TRAVEL PREPARATIONS

It is getting close to countdown time - 

in a few days we will collect our tickets and itinerary, 

and begin the final packing and preparation for our trip.

My friend D made me another block for my French-themed Friendship quilt -

isn't it beautiful?

and perfectly timed...

En Route to Paris, however, we will visit Hong Kong..

and Dubai...

Have you visited either of these cities?

What was your favourite tourist activity or destination?

Of course, we have more ideas for Paris than we could possibly carry out..

but I'd love to know the best place to buy a Hermes scarf without mortgaging the house...

Any tips?

What did you enjoy the most in Venice, Padua, Florence or Rome?

I'd love to know...

You might remember that we had organised to go on our trip back in May, but medical problems intervened, forcing cancellation of flights, trains and hotel reservations.

Well, we have received good news... 

The travel insurance company has approved our claim and reimbursed our out-of-pocket costs - which amounted to several thousands of dollars.  

Thank goodness we never pay out large sums for holiday bookings, without immediately insuring against unforeseen cancellations - it pays to be cautious!

And we are smiling..

Isn't it sad news about Robin Williams?

He made us laugh until we cried, but, it seems, he was the sad clown beneath that joyful exterior...

May he Rest in Peace

XXXX

ANGELS

My guardian attorney has been looking after me this week.

Long-time readers of the blog may know that Mr C and I were involved in a serious head-on motor vehicle accident two years ago.

We were not at fault and the insurers acknowledged that from the start.

However, it is a long and complicated progression to the awarding of compensation.

Yesterday we reached the point of Settlement and it went amazingly well, especially considering the many horror insurance stories are going around.

We each received a fair and honest sum representing damage, loss of incomes and future medical costs.

To say we are relieved would be an understatement.

Our legal team were brilliant, advised us well, and brought us safely 'home'.

I cannot thank them enough.

We could never have made this legal journey without them.

Today at my Choir for Ladies of a Certain Age, we sang Schubert's beautiful Mille Cherubini in Coro (thousands of angels in chorus!)

(I tried to do a U-tube link for you, but failed in my many attempts)

I am surrounded by angels!

For when we wing our way across to Canada -
a new wool pashmina with faux fur along one side.
I like to use the airline blanket under me for softness and warmth, wear a pashmina as a scarf when boarding, and use it as my blanket.
This should work well, and be useful in the Spring weather when we arrive.

Two little cherubs who await us over there:
The Petit Garcon is taking quite an interest in creative cake-making.
Here is his latest effort, quietly observed by the Little Bebe.
My daughter is a wonderful and dedicated Mum!

Have a lovely weekend and may the angels watch over you too!

xxxx