Farewells

So, it's finally here. We've left the house behind, said goodbye to the cat and the Volvo, had our farewell meal and reorganized the suitcases (thanks to the Barnses and the Livermore-Hardys for the cross-packing advice).

Evie found it hard to get to sleep... where would we eat breakfast? Would she still have her purple cup to drink from in the morning? I guess we all want to hold on to a bit of comfortable familiarity when we're facing something completely unknown... even if it is really exciting.

Perhaps Barney's technique is best. He had no problem going to sleep and although he has no idea about what's happening, as long as he is with us he seems to feel confident that he's OK. We're all in this together and we know we're held by even bigger arms. So, we're excited and secure (but I'm still glad that I packed the redbush tea and my anti-DVT flight socks).

Family

Well, here they are. My mum and dad. They will be bravely venturing into the southern hemisphere to visit us in February. It's because of their early adventures with us that I feel brave enough to start this one. After all, I've survived a terrorist attack in Portugal and near drowning off the welsh coast. Thanks mum and dad. I will really miss you. Thanks for being game enough to join us too.

Friends

It's funny how a trip to the other side of the world makes you realise how much you love the people at home. We haven't even left yet, but suddenly all events are tinged with the excitement and gentle sadness of leaving.

Last week was Barney's baptism. I looked around the room and every face was loved, every relationship suddenly thrown into the spotlight of history, affection and shared experience. I couldn't think how to express it - and all I could say was something fumbling about 'how much everyone means to us'. That really doesn't explain it. Each person has had a unique, irreplaceable role in our lives. We are who we are because of them, but I'm sure that most wouldn't see themselves like that and would think that I was talking about someone else.

Last night Claire and Rob came round to eat and play Canansta. I've know Claire since I can remember, and Rob for a good long time... but it was that moment of watching Claire giggling as Rob struggled to fit Oliver (their son and our godson) into the car seat that I realised again... These are people who I love... They know me, I know them, I am proud of Oliver, proud of them, utterly comfortable in their company. And I will miss them.

I guess I will feel this a lot over the next few weeks, and I'm glad. Life so often overtakes these moments and really this is what life is about. To know and be known is sweet.

First Post

Well, this is the first time I've done anything online ahead of Craig. I am charting uncharted Borlase territory and feeling good for it.

There is a lot of space on this page and I am feeling a little like James Cook must have done when he initially landed in Botany Bay with his 700 convicts. A whole big space to explore, leaving me daunted, excited and a bit unsure of where to go next. So maybe that's far enough for now. I'll make camp just inshore - I've made it to the land of blogging and it's warm and friendly, even if the water does go the wrong way down the plug hole.