Anyone for a fire?

As the mini map on the plane indicates we're flighing over blighty the clear views afforded by the rest of Europe, the obvious outline of Greek islands and the snow covered canvas of Poland are eclipsed by the British climate. The second we hit England there is a duvet of cloud so thick that even making out a coastline becomes impossible. There I am hallucinating about bluebell covered woodlands and daffoldil shrouded grassy nowles, getting all excited about England in spring, when the reality of the wether bats the blinkers from my eyes.
Safely wrapped in the freezing bosom of my sisters house I recall my mothers neccessary economy of our childhood with a sense of deja vu as I beg my sister to turn on the heating to be greeted with the words so familiar from times past. 'it's not that cold, get another jumper'. like mother like daughter as they say. Getting another jumper is logistically impossible as I am wearing the only one I brought with me and the only one in the house not currently in the washing machine.
For a second the novelty of seeing my breath as I exhale excites me after two and half years in hot climates. Predicably it fades fast as I huddle under the cushions visualising warm feet in the faint hope they will eventuate.

Very British of me I realised to whine about the weather before i even mention the joy of meeting the gorgeous bundle of calm that is my newest niece. Before I even talk about the wit and playful spirit of the other niece who was only a babe when I left, only just talking when I last visited.

They are fabulous. Both my parents have been away which has given me a chance to spend some uninterupted quality time with my sister, I have loved it. I have even manged to be helpful with a bodyclock still working on Bali time I have been waking at 3am and therefore able to allieviate my sister from the nightly ritual of baby duty so she can grab some sleep whilst I keep the latest addition amused.

I head to London at the weekend for a last night of unmarried girl action with Amy before she leaves me and Ailsa as the ringless old maids of a group I once envisaged would stay single forever together. I am very excited about the wedding although having arrived in a house with three childrens worth of Easter eggs the diet starts again tomoorrow to improve chance of looking good in the backless outfit I have chosen (naturally purchased in a warmer climate than this one!). I have gained at least half a stone in three days which I am aware is a bad start to the post bali fitness regime I was determined to get cracking on.

Ah well, first few days home I am giving myself a little slack.