WHEN I penned my last Iron Lady column I was just a few days away from racing Ironman 70.3 Vineman in Napa Valley, Northern California.

I'm pleased to report two things: I had a strong race, finishing fourth (although was a little disappointed to narrowly miss out on the podium) and the vineyards in that part of the world are just as special as you imagine they might be.

The top five professional men and women were all given some fine wine - and mine went straight in my suitcase. The reason for this? Shortly after the race I had to power through the eight-hour drive back down to my home in LA to jump on a flight to Heathrow.

With my fine wine wrapped up carefully in my wetsuit (I hope you're impressed with this resourceful packing), I landed back in Blighty last Thursday evening and have had a great time catching up with friends and family ever since.

On Wednesday this week I enjoyed spending some time with two of my long-term local sponsors, Old Town chartered accountants Morris Owen and telecoms firm Virtua at The Royal Oak pub in Bishopstone. The food, from Helen Browning's Organic Farm, was as terrific as ever while the after-dinner entertainment (me) was hopefully passable.

The reason for my being this side of the Pond is the wedding of my youngest sister, Susie, which took place yesterday and was a truly brilliant day. The athlete in me didn't quite take the day off - my sisters and I all snuck in a six-mile run around Cricklade before breakfast - but after that I was in full bridesmaid mode.

The service was at Swindon registry office and was followed by a fun reception at our auntie and uncle's home in Purton. For the second time in as many days I was on public speaking duties again, delivering the father of the bride speech at the reception.

My dad, Mike, who used to run and own our family business in Victoria Road, Old Town, died 10 years ago, and I know yesterday he would have been incredibly proud.

I come from a close family and after being away from them for six months it has been brilliant spending time with them again. I've been entertaining them with my Americanisms as well as my inability to drive on the left or change gear in a manual car.

On Monday I return to LA as it's time to crack on with the final preparation for the world championships in Las Vegas in September.

Before then, though, I'll try to fit in all my favourite British things - roast beef dinners, fish and chips and Marks & Spencer's Percy Pigs. And I suppose I ought to free that fine wine from the wetsuit it’s still wrapped up in. Just don't tell my coach...