The day before I flew back to Istanbul, my brother Stefan and sister Katrina surprised me with a visit. I was completely over the moon to get a chance to see them again before going, and also saw an opportunity to take a few pictures of Stefan. Being a model/ St. Martins fabric design sort of a person he is really tolerant of me and my camera, just another reason why I wish I lived down the road from him (and all my other siblings). The second bonus came when I actually checked my flight time and realised that I wasn't, as I had thought, on a plane at the same time Ville had flown several days before, but had a whole morning more than I expected. Instead of rushing about I relaxed and even had time to take some precious pictures of my beautiful brothers Daniel and Brendan and my Mum with Neve.

I love unpacking our suitcases when I return. They are always full of gifts that are precious daily reminders of the affection of those far away. This year there was some fantastic artwork by my illustrator sister Hellen, a string of long coveted lights from Katrina, clothes, posh moisturiser and a stash of chorizo from my Mum and an adorable handmade rabbit from my friend Suzy.

Apart from not quite managing to sort out the sleep deprivation of the last few weeks (as soon as Neve's teeth emerged Matti got a bug!) we are all in good spirits thanks largely I am sure to the scent of spring and the increasing number of blue skies. Today we went to Ihlamur Kasrı where I had recorded the very first signs of spring only weeks before and found an abundance of flowers and fallen petals.

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