Home Thoughts From A Broad...

Today's guest columnist is my sister-in-law Adele. We're preparing to return for our first visit to England next weekend.

Dear Hilary,
Here's a suggestion of what to pack:
Raincoat, ski jacket, light cardigan, bikini, sandals, snowboots, wellies, sun hat, sou'wester, sunglasses, ski goggles. (The weather has been more than a little unpredictable of late).
Defibrillator (for when Grumpy sees the price of petrol).
Emergency hand luggage if you're passing through Terminal 5 at heathrow (They've lost seeral thousand pieces of baggage over the last week).
A tape recording of everything that has gone on over the last year. (You'll have to repeat it so many time, it might as well be a recording).
Photos/cd of how your house looks since family/friends visited last. (It will be easier than starting every conversation with "Well, you know how...."
Thick skin (at least one member of the family is sure to make at least one catty comment at some stage during your visit).
A business card or similar with details of your blog address (saves writing it out over and over as people will want to see what you're going to write about your trip).
Camera and notebook (so when you get home you and Grumpy can look back over your trip and remember all the very good reasons for moving away in the first place).
Also, before you leave, it may be worth while making an appointment with a good chiropractor. After sitting on a plane for hours, getting pulled from pillar to post and getting stressed out while you're here and getting hugged by everyone, you may need some work doing!
Really looking forward to seeing you both,
Love
Adele