A tropical beach at sunset...

Hi Holly,

It's been a busy couple of weeks and there have been some fairly big changes in my life since I last wrote - the main one being that Pip and I are getting married! We've been together for 5 years now, and I think we know each other well enough to know that we will stay together - one of the advantages of being old - you don't change anymore, so if you like what you see, there probably aren't any unforeseeable changes round the corner.

We went to Grenada for a holiday and had a lovely time at a very nice hotel and driving round exploring the island. The snorkelling, diving and skiing was also great fun. On our way back to the hotel one evening, I diverted to this really nice beach we had found, and as the sun set, I asked Pip to marry me. When she stopped crying, she finally said yes, and the wedding will be next year - I know it's probably asking the impossible, but it would really make my day if you could be there with us...

Jasper is slowly getting better and although he's got to put up with living in a cage for another month or so while his legs heal, it does at least look as though he's only used up 8 of his 9 lives and that he's going to be with us for some time to come. It would have been terrible if we'd lost him, and I will always be grateful to Mr Haggis, the brilliant vet who saved him.

Michael is doing his GCSE's this week, but it all seems to be going well so far, so we are hoping for some good results. He and I go and play tennis most Sunday mornings, and he is getting quite good now - in other words, he can beat me!! It was one set all and he won the third set on a tie-break this week.. Just wait 'til next week..

I wonder what sports you play? I hope that some of my sporting genes have come through - maybe one day I will see you in action in whatever sport you have chosen...

Well, got to get back to work now - I wish I had a recent photo of you - you are still smiling at me as a 4 year old every day - I'm sure you have grown into a beautiful 10 year old and a recent picture would mean a lot to me. I know Pip tried to get one for my birthday last year, but although she spoke to Richard, nothing ever arrived... Quel dommage...

Anyway, I'll blog again soon,

Lots of love,
Dad
xx