Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

And so the good-byes begin again... Julia back off to Manchester on the train this evening for her shift tomorrow. Walked her to the station, concentrating on being grateful for the (unexpected) gift of days together, rather than the grief of parting. 

And the gift of a special last family meal with all of us together. Which was remarkably peaceful, considering the lack of sleep last night. Mike ended up getting out of bed, and the two of us saw the year in watching the fireworks all over Birmingham, leaning out of the attic window. Just stunning to see.

Extra of a family walk in Newhall, which wasn't quite as peaceful as the meal...