22 August, (Saturday) Derby Jerry has the next 2 weeks off. Today he drove us around the countryside. Kirsten had been staying with Jerry's cousin, Nessa, at their pub in Sheffield and we went to pick her up. First we went to Chesterfield, Jerry was just going to drive past but I was keen for a photo (parking was a huge pain but eventually we managed it and I got a great photo of the Crooked Spire on St Mary's church apparently caused by the devil sitting on it! Then we were off to Sheffield. Nessa is just lovely - so glad Kirsten has her as I think she really needs people like that in her life, Rob & Jerry so preoccupied with Mim. The pub very cute too. We had a cuppa there then loaded ... read more

19 August, Derby, 1:30 pm-ish.After a slow grinding progression along record- long queues at immigration (even those who travelled there regularly claimed it was much slower than usual), we headed for the exit. We knew our brother-in-law, Jerry, was meeting us but had thought Robin would probably not come and be visiting their sick daughter in hospital instead. Ann was the first to spot Jerry amongst the sea of faces then "Robin's there too" at that the tears just welled up in my eyes - there were huge tear-filled hugs all around and I realised it had been 9 years since I had last seen my sister. It was still hot and sunny when we arrived. We stopped for a coffee, Jerry gave me a peculiar look when I asked for a flat white - no ... read more

18 August, 5.15 nz time, somewhere over queensland I was doing last minute stuff getting ready to go until a ridiculous hr this am. So feeling sleepy here on the plane. Mum & Dad took us to the airport and saw us off which was lovely. I was driving the 2nd half of the trip & intended to show Mum the route via the Manurewa exit. What a twit I missed it and drove straight past! Wonder how Mum managing on the trip back??? We have been flying for about 3.5 hrs. Had a meal at the slightly odd time of 3pm. Scrummy prawns on spicey noodles for entree - Yummmm! Ann wanted fish for her main but they ran out (or said they did - she later saw a stewardess eating some!) she was not ... read more