From Lush to Grey.

So he's back. The plane made it through the clouds safely. I suppose the clouds were the least of his worries, having fought off Cougars and very large beers. When I came over to Scotland in February, it seemed very grey compared with Wanaka. It's good to know that it is only the season that is grey as Wanaka looks pretty grey just now. Mind you, it hadn't been grey above the clouds and he could see Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring towering above the other mountains.

It has been a terrific trip, lots of cycling and not too much alcohol (despite the size of that beer). Uncle D is an athlete now, so Spook has to take it all a bit more seriously. Uncle D was only 40mins behind Spook over 65k ,in the race, and that is a substantial difference from the old days. It is possible that Uncle D may have found a new, fitter freind by the time we get back home. (Pele, I should think).

It was funny driving to the airport and picking him up as if I lived here (oh, I do!). And it was great seeing Hugh again. Meeting McPhees in airports is always going to have a lovely Spean Bridge sort of feel about it. Helps that missing 'sense of belonging' feeling. Spook had come so close to watching the rugby with Hugh and a bottle of whisky.

The children have taken it very much in their stride and it is nice to have come to a more peaceful era after 9 months. They are delighted to have their Dad back though, as am I. He has tomorrow off and so do I (despite work seeming busier for me, it is always a slight illusion). There are so many builders in at the two cleans we are doing, that we can't get much done.

grateful for:

Spook being here so that the maths homework can get done. He was also a big help to Finn in advice when drawing a plan of the house so that he could show the escape plan in the event of a fire. I love that boys homework.