Packing Cubes

I've just discovered PACKING CUBES!!!!!!
Why did it take me so long to find this marvellous invention?

It's a great way to organise your packing and once we get home (boat) I can simply put the cubes away in a drawer. This is going to make life so much easier when we're away on our epic trip. I was dreading the packing and unpacking bit but now I am more chilled.

It's raining again -or should I say 'chucking it down' - just for a change. I would love to see some sunshine. This Christmas has been the wettest that I can remember and Daniel has not been able to go out because of his cold. He is starting to feel better and his energy levels are rising, so he really needs to get out to run some of it off!

Ian has finished his admin stuff - tax returns etc, and has been sorting out the last of our visas. The reality of it all is starting to sink in - finally.

We had hoped to have James and Phoebe with us today and so we had planned to take the three grandchildren out for a pizza. Unfortunately, Lee had other arrangements so we will have our pizza outing with Tanya David and Daniel instead. The sad thing is, we probably won't see James and Phoebe again till we return in April. On a positive note, Lee bought them both laptops for Christmas so that means we can Skype them while we are away and they can read this blog.

Countdown

With a little over two weeks before we set off on an epic adventure, Ian and I are engaged in mundane activities such as tax returns and admin.

We had a wonderful Christmas with Tanya, David and Daniel. While Tanya and David were at work, Ian and I had time to leisurely complete the shopping, wrap presents and make last minute preparations.

Excitement within the household steadily built as the doors on the advent calendar were opened. Soon it was Christmas Eve. With all preparations completed, we, all set off for Bath to Daniel's chosen restaurant for lunch. Jimmy Spice is a buffet style restaurant where one can eat as much as you like with cuisine ranging from Italian to Chinese, to Indian, as well as traditional English roast. If you had left any room for desert, you were rewarded with a spectacular array of fruit, cakes and puddings as well as a wonderful chocolate fountain. We had a fantastic time and needless to say, we didn't need supper.

Daniel couldn't wait to put out the mince pie and sherry for Father Christmas (and a carrot for Rudolph) before he climbed the stairs for an overexcited and restless night pending Christmas morning. Unfortunately part of the restlessness was attributed to a cold that he and David had picked up.

The presents around the Christmas tree were a testament to our abundant blessings. We were all thoroughly spoiled as we celebrated the birth of our beloved Jesus Christ. The following day, Boxing Day, offered more celebrations as we celebrated our Grandson James's birthday.

Tanya had to return to work and before she left she issued instructions that her boys were to take it easy in an attempt to get over their colds. That is why Ian and I spent the day in the company of our computer screens.