Scotland's for me!

Just back from a brilliant 5 days in Scotland. As ever, our fabulous hosts, Moira and Fraser, and daughter Lily, had planned a full itinerary of events to keep us amused. They promised rubbish weather which, as well as delighting us (we've had enough hot weather to last us a lifetime), also sent us fleeing to the welly shop, grabbing raincoats on the way, full of glee that we could experience some top, unpredictable Scottish summer weather. Slightly disappointingly, the weather was wonderful - some cloud and the odd shower, yes, but overall, dry and warm. By day we visited a farm with jumping pillows, pedal tractors, and a maze in a sweetcorn field; a Highland Games (in which Scarlett and Lily excelled in the kids Junior Games); a stunning woodland garden containing Britain's tallest tree (which we managed to link hands around and hug); and a day trip to an island on Loch Lomond we hadn't visited for 18 years, where Fraser set up a bbq on the beach in full sunshine. By night, we dined on fine food cooked by Moira, and sipped Champagne, regularly relieved of their corks by Fraser. We had an absolute ball, laughing, playing the hardest Trivial Pursuit set ever, and lots and lots and lots of talking. Catching up with our bridesmaid and best man was exceptional, exchanging news, anecdotes and memories, but best of all was how well Scarlett and Florence played with Lily. Lily was more than generous with her toys, books, clothes - everything - and this was clearly the start of a friendship between our girls that will endure for years to come. Cream buns all round. We flew back to London this morning, several kilos heavier, but happy of heart, knowing that instead of our usual tearful goodbyes, when we are about to board a Sydney-bound plane, it will only be a matter of weeks or months until we see the McKendrys again. In other news, the people we are buying our house from are moving out more than a week earlier than expected. We are thrilled, but now in a bit of a mad rush to buy the final important things we need to get - a fridge/freezer and a telly. We spent a happy few hours in John Lewis (Kingston-Upon-Thames branch) this afternoon, pressing buttons and opening and closing doors and drawers, playing with iPads (that will have to wait for now - boo, hiss) and deciding what to buy. We left with a telephone, but plan to order the larger items on line. With luck we will be in our new house two weeks today. HUZZAH!!!!