We have settled back into life in Castlemaine after a few restless nights wandering around the house at 3.30am in the morning. After the warmth of the northern hemisphere, with days lasting until 11pm we came back to dark frosty nights starting at 5.30pm. It's still taking us a while to get used to the chilly winter here, but we are rejoicing that there has been so much rain.
As we expected, the tumors in Ray's liver have started to grow again and a tumour has been located in his lung. The planned course of action is for him to resume the chemo treatment he had started before our trip. The first dose is tomorrow (Wednesday). After 12 weeks of feeling pretty much normal, it's not something Ray is looking forward to at all. Saying all that though we are so very grateful for the opportunity to experience our trip abroad, memories and reflections we will continue to talk about for years to come. The girls are loving reconnecting with friends and school and Mum and Dad are slowly engaging with their garden and the Castlemaine community again.
Blessings to you all

Well, we're on the homeward trek. Driving down to Birmingham this afternoon to spend a final evening with Di and family before heading off for the airport at 6am for a mid-day flight. Thanks once again John for the loan of your car.

Thanks to all Ray's 'Ollerton' family for the wonderful hospitality they gave us for our final week in Lancashire. We had a lovely catch up with Aunty Marg West before John came over from Blackpool to spend the weekend with us in Darwen. Had a lovely Indian dinner with Susan, Mel, Westley & Lucas. We stayed 2 nights at Uncle Tom & Aunty Marg Ollerton's beautiful country home at Entwistle - went through the family photo albums, took an early morning walk around the reservoir and enjoyed Aunty Marg's home cooking (especially her whinberry pie). Caught up with their daughter Catherine and son-in-law Peter and their gorgeous sons Sam, Nick and Ben. Cousin David cooked us a gourmet bbq at his, Sarah & Toby's house where we caught up again with Ray's cousins Lyn & Christine. Although no longer a hairdresser, Susan obligingly brought around her scissors and gave Ray (and several others) haircuts & trims.
We spent a last day in Blackpool with John and watched the tide come in on South Shore, then we went to see a play in the evening at the Grand Theatre.

This trip has been a wonderful experience and special time for us all, but especially Ray, to get to know his family in the UK.
We are looking forward to putting our feet on Australian soil again, however, and seeing our family and friends there.
Our love and hugs to everyone - Marg, Ray, Tahnee & Marli