Em Remember remember the 5th of November... Happy Bonfire Night! I have been making toffee apples and now have sticky burnt sugar in my hair and destroyed Duncans best saucepan. But my apples are looking yummy and we are off to a big firework display tonight I am very excited! Although you are probably enjoying even better fireworks; isn't it Diwali in New Delhi now? Does that mean you get time off work? You will be pleased to hear that Biter's training is going well, I can now pick him up with ski-gloves on, (although he went for my face yesterday, it was the only bit of skin showing - I think I need some kind of all over body suit) I am sure by the time you come back he will be tapdancing and tightrope walking on command. Off to the embassy tomorrow morning to apply for my visa - wish me luck! Big hugs from Novemberyness xx p.s. Mum, I don't really like to ask but - what happened to Blind Pew?!

Mum Hello Jess - I've found you at last! Apologies for being slow off the mark. I think I'm more worried now about Em's rat than the Killer Monkeys of Delhi, but it's been touch and go over the last few days... I wonder whether other parents lose sleep over these kinds of problem?! Many thanks for leaving your Oyster card - it's been well used since your departure! And your missing ticket to Simian Mobile Disco arrived here yesterday, with a September 15th postmark. Three cheers for the postmen of London! We are busy sorting out Visas and passports for our trip to see you - so exciting! (Oops - relying on the post, so ought to reiterate just how much we really love and admire the postmen of London!) We had lunch with Grandpa today and he was asking if he could come too. Do you think we could pass him off as Charlie, if all else fails?! Dad and Charlie and Nell and Ted and Dougal and Gigantor and Doom and Gloom all send their love to you. Big hugs and much love from me, too! Mum xx PS Doctors just isn't the same without you!!

Pip Hey Jess! Thanks for birthday text. Hope it didnt cost u a small fortune? I think the phone call probs didnt work cos I was gossiping away again, as opposed to the card itself. Having to write my first essay of term (end of 4th week - that's what happens when u have to arrange your own supervisions). It's killing me. Don't want to do it and I have so many nice presents and cake surrounding me it's easy to get distracted. Speak soon, big hugs xxx

Jess Hello emmy! Cheers for the cheery message - sorry about the evil pet great rat. Luckily have survived the monkeys so far but everytime I open the newspaper here there's more (not really but a little) comedy stories about the killer monkeys. can't believe it's reached the UK! (cheers for the text Dad too) According to Hindu Times it's because the designated monkey catchers (referred to as something like 'our defenders against the monkey terror war') are too illiterate, plus there's now only 3 of them cos one ran away so the monkeys seem to be winning the war. Though I haven't even seen one yet. Think they're scared of my pale whiteness.... but i'll be warned. In other news i'm now registered as Jessica Francis Kennedy cos the guy misread my form... ...hugs to all! Jxx

Em p.s. i miss you!! big fat hugs xx

Em Hello Susca! So glad you made it there okay - I don't know how you can be so laid back! I probably would have been sitting at the airport with 5 bags 2 days before the flight got called 'just in case' chewing my nails and worrying, but I think you probably have more (chaotic) fun! We are all very worried about the rioting monkeys, they've been on the news (have you been winding them up?) I think you should take a stick out with you! Or at least some bananas to pacify them. My new pet bit me and made me cry and now I don't like him anymore :( And its -2 degrees here and I'm all sneezy. xx