I haven't been around much because we have spent the last few weeks putting together the arrangements for our wedding. Well actually we haven't got as far as the wedding yet but the travel plans are almost in place.

Sarah and I had an idea about a year ago to go off and get married - just me, her and the kids. We decided we would do it in December this year in Lapland. Then came the announcement that Sarah's sister was also planning to get married this year, also in December and she lives in Australia!

Since there was no way our finances could do both we decided that as we were all going to Oz we would get married there too. So that's what we are doing - date provisionally set for December 21st - the longest day!!

Anyway as a travel agent told us a week or two ago we picked the wrong month in the wrong year. The ashes will be on when we are going - and where we are going. The last two tests to be precise Melbourne and Sydney. So everything is at a premium.

Getting flights we could afford (remember there are 7 of us) was a nightmare and for a long time it looked like we would be paying around £850 each - ouch. even then prices seemed to be going up on a daily basis. Just as we were going to give in and pay it Sarah tracked flights down for just over £600 - phew!

Then after we paid for them we applied for our visas which you do on line these days - everyone's went through except mine which was referred to the consulate. A very nervous few hours then ensued but luckily it was approved this afternoon.

So on the 9th December via Penang and Kuala Lumpur we will be flying off to Melbourne. We are there for three weeks until new years day then hopefully we'll go to Sydney before returning. I say hopefully because we have spent the last three days looking for accommodation. If you go to any of the big on line booking agents and enter 1st Jan you just get a sorry nothing available message!!

Anyway tonight I think I've cracked it and I'm just waiting for confirmation then I can book the flights tomorrow. Then once all the travel plans are sorted Sarah and I can actually think about the wedding. Oh and I can work on being allowed to go to at least one day of test match cricket!!