Back in the UK - has it really been 5 months since we hit the South African highveld and started our work campaign out on the farm? Well, we're back in the UK again, so I guess it has been - my, how time flies when you're having fun.

All projects done and dusted; a brand-new living room and a 50 acre property that looks wonderful after all the rain and care we lavished on it (we planted more than 50 new trees while we were out, never mind re-established the kitchen garden to feed the four staff left behind), new and reliable tenants in the houses, the landrover finally sorted out - not to our satisfaction, but that's life!

We had some great times: a 6 hour drive to Midmar to watch son and granddaughter swim the Midmar Mile amongst 16968 other lunatics, a wonderful week's trip with Jill from Sevenoaks to the Natal battlefields and Itala game reserve; a weekend spent with some zillion landrovers in an attempt to beat the Guiness World Record for the most landrovers in one convoy - 1007 started - well, one didn't start, 3 crashed into each other and one broke down - but 1001 finished the 24km course! Not bad!! It'sa lot of land rovers in one place!!

Now it's back to the UK to pick up with culture and the OCC: John is about to be appointed Commodore of the Ocean Cruising Club, a position we were told would be a "social one" but which has turned into a vast amount of work. Still, very encouraging to see all the enthusiasm and vibrancy which has greeted his term - it should be a good one.

Here in the UK I spent the first day back having my hair cut, joining the local gym, setting up my computer for the next few month's work. The view from the window is of daffodils just popping up, buds on the chestnut tree almost appearing, and a rather dry garden: water restrictions are due to start 1 April, as England is in the throes of a drought. Seems so strange to me, to say those words - drought to me is something that goes on for 7 years at a time (Africa-style), not 7 weeks!

Watch this space!