to go to the bus stop to meet her at the end of the day.

Ferrets

Tuesday we had a wonderful fish supper at Amelia and Marcs. It was also the first time we had met Jack and Jim the ferrets. They were quite cute but thankfully they sleep a lot. Brenda Malcolm's lab assistant retired this week and she sent some photos of the new prep rooms that have just been finished in time for them both not to benefit from them. Avril and Stu went home via the Rotterdam ferry and said it was a very easy trip. We will see them soon when we return with mum.

Car Boot Sale

Sunday we were going to go to Vianden but Malcolm caught the cold from me and didn't feel upto it but we had seen a poster about a little mine train and antique market only ten minutes away so we set off. An hour later we were home looking at the map,we had a coffee and set out again and yes it was only ten minutes away but in a different direction. As you know I cant resist a market and bought a 1950's biscuit barrel which Avril is going to put on ebay and three wood and brass things I liked, which turned out to be lead shot measures which might go on ebay one day. Malcolm and Stu found a steam engine and didn't need any launage to talk to the man just ohh and arghhh. We had a quiet evening in chez Phillips.