So here we are at the start of 2014 and I wish everyone a very Happy New Year – let’s hope it’s a good one!

I am now back home here on Crete after my three week break in the UK and am reflecting on how it all went. Sadly, for the first time in 5 years I fell poorly just a few days after I arrived in the UK and that put a real dampener on the holiday for me. I caught a nasty cold which turned into a chest infection. For over a week I had a ghastly tickly cough which kept me awake at night, my temperature went up and down like a yoyo and I completely lost my appetite! I missed out on so much of the lovely food over Christmas and barely enjoyed the wine available. This was so frustrating for me as I really wanted to rest, eat, drink and have fun… but I couldn’t do any of that! My poor Mum got the same virus but thankfully, although Karen and Mike’s house was filled with family and friends for the whole Christmas and New Year period – no-one else caught it. Mum and I both reckon we picked up this nasty virus from our respective flights over.

Luckily by the time New Year’s Eve arrived I was back to feeling more like my usual self. Karen and Mike hosted their fun-filled party and a great time was had by one and all. My appetite had returned so I was finally able to enjoy all the tasty food on offer and it felt so good to be drinking my favourite tipple again – lovely crisp white wine! The party definitely made up for all the social occasions that I’d barely ‘been there’ for during the Christmas week.

Zoe, Rob, Hannah, Sophie, Charlie, Emma and Ash – goofing around in Karen & Mike’s kitchen!

I made the most of my final week in the UK and spent it out and about, meeting friends for dinner and drinks. But by far, the most important aspect of my stay in the UK was that I got to spend real quality time with all the people I cherish in my life, especially my two girls, Zoe and Emma. They are both doing so well in their respective careers and are both leading happy and fulfilled lives. I am so proud of them and can’t ask for more than that. But I still always get upset when I have to say goodbye to a loved one and at this time of year there are so many people I love that I have to say goodbye to. But, I tell myself, it won’t be too long until I see them again, when they come and visit me in Crete during the spring and summer months.