Happy new year!!! I set up this blog because I thought Andy and I could do it together. Well NOT!

You can lead a horse to water but what if he isn't thirsty?
I travel I quilt and I eat so that is enough.

Happy New Year

Love

Misstroye

Over the channel and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go

It has been a long time since |I have written anything but lots has happened.

Just before school broke up in Lagos a few of us got together for what I called a coffee morning with a difference. I said the ladies bring your cup and I will fill it up. We had coffee from Jamaica Port and Bailey's. I made beautiful cookies and cakes and we had fun.

The following week another lady had breakfast at her house and we had buck's fizz. On the last Friday before the holiday' I did a barbecue for all the people who are going to help with the walk we are doing in February at school. I felt a little overwhelmed as someone who was supposed to help me pulled out at the last minute. It went well though. I know how to light a fire and cook meat outside. I did it without he traditional mess that usually follows a Fennell BBQ. I have to say |I did a rather good job and the meat was cooked in my view to perfection.

I had about eight ladies show up and it was good. None of the men came but
I am hoping that that will not hinder the work ahead of us.

We my boys and I set off for London exhausted from all of the Pre Christmas activities. Not to mention the challenge I had with a company boss before I left. It is amazing how much things can take out of you and run you down. I have learned that I worry too much about certain things and not enough about others. I also learned that there is some good in saving old emails. Saving those emails saved the comm 1250 pounds. People will never know it or the amount of time I spent sorting that out but it is my job and so it is done.

Once we finally arrived in London after a marathon journey. We were descending into London when the pilot came on and told us we were being diverted to Shannon Ireland. That is where the real adventure began

Imagine about 70 angry Nigerians descending on a hotel in the sticks about 20 miles from any where?? I have to say the Irish were very hospitable and kind and patient.

Our first stop was a hotel we ended up at because the driver of our coach took a wrong turn. They had no idea we were coming but put up those of us that they could. The coach in the meantime left us stranded so those of us left behind had to make due. The hotel kindly gave us tea and biscuits and squash for those children who were not already sleeping on the various chairs and couches in the lobby. Some of us just retired to the bar. Kids asleep going no where so why not a Guinness. After all I was in the land of my children's grandfather so why not make it a good adventure.

At about 3 am the coaches returned to take us to our intended destination some 50 miles away in a place called Gort.

We arrived at about 0430 and finally got into our room after lugging our luggage (no wonder they call it that) I went straight to the front and said rather firmly CHILDREN FIRST!! I got a little stick from some other guests but I got the full attention of the receptionist and me and my friend got our kids to bed quite wearily by 0530.

We saw the news the next morning and saw how families were having to sleep on the floor at the airports. We were lucky we had warm beds and good food to eat all compliments of Virgin Atlantic. Their communication to us their customers was not good but if you are going to deal with an angry mob I guess it is better to do it the way they did. Anonymously through hotel staff. That way you control the flow of bad feeling and staff don't get worn down. Smart business move. That way if people do go to the trouble of complaining Virgin can handle you impersonally and tell you what they did never mind what they did not.

Any way we go here in the end and we had a great Christmas together....and that is what it is all about.