Apologies for the lack of content, I have as you know had rather mitigating circumstances...I was heading back to the place of my birth and my fathers last place on Earth...home.

After weeks of planning and preparation, the day of departure finally arrived...we left Perth on the 13th January and landed back in England on the 13th January. But rather than staying overnight as planned and then driving up to the Midlands, we picked up the hire car and headed north. The journey wasn't too horrid. But given the lateness of the hour, the lack of sleep on a cramped, over heated and so it seemed waterless flight, we took the first left at the service station..i needed caffeine and the bathroom.

We landed on mum's doorstep at 11.20pm and then it seemed we didn't stop. Dad's funeral was scheduled for 11am the following morning, but I really couldn't remember where to go, so my brother and his fiance headed over to lead the way. A good job too, as my kids will tell you I am not the best navigator and driver (at the same time) in the world.

Apart from my parents, I hadn't seen any of my relatives for 12 years....but it appeared that few had changed so dramatically I didn't recognise them...and nor me "you haven't changed a bit" - well I had, but perhaps not outwardly. I was due to read one of my father's favourite poems during the proceedings, so when my sister threatened to lose it - before the service started...I said "don't you start yet" which seemed to be my catchphrase throughout the morning...

The following day we went back to take some pictures of the flowers, and the words written with such love and care...but what got me the most was a small white teddy bear filled with roses for Baby Millie...sometimes I do wonder.

Dad had always loved Portland and had spent many a holiday with my mum down on the island that my sister calls home. they had found the perfect place for dad... Church Ope - otherwise known as The Pirates Graveyard.

A beautiful, soulful place that my father loved. He would stand looking out over the bay, so it was fitting he should be granted this one last great wish. To be where his heart belonged.

From Portland we headed north to Stonehenge and onwards into London....I will upload some pictures into the main gallery in the not too distant future...

The "holiday" has been one of highs and lows...we started with sadness, but ended with my brothers wedding. I shall be glad to get home for a rest.

Love to all

speak soon

elle