Family - However Far Removed-- Is Still Family

It's a strange thing that no matter that they might be in Australia or in yesterdays case , in LA, California, I really feel proud to have met parts of Lynda's family-- in the case of yesterday-- The Bates Family.

Cousins are cousins -- doesn't matter whether first , second or third cousins,  there is still family there and we should treasure that more than we do .

I'm one to talk -- having just met up with Lynda's half the way round the world, I can't even get down to Pompy to see those that we have there-- not even seeing brother and sister who are only half that journey-- so I have to address that at some point, because the time is too quickly gone.

Anyway , nothing should detract from the wonderful time and welcome we had and got from John and Sandy yesterday or the hosting that Karen did with the beautiful princess that is Henrietta in tow.

And Amy arriving with such fine children -- Ben at Uni, Sarah just about to go and the pure card trick genius that is Daniel-- I have no idea how he did that--any of them , amazing tricks.

Anyway --------------------------------- Here they are!!

  A wonderful dinner prepared by Sandy-- with a little help from her little helper when it came to the cake -- it was all delicious . Having said that , I wonder how tough it must be remembering who is into meat and who is not and what can a Vegan eat -- especially one that falls from grace every now and then-- you know who you are Karen :-) .

 With Terry and without Karen

One family photo with Karen and one without and the same with Terry-- thanks to both for being the photographer.

 

So from left to right -- John, Lynda, Charlotte, some old fella, Karen, Amy with Sarah and Henrietta in front, and then Ben & Daniel.

 

I have to say that with John, it is like we were talking yesterday, I feel so comfortable in his company.

 

Here is definitely a guy that has been there and done it with the travelling that he did all over the world with his business, and to hear the passion he still has for the work that he did more latterly in the USA Nuclear construction business, solving problem as he went.

 

It was great that I was able to share some recent projects that M+W are involved in in the Nuclear sector and hope he finds them as interesting as I did.#

 

This was also one of those times when introducing our baby and her fiancé to this family was something completely new to the group was a little different and a big thanks to Terry for being so involved on the day-- it must have been a little daunting but you were great.

 

A bit of an effort was made by everyone as you can see from when we left the Hotel---

 

 

Ok, so 4 hours after 3 years is not a long time you might say but the memories of this short visit will last long in the memory.

 

And also , we have loads that we have to do -- like dropping Terry and Charlotte off here---

 

 

H, the Beverly Wiltshire-- it would be rude not to go have a cocktail when we are in town--well not Lynda or  me just the younger ones-- Pretty Woman aficionados - and of course at least an opportunity to walk down Rodeo drive waving your credit card around shouting " Big Mistake -- Huge"

 

Apparently---shhh , don't tell anyone -- But Terry & Charlotte are now bet buddies with a  real life Texas Millionaire and his wife-- cant wait for the introduction, although I don't think Richard Geere ever fell off a bar stool in that hotel----

 

 Oh dear, just had a thought , that she did that with  my details an I am in hock for 10 grands worth of little black Versace number --- excuse me while I shiver violently.

 

Oh well, I guess our trip to LA wouldn't be complete without a trip to Tony's on Fishermans Wharf at Redondo Beach or Malibu so that certainly takes care of today then.

 

 

 

So LA nearly finished and as always we will leave with a little sadness-- but first a bowl of the best clam chowder in LA.

 

Right , now where did I put my credit card------- Charlotte , CHARLOTTE !!!!