Boo hoo!

Well folks - we've come out of the whitewater of Christmas/ New Year relatively unscathed and now relaxing into the New Year. The boorish behaviour you mentioned for our NYE celebrations seemed to disappear this year. You really should stop drinking Mick I'm sure it's not just a coincidence that you leave the country and that sort of behaviour dissipates.
All well this end and have enjoyed the travelogue to date.
A belated Happy Birthday to Anne. January now seems to be the eye of the birthday storm! Angus, Roberto, Sophie, Tegan, Marthese and I'm sure there are others that will occur to me after I've missed them (as usual).
Stay well - looking forward to seeing you home in a couple of weeks. (Don't get too depressed).

Hi Anne, Mick, Marthese & Elias (soon to head off to Florence) and Beth (soon to head off to the tour). I've printed off some photos and blogs and will take them to the hospital tomorrow to show Mum. I like to picture of the cooking class and esp Anne laughing. It has fined up here and everyone is very excited and enjoying it. On the downside John H got some award from the Queen. Georgie went for an interview with her minders and scoffed down the dinner of the owner's dog. They also asked if she would like to go to some Wahroonga cafes with them. S
She may not be sure about returning to Hornsby. Love Clare

Wow, Mick and Anne, what fabulous travels. And good to hear of poor Vernazza and Monterosso. We have been following their travails.
Makes me want to go back to Rome too.

Hi Anne and Mick
This site is almost like a fancy shopping centre - you could sond hours looking at everything and lose all sense of time. It really is a great site and the photos are fantastic.Uncle Joe does not look much older than when I saw him last century. Aunt Mary also looks good but a little frail. Iliked the photoof anne at the Bay of Cyclops and the ones of both of you at Orvieto.
It seems you are having a grand trip.
We have just had President Obama visit and that has been a break from a lot of the usual squabbling in parliament. Anne I guess you have heard by now that the cricket journalist Petr Roebuck died so the summer of cricket will not be quite the same.
Enjoy your time in Rome and Mick pay attention in the classroom.

Hi Anne and Mick. Enjoying your tales and pictures. Perhaps you can prop up the Italian economy and save Europe from the financial desolation that appears to be looming - buy the expensive coffees! All good here: Tiger Woods with the leaders in Sydney and Australia all out for 47 against South Africa! Nicola off to Darin today.

What a good site - and what a great record you will have on return. Been a bit ho-hum about blogs - but this site is just so good with the combination of blog photos and videos and message function Wow.
So I have had great fun reading and looking at photos. Malta and Sicily were obviously great experiences and that view of the harbour something else.
I have always wanted to walk on a volcano - haven't done it yet - so was really interested in the extinct vent - if there is really such a thing with Etna
Enjoy Rome - I loved the place - esp via Veneto!! One of the cafe/bars had the waiters sing Santa Lucea at our table once - that was romance!! However I am sure it will have changed since!

Hi Anne & Mick. Mum & I have been looking at your photos again. We are impressed with the photo of Anne in the hardhat coming out of the cave. Counting down to my boss's return on Friday- just have to get things in order in her office first! Mum said it was lovely to talk to you tonight. Nearly time for Q&A and some sledging from Mum.

Latest update- in the Melbourne cup Anne has 21 The Verminator and Mick 13 Hawk Island. Mum and Em did the draw. Good luck. Probably not big news in Malta.

Hi Anne and Mick. Mum is at my place tonight and we have been looking at the blog and especially the pictures. I've printed off for mum the lovely Canada picture of the two of you with the autumn tree and the view from you window in Malta- beautiful. Also the streets of Mdina. Malta looks so beautiful it is horrible to think about the invasion of new units. Mum is in good form and having a glass of wine with spagetti dinner. Lots of love
Clare

mum and dad now viewing! Regards Anthony

Howdy! Mum and dad on line again but i will have to check that they are on to this. I'm enjoying blog so far! By the way....Who are the poor, sick and needy...