MD, is there some sort of change on the table for your DH's job? Is it originating from him or his employer? How did you go with your uni last semester? I ended up with a B, which wasn't great but it keeps my grade average still viable to do post-grad. I managed to get through 10 books on my month off, but have to put a reading ban on myself again now for the semester or I read my book and do no study. I just read two pages of text book and now I am on here lol.
I forgot to mention the sheep - you haven't experienced NZ until you have had to give way to sheep! It happened to us a few weeks ago. Of course it only happens when you are in a rush to get somewhere and all of a sudden you are travelling at 5kph against a tide of sheep slowly wandering in the opposite direction.

MP, wow at Vietnam!! That will be an awesome adventure. I hope you can sort out some long term leave. Would it be hard to find another job when you get back? I am sure you would stroll into something anyway.
Did that money ever reach you? I would hate to think it was lost in the mail and you were secretly thinking I was cheap lol

If we move it would be to DH's hometown - around 10k people so much bigger than here. It would be great for the kids, and for the IL's too. They have been on their own dealing with BIL for nearly 10 years now and it has drained them badly. Some support would be helpful. Still not sure if we will go - DH is on a really good pay here and probably wouldn't even get in the ballpark down there, but money isn't everything, but it enables a better lifestyle, but being around family is a better lifestyle, but, but, but…
I don't think moving would bother me too much. I only have one good friend here and she is hanging under a cloud of potential redundancy which may see her leaving the area soon anyway. Lots of say hello, have a casual chat friends but nothing particularly meaningful. I am used to wandering though life alone, location doesn't really alter much for me.

Speaking of BIL- he had moved out of town, but came back down on the day we arrived to see us. We didn't find out he was staying at the house until we were on our way there so we just had to roll with it. He was really good. He didn't talk to the children at all, but he let them play with his dog which is probably quite a big thing. He got a bit agitated at one point and was moved to a motel, but I think that overall it went well and hopefully we have mended fences.

And just for the cuteness of it - DH and E were having a cuddle and she looked up at him and said "I love you. And we friends too."