Sunday, May 30, 2010

Coping With Post Jessaholic Euphoria


Hello Everyone,

The number of emails in my inbox over the last few weeks reminds me of my days (or shall we say decades !) in the corporate world. Except for the fact that in those days, more emails meant more stress and pressure. Here more emails translate to more positive energy. So, I say we continue to stay positive and in doing so, continue to focus on Jess' great achievement. The best thing we can do is totally ignore the naysayers and detractors and not even bother mentioning them.

I had the distinct pleasure of catching up with Clint last Saturday and spending an hour and a half chatting with him about our experiences and journeys. Here's a picture of the two of us having coffee and muffins.

I hope the Vics can get together sometime soon for another catch up session.

Good luck everyone,

Jonathan

37 comments:

  1. Good on ya guys !! Nice photo of the 'latte-sipping set'! What will your boss make of this one Clint ??? !

    Nicely said Jonathan and agree wholeheartedly.

    There are rumbles and rumours regarding our next lunch, won't be long now! Keep an eye out for an email.

    Loving all the hypothesizing over Jesse's whereabouts, the whos, the whys, the wherefores and everyones two-bobs worth...keep 'em coming..

    Toodle-ooo,
    Collette

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  2. Hi Jonathan,
    There is no better way than to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday morning having Coffee and muffins in the fine company of another Jessaholic talking about all things Jessica!....thanks Jonathan it was a pleasure to finally meet and catch up with you....oh and the Pink Hat fits a-okay!...many thanks indeed...

    Cheers

    Clint.

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  3. Jonathan,

    Thanks for the comment and the picture of you and Clint getting a chance to share some stories. I think it’s fantastic how these friendships have formed. When I first became involved in following Jessica’s story and getting to know what type of a person Jess was, I didn’t think that people would understand when I tried to explain just how she has affected me. But every one of you understands exactly. Negative attitudes can be so damaging, but conversely, positive energy can be such a great thing. A 16 year old girl has certainly fueled a big surge of positive energy. It’s nice to see it continue through all of you.

    Cheers,
    Mark

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  4. Hi all,
    I'm glad to see the photo of Jonathan and Clint. Many thanks for the caps Jonathan. The big pink shirts that I purchased were not worn but at least they enabled me to spend some time with Faye and Max today to collect them. Faye and Max transported them to Sydney and back for me. Hopefully I can return them otherwise they'll join the pile of things I have to dispose of prior to moving house.

    It was lovely catching up with Faye and Max today. I see it written so often how through this blog that Jonathan set up many friendships have been formed. I think that maybe a bond was formed because we were all so taken by young Jessica and what she set out to achieve and together we waited for Jessica's next blog or milestone in her journey. We Jessaholics delighted in the fact that Jessica shared her journey with us via her blogs. In our way we were supporting Jessica but somehow we were also supporting each other. We went through our days doing our normal things but out there on the ocean was someone doing something quite extraordinary.

    Well, on with the packing. Again Jessica is out on the ocean. I wish her luck with this little voyage with friends and hope she receives a beaut reception at Mooloolaba.

    Cheers all,
    Ailsa

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  5. Nice one guys.
    The Positives are the only way to go.
    I notice EPL and jessica at the finish, are on the front cover of the free yachties mag Afloat, pop into your loal and pick one up.
    Hoo ROo ☺☺☺

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  6. Hi Everyone,

    Clint, mate, I couldn't agree more. By the way, I have something for your Mum which I will give you when we catch up next, which should be sooner than later.

    Ailsa, Collette, Mark, Magpie, many thanks for your words of kindness. I am looking forward to catching up soon.

    I think I can safely say that two weeks after Jessica crossed the Heads at Sydney, we are still a pretty close bunch and contrary to the conventional wisdom that human nature, being what it is, takes us down our individual paths and fades our memories, I believe that this is the one time that we will always remember how inspired each one of us is and continues to be. I see us a year from today celebrating the first anniversary of Jess' arrival in Sydney.

    Have a wonderful week ahead, one and all.

    Cheers
    Jonathan

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  7. ................................
    ................................
    ....C[_].........[_])........
    ...............U................
    ............\__/..............
    ................................
    MMMMMmmmmm...Ahhh!!
    Got to love the catch up over a coffee.
    Good to see you two again...keep the ++++++flowing.
    Sally by the (make mine a latte with one) Bay

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  8. G'day everyone from wintery cold SA! :)

    Those muffins and coffees are just the treat on days/nights like this... you both look healthy and happy, Jonathan and Clint. That was terrific you could meet 'n' greet and enjoy a chat. Thanks for posting the pic, Jonathan.

    I agree and second what others have posted re Jesse and how she's inspired others. She's one amazing young woman and in a time when the world needs an injection of positivity, Jesse has been and continues to be, a shining beacon of positive energy and light.

    Sending warm wishes to all from me here. :)

    Cheers ....... Soldier's Mum :)

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  9. Well there's not much left to say now that Collette, Clint, Jonathan, Ailsa, Magpie, Sally by the latte with one, and Soldiers Mum have summed up the mood of this amazing group of Jessaholics that have come together so closely over the past months. Yes Jonathan, no doubt about a 12 months reunion (with several before)to celebrate this inspirational young lady.
    Jonathan, it was lovely to meet you for lunch, and thank you so much for coming, and the “goodies” for Faye, she just loved them.
    Have a great time in Brissie Collette, and say Hi to Dem for us !!
    Cheers to you all from Faye and Max.

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  10. Soldier's Mum said ..........

    I had posted this, but it somehow ended up on another page! lol

    I'll try re-posting it here ........

    Soldier's Mum says ......

    Greetings everyone I wonder if you're experiencing the same emptiness I am. I mean, I do have a life, a very rich life, but dear oh dear ... I'm really missing the voyage and all that it represented. The wondering,- mind you, some of the wondering we could have done without! lol - the anticipation of where Jesse was and what she was up to, the fun with the blogs, reading others stories, opinions, thoughts and ideas, etc etc. Yep, I must confess, I miss that.

    However, isn't it just wonderful that Jessica succeeded and arrived home safe and sound?! How terrific that she's enjoyed the much deserved homecoming and accolades. That she's now on her way home to Queensland to another warm welcome by those in her home state.

    And for us here, we wait in anticipation of her visit and to hopefully be able to meet her and personally congratulate her. Something joyful to look forward to! :)

    If I may, via the generosity of Jonathan's blog, I'd like to publicly express my thanks to all the Jessaholics who have been so welcoming and supportive and inclusive of me in this journey we've all been on together, [still are!]. My situation is somewhat awkward to put it politely, and therefore it is not as easy for me to be free to have the same freedom of expression as many others in society. Because of this, I am placed in a positon not of my own doing and have to exercise caution and discretion, in particular, publicly.

    The freedoms enjoyed by all who are blessed to live in this magnificent country, come at the sacrifice and high price others pay.

    Freedom is not free ... trust me!


    Sometimes that price dictates living a life which unless you are living it, others cannot fully understand nor truly appreciate.

    So in closing, I want to thank all those who have accepted and understood despite my not being able to actually reveal or fully explain, your welcome and inclusion of me has helped make an otherwise difficult situation more tolerable. It has afforded me the chance to participate and enjoy and reach out to new friend's, yet maintain the anonymity - [publicly]- which is vital in the situation I find myself.

    As we go about our daily lives, may I ask that you pause a moment and think of the freedoms we enjoy and hold a thought for those who ensure that freedom.

    In this I also refer to those in the civilian services which play a huge role in protecting and securing our nation. For without those vital services, our military forces would have an even more challenging job to do.

    Bless you all and may you continue to enjoy a long,healthy and happy life.

    Warm regards ........ Soldier's Mum

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  11. Soldiers’ Mum,

    I think that we are all feeling mixed emotions. So happy for Jess that she has safely completed her voyage yet having a bit of an empty feeling in not having our daily involvement with her adventure and with each other. But I do feel that Jessica will have so many more adventures to follow.

    You have sincerely been a HUGE part of the circle of friends that have developed because of Jessica. It’s not necessary for you to explain your situation to us. For much of Jessica’s voyage, there has been a level of anonymity to all of us. I was just “SaltyDog” throughout most of the past 7 months. And yet that circle of friendship evolved without knowing everyone’s name or personal situations.

    There isn’t a day goes by that I don’t appreciate the freedom that all of us in countries like Australia and the US have and I always feel indebted to those who have given us that freedom. I will never forget them.

    Please keep in touch, Soldier’s Mum.

    Sincerely,
    Mark

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  12. Howdy Holics,
    I'm really suffering from JAWS, Jessica Addiction Withdrawal Syndrome. It was a bright spot in my day, checking the blog and reading all the comments. It's nice to be able to keep in touch with you all, beyond Jessica's journey.
    Molly

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  13. Hey Molly, how about this one to cheer you up.
    Jessica and EPL got spotted stuck and trying to get off a sandbar at Surfers Paradise. Probably that Perham feller's fault, lol.
    ☺☺☺ Toodle Pip ☺☺☺

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  14. Hi Jessaholics'

    Feels like 'long time, no see' here so just dropping in to keep in touch.

    Wow, Moolooaba was fantazmigorrigle for Annie, I'm incredibly happy for her that she was rewarded for her dignified devotion to Jessica. We Jessaholics could not have chosen a more articulate spokesperson-come-ambassador had we tried.

    Thanks Annie, as well for your 'picturesque' and emotive description of the day on your 'report'.

    Clinto....looking forward to recieving copies of your DVDs..big enough hint old pal??

    I'm still on 'holidays' in Queensland, but all good now so flying home Saturday. It will be great to get some 'normality' back into my life, and can't wait to be home again.

    Toodle-pip for now,
    Collette

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  15. Hi everyone,

    Your right, Collette. Annie was a fantastic representative at Mooloolaba for all of the Holics. She soaked up so much of the total experience and provided us with a great account of the day. Thanks Annie. Your report really did give us a feel for what it must have been like to be there. And thank you to everyone who provide pictures and links to the coverage of Jessica's homecoming.

    I'm leaving the planet on Saturday for a week. Actually it's a quick trip to Las Vegas which is much like being on another planet. But I'll come back to earth the following weekend looking forward to catching up with all of you.

    Cheers,
    Mark

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  16. Hello Everyone,

    Belated greetings and salutations ! It has been a whirlwind at work but between "whirl" and "wind" I did manage to catch up with lovely Faye and Max. Thanks for the picture which is priceless. Thanks also for lunch and your wonderful hospitality.

    Collette....still in Brissie??!! Not fair ! We are freezing here in Melbourne ! Soak it all up and spread that sunshine around when you get back !

    Hi Soldiers Mum, thanks for the wonderful words on this blog. Our thoughts and prayers are constantly with you.

    As for the rest of this incredible group, have a wonderful Queens Birthday long weekend !

    Cheers
    Jonathan

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  17. Hello dear Jonathan

    I have followed your blog all along. I love all the fellow bloggers ... how I miss you all, since Jessica has arrived.

    Just want to say I appreciate you all. J's arrival was amazing and we will endeavour to follow her as she moves on.

    Jonathan - you are special and thank you again.

    Lots of love and best wishes.

    Fay from the Gold Coast

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  18. Hi everyone, just thought I'd pop in and say hello and also say how relieved I am that Abby has been rescued. It bring Jesse's trip in to perspective for me.... that could so easily have been her out there dismasted.

    But I never had any doubts about that little boat she was on ....Pink Lady in my non-nautical mind was so well equipped, well planned and thought out . I remember Jesse laughingly grumble abut her Dad adding yet another safety feature before she set sail.

    Her timing was also meticulous even though she was a little delayed she got through the Southern Ocean before Winter set in.

    I don't think any of us will ever forget Tony Bullimore which was uppermost in my mind as Jesse sailed through there.

    Hope everyone is well .......Meleese x

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  19. Well obviously some people forgot about Tony Bullimore. The Southern Ocean is relentless this time of year.
    That's probably why,over a good month ago, a bloke named Bob, in a poky room in NZ, instructed Jessica to get up near the Tropic of Capricorn at the start of her trip across the Indian Ocean.

    I think Abby's speed machine hull would've picked up good pace down some of those rogue wave knockdowns. Any mast set-up would've gone sooner or later.
    ☺☺☺ Hoo Roo ☺☺☺

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  20. BOO!!....Just me...!!

    It's been pretty quiet round this neck of the woods for a while so I thought I'd stir things up a little!!

    Our Jessaholics lunch is on hold for the time being until Ailsa finishes moving house, Faye and Max return from Swan Hill, and Pete and I return from New Zealand. I'll be scooting back up to the Gold Coast after that as well, so the earliest I envisage for a Melbournites sup-up would probably be 24th July-ish. Any thoughts ????....Sally and Chris, Clint and Jonathan...looking forward to catching up with you all again as well so we can give you copies of pics and dvds.

    Jacquie and Jim...how's the vanning going?, hane you christened him/her yet?

    Hi Soldiersmum, keep positive... not long now!!

    Faye...homesweetboat...maybe we could have a cuppa while I'm in Qld next time...that would be nice...Hope Island maybe? I'm hoping to visit Annie as well.

    Hello G Michael Howard..it's high time you popped in to say hi to old pals...miss your input...how is Leeloo? I Hope you are doing well.

    Mark!!! Don't forget to tell us all about your trip to Las Vegas..can't wait to hear all the goss.Have you rubbed shouders with any other celebs after Richard Branson??

    And to Queenslander, stay safe and clipped on. Send us pics of bermuda you lucky duck!!

    Hi to everyone else too, catch you all again soon.

    Toodle-pip,
    Collette

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  21. Thanks Jonathan for this website. So nice to read what is happening in the bloggers' lives. Certainly miss you all!
    Collette, have sent you an email.
    Would love to meet you some time.
    Regards to all.
    Fay from the Gold Coast

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  22. Jonathan,

    We haven't forgotten you over here. I think everyone has been busy bouncing back and forth between different sites to pick up info about Abby as well as Jessica. Stopping into "I'm a Jess-a-holic" kind of feels like coming home.

    Other than seeing Sir Richard and having fun at the Beach Boys concert I didn't get a chance to see any other celebs in Las Vegas, Collette. The Beach Boys played at such a small venue (the pool at the Venetian hotel) that it almost felt like a private party. The group did take time to sign autographs and meet some of the fans but I was too busy enjoying the company of some new friends from England who I met there.

    Cheers,
    Mark

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  23. Hello Everyone,

    I have to say that there is this big void in my life now that Jess is back. I am looking forward to reading her book when it comes out in a couple of months.

    Hey Mark, speaking of Sir Richard, I actually met him (albeit very briefly) up in Shanghai, China a few years ago when I was there for a company training course. He was in the same hotel and actually doing a crazy photo shoot at the top of the hotel building for a press release the following day inaugurating the first Virgin flight from London to Shanghai ! Very down to earth bloke.

    Hi Collette, yes, I am looking forward to nailing down a date for the Vics get together. I am flexible and happy to work around some of us who are finding it tough to get away. Just say the word and I will be there.

    Hi Soldiers Mum, hope you are well and happy.

    Hi Fay, I wish I was up in the Gold Coast for a few days, soaking up a warmer sun. Well, its not that bad here in Melbourne but we have had a few cold days earlier on this week and more coming tomorrow.

    Well team, I am taking on a challenge which does not even compare with our Jess' accomplishments but all the same it is the start of something I have wanted to do for a long time and that is fly myself right around Australia. It will probably take me another two years of regular flying to get to the stage where I have enough experience to do so. So on 2 July, I am piloting my aeroplane from Tooradin (my home airfield in Victoria) to Broken Hill, NSW. This trip will be done in two legs - Tooradin to Swan Hill and then Broken Hill. From Broken Hill we will meet other pilots and aircraft and fly further North to the Paroo river which is apparently getting some serious water from the big wet up in Queensland. The Paroo is one of many catchments for Lake Eyre and is truly amazing when it has water. Can't wait to go there and I am praying for good weather those couple of days. A mate of mine will be flying with me.

    Wishing all of you a great weekend. Stay positive !

    Cheers
    Jonathan

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  24. Jonathan,

    I imagine that it was interesting to meet Richard Branson. When I saw him he was in a tux riding a jet ski around the fountains of the Bellagio hotel to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Virgin serving Las Vegas. He asked for a volunteer out of the group of flight attendants who were there to take a ride on his jet ski. He ended up dumping himself and his passenger in the lake. As it turned out, we were told that it was his girlfriend. After she got out of the water she stood right next to me while she dried out and waited for her ride back to the hotel. That's as close as I got to meeting Sir Richard, but I sure would have loved to talk to him about Jessica. And you're right, he did seem quite down to earth.

    Wow, what and adventure you have planned. I hope you give us updates as you prepare for it. It sounds like your preparation will in itself be a lot of fun. Have a great time.

    Hope you're able to have a good turn out for your reunion of Vics. We want report afterwards.

    Take care, everyone.

    Cheers,
    Mark

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  25. Dear Jonathan,

    What a fabulous flight you have waiting in the wings (pardon the pun please)!

    How exciting, especially as you love your flying soooo much.

    Good for you! We wish you a fun time, but equally important, a safe trip. Don't forget to "fill'er up" in Swan Hill heehee!!

    Take care,
    Collette

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  26. Hi Jonathan

    Well we only missed out by a week or so catching up with you at Swan Hill airport. We know the airport as our Son-in-Law's father is a pilot there, and did hold his commercial license.
    What a great trip you have planned, we hope you are going to blog every day, as we really miss Jessica's near daily blogs.
    Keep us well informed please Jonathan, as we would really like to follow your trip.
    Tell us more at the Vic Luncheon.

    Cheers to you and everyone,

    Faye and Max.

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  27. Hello All,

    Lovely Collette, Faye and Max - thank you ever so much for your thoughts and good wishes. I am truly excited but also making sure that we go over our flight plans with a fine tooth comb. We will always err on the side of caution when it comes to flying over long distances and that is one of the reasons we decided to land at Swan Hill although our aeroplane has the endurance to fly all the way up to Broken Hill. We will give ourselves the time to stretch our legs and take a few deep breaths.

    We also decided to track for Mildura after Swan Hill and then on to Broken Hill as it is much easier to navigate along the Murray and also there are heaps of alternate airfields we can divert to should we run into inclement weather. Although we have two sophisticated GPS's on board, we have decided to navigate "by the numbers" or the hard way, using maps and manual calculations.

    I'll be taking lots of pictures and will post a few when I return.

    Good luck everyone !

    Cheers
    Jonathan

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  28. Hi Mark,

    Yes Branson is quite the character. Thanks for the short on his "Vegas Adventure".

    Hope you had a great time there. You know, I have travelled to most major cities and states in your beautiful country (when I was employed by an American logistics company) and even have a sister residing in Virginia who is a naturalised American but I have never been to Vegas. I would love to go there just out of sheer curiosity. Maybe when I visit my sister next time !

    I am quite saddened, however, by this colossal and monumental disaster in the Gulf. I truly hope that this serves as a wake up call for Big Oil and that there is a major global push towards a regulatory regime that makes it much harder for these corporate bully's to ignore environmental impact. They need to get on board with alternate, clean energy.

    Cheers
    Jonathan

    Cheers
    Jonathan

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  29. Hi all,
    Sorting, packing ..... goodness what a huge job. I'll get there eventually.

    Jonathan, I'm thinking of you today as you head up north. Hope the trip goes well for you. Pretty rough weather at the moment so I hope this doesn't interfere with your plans. I'm wondering if you'll see the huge congregations of pelicans that gather when the inland waters appear. I'm looking forward to seeing photos.

    Cheers,
    Ailsa

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  30. I wish I could stop by to help you with your move, Ailsa, but it's just a bit too much of commute for me. I helped move one of my twin nieces closer to home this past weekend so I've had some practice. And you're right, it is a huge job. Good luck with the move and let us know how it goes.

    Cheers,
    Mark

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  31. Hi Mark
    If you couldn't make it out for Jessica's return, then Ailsa has no hope of you making it out to help her move !!

    Cheers from Faye and Max.

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  32. Hi Everyone,

    Just a quick note to tell you that I am back. What an adventure. So much happened and I am truly priveleged to have witnessed one of natures rarest events.

    Once I sort out my pictures, I will make a blog entry with as much information as I can provide.

    I'll talk to all of you soon.

    Cheers
    Jonathan

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  33. You're so right, Faye and Max. Just lots of wishful thinking on my part. I so wish that I could help Ailsa with her move and then swing by Austria to help Trudy with her move to Australia. I guess I'm all talk and no action, huh? :-))

    Can't wait to see the pictures, Jonathan. Sounds like you had quite an experience.

    Cheers,
    Mark

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  34. Hi All,
    Thanks for your thoughts Mark, Faye and Max. It's all the sorting out that takes ages. What to take, what to give away and what to throw out. Anyway nearly there. I am now living with no saucepans (yeah no cooking), one plate, two mugs (3 if you count me) and a few pieces of cutlery. In the weekend one of my sons will head off with my fridge. It's sort of like camping in your own house.

    Jonathan, thanks for the quick update and I'm glad your trip went well. I can't wait to see the photos. Did you see large congregations of birds? I'm contemplating wandering inland whilst the wet is there to see the birds.

    Cheers all,
    Ailsa

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  35. Greetings everyone ... I've not dropped off the planet, have had a lot to process in recent weeks and the computer and me have not seen much of each other.

    I'm slowly catching up with the blogs, emails etc. Glad your trip went well, Jonathan. It sounds like a great adventure.

    Good luck with the rest of your move, Ailsa.It's always a big job moving house.

    Ok folks, just wanted to touch base and say hello for now. Hope everyone is keeping well and not suffering too badly from post Jessica voyage withdrawal symptoms. I see she's obtained her L's. Next will be her license, then buying her own car no doubt.

    Take care and catch you later ..........
    Cheers ........
    Soldier's Mum :)

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  36. Hi everyone
    We would also like to see your photo's Jonathan, as we would Collette's when they return home.
    Not coming out are you Mark? we know a great place to stay, 3 good meals a day and all the laughs you can fit in ....-
    Ailsa, you should just move out into the caravan, and pack the lot up.
    Great to hear from you again Soldier's Mum, hope you are well and looking after yourself.

    Cheers from Faye and Max

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  37. Hi All,
    Well, everything is now in a box except me.

    Faye and Max, I'm just wondering if I have the 'Mark' option rather than the 'Ailsa' option you suggest. I'd prefer the great place, 3 good meals a day and laughs much much more than a move into the caravan thankyou.

    Soldier's Mum, great to hear from you and I am thinking of you.
    Cheers,
    Ailsa

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