A quiet weekend prior to leaving for India

I am now back at my sister Mags place but minus the considerable snow they had when I arrived a couple of weeks ago.

It will be three weeks on Monday since I left Cary and the time has flown and there have already been many adventures.

The plan is to regroup and see what I actually need to take with me on the next leg. I feel that my bag is too big and I could carry less and still have all I need. Mags has a smaller bag so I will see if I can make it work.

I am very glad I bought a good warm, waterproof and breathable coat and my long johns and waterproof/ windproof pants, and was able to borrow some real winter socks and a good scarf from my sister Allie. That made all the difference to being warm and comfortable on Shetland and will continue to be of value in New Zealand.

I leave for Chennai India on Tuesday morning to see my good friends Vivek and Sriya and their two kids for a couple of weeks and then to get hooked up again with some friends in Mumbai for a couple of days.

Update.

We have had a nice couple of days with a dusting of snow and temps right around freezing. Mags and David have a huge lot that their house sits on, but in a suburban area. I looked out of one of the windows yesterday to see a fox with a wounded leg hopping around in the back yard, and then 20 minutes later another one (good on all fours) in the front yard. We know there are also deer around who seem to live in the garden too, but I am surprised that there is this sort of wildlife in such a populated area. Looks like the deer and foxes have a pact and the foxes must eat something else! Still waiting on a photo opportunity

Mags and I took a good walk yesterday (Sat) into Reigate and through the extensive park in town. About an hour and a half but some good exercise.

Still no news from her son Piers and his wife Marion, who are expecting their first baby, who was due last Monday but I think has decided against an appearance in this cold weather!