Caitlin moving out. Big clear out. Many rubbish tip trips.

And annual Christmas tractor rally

Hello world

Alice’s oldest friend. Gave her so much, not least music, not least David Bowie. Books, books, books, the love of reading. Attitude, feminism. Girl power.

This is hard to fathom. Why?

Visited the tree, now known as Anthea’s tree.

Invited to tea with Sarah.

Today we paid off our mortgage. For me it has taken 40 years for Alice 25. For the first time in my life I have no financial debts. It’s a strange feeling of weightlessness.

11 days, fully inclusive 😀

Great start to the trip. St Pancras for 5.30, most expensive bubbles in the world at 5.37.

Then upgraded to Business Premier. Three course meal, plus wine, which with the bottle of bubbles we had with us resulted in Alice’s first exclamation to Charlie….”We’re smashed!”

Not big or clever 😂

Mabel is 9 and growing up quickly. Knows her own mind and strong willed. Still loving and thoughtful though. Friends are now very important. I love Mabel’s sociability and capability to talk to anyone no matter what age. Great confidence which with wisdom will take her far.

Needless to say I am very proud of her and love her unreservedly. Alice would say too unreservedly 😀.

As always happens children stop seeing you as faultless and see you as humanly flawed. But only from their limited experience of course. It takes many years before they see and understand the whole picture. Of why you are who you are.

Also first day of school! So presents on breakfast table ready to go.

Airbnb in Brancaster, beautiful ground floor apartment.

Lunch on way at The Hoste Burnham Market.

Bear at The White Horse Brancaster Staithe. Fabulous location.

Morning run along Peddar’s Way