BEREAVEMENT, TRAVEL,GJERGI'S BIRTHDAY!

7 NOVEMBER 2012. BEREAVEMENT, TRAVEL, GJERGI'S BIRTHDAY! Following completion of my last entry, less than two hours later, a telephone call from Dublin brought me the sad news that my sister Nora had died. RIP. Even with the delay prior to funeral that is customary in England, I took several days to get travel organised. Eventually, I left a very crowded airport in Tirana, that was busy welcoming Hilary Clinton, on November 1, and traveled to Munich. Later, I went to Manchester and eventually arrived in Leeds. It was just great meeting with family and so many relatives that night. The funeral Mass was a great tribute to Nora, both by her Parish and her family. Onra gave a wonderful eulogy. Later, after her buriel, during a meal to "Celebrate Nora's Life", her eldest grandchild, Sarah, was deputed by the others to tell Nora's story through the eyes of her grandchildren. This well prepared account was really beautiful and so meaningful. I feel sure it was a great consolation, not only to me, but to all who were grieving. Next morning - Saturday last, I left by taxi, with Clare and Cheeser, at 6.15a.m. for Manchester airport, as we all had early flights. I was travelling to Istanbul, my first visit to Turkey, and then to Tirana. I was so glad to see Amira at the airport. I stayed overnight and returned here on Sunday, arriving before 8.00p.m. Altogether, very tiring but most worthwhile and so great to have had time with Nora's husband, Donal, and her family. Life got back to normal very quickly here on Monday. Gjergi - a neighbour had his Birthday. This is a big event here in Albania. So, he came with his family and two other neighbours for a little celebration that had been "in the air" for some time. All went well and thank God all is well here since too. Blessings and good cheer for our continuing November.