Back in Esperaza....

 ... the violets are out! That's about it, so far - when I find out anything else that has happened in the last week or so, will report.

In the meantime, handy hint: photograph all your cards and ID docs because when your wallet is stolen in Venice you can get a police crime number and show the stuff to the customs when you try to get back into France without your carte de sejour. (I travelled with the Rushtons which is how I know this) Also travelled with other friends from Esperaza, it was a very jolly ride.

For those who have expressed concern for my nephew Paddy, it is with great joy that I write that I was there, in the neurological rehabilitation hospital in York, when he took his first steps! He was paralysed with GBS late November and has made a recovery that seems miraculous. 

I got the full story. His friends found him and got him to A and E in the nick of time, with one eye and a bit of the mouth functioning. He's 22; no age to die. Whapped onto the ventilator in Glasgow ( where he is a student at the Uni), moved by 'plane to hometown York ICU, hence to rehab. A long and terrifying nightmare- 

Pads has been surrounded by love and care for all those desperate days. The family are amazing and his many friends ditto. As is Pads; humour and strength and courage shone out of the boy throughout..

Many many thanks for all your prayers and good wishes- you know who you are xxx