However, I’ve been particularly away recently, as I’ve been Down South visiting my family. This was triggered by my youngest sister Rachel making me an uncle, which in turn caused my next-youngest sister to haul herself all the way from Australia to visit our new nephew. Thus, it seemed a good time to roust myself from my settled nest and go a-visiting.

I have been staying with my brother, Damian, in Oxford, with occasional forays into Guildford, which is where almost everyone else is based – Rachel permanently, Mum and Kate for the duration. Kate managed to get herself a bit ill, so that complicated things, but I got to see and cuddle little Alex (the nephew) and see members of my family I haven’t seen face-to-face for up to eight years.

Photos can be found here – these are from Damian. I didn’t have a camera at the time, although I now do. We’ve just been down to see Dad, and photos from that should be available soon.

It’s been tiring, but a lot of fun. But I shall be home soon.