Nobody was killed. Though I came close with my mother who 'knew' we were on the wrong side of Heathrow even though she has never been there, wasn't paying attention, didn't read any signs and didn't listen when we told her we were there on purpose to get fuel.

I felt unusually tall, thin and small of bosom. Those of you who have met me can marvel at this. My cousins are not fat, just well built in a particular shape which I've only gotten some of - namely the legs like a rugby player. Got news of other (uninvited) cousin - not good. My aunt who died a few years ago after an unhappy, abusive  marriage to a street-corner alkie had two daughters, the eldest of whom had her first child at 16. This child is now also pregnant in her teens, and her mother is on heroin. The mother's boyfriend was also shot in a gangland drugs feud. They were not invited as last time they visited, the mother (my cousin) went through the house looking for things to steal. Family ties only stretch so far.

Hampshire is very picture-postcard England in a way that the north never really can be. Went to the coast too (Worthing) and was shocked at how run down and abandoned everything is. I know sea air can be harsh on buildings, but some effort at an annual painting would make a huge difference. The half-shut overgrown outdoor pool area was particularly frustrating as it would have been such a great facility. However, despite it being such fantastic weather, there was hardly anyone around which might explain why they just don't bother.