My Grandmother, Doris Munro who turns 100 on 14 January

This may well be my last post for the year, so I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a splendid New Year.

We are flying to Sydney tomorrow morning and will be in Australia for a whole month. I am so excited to be seeing my family and friends after almost 18 months. It is especially great for the kids to reconnect with their cousins and keep those ties strong.

We are staying a little longer in Australia as my maternal Grandmother will turn 100 in early January so there will be a big family gathering. I feel so awed by this wonderful woman. She has seen so much, been through so many changes and maintained an open heart and beautiful soul.

She still exercises, reads avidly, writes amusing letters to her great grand children, tends her plants and maintains lifelong friendships. She especially loves a family get-together and enjoys a glass or two of wine. Perhaps that's her secret (I'm hoping anyway!).

She has two daughters, 7 grandchildren and 14 great grand children. She was born in Chiswick, London, moved to Australia when she was three, has lived in Sydney ever since yet still holds a British passport. Her story is fascinating and I hope someone writes it down before it's too late. My mother bought her a Dictaphone a few years ago hoping that she would use it to dictate her life, but I don't think it caught on.

I know my family all feel proud to have such a wonderful matriarch still in our midst. Having four generations gathered together will be quite an occassion, and worth missing a little schooling for. I raise my glass to you Great Granny Dot!