... a weekend with Julie, Sarah and John

Three of my friends came over this weekend from Belfast to visit Phil and I. Sarah and Julie are friends that I have know since I was 15 and are very loved and valued. It was wonderful to have them over to our house for a whole weekend, instead of our usual evening visits to their houses when we're in Belfast seeing my parents. We had a wonderful weekend walking, chatting, playing cards and generally having a good laugh. Thanks guys for making it a special weekend for me.

... Christmas Part II

A few weekends ago Phil and I went over to Belfast to have Christmas with my parents. You might be wondering why we would have Christmas in the middle of January, but this year my parents were in Uganda visiting Jill (my sister) over new year so we didn't get a chance to see them. It was lovely to go 'home' and catch up with Mum and Dad and hear about their travels. We also had a chance to catch up with a few friends which was great.

.... some sorting and tidying

Apart from feeling miserable with the cold, it has been lovely to have a whole week at home. Phil and I have worked fairly hard this week trying to unpack boxes that haven't been opened since we packed them 2.5 years ago in Dundee and generally sorting things out in the house. It has been lovely to be at home whilst on holiday (we're normally off seeing family or friends). Today we went to look for a new mattress in the sales and came home with a new KING SIZE bed and mattress. This is very exciting since the bed we have had for the last 4.5 years of our married life has been third hand. We can now finally get rid of the spare room double bed that I dislike, alot.

We also had some wonderful news this week when my sister-in-law gave birth to her third child. Samuel Brumby Paterson, arrived safely on the 3rd January weighting 10lbs. After two little nieces it is nice to now have a little nephew to spoil rotten!!

... Christmas and New Year

They both seem to have passed in such a blur. The delight at having finished work on the last Friday was amazing and the knowledge that I had 2 whole weeks off work was wonderful. Phil and I headed off to London for Christmas and had a really great time with the whole Brumby/Paterson family. It was lovely just to chat, chill out, and relax with family. Normally we alternate Christmas and New Year with our families, but this year my parents were heading to Uganda to see my sister Jill for New Year so we came home and crashed. We had wonderful plans to go to Glasgow or Whitby but I was stuck down by this wonderful throat infection/flu/cold/constant headache that left me sleeping on the sofa for days. I dragged myself out on New Years eve, having convinced myself I was better and went to the Church Party and then a party with some friends from Church, but the next day I was wiped out again. All I can say is I'm glad I'm not back at work this week!!!

Hope you all had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year.