Countdown

Scarily, we now have tentative dates for departure, as I mentioned before... We're aiming for departure on Thursday 12th October via Fiona and Andy in Frankfurt, and leaving Germany for Australia on Sunday 15th October. That means there are ten short weeks in which to do everything that needs to be done - what a frightening thought. 'October' seems very vague and far away, especially as we're enjoying sunshine, summer and fresh raspberries from the allotment! October will smell of autumn and 'mists and mellow fruitfulness'; the leaves will have started turning and the days will be coming in... it's going to be very weird to fly from early morning chill and autumn leaves into late spring and sunshine!

One difference I won't mind, however, was pointed out to me by Michael last night: for the first time ever Ella's birthday and my birthday will occur in the summer rather than the winter! Usually I count myself lucky if it's not raining and the temperature is above zero degrees C, but wow! It should be sunny and warm! We could EAT OUTSIDE in early February! Ella could actually have a have-the-kids-round, play-in-the-garden birthday party! Sounds amazing - I am looking forward to that.