I am guessing 17 separate socks were found in the bottom of the wash basket.

You should charge people to enter the competition mum, or perhaps you could open up a stall at Broughton School Christmas Fete. I reckon it would be a big hit!

Hi Melanie Jane - how are you - you haven't responded to my texts or e mails but I still love you. I hope you are still having a wonderful time out there. I spend all of my time cleaning up after workmen - can't believe one little man could have made so much mess - Nan had to come and help me!!!

Your bedroom was beautifully tidy and clean for less than 24 hours when it became a store room again whilst the tilers are in. Have two men here as I type (and yes it is Sunday) so no doubt I will be bl###y cleaning again before the day is out - bet you're glad to be a continent away?

My new digital camera has finally arrived and my Series 5 of 24 so when I am not 'cleaning' I have stuff to do to stop me missing you too much. Claire is now watching second series of 24 so hopefully she is also remembering to look after the piggies. Sam is hacked off at having his bed moved from one place to the next and has taken up residence on the sofa with a look of disdain on his face!! He is being very affectionate and demanding and says he is missing you cos you sit still for longer than 5 mins at a time when he wants a cuddle. Looking forward to hearing from you (bit of a hint there). Love you lots - from your lovely mummy xxx

PS you get a guess at the sock competition too!!!!

Hi everyone - the next competition on the message board is about to start!!!

HOW MANY SOCKS DID I FIND IN MEL'S WASH BASKET?
Single socks (not pairs!!)

There will be a prize of a mars bar (or choccie bar of your choice) for the nearest guess. One guess only per person. One other person other than me knows the answer so that there is no cheating. Another clue is don't underestimate!!!

I will also be reporting back on how many actual matched pairs I
make after the competition. So get guessing!!

PS - Michelle and Melanie will know the significance of the 'pairing ceremony.' but all are welcome to attend!

Love to you all - Mel's Mum.

Hi Mel

Glad to hear you're having so much fun, even if I am green with envy. My need to go to Africa is getting stronger now thanks to you! Disapppointed with the lack of photos though!

The rest of my family have been asking how you're getting on, but I'm afraid me and Claire are the only reliable ones, don't expect too many messages from them!

Charlie has been having some fantastic tantrums lately, I had to turn away whilst trying to calm him down today cos it was so funny. I'm sure he'll save some of that for when you get back so you won't miss out!

Take care Mel, and keep writing the updates.

Lots of love

Julia
xx

Hey Mel

So glad to hear you are having such an amazing time. I am keeping up with your itinerary and looking up the places you are going on the internet. Undiscovered tropical beach resorts seem to be the theme with you at the moment! Hope your fancy dress party was fun. I went to one on sat - the theme was madonna versus gwen stefani. Wanted to get my very own baby david and go as madonna in malawi but couldn't sem to find one so went as her when she snogged britney spears. Was good fun dressing up thank god for the cheapness of primark (don't know if it can contend with malawian flea markets - although it is possible the clothes in primark were made in a sweatshop there!). Am sat at work at the moment and have a rare hour off to catch up on my admin (ie emailing you), just saw a really good client who's getting on really well so not feeling too bad about being at work!

Anyway keep up with the message posts, it brightens up my day to find you've added a new one!

Lots of love, Michelle xxxx

PS please give me some sympathy over my lost ski hat seeing as mum did not seem to have any to offer (it did cost £23).

I bet she is secretly wishing she was back here to watch it as well! You're missing a treat Mel!

Glad to hear you are enjoying yourself. It would be a bit of a bum if you werent I suppose!!
Wayne and Andrew met Bodger & Badger the other day. They both took pleasure in watching me trying to get the pigs back in their run!!! Needless to say they didnt offer to help, although Wayne half heartedly came out and waved a bit of dandy lion leaf in badgers face!!! Badge ran away for safety. Possibly the story of Waynes life!! They are fine though and I am sure they are missing you too!! I had to give badge another haircut the other day which was a bit scary!!

It seems strange around these parts at the moment. Its very quiet, and I seem to have more food in my cupboards!!

Anyway was good to hear from you, hope you continue to have an amazing time.

Take care
Love
Claire
xxx

hey!!

glad your still having such a great time and that you've made some good friends! can't wait to hear about your fancy dress costume, i hope your persons got you something good!!
looking forward to seeing some pictures soon!!!
your missing nothing here, except the new series of i'm a celebrity which i'm sure your gutted about!! lol!!

miss you, take care!

love olivia xx

Hi Melon just read your latest and i amso jealous!!! you sound like your having a great time and drinking lots as well!!!! make sure you have loads as i feel very left out without my wine!!! all going okay here work the same weather the same basically all the same!!! i am getting bigger and bigger and so is lex!!!! all miss u lots and lots x x x x

Hi Mel,

Sounds like you are having the time of your life, fair play to you girl. Look after yourself and stay safe! Miss you loads

Linz
xxx

Hi Mel - please check your e mails as soon as you can as I have sent an important one about your car insurance.

I hope you are still having loads of fun - the artexer is in and the whole place is white (and that's not cos it's snowing) men are so messy - he left the kitchen door open just to make sure the whole house got messed up!!!! so when you feel a bit lonely just remember you are better off there at the moment as your bedroom is currently a store room!!!!

love you and miss you too - mum xxxx

Hey Mel,

Glad to hear you are having an amazing time!

Us country bumpkins in Aylesbury are very jealous so make sure you have some fun for us... And remember always use protection (from the sun, etc)

Lots of Love From Your Lifelong Chum
Vicky
x

Hi Mel - do you get the feeling Michelle wants some sympathy over her ski hat disaster. Honestly I am more worried about the extreme sports she was practising when she lost it!!!

Can't believe Nanny Floss got in before my mum and dad - better not tell them.

Had not read your message when I spoke to you this morning - so now know what a great time you are having - and there was me thinking you were stuck in a little tent with no luxuries!!! I miss your cheery hello in the mornings but looking forward to seeing some piccies.

Love you - mum xxx