Visit to Cessnock

Ben, Ellie, Debbie, Lydia and Lydia's Gran (Marie)

On Tuesday Ben and I braved some foul weather and made a trip back to Cessnock. Our mission was to deliver Lance's 50th birthday present (see 27th Nov post for a description of who Lance is). As an added bonus, my good friend Lydia was in Cessnock organising her wedding. Lydia works in Indonesia and it was just a lucky co-incidence that we were both in town at the same time. Lydia's Grannie and her sister Melissa, also came along to meet Ben. We spent the afternoon at the Beckett's house, which is a textbook example of decorating to increase your positive feng shui. It was really nice, except that the feng shui didn't help Ben to bond with Lance. He actually seemed a bit afraid of Lance and I can only conclude that it's the beard. Now I'm a bit worried about the inevitable meeting with Santa. Anyway, I came away resolved to visit the Becketts more often. They are good friends and were such an important part of my life for many years. I really want Ben to know them. Even if I have to convince Lance to shave his beard.

Melissa prepares to escort Marie to the car.