My buddy

Isn't she grand? She's done a good job of being my late evening companion during my week of solo parenting. Her last night on duty as Carlos is about to board a flight to bring him back across the pond. Before two sleeps at home to fly back across the pond. Sometimes plans don't quite work out but you go with the flow.

Today's tank trip nearly didn't quite work out when we ended up at a standstill in the middle carriageway when there was an accident up ahead. We settled ourselves in for a long wait, informed the tank folks we were unlikely to make it and kept our perspective by being grateful we weren't in either of the two ambulances. By some good fortune for us the cars were moved out of the way quite efficiently and we were able to get there only 10minutes late. As we were the only people scheduled for the session we were able to go ahead with just a slightly reduced dive. So that's number 30 done and now it feels like the fog has largely lifted and we are building strength. Will be really interesting to see how the holiday goes. We are all working hard on managing our expectations whilst being desperately excited about actual warm sunshine, white sandy beaches and a clear blue sea. And, in Anna's case, a hotel buffet breakfast - an indecisive gastronome's dream.

Only sad thing will be not taking this one with us. But hopefully she will be as excited by her surprise holiday.

Lesley x