Life:
It's been a bit crazy (I feel like I'm always saying that, but recently it's been so true!). My ex who had dementia passed away, and I helped organize, and then attended, her celebration of life ceremony. It was very stressful and very moving. Now I'm tasked with trying to settle her estate. I might have to file in probate court, but I'm still trying to work everything out.

Mil and I had visitors recently -- her brother and sister-in-law came for a week. And before that (early this year) her mum came to stay with us for a couple of weeks. And before THAT, Fizzy came to visit for a few days. I always find visitors exhausting (even if they're lovely and I enjoy seeing them) because I worry about showing them a good time. But fortunately everything went well in all of those cases. (Except that Fizzy was the guinea pig for our new air conditioner, and actually had it heating the room up to 98 degrees! Poor Fizzy. )

Love:
Mil is here again, and each time she stays we enjoy each other's company more and more. (Not that we ever DIDN'T enjoy each other's company, but living together always takes adjusting to each other's quirks....especially hers since I have none. )

And when we're not together, we miss each other, but somehow we're making this long-distance relationship work. We marvel sometimes at the fact that we've known each other about 13 years and been together about 9 years. I still find her sexy and funny and bright, and feel very lucky to be in such a relationship, even with an Aussie.

Travel:
We did a big "family trip" (my parents and a couple of siblings and their families, along with Mil, her mum, and meeting her sibs in Oz) last year, and it was a big success. I did the planning, and managed to find all kinds of adventures in New Zealand and Australia for kids and old folk alike. It was such a success that now they want to do a cruise next year, but I said I'm not planning that one, so we'll see how it goes!

In a couple of months Mil and I are going to China. At least, I hope we're going, as I'm having issues getting a visa, and I haven't even started planning for it yet. Normally I like to plan things and book places months in advance, but it's been too busy lately. But if it does happen, it should be interesting!