All packed and ready for departure. No sign that flights with BA will be disrupted today so depart as planned at 1750. Getting a lift to the Oxford-LHR airbus with my uncle Ian who has taken a couple of rare days off from work to spend time with his mother (my grandmother) who was 90 yesterday. Ian knows all about LHR terminal 5 as he did the drilling ahead of construction - terminal 5 was an open sewerage works so not a pleasant job!

Talk about leaving important jobs to the last minute - managed to re-negotiate the selling price of the house this morning and got confirmation from estate agent/buyer/solicitor on final price so exchange of contracts will happen while we are airbourne.

Oscar is so excited that he has had to lie down - all snuggled up on the sofa. Alfie is eating a last minute peanut butter sandwich and reading the newspaper - very Patrick-like!

I will take a photo of our luggage: one rucksack each plus a day sack with essentials for the flight. Managed to chuck out boys' football boots and Patrick's fell-running shoes and I am leaving behind my black boots (I can wear trainers instead).

So toodle-ooh and be in touch from South Africa!!!