[Singel]

There were ups and down in our recent trip to see our families. The weather in Europe was great, the trees were still green, it is uncommon in October - seem like an extended summer.

In UK ..............
So glad to see my god-mum Hilda, in great spirit and physical condition, after involved in a head-on car crash 6 months ago. Saw the photos of the badly smashed 2-year old car (think that the safety features may have save her life). The metals are now supporting her feet and she could not stand up for too long. She will have to go back to the hospital for a knee-cap operation.

In Holland .................
Attended the 25th wedding anniversary bash of Tony's sister and brother-in-law.

FIL had been diagnosed early stage of prostate cancer and will be going for operation and chemo (keep everything crossed). MIL asked whether we will be moving back. It must be so hard for her at this time, however, our reply to her is "no" cos we have a great lifestyle in NZ. We feel like going backward if we were to move back, in term of financial and lifestyle.

In Singapore ...............
My mum has an eye operation in June and great to see that she is recovering well.


Overall, we have a great trip but an emotional one. Saying goodbyes to our families this time, seem hard :wah



Oh, by the way.............
I am now the great-aunt of this 9-month old boy :D (photo here with his auntie, Tony's youngest niece)

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/Singel8/20061021-175006.jpg

[Diny]

Great to hear about your recent trip. It must heve been reassuring for you to catch up with your rellies who have had recent accidents & operations.

The emotional strain of a parent being ill while you're away is very hard. My dad has recently been diagnosed with very early stage cancer, his treatment so far seems to have worked very well - he's down to 3 monthly check-ups now .... but being so far away can be very difficult - you have my sympathy on that one.

We're heading home in 3 weeks time for the Christmas holidays - I'm wondering how the next round of goodbyes will be. Your posting has been of great interest to me.

Hope you're enjoying being back in NZ.

Diny

[StevieD]

Hi Ivy, nice post. As Diny says, it can't be easy being in your situation. Keep your chin up. {{{{hugs}}}}

And isn't the little boy lovely!!??

Steve

[kiwidebs]

Hi Ivy

Nice to 'see' you back in the country after what sounds like a good trip to visit family. Sounds like you got some nice sunshine to recharge your Vit D. Must say, you haven't missed much in the weather in Auckland while you were gone (unless you like singing in the rain :laugh :laugh ).
Your great-nephew is gorgeous!

Debs

[willsken]

Sounds like a bitter sweet trip for you. Hope all goes well for your FIL.

What a cute little chap in the photo.

[Singel]

Diny, glad to know that your dad is doing well - keep everything crossed :nice1 :nice1
I bet that you are now counting down to the day of leaving for UK.

Steve, thanks for the much needed cyber hugs :cheers

Debs, we have hectic schedules and the good weather in Europe really helps.

Willsken, we are still waiting for the news of FIL's first operation.

It takes us a few days to recover from the jetlag. Spend time, mowing the overgrown lawn and clearing the nasty weeds. Now, we are feeling great - home sweet home :raebanana

[sizzlingbadger]

What a trip for you guys. Sounds like you're glad to be back in NZ which is good.

Hope your FIL will make a good recovery :)

[Nienke]

Welcome back Ivy and Ton! And oh, that latest addition to your family is just gorgeous!

[Smiler]

Welcome back Ivy

Sounds like a difficult trip, especially with the inlaws. MIL must be feeling lonely and missing you too. I hope all goes well for them both.

Good to hear that Hilda is on the mend, even if it is slowly. It must have felt better seeing her and giving her a hug.

It sounds nice that you saw so many people on the trip though. I'm nosey, but did you feel that there was no way you wanted to return to Europe?

Big hugs from me

D x xx x

[Singel]

Thanks everyone for your well wishes and concern to my FIL. He had gone for the operation and also had just finished his1st of the 6th chemo treatment.


I'm nosey, but did you feel that there was no way you wanted to return to Europe?
D x xx x

OH and I had discussed about it, we do not see ourselves moving back to Europe at the moment. The lifestyle in NZ is just too good to give up (we already spoilt here :D). However, we never said "never" in case our itchy feet dictate ;) :laugh