A wanderer returns

I met up with my friend Ruth yesterday who has recently returned from a 9 month trip through Australia, New Zealand and Japan with her friend Lucy. She had a wonderful time and recorded their experiences in the blog linked above (just click on the title wanderer returns.) Ruth and Lucy's journey of discovery blog is full of fantastic pictures and is well worth reading if you are planning a visit to any of those countries.

It was great to meet with Ruth and hear about her adventures, which are a world away from rubbish and mouse issues with Merton council or fitted kitchen installations.

I can't wait to start my holiday. Even the thought of Terminal 5 is appealing compared to the week I have just had at work and at home. But there is always something to remind me that no matter how stressed and bothered I may feel, I am actually the luckiest person in the world.

Ria's very sad and sudden death really shook me and made me stop still and think. Reading all the beautiful and incredibly thoughtful messages on Ria's facebook page made me feel so grateful for friendship and to totally appreciate those small kindnesses that are actually the greatest gestures of love and friendship; sharing a muffin, writing a message in a Christmas card, or kind words when someone is nervous or scared. (Ria and I flew to Glasgow on Sleazy Jet a few years back and I was very nervous but Ria was so kind and calm and made me feel so comfortable I forgot all fear.) Many of Ria's friends and family have a strong faith which is sustaining them through this difficult time. I am very grateful that I too have faith in something more than just science and I am sure that Ria's bright spirit is sparkling still and always will be.

Some very sad news

I have just learnt the very sad news that Ria Davis who worked with me at the DRC has passed away. The news totally shocked me and I really didn't believe it until I tracked down the notice posted in the Trinidad Guardian. Ria was one of those rare people who was intelligent, humble, generous, kind, with a great sense of fun and curiosity and very very warm she made everyone feel calm around her. Ria was wise beyond her years and always supportive and honest. I know Ria has a large family and many many friends who will dearly miss her. My thoughts and love are with her family at this time.

T5, mice, rubbish, parents and kitchens - a recipe for disaster

Well only 4 days to go until I fly out to Japan through T5 at Heathrow. It should be exciting and so I thought it would be a good place to start my blog from.

Before I even get to T5 let alone Tokyo I have got to get through a weekend of cleaning and preparation for a new kitchen, tackle Merton Council over a rather nasty rubbish fly tipping problem outside our front door, make sure the flat really is mouse free and prepare for the imminent arrival of Jason's parents. (Jase's Dad is fitting the kitchen while we are away!) It all sounds like the making for a One Foot in the Grave surreal sitcom.