Upside down

I could only write a little last night, as the happiness at the children's successful first day at school, was turned completely upside down by the news that Mum has suffered a massive stroke. Phone calls from Dad and fantastic e-mails from my sisters and brother, with honest appraisals, and the news that she loves this blog means I will carry on with it. But I can't do that without mentioning here, that her well-being will be part of my well-being.
Marion and Glen arrived last night with their lovely children and that helps to keep my mind from constantly mulling over thoughts that are not helpful. It turns out that the children are not running or bungie jumping, but doing all that stuff that 22month old and 8 month old's do. Exhausting their parents, whilst simultaneuosly delighting them.
Spook came home after an eleven hour day at work. I was getting concerned about this Kiwi work ethic, when it transpired that a meeting had been held at close of day to discuss tonight's mountain bike ride, and a couple of beers had been needed to oil that process....this bloody country has been waiting for him, for sure.
Both children off to school today without a backward glance. As part of a new routine for one income families, I went to the dump today (well, they call it a recycling centre.)  For £8 I bought a couple of nice blankets (it's still 5 degrees in the mornings), 2 tennis rackets, a waffle iron for over the fire, and a perfectly good wash basket........this country has also been waiting for me.