One last visit - Lunch with Mum and Dad

Tonight our bags are almost packed and the good news is that I still have lots of room in my case.

I drove up to the leafy North Shore this morning, where the azaleas are blooming their little heads off and Sydney's springtime is most evident, to have lunch with my parents, Mary and Trevor, before Dad went off to play tennis.

(That's the patchwork wallhanging I made for their 50th wedding anniversary eight years ago, in the background).

They're smiling in the photo, but I know they're secretly a little apprehensive for our safety as we fly off to explore foreign lands - but they'd never say anything. They'll be praying for our safe return, and that's a very special gift. You always need your Mum and Dad!!

We are being picked up at 5am tomorrow, and I'm sure I'll be waking up all night - don't want to miss that plane.