THE FINAL BLOG :

Hello all and just about there . I am making this the last blog as the trip is coming up and I intend to CHILL big time .
I finish on Friday 19th June and not a day too soon .

I usually give you all my news in order of happening but I have to skip on a bit to tell you all THE BIG NEWS .

A NEW GRANDDAUGHTER !!!!!!
Yes she's here . Abigail Rose Love was born 15th May 2009 at 10.10 am and weighed 8lbs 13ozs . AND I held her in my arms when she was only 1 hour old . I am still greetin and so happy to have been over here for this wonderfull occasion .
Mum and baby are doing well and dad and Emily are tickled pink .
This has made EVERTHING worthwhile . A great experience on the most part and an experience on the other part .
I have not been to see the family since Abigail was born but I did stay until the 19th May .
Another visit to see them will be after school is done and before the road trip . Am so excited at the thought of seeing my wee girls .

ALBUQUERQUE :

The final meeting with Fulbright for all the people who came to US for the year was held in Albuquerque , New Mexico .
It was good to see and hear how everyone had got on throughout the year . Some were very positive and some not so positive .
I would say that the feeling was none of us had regrets because there was sooo much good happening in our personal lives it made up very much for anything else .
Fulbright kept us very busy and had lots for us to see . A great trip and will try photos to-morrow of all the events . Indian country was the theme so very interesting .

Softball and Baseball :

I have been going to watch a bit of both . The softball is played mostly by the high school girls . They are good !!!
The base ball has been the DC team NATIONALS . They are not that great but I saw them beat the NY Mets on Saturday so that was good . They have a new stadium .

FINALLY GET TO DRESS UP :

Living in DC meant that some of us were invited to a Fulbright Achievement Award Dinner where it was black tie and posh frocks . I had sent my sister home with all my posh stuff but something inside me said hold on to one wee number . You know what it is like Jill Riley . A girl has to be prepared !!!
A very nice formal evening and Fulbright paid the 250 dollar tab !!!

GETTING ORGANISED TO FINISH :
Things do not let up here and busy trying to pack for coming home . I have had to get yet another suitcase . Still I will get there .

My brother Billy and wife Maureen are coming on Monday which is great . They will get me through the last few days .
AND then the road trip . We start with a flight to Las Vegas . Then onto LA . Drive to San Franscisco and finally fly to Vancouver . Once that is all done I fly back to DC for my flight home . Getting back to my Bonnie Scotland 28th July .

Am looking forward to seeing you all and getting your news .
Thank you for keeping contact it has been really appreciated .
I know holidays are a few weeks away but have a teriffic break and to those of you are are working hope you have a break soon .

Take care everyone . Speak sooner than you think and back to Dumfries Academy . Oh No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lots of Love Helen xxxxx