A Cookaburra

These are the guys that we were telling people about in the UK. The make a very loud 'laughing' sound - it really sounds like someone is cackling into a loud hailer!!!

Its a really unsual sound, the only problem is that as soon as they wake up they start - as soon as one starts - they all start - which is a total pain in the arse when it usually kicks off about 0430am!!!!!!

Dubai

After we left the Uk - we had a couple of days in Dubai. To be honest - we weren't that struck on the place. It was a VERY hot, dusty building site!

We did go to one of the shopping centres called Mall of the Emirates which had to be the hugest shopping centre in the world!!! It had a ski slope inside - can you beleive????

We couldn't believe all the Rolls Royces and limos parking up outside at concierge.

I suppose Dubai is good to see - we won't rush back and I'd recommend other places if you're into sun and shopping!

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY - MUM

We hoped you liked your surprise - sorry we couldn't spend more time with you - we had a fabulous time and it was wonderful to see you again.

Thanks Jean for organising it and for keeping our secret safe.

Thanks also to Stephen and Fiona for putting us up.

My Name is Deborah and I'm addicted to Tea Lights

Please - if anyone knows of a self help group or they could possibly provide some support for our dear sister and sister n law - we would really like you to get in touch - our situation is DESPARATE

This problem often goes undiagnosed for years and only emerges at garden parties and in many cases it can be very serious. If you are at a garden party and are (a) struggling to breath for lack of oxygen and (b) the bushes around you seem to be on fire, (c) the light seems incredibly bright for that time of evening - you should immediately confront your host.

Tell tales signs:-

• Vast amounts of time spent in IKEA candle section
• Lots of little spent circular foil holders in the bin
• Vast sums of money being spent on Tea Light Holders
• Lack of normal coversation that didn't include the words 'Tea Light'
• Burnt/Black Fingers
• Lengthy times in garden but no real gardening being done

If you believe you have an addict in your midst - On NO Account Should You

• Allow them to buy matches
• Buy them Tea Lights of any form (inlcudes candles and most dangeously - oil burners!!)
• Give them gifts of any combustable material
• Suggest having a garden party.
  

Night out with Deb and Paul

We went out for dinner first with Deb n Paul and then back to theirs for a spa party - fantastic. We really had a great night and thanks so much for putting us up and for looking after us.

Thanks too for organising the surprise for everyone - you both did an awesome job of keeping it quiet and it worked a treat.

Denise - please forgive us all - we didn't mean to hijack your celebrations!!!! The whole thing was at our instigation!!!!!

Steve and Laura's New Home

We want to wish you guys every hapiness in your new home.

Night in with some old mates

It was great to sit back and relax with some old friends. We really miss you guys and we had a great night.

Graham miraclulously went into the hallway and managed to rattle up a full Chinese meal for everyone - it only took him 20 mins - wow!!! He didn't even touch the kitchen - that boy really has got some amazing talents!!!

Thanks for putting us up Graham and we had a fantastic time.

Lunch in our Favourite Pub - The Blundell Arms, Horwich

It was great to back here - it was also great to have a good pint of English Ale - how we've missed that!!!

On this day poor Laura lost her job - hope we cheered you up Laura - good luck getting a new one.

The weather hurled of wind and rain all day long - we don't miss that one bit!!!

Sunday Lunch - Canal Street, Manchester

Wow what a great time we had back in the UK - we both needed a month to recover!!!

It was FANTASTIC to see everyone again. We were so delighted to see so many people who came to our Sunday lunch - our only regret is that we didn't have enough time to get round and see everyone.

What's more - we thought that thie blog had died a death and we were surprised to discover that so many people are still looking at it. We PROMISE to keep it updated more so that you can all get your 'blog fix' more regularly.

Thanks to those that turned up - it ws a great day and we had a ball.

It was great to see evreyone looking so well (some looking a bit fatter - Ray and I included!!!). A very special thanks to Janice and Sandra for coming down from Scotland - we were both honoured!