Renewing Vows the Aussie way.

We've had visitors from Queensland this week - Andrew, my husband's best friend from Schooldays and his Australian partner Linda , along with his Sister June and her husband Barry.

The three Brits haven't been back in England for 40 years and their 'Memory Lane' included a trip to the church where June & Barry were married. June wanted Barry to buy her an Eternity ring from the same jeweller that her engagement and wedding ring came from, but the shop had gone - along with their High school and much of their childhood housing estate. But the Church remained.

I asked them if they wanted to renew their vows during the trip and Barry assured me that they had done just that. Apparently they had stood on the church steps and declared "Ditto". But the teasing and cuddles and hand-holding was a testament to the fact they they do actually still hold those promises close to their hearts.

They had a list of other criteria - a trip to Liverpool on the Mersey Beat trail, visits to elderly relatives in Manchester and Devon and a walk along the Golden Mile. Sadly Blackpool (the resort of their childhood holidays) was cold, wet and windy and well... shut! We finally managed to find somewhere to eat and then had a dance in a square with music and lights designed to attract such jolly activity before heading home past the darkened Fun Fair.

The snow, wind and rain wasn't terribly welcoming and they were wrapped up in winter woollies all week but it was great to see them and hopefully there were some bright moments for them. If nothing else it'll make them appreciate the Sunshine Coast where they now live.

They want us to visit Queensland. I'm not sure my better half would have the nerve to opt for a long haul flight to a country that has so many snakes and I'm inclined to say "Ditto" to that as well - but we'll think about saving up for it. Or wait for the next Gold Rush!