Bye bye Laura xxx

Really sad today that it is Laura's last day.  The time has gone far too quickly and we have had a right old laugh together.  It could only have been bettered by Marky Mark being here with us - hopefully next year.

After yesterday's rather indifferent/stormy weather today was glorious and so Laura spent the morning relaxing by the pool in the sunshine.  We had arranged to get her to the airport for 4.30pm and introduce her to Jane and John who were kindly taking her back to their house in Somerton so that Mark did not have to drive all the way to Bristol to pick her up.  Prior to getting the airport we had decided to have a leisurely lunch at Bona Mare having ascertained it would be open - in fact it closes this coming weekend for the season.

Laura spent the morning packing her little case which was now stuffed with her purchases from Jumbos - Mark will be thrilled!!!  Actually I expect he is a bit like John - huffs and puffs about Christmas but secretly loves it and itches to get the decorations up!!!

The weather had been pretty kind to Laura and back in the UK it had been really awful with weather warnings and, earlier in the week, flights cancelled in and out of Heathrow.  Fortunately nothing like that today so there was nothing to delay Laura's return home.

We had not realised that this was the first time we had taken Laura to Bona Mare - when we had taken her and Mark back to the airport previously we had been to Mandria for fish and chips - she loved it at Bona Mare - it was the most beautiful afternoon and it was relaxing to sit by the sea and eat and drink knowing that if needs be we could walk to the airport from there.  So much nicer than panicking to get there on time.

We arrived in the airport carpark at dead on 4.29 leaving us a minute to walk to the carpark payment machines where we could see Jane and John were waiting for us.  In fact Jane was just texting to say they had arrived.

We introduced Laura to Jane and John.  Laura and Mark live next door to the daughter of Janet who is a friend of Jane and John's so at least they had something in common which is good.

The airport didn't seem to be too busy and now they are no longer insisting on passengers arriving 3 hours before departure which is also good but this has probably only now been relaxed as there are less people passing through.

We managed to get in and out of the carpark without incurring any charges although we were more than happy to pay if we had needed to and made our way back home for a quiet night.  Tomorrow if the weather is good I will get the sheets etc washed ready for our next visitor which is my sister in 2 weeks' time.  Fingers crossed she will have some nice weather although next week is set to be wet and and much cooler.  John wants us to start getting the house winterized so will need to find the heaters out!