I suppose since we are going to be giving you an update, whether you want it or not, of the two old bats battling it out in Jersey I thought we might has well have a thread.

Those of you in the UK will already be aware of the horrendous problems for travellers through London at present, fog which could last until beyond Christams day. This could mean that a certain elderly bat could be camping out at Gatwick airport for Christmas, she is due to land at Heathrow at 4.50am on Saturday and her flight to Jersey leaves Gatwick at 8.35am.

If the worst happens she will be appealing to anyone in the area to bring her hot soup and a sandwich!

Never mind. If we are holed up at Gatwick, I shall call for some comfortable accessories to help pass the time. A nice chaise longue and some fleecy blankets, a tray of snacks and a bottle or two of the warming nectar (being Cornish maybe it should be mead, or scrumpy). A few American food parcels would be most welcome, but NO SPAM please.If you are passing through Gatwick please join me in a few rousing choruses of Land of Hope and Glory.One must keep up appearances.

We are just up the road (40 min drive). Should you encounter difficulties I shall be pleased to assist. Marmite and Black pudding sandwiches will be made available. My car shall also be made available: it has no tax or MOT so please dispose of it when you are finished. Oh, and please do not disturb the grizzled old drunk sleeping in the back - that will be me.

How very very kind. One will remember your sweet thought in one's hour of need.Marmite will be a most suitable homecoming tribute.Grizzled old drunks and black pud one can take only in moderation.Is it a Bentley or a Rolls?

See what I am having to put up with?

I have put her name forward for the traditional Christmas morning swim in the sea, I shall naturally observe from the warmth of my car.

Is that a Bentley or a Rolls?

Well, when you two do finally get together, it sounds like you're going to have such a good time. And I'm sure we're all going to love hearing about your adventures together. Every once in awhile remember to keep us posted.

Oh dear, I hope that the fog lets you in Ren. It would be so disappointing for all of us if you didn't make it to Sue's. What kind of stories would you both have to share then?

She had better turn up, otherwise the seagulls will too fat to fly aound here.

Far be it for me to suggest that Sara likes her food but I have just staggered back with four MORE bags of food and I still have to collect the turkey on Saturday and get some salad and milk.

Melton Mowbray pork pies for the day she arrrives, pate, sausages, bacon, white crab meat, king prawns, smoked salmon, mince pies, about six different cheeses, Christmas cake, Quality Street, biscuits, nuts, dates and more. Add that to all the potatoes, carrots, sprouts, parsnips, a large turkey, oranges and clementines and you can see why she had better turn up.

Sue, you have enough there for all of Funtrivia - at least the ones that live in the British Isles. It makes me want to fly over there

Well, I always believed that "someone up there" takes care of us (at least I know that I've been taken good care of in my darkest hours of need), so I think everything will be fine and Sara will travel as scheduled.
I am sure everybody agrees that these two exceptional ladies deserve to be reunited in the best possible conditions.
Let's all think positive for them. I will keep all fingers and toes crossed...

Don't worry Sue, if she doesn't show, I'm sure that there will be plenty of people from FT willing to take care of all that food for you!

Yay!! Isn't Technology wonderful! Even on a long haul like this I am checked in and have printed off boarding passes for both flights, all from this chair. I don't need to get to the airport till one hour before for bag check and drop. I WILL get there earlir but isn't it great to know I needn't?

I had better vacuum your bedroom and put out some towels.

Safe flight Ren - and I really hope the weather doesn't interfere!

Can I put my name down for the Crab Meat, King Prawns and the Salmon Sue? (Thought I would get my order in before everyone else )

Would that be the king prawns sauted in garlic butter?

That's it, she is as I type, on her way out of the door and headed for the airport. Unless she is delayed she ought to be here by this time tomorrow drinking a cup of tea - hopefully she remembered to pack her special tea.

Have a safe flight Sara and let us know when you've reached Sue.

[Wondering which special tea Sara likes?]

Just heard that many flights have been delayed due to the fog. Hope Ren is not delayed for too long. Enjoy your time together the pair of you.

She has trojan's telephone number in her purse just in case the unthinkable happens.

As for her tea, she only drinks green tea so I told her to bring her own!

I'm afraid that the only green thing here is me....it's the mould, you see.

Latest news regarding the poor old dear travelling from Hong Kong, I checked her flight and...

23/12/2006 04:50 BA026 HONG KONG EXPECTED 0437

Wow, it could be early!