Condolences

One of the problems of being away from home is not being able to share in grieving for those who have died. Over the last few weeks Peter has lost an uncle and Jane a person who had a great influence in her life.
Uncle Derrick was Peter's father's youngest brother and like most of his father's family he lived in Devon all his life - why would anyone choose to live anywhere else?
Joan had a zest and enthusiasm for life which was infectious. She always had time for everyone and was a real people's person.
Bereavement is quite different over here. The funeral is the day after the death (Uncle Derrick's funeral was 2 weeks after he died). This is followed by 3 days of condolences when a hall is hired as a place where people can visit the family of the deceased to express their sadness.

Mint

It has taken a year to start adding a few luxuries to our lives. We now have mint growing on our kitchen window sill - apart from Arabic coffee, black tea with mint is the favourite hot drink. The weather is set fine (no rain is expected until October) so we now have our own bar-b-que, which will get regular use, and we are planning to buy a micro-wave, which will transform our cooking.

Jane's parents are half way through their holiday with us and are currently enjoying 100+F temperatures at Masada, so look out for some shrivelled 'Burgoynes' when they return to the UK in a couple of weeks. P