The sole reason for pushing through to make this trip 'down south' was to once again spend time with our family. We deliberately make no distinction in this context between 'the Ewing family' and 'the Bateman family' because there is none. Yes, Sue carries the genetic influence and heredity of her parents, but so do our children. Likewise, there are evident Bateman traits devolved to me through nature and nurture - and likewise through to our kids. In marrying, we joined not just our own lives but those of our families. Through procreation we became inextricably enmeshed in every way - and how good it is. We love and enjoy 'the whole family' and are confident of their love and acceptance in return.

Thirty four years on, there is no 'your family' and 'my family'. Our kids talk of 'the aunts and uncles' and 'the cousins' rightly seeing them as a homogeneous (but diverse and interesting) group in terms of relationship. Better yet, as our kids have married and 'the cousins' established long-term relationships, all 'the partners' have been welcomed into, valued and enjoyed, as part of 'the family'.

There is therefore special freedom and joy for us in spending time with 'our family' during this 'tour'. Whether in groupings large or small, for hours or mere moments we take and hold precious each opportunity to be daughter, son, sister, brother, in-laws, aunt, uncle, great aunt and uncle(!) but also friend, carer, supporter, champion, story-teller, listener, tear-shedder, laugh-maker, prayer and fellow sojourner. For us this is richer and better and more worthy than any other item on a 'bucket list'. Forget extreme sports or world travel, just place us in the bosom of the family and let us settle there content - a foretaste of heaven.

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Yesterday afternoon we moved into our beach-side accommodation at Glenelg. It was a lovely warm (for May) sunny afternoon. We sat at our little table by the window and watched the sun set on a gentle sea with lapping waves. We awoke to the hiss and fizz and crash of breaking waves driven ahead of an angry wind. Rocks bedaubed with frothing spittle stood resolute as fronds liberated from Norfolk Island pines took flight to tap out a syncopated rhythm on the windows. Cold air leached its way through crack and crevice to administer a cold caress to knees and neck. Black became grey, and grey held sway against a striving sun, delaying the full birth of the day.

We are LOVING it!!

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Keep reveling in creation and the Creator. Blessings to you all.