 |
| Kerrie and Betty, Florence with photo bomb (!), 2011 |
Today I'm wearing a pair of earrings which are replicas of a Florentine coin, featuring the city's Fleur de Lys emblem. I bought them when we were living in Florence for 6 weeks (the reasons for which I will explain another day, with a different pair of earrings!). The important point about these coins is that they link me to my wonderful sister-in-law Kerrie McCallum, one of Robbie's older sisters. While we were in Florence, Kerrie and Betty came to visit us - as did my parents, Fiona and Georgie, and Catherine and Bart. It was a really special time; it was during the depths of winter so we were able to explore that gorgeous city, especially the magnificent galleries, without any tourists around. It was the first time both Betty and Kerrie has been to Italy, so it was especially nice to be able to give them a Florentine base from which to to come and go, and for them to regale us with all their adventures.
 |
| Scott, Annimieke, Betty & Kerrie |
Kerrie is endlessly generous, never missing a birthday, always arriving with some gift or delicious food, and is very caring - she clearly takes after her Mum! Kerrie is married to Mark, a senior policeman and one of the most reliable and trustworthy people around -and is a dedicated Mum to the now grown up Scott and Caitlin. Scott and Nikki have now started the next generation with a gorgeous daughter, Annimieke.
 |
| On a shopping spree, Florence, 2011 |
Kerrie has many talents, one of which is shopping! This made it extra fun having her in Florence. While I was caught up working, Kerrie would be out scouting the best places, including great earring shops, and it was on her recommendation that I found the shop that sold these coins. They are a lovely momento of our time together there. I'm so grateful to be threaded into the web of the Ridley clan, with Kerrie and all my other lovely in-laws.
I can't miss the opportunity to shout out a very happy birthday to my gorgeous nephew Charlie Kelleher who turns 18 today. Charlie is an incredibly talented sportsman, and a gentle soul who, at 6'8, is carrying himself with ease and grace into adulthood.
 |
| Captain Cha Cha |
 |
| Big cousin Charlie with baby Angus, 2006 |
Day 31 has been another good one. A routine morning walk followed by another day editing another long-overdue paper I'm writing with Rose. I had the chance for a long chat with Sally Kelly, cousin Matin's wife, who is emerging at the other end of her breast cancer treatment, juggling the rigours of a particularly tough chemo regime with a gorgeous, active 1 year old son, Samuel. Her attitude is inspirational and advice very welcome. We've both discovered our sweet tooth, with my favourite dish de jour being a version of Mum's apple crumble - with my addition of berries, plums and pears. My scalp's itchy again and the stubble shedding like crazy. Robbie's been busy cleaning out the kitchen cupboards. What would I do without him!
Today I'm wearing a pair of earrings which are replicas of a Florentine coin, featuring the city's Fleur de Lys emblem. I bought them when we were living in Florence for 6 weeks (the reasons for which I will explain another day, with a different pair of earrings!). The important point about these coins is that they link me to my wonderful sister-in-law Kerrie McCallum, one of Robbie's older sisters. While we were in Florence, Kerrie and Betty came to visit us - as did my parents, Fiona and Georgie, and Catherine and Bart. It was a really special time; it was during the depths of winter so we were able to explore that gorgeous city, especially the magnificent galleries, without any tourists around. It was the first time both Betty and Kerrie has been to Italy, so it was especially nice to be able to give them a Florentine base from which to to come and go, and for them to regale us with all their adventures.
Day 31 has been another good one. A routine morning walk followed by another day editing another long-overdue paper I'm writing with Rose. I had the chance for a long chat with Sally Kelly, cousin Matin's wife, who is emerging at the other end of her breast cancer treatment, juggling the rigours of a particularly tough chemo regime with a gorgeous, active 1 year old son, Samuel. Her attitude is inspirational and advice very welcome. We've both discovered our sweet tooth, with my favourite dish de jour being a version of Mum's apple crumble - with my addition of berries, plums and pears. My scalp's itchy again and the stubble shedding like crazy. Robbie's been busy cleaning out the kitchen cupboards. What would I do without him!
Such a life changing holiday that one. Love you Lou, hope to visit soon with a suitable offering.
ReplyDelete