h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

There's no good time for bad news, but it seems especially hard when Christmas is on the horizon. We heard on Friday that the 22 year old daughter of friends has been killed in a skiing accident. Now the parents have to cope with a transatlantic flight to join the rest of their family who live near the ski resort.

It's also close to the anniversary of the death of the daughter (complications from appendicitis) of other friends.

Getting out the Christmas card list is always a reminder of the absentees. Another friend died unexpectedly in the Spring, so that's yet one more to change.

Life can really be tough for some folk.

All the more reson to love the ones we have friends, children, family.

Indeed. Posted my son's Christmas present out to Japan this morning thinking that at least he's there to receive it.

Today I've just heard that one of my best friends' mother has died. At least this passing was not so unexpected.

Yes - I've got to get number 4's present to Australia.

I think you may have missed the last guaranteed posting date...

Christmas down under must seem really odd, having it in the Summer. We can't complain about it being unseasonal here!