Happy New Year All!
MIL has returned home in one piece. We kept her very busy every day she was here, and so she has returned home with lots of nice activities to tell her cronies about. The place we took her for an afternoon tea was an absolute delight, and even had a (real) fake snow storm for a few minutes when they played Christmas music. We had our first ever visit to a professional panto, and I am sure it will be our last. It was well enough done, but I think the rest of us prefer a seasonal theatre or ballet trip. It was good to try something new though! The tour of the lights in town went down surprisingly well, and Carnaby Street in particular blew her mind a little I think. We had seen them in daylight, and been slightly underwhelmed, but in the evening, they were spectacular!
DD1 shocked us on NYE by going out with friends, and returning home rather the worse for wear! The first time ever. She was still throwing up when we were trying to leave for the train for a few days away, next morning. The poor thing felt so bad, she actually thought there was more than 'just' a hangover wrong with her. She got only a little sympathy, but a hand hold on the train, and a link to a list of the various ways too much alcohol can affect your body. She calmed down a little when she realised it was all to be expected! As a good friend said, we all remember the first (or only!) time we did it, and swear never to do it again.
She is heading back to uni on Friday and has realised she will have 20 contact hours again next term, after just 14 last. Her best friend from home has only 4 (she says - is that possible for history?).