Dear Vera,
Thank you for your lovely e-mail and all the warm sentiments. Like Moscow,
Portsmouth is also unseasonally warm. Today it is 12 degrees here and I
still have some summer flowers blooming in my little garden which is unheard
of at this time of year. I think that most of Europe has succumbed to the
effects of global warming. We had rather a sad christmas as Sophie became
ill on christmas eve and despite every attempt to cure her, we had to let
the vet put her to sleep on Boxing day. Michael and I are heartbroken, she
had been a dearly loved member of our family for more than 15 years and we
are going to miss her so much.
Needless to say our christmas celebrations were very shortlived. With
regard to Mrs Mullins, she has received your mother's letter. We had lunch
together just before christmas and she was telling us all about the letter
which your mum had sent.
In September we went to Ireland for a few days which was nice but seems so
long ago. I now feel I could do with another holiday!
I am glad you enjoyed your holiday in Portsmouth so much and that the
memories still bring you joy. It was a pleasure to have you stay with us
and to raise a few
glasses of wine with you and your lovely mum!
Of course, we would love to see you should you ever venture this way again.
We are not sure how much longer we will be in this house as Michael will
retire next year and we want to find something smaller and maybe spend some
time travelling the world before we grow too old!
Good luck with your studies, work hard, knowledge is power!
All our best wishes for a happy and healthy new year to you and your family
and remember us to your dear mum.
love from Christine, Mike and Max.