The Minnesota Contingent

Can I just say that I LOVE my people. My sister is such a actioner it's almost beyond my ability to understand sometimes. I knew that Caroline was thinking about trying to stop in London on her way back from South Africa, and I knew that it was going to likely be in-between Christmas and the New Year. My sister heard that, and within 2 days time it was set; the New Year celebration would begin on December 27th with the arrival of my very good friend Nae Nae, who decided to come to London over the course of 48 hours just two weeks in advance, due, I'm sure, to my sister's enthusiasm, insistence and persuasion. On December 28th Caroline arrived first followed by Amy and John to complete our party of five. My flat just isn't that big, so Caroline and Nae shared a mattress in the kitchen for a few nights. Oh, it was seriously funny. What a good time I had with all my visitors. I wish everyone would come back.



Everyone arrived by Friday, Saturday morning we hit London's biggest foodie market and got great treats for the weekend, and by Saturday afternoon we were on a train to Brighton for the New Year's Weekend. Somehow the food was gone by 3am Saturday night so Amy and John went out for after-bar burgers and the three of us were the rock stars that kept it going and ate at the bar. The rest of the girls ate. Sure they did, but they didn't get out of bed to have a proper late night snake. I didn't say it at the time, but girls, that was weak.



Caroline has done this to her hair only once before in the years that I have had the honor of knowing her. This moment was as funny, if not more funny, than the last. The pig tales are almost more than I can stand. She wouldn't go out in public, but next time I am seriously going to insist.




This picture was taken at around 2am on New Year's Eve. One minute Nae Nae is bonding with a dog that's out celebrating and the next thing I know the girl is sitting next to a man who appears to be at least 80 and probably Italian, wishing him a happy New Year. She made his night no doubt and she had a few more New Year's adventures that proved to e excellent entertainment for C-dog and myself. Have I mentioned how much fun I had and how much I love my people?


I wish so much that I had been more mindful of taking group photos. This is the better of the 2 that I took all week. It's all of us in Brighton, right after dinner on the start of our NYE, along with my friend Corrie who joined us for the weekend.
It was an excellent holiday and I cannot describe how gratifying, fun and comforting it was too have some of my nearest and dearest with me to bring in the New Year. Even writing about it just fills me up. Once again, it's down to Amy S. who is a total rock star. Thanks so much sissie.