Jocelyn is engaged

I am so proud to announce that Jocelyn and Mark are engaged to be married.  The celebration of Mark asking Jocelyn to marry him took place on Tuesday night 11 August at my place in front of some of the family.  He just couldn't wait until I arrived back from Europe (rather cute I thought!!). The big event will take place on Sunday 24 April.  So, it's all happening in the Ridley household and I'm not there at the moment!!  Hopefully all the work will be done by the time I get home!!

EUROPE 2015

It is now, on the eve of leaving Basel that I have time to write some thoughts on my lovely trip back to Basel.  The past 4 weeks have gone very quickly, and at the same time I feel like I have been back here forever.  Oh how I love this special place.  I feel so at home here, and of course, having wonderful friends around me, makes this even more important.

I flew from Melbourne to Duesseldorf on Thursday night 20 August.  I was met by wonderful Andreas who patiently waited for me outside customs for over 50 minutes.  The baggage seemed to take forever to come through.

I spent a wonderful, but very brief time in Huls with Ruth & Andreas and the extended family.  It was so precious to connect again and catch up on news.

From there I caught the ICE train to Goettingen to visit with my German friend Sabine.  I spent 3 days with her.  We talked an talked and talked.  I was also able to catch my breath when she was working.  She gave me a wonderful surprise for my Birthday.  An amazing massage which was perfect for me.  Thank you Sabine.

Ruth, Andreas, Maria and Steffi

I caught the ICE to Basel on Wed 26 August and was met at the SBB Railway Station by Kiwi Christine who helped me with the luggage to her lovely apartment in Spalenberg in the heart of Basel.  I was quickly settled into the attic and the fun began!!

Kevin, Christine & Gaudenz

I have caught up with many friends, shed a few tears, had many emotional moments and it is hard to tear my heart away from this place.  It doesn't help that each time I come back I meet you people!!

I was able to attend a Women's Conference in Winterthur with my German friend Carla. It was a Fri night/Sat conference.  I took some good notes, but have not had time to go through them and get my head around a few of the challenges presented to me.  This I will look forward to when I get back to Oz early Fri 2 October.

At the Conference

I fly to Dublin, Ireland tomorrow morning to be with Roger's family and the Wedding of Roger's niece Anna to Phil Plant.  I can't wait for this happy occasion.

Marianne and me outside their beautiful home

One of the lovely buildings in the village