I woke at 9am this morning after my late night and woke Sophie up as she had an appointment at the nail salon at 11am. I had planned on going to St Albans, to the Christmas market there, but by the time we left the salon it was midday and too late, I felt, to drive down the M1.
As it was such a beautiful day we went off to Meerkat Harborough and had lunch at Caffe Nero. The place was packed and the town itself was busy with people Christmas shopping. We had a mooch about the shops but I just wasn't in the mood today so we returned to the car and drove home. I really wanted to get out into the garden and clear away all the leaves so after a chat with Sue who was doing the same thing, I changed into a warmer top and ventured outside.
I swept up almost a whole wheelie bin full of leaves and chatted to Sue as we worked. Gill also came out and told us that her and Tim had bought a house and were due to move in January. Sometimes it's great to get outside and meet the neighbours and glean some useful information! Which reminds me, whilst I was talking to Sue another woman walked past with a dog very similar to Sue's Bailey (a cockapoo) and stopped for a chat but she didn't acknowledge my presence at all - she didn't even look in my direction! Afterwards I wondered why! I had just got home from shopping so wasn't dressed in my bag lady clothes so couldn't have been mistaken for a tramp who'd wandered onto the estate by accident! Some people are very strange so I don't think I'll be getting a Christmas card from this lovely lady!
After doing the gardening (and feeling pleased with myself for clearing away about a ton of leaves) I washed the mud off my car (surely Keith drove it across a field last night?) just as the light began to fade. Mum and Dad called me and said they had some stuff that needed to be taken into work tomorrow so they popped in and had a drink with us while Keith watched Newcastle play West Bromwich Albion. It was a very pleasant end to a very pleasant day...and an end to yet another month!
Saturday 30 November 2013
Friday 29 November 2013
Ahoy, me hearties!
This week has flown past yet again and it's very hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of November. Where has this month gone?
We were a bit busier at work today which was good but it was great to get away at 4pm, go home and have a long hot bath. Tonight was another Come Dine With Me dinner, at Andrea's house, with the theme being a nautical one. Sophie did my make-up for me and then I dressed in my own black trousers, but using the Fancy Dress shirt and felt boot coverings. I borrowed a scarlet scarf from Sophie and tied a red bandana around my head and I have to say I was rather pleased with the result! I even had a parrot on my arm!
On the way to Andrea's house we took Mikey to Gibraltar Barracks as he is off on an Army cadet weekend. We still had half an hour to spare so I called Lynda and offered to give her a lift, which she gratefully accepted. She was also dressed as a pirate but had a plastic duck taped to her shoulder!
When we arrived at Andrea's house she was dressed very smartly in a Captain's outfit while Fiona was brilliant as a deep sea diver! She was even wearing huge flippers and had two coke bottles strapped to her back as oxygen tanks! After we'd sipped Mojitos Andrea called us to the table for warm bread dipped in balsamic vinegar and olive oil accompanied by stuffed olives. Andrea's starter was scallops served with prosciutto on a bed of salad and it was such a treat to eat scallops. They were beautifully cooked.
Naturally we had a good gossip (our children being the main topic of conversation) and enjoyed a delicious fish pie, wilted spinach, baby carrots and parsnip chips. After a decent interval (we were all a bit stuffed) we had a gorgeous dessert of white chocolate and raspberry mousse accompanied by little shortbread fishy fingers. It was a lovely meal and Andrea had worked very hard to make it enjoyable for us.
After we'd eaten we played a shark game in which you had to roll a dice and hook out an object from the shark's mouth. Push the different items too far into the shark's mouth and it would close and bite you!
Keith (and Sophie) came to pick us up at nearly midnight and we gave Lynda and Fiona a lift home. It had been a brilliant night and next up is me! Help!
We were a bit busier at work today which was good but it was great to get away at 4pm, go home and have a long hot bath. Tonight was another Come Dine With Me dinner, at Andrea's house, with the theme being a nautical one. Sophie did my make-up for me and then I dressed in my own black trousers, but using the Fancy Dress shirt and felt boot coverings. I borrowed a scarlet scarf from Sophie and tied a red bandana around my head and I have to say I was rather pleased with the result! I even had a parrot on my arm!
On the way to Andrea's house we took Mikey to Gibraltar Barracks as he is off on an Army cadet weekend. We still had half an hour to spare so I called Lynda and offered to give her a lift, which she gratefully accepted. She was also dressed as a pirate but had a plastic duck taped to her shoulder!
When we arrived at Andrea's house she was dressed very smartly in a Captain's outfit while Fiona was brilliant as a deep sea diver! She was even wearing huge flippers and had two coke bottles strapped to her back as oxygen tanks! After we'd sipped Mojitos Andrea called us to the table for warm bread dipped in balsamic vinegar and olive oil accompanied by stuffed olives. Andrea's starter was scallops served with prosciutto on a bed of salad and it was such a treat to eat scallops. They were beautifully cooked.
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| Our feathered friends joined in the meal... |
Naturally we had a good gossip (our children being the main topic of conversation) and enjoyed a delicious fish pie, wilted spinach, baby carrots and parsnip chips. After a decent interval (we were all a bit stuffed) we had a gorgeous dessert of white chocolate and raspberry mousse accompanied by little shortbread fishy fingers. It was a lovely meal and Andrea had worked very hard to make it enjoyable for us.
After we'd eaten we played a shark game in which you had to roll a dice and hook out an object from the shark's mouth. Push the different items too far into the shark's mouth and it would close and bite you!
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| Lynda and Andrea playing the shark game! |
Keith (and Sophie) came to pick us up at nearly midnight and we gave Lynda and Fiona a lift home. It had been a brilliant night and next up is me! Help!
Thursday 28 November 2013
Strange days indeed!
Some strange things have happened today!
Firstly, not strange, but irritating. I had an email from the Co-op insurance about my no claims discount. I'd changed from Sheila's Wheels to the Co-op with the new car and they wanted proof that I had 16 (actually 17) years no claims discount. I'd already sent them what I thought was proof, but no, this wasn't good enough. I then sent them a renewal schedule from Sheila's Wheels and posted it by registered mail. Still, this wasn't good enough as I received an email from them wanting yet more details. Luckily I still had all the documents in my bag so I immediately called them and started ranting about feeling like a criminal and that as all the insurance companies had a hot line to each other, they must know that I was telling the truth.
This seemed to work as the woman I was speaking to backed down and said she would call Sheila's Wheels for me while I waited on the line. I was pretty close to telling the Co-op exactly what they could do with their insurance! Within minutes it was all sorted and I had calmed down a bit. But I was still hopping mad that I'd been made to jump through hoops just to prove that I was telling the truth!
Sophie and I left work a little early today as I wanted to put some diesel in the car and give it a wash. On the way to the garage we came around the corner and saw a wall of bluish-grey smoke ahead of us, with all the cars in front stopped. Expecting it to be a car or lorry on fire I was on the point of turning around when Sophie made me carry on. We still don't know what caused the smoke as it was all along the road but without any apparent reason! It was like something out of The Fog!
Washing the car with the jet wash was not the most successful of things I've ever done! Sophie used the high pressure lance while I scrubbed away at the dirty wheels and underside of the car and we soon ran out of time so I had to put another £2 into the machine. When we got to the gym we had a look at the car and saw we'd missed a large section on the passenger door!
I had a moderately good workout but Sophie disappeared off to the spa within about fifteen minutes as she felt "sick". When my session was over I went to get changed into my swimsuit and used one of the cubicles as the changing area was busy with women getting dressed. Luckily, I had only removed my trainers when all the lights went out, plunging all of us into a darkness so black it felt like I'd fallen down a deep dark well. The children in the changing room started crying and a few women screamed! I opened the door of the cubicle and saw that someone had used their mobile to get some light but as I did that the lights came back on! Thank goodness!
Normality restored, I went down to the spa and looked for Sophie but couldn't see her towel, so I assumed she'd left long ago. I had a quick swim and then went back into the jacuzzi. After a couple of minutes I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked around to see my daughter looking a bit dopey - she'd fallen asleep on one of the loungers!
So, today has been a bit strange...and I can't believe it's Friday already tomorrow and I'm going to turn into a pirate!
Firstly, not strange, but irritating. I had an email from the Co-op insurance about my no claims discount. I'd changed from Sheila's Wheels to the Co-op with the new car and they wanted proof that I had 16 (actually 17) years no claims discount. I'd already sent them what I thought was proof, but no, this wasn't good enough. I then sent them a renewal schedule from Sheila's Wheels and posted it by registered mail. Still, this wasn't good enough as I received an email from them wanting yet more details. Luckily I still had all the documents in my bag so I immediately called them and started ranting about feeling like a criminal and that as all the insurance companies had a hot line to each other, they must know that I was telling the truth.
This seemed to work as the woman I was speaking to backed down and said she would call Sheila's Wheels for me while I waited on the line. I was pretty close to telling the Co-op exactly what they could do with their insurance! Within minutes it was all sorted and I had calmed down a bit. But I was still hopping mad that I'd been made to jump through hoops just to prove that I was telling the truth!
Sophie and I left work a little early today as I wanted to put some diesel in the car and give it a wash. On the way to the garage we came around the corner and saw a wall of bluish-grey smoke ahead of us, with all the cars in front stopped. Expecting it to be a car or lorry on fire I was on the point of turning around when Sophie made me carry on. We still don't know what caused the smoke as it was all along the road but without any apparent reason! It was like something out of The Fog!
Washing the car with the jet wash was not the most successful of things I've ever done! Sophie used the high pressure lance while I scrubbed away at the dirty wheels and underside of the car and we soon ran out of time so I had to put another £2 into the machine. When we got to the gym we had a look at the car and saw we'd missed a large section on the passenger door!
I had a moderately good workout but Sophie disappeared off to the spa within about fifteen minutes as she felt "sick". When my session was over I went to get changed into my swimsuit and used one of the cubicles as the changing area was busy with women getting dressed. Luckily, I had only removed my trainers when all the lights went out, plunging all of us into a darkness so black it felt like I'd fallen down a deep dark well. The children in the changing room started crying and a few women screamed! I opened the door of the cubicle and saw that someone had used their mobile to get some light but as I did that the lights came back on! Thank goodness!
Normality restored, I went down to the spa and looked for Sophie but couldn't see her towel, so I assumed she'd left long ago. I had a quick swim and then went back into the jacuzzi. After a couple of minutes I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked around to see my daughter looking a bit dopey - she'd fallen asleep on one of the loungers!
So, today has been a bit strange...and I can't believe it's Friday already tomorrow and I'm going to turn into a pirate!
Wednesday 27 November 2013
Plans thwarted...
Work seems to dominate my life at the moment and today was no exception. I asked Polly whether she'd managed to get someone in at work this evening to look after the two parties we had booked but she said she'd had no reply from the girls she'd contacted. I just knew that in the end I'd be asking Sophie to work (I approach her with a white flag) and that our plans to go to the gym would be cancelled.
Keith and I went out and about during the day and I spent quite some time in Jones's looking at the Christmas decorations and deciding where I'm going to put one of our trees at home. The big white one will go in the conservatory as usual but at the moment we have a two seater sofa in the window in our lounge and I like it there. No doubt I will have to find another home for it, though, so we can have the smaller "Scandinavian" tree there!
As predicted Sophie and I never got to the gym which was very annoying. We eventually left work at almost 6.30pm so it was far too late to even attempt a session in the spa. I did try on my pirate outfit though, and at least gave everyone a good laugh!
Keith and I went out and about during the day and I spent quite some time in Jones's looking at the Christmas decorations and deciding where I'm going to put one of our trees at home. The big white one will go in the conservatory as usual but at the moment we have a two seater sofa in the window in our lounge and I like it there. No doubt I will have to find another home for it, though, so we can have the smaller "Scandinavian" tree there!
As predicted Sophie and I never got to the gym which was very annoying. We eventually left work at almost 6.30pm so it was far too late to even attempt a session in the spa. I did try on my pirate outfit though, and at least gave everyone a good laugh!
Tuesday 26 November 2013
Good old girly gossip!
Although work looked lovely this morning when we walked in, it was a bit cold as one of our heaters had stopped working! Not a good thing on a frosty morning! This put all of us into a bit of a bad mood especially as the heater is above Reception and gives the customers a nice blast of warm air when they arrive. There's nothing like seeing customers huddled inside coats to make us feel bad! Luckily the engineers came out very quickly in the afternoon and managed to put it right without saying it needed an expensive part!
As we were quiet today I went off with Mum in search of a nautical outfit for the forthcoming Come Dine With Me on Friday. I fancied going as a pirate and found a great outfit in our local Fancy Dress shop. I even bought a parrot to wear on my arm!
Sue came around for a drink after work today and bought some delicious nibbles with her. I supplied the wine and she surprised me because I asked whether she wanted red or white and she went for a Rioja! I have this theory that even hardened white wine drinkers will eventually go over to the dark side!
We had a very pleasant couple of hours gossiping and putting the world to rights while Keith did the Army Cadet run. When Sue had gone we had a quick dinner and then it was off to pick Sophie up from her friend's house and then back over to Brixworth to pick up Mikey. I'm certainly clocking up the miles but I have to say on the way back home with all four of us in the car it was definitely much more comfortable!
As we were quiet today I went off with Mum in search of a nautical outfit for the forthcoming Come Dine With Me on Friday. I fancied going as a pirate and found a great outfit in our local Fancy Dress shop. I even bought a parrot to wear on my arm!
Sue came around for a drink after work today and bought some delicious nibbles with her. I supplied the wine and she surprised me because I asked whether she wanted red or white and she went for a Rioja! I have this theory that even hardened white wine drinkers will eventually go over to the dark side!
We had a very pleasant couple of hours gossiping and putting the world to rights while Keith did the Army Cadet run. When Sue had gone we had a quick dinner and then it was off to pick Sophie up from her friend's house and then back over to Brixworth to pick up Mikey. I'm certainly clocking up the miles but I have to say on the way back home with all four of us in the car it was definitely much more comfortable!
Monday 25 November 2013
Deck the halls!
Well, there was no putting off the fact that we had to put up some Christmas decorations today as we have a festive party at work next Sunday. While Mum went off to see the surgeon for a check up on her knee, I took all the decorations out of our store cupboard and tried to summon up some enthusiasm to do something with them!
Traditionally we have a little scene arranged under our two slides but they were both a little dusty so I've put off that job until next week, when Keith can help me clean them (he's off work with man flu today!).
I put up one Christmas tree and arranged baubles on the structure we bought at Ikea next week, which was an extremely fiddly job as none of them behaved themselves and kept slipping to the bottom of the "tree"! I have to say, though, that at the end of the day, when Mum had decorated another tree and Dad had put up some lights, the place looked very festive and pretty. There's nothing like some twinkling lights to brighten up the gloomiest of days!
There's also nothing like a spell in the gym to warm you up and I really enjoyed my session this evening. Sophie wimped out on me but I spent a very enjoyable hour working up a sweat and watching Pointless on one of the TV monitors...the other gym users must have thought I was crackers as I laughed away with Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman!
Traditionally we have a little scene arranged under our two slides but they were both a little dusty so I've put off that job until next week, when Keith can help me clean them (he's off work with man flu today!).
I put up one Christmas tree and arranged baubles on the structure we bought at Ikea next week, which was an extremely fiddly job as none of them behaved themselves and kept slipping to the bottom of the "tree"! I have to say, though, that at the end of the day, when Mum had decorated another tree and Dad had put up some lights, the place looked very festive and pretty. There's nothing like some twinkling lights to brighten up the gloomiest of days!
There's also nothing like a spell in the gym to warm you up and I really enjoyed my session this evening. Sophie wimped out on me but I spent a very enjoyable hour working up a sweat and watching Pointless on one of the TV monitors...the other gym users must have thought I was crackers as I laughed away with Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman!
Sunday 24 November 2013
Muddy boots!
After dropping Sophie off at work, Keith and I went for a walk over the fields, to get some fresh air and to take advantage of a relatively dry day. We walked into the village and down a farm track that leads to the Nature reserve. It had been a while since we went this way and we had a very enjoyable hour and a half tramping over the fields and probably walking where we weren't allowed to walk!
By the time we got home I was ravenous so I devoured last night's leftover casserole and then spent the afternoon doing very little. Both Mikey and Keith have colds at the moment and I just hope I don't get one as well. It would be nice to have a winter without the sniffles!
By the time we got home I was ravenous so I devoured last night's leftover casserole and then spent the afternoon doing very little. Both Mikey and Keith have colds at the moment and I just hope I don't get one as well. It would be nice to have a winter without the sniffles!
Saturday 23 November 2013
Stressful Saturday
I often wonder what it must be like to wake up on a Saturday morning and not have to worry about phone calls from work (I had about eight this morning) or whether staff have called in sick. Unfortunately, we were already short-staffed today and the girl who let us down last night, also let us down this morning. It meant that I might have had to have given up my Saturday to go into work - not a pleasant prospect!
Keith and I took Sophie into work and then went off to Booker to get some things that were needed, before heading off to the bank (never a good idea on a Saturday!). When we got back things were under control so we left to go home, but on the way my phone rang. It was Sophie saying that the hot plate wasn't working and could we come back?
I was already in a bad mood and this put me into a complete grump so I told Sophie to call my Dad as repairing hot plates is not really my thing! To cut a long story short, Dad called into work and sorted it out, but it really set the tone for the whole day.
Back at home I changed Mikey and Sophie's beds and hoovered the whole house before doing some research on my family tree. I had an appointment at Virgin's beauty salon at 4pm to tackle my unruly eyebrows and then, before picking Sophie up from work I drove to a local garden centre to buy some new lights for the mantelpiece as the ones we had on there stopped working a couple of weeks ago. It seemed like the whole garden centre had been taken over by Christmas and I was spoilt for choice when it came to little twinkling lights! Luckily, they had the exact ones I wanted and on the way to the tills I spotted a little artificial tree complete with snow and lights that would look great outside the front door! Hmmm...I may have to make a trip back!
Today wasn't all bad, though, as Keith and I walked up to the pub when I got back from picking up Sophie and had a couple of drinks. The pub has recently been refurbished and we liked the new decor as it seemed a lot cosier than it used to...and a lot warmer!
Keith and I took Sophie into work and then went off to Booker to get some things that were needed, before heading off to the bank (never a good idea on a Saturday!). When we got back things were under control so we left to go home, but on the way my phone rang. It was Sophie saying that the hot plate wasn't working and could we come back?
I was already in a bad mood and this put me into a complete grump so I told Sophie to call my Dad as repairing hot plates is not really my thing! To cut a long story short, Dad called into work and sorted it out, but it really set the tone for the whole day.
Back at home I changed Mikey and Sophie's beds and hoovered the whole house before doing some research on my family tree. I had an appointment at Virgin's beauty salon at 4pm to tackle my unruly eyebrows and then, before picking Sophie up from work I drove to a local garden centre to buy some new lights for the mantelpiece as the ones we had on there stopped working a couple of weeks ago. It seemed like the whole garden centre had been taken over by Christmas and I was spoilt for choice when it came to little twinkling lights! Luckily, they had the exact ones I wanted and on the way to the tills I spotted a little artificial tree complete with snow and lights that would look great outside the front door! Hmmm...I may have to make a trip back!
Today wasn't all bad, though, as Keith and I walked up to the pub when I got back from picking up Sophie and had a couple of drinks. The pub has recently been refurbished and we liked the new decor as it seemed a lot cosier than it used to...and a lot warmer!
Friday 22 November 2013
Late night Friday...
If I was hoping for an early finish today at work, then I was disappointed! One of the girls who was due to come in to work in the evening let us down so I managed to persuade Sophie to stay on and work on Reception while I helped out in the kitchen.
It meant we didn't leave until almost 6pm so we just had time for a session in the spa at the gym. However, all was not bad today as I joined in with a live Facebook chat this afternoon with one of my favourite authors, Douglas Kennedy. He told all of his followers that he would be live from 3pm British time (he was in Montreal) and we could ask him questions, which was great! I left a message and he responded straight away, so I was thrilled!
It meant we didn't leave until almost 6pm so we just had time for a session in the spa at the gym. However, all was not bad today as I joined in with a live Facebook chat this afternoon with one of my favourite authors, Douglas Kennedy. He told all of his followers that he would be live from 3pm British time (he was in Montreal) and we could ask him questions, which was great! I left a message and he responded straight away, so I was thrilled!
Thursday 21 November 2013
Busy...but a good day!
Today has been pretty frantic, but it's been very enjoyable!
Mum and I went to Ikea in Milton Keynes this morning to buy lots of goodies for work. It was also an excuse for me to take my car for a longer trip, but I still haven't driven it on the motorway! We bought lots of stuff before heading to the cafe for lunch and then I treated myself to a new lamp for the conservatory as the lights we have in there really aren't sufficient if we want to read or if the children want to do homework.
On the way back to work I called into the Audi dealership to get my personal plates fitted. Tim very kindly drove my car off to the workshop and within ten minutes my own plates were on the car. It's been a bit of a long complicated process but it's been worth it. I now feel as if I truly own the car. Vanity, yes, but for me it's lovely having my initials on my car.
From Audi we drove to Sophie's school to pick her up and then it was back to work for half an hour. I discovered that the wine I ordered the other day had been delivered. I used some Nectar points that we'd accumulated over the last year to buy eight bottles of wine to share with my Dad so we had a "divvy up" and I'm very pleased with the four robust reds I now have sitting on my wine rack...and all for just £1.25 each! Two of them are 14% so will be treated with respect!
From work Sophie and I drove over to Guilsborough as Sophie had a doctor's appointment and then it was home to a game of cards and a whisky and ginger ale in the conservatory with the new lamp. An enjoyable end to a busy day!
Mum and I went to Ikea in Milton Keynes this morning to buy lots of goodies for work. It was also an excuse for me to take my car for a longer trip, but I still haven't driven it on the motorway! We bought lots of stuff before heading to the cafe for lunch and then I treated myself to a new lamp for the conservatory as the lights we have in there really aren't sufficient if we want to read or if the children want to do homework.
On the way back to work I called into the Audi dealership to get my personal plates fitted. Tim very kindly drove my car off to the workshop and within ten minutes my own plates were on the car. It's been a bit of a long complicated process but it's been worth it. I now feel as if I truly own the car. Vanity, yes, but for me it's lovely having my initials on my car.
From Audi we drove to Sophie's school to pick her up and then it was back to work for half an hour. I discovered that the wine I ordered the other day had been delivered. I used some Nectar points that we'd accumulated over the last year to buy eight bottles of wine to share with my Dad so we had a "divvy up" and I'm very pleased with the four robust reds I now have sitting on my wine rack...and all for just £1.25 each! Two of them are 14% so will be treated with respect!
From work Sophie and I drove over to Guilsborough as Sophie had a doctor's appointment and then it was home to a game of cards and a whisky and ginger ale in the conservatory with the new lamp. An enjoyable end to a busy day!
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Back on the treadmill...
Sophie and I went off to the gym after work tonight and met Mum and Dad who were waiting for us in the cafe. While they went off to enjoy the spa, we got back into the swing of things by having a good workout, the first for me since last Monday!
I really enjoyed my session at the gym and it was great to do some exercise after a few days of relative sloth! After we'd exercised we went down to the spa but Mum and Dad had already left. I'm hoping that they'll start making the gym a regular feature of their week, as we do!
I really enjoyed my session at the gym and it was great to do some exercise after a few days of relative sloth! After we'd exercised we went down to the spa but Mum and Dad had already left. I'm hoping that they'll start making the gym a regular feature of their week, as we do!
Tuesday 19 November 2013
Not the best of evenings!
After a very busy day at work, catching up with all the paperwork I didn't manage to get done last week, it was into the bath to warm up (it's been very cold today) and then out for the evening as Mikey was at Gibraltar Barracks again.
However, just as we were leaving he discovered that he could have had a lift from his normal venue in Brixworth, just ten minutes from home! And in fact, his District Commander called me as we were driving into town to ask where he was! The bluetooth in the car is taking some getting used to as the phone starts to ring loudly, causing me to almost shoot through the roof in shock! We then found out that all the cadets were heading back to the hall in a minibus and we'd need to pick him up from his usual place at 9.30pm!
This changed all of our plans completely as we'd been planning to go to The Lamplighter again, but now we felt we really should be nearer to Brixworth. We dropped Mikey off and then decided to call into The Fox and Hounds in Kingsthorpe, somewhere Keith had always wanted to go. I don't think we will be back, though! As soon as I walked in I thought the atmosphere was unwelcoming and the pub felt cold. We had one drink and although the surroundings were bright with Christmas decorations, it just didn't feel right for me.
We drove over to Brixworth and headed for The Coach and Horses which used to be a favourite of ours a long, long time ago! The car park was full, though so we abandoned that idea and went instead to The George Inn. Our evening was starting to become a bit of a disaster!
We walked into The George and realised that we had come upon the dying throes of a funeral party, which was a bit sobering. Half of the pub was empty so we found a table and tentatively asked if they were serving food, which luckily they were otherwise it would have been a swift trip to the Co-op!
The menu was very basic but fulfilled our need for just a bar meal. I had a very good spaghetti bolognese while Keith chose barbecued chicken which he said was delicious. After the meal he persuaded me to have a half of the beer he was drinking, Winter Warmer, but then he found it had gone off...just about summed up the night, really!
However, just as we were leaving he discovered that he could have had a lift from his normal venue in Brixworth, just ten minutes from home! And in fact, his District Commander called me as we were driving into town to ask where he was! The bluetooth in the car is taking some getting used to as the phone starts to ring loudly, causing me to almost shoot through the roof in shock! We then found out that all the cadets were heading back to the hall in a minibus and we'd need to pick him up from his usual place at 9.30pm!
This changed all of our plans completely as we'd been planning to go to The Lamplighter again, but now we felt we really should be nearer to Brixworth. We dropped Mikey off and then decided to call into The Fox and Hounds in Kingsthorpe, somewhere Keith had always wanted to go. I don't think we will be back, though! As soon as I walked in I thought the atmosphere was unwelcoming and the pub felt cold. We had one drink and although the surroundings were bright with Christmas decorations, it just didn't feel right for me.
We drove over to Brixworth and headed for The Coach and Horses which used to be a favourite of ours a long, long time ago! The car park was full, though so we abandoned that idea and went instead to The George Inn. Our evening was starting to become a bit of a disaster!
We walked into The George and realised that we had come upon the dying throes of a funeral party, which was a bit sobering. Half of the pub was empty so we found a table and tentatively asked if they were serving food, which luckily they were otherwise it would have been a swift trip to the Co-op!
The menu was very basic but fulfilled our need for just a bar meal. I had a very good spaghetti bolognese while Keith chose barbecued chicken which he said was delicious. After the meal he persuaded me to have a half of the beer he was drinking, Winter Warmer, but then he found it had gone off...just about summed up the night, really!
Monday 18 November 2013
Dreary Monday
I woke this morning from the strangest dream in which Sandra Bullock was at a local shopping centre, giving Sophie a manicure! It was so vivid that when I woke up I really struggled to remember what day it was (Monday...groan!) and the dream seemed more real than reality!
Taking a look at the weather, I think I should have gone straight back to bed. It's been murky, grey and damp all day - real November weather. I didn't get to do any painting at work as I expected, as I forgot that we had a school in during the morning and by the time they went at lunchtime, we had to do the cleaning all over again!
I also forgot that we had a local photographic husband and wife team coming in after school to take some promotional shots of their children playing as they'll be coming in once a month to take photos of customers' children. They didn't arrive until after 4pm so all plans to go to the gym were put on hold and I was at work until 6pm. My poor daughter was there with me and although I offered to drive her to the gym, she volunteered to stay with me and help me tidy up afterwards. The good thing is that I managed to get a lot of things done in the two extra hours I had!
Taking a look at the weather, I think I should have gone straight back to bed. It's been murky, grey and damp all day - real November weather. I didn't get to do any painting at work as I expected, as I forgot that we had a school in during the morning and by the time they went at lunchtime, we had to do the cleaning all over again!
I also forgot that we had a local photographic husband and wife team coming in after school to take some promotional shots of their children playing as they'll be coming in once a month to take photos of customers' children. They didn't arrive until after 4pm so all plans to go to the gym were put on hold and I was at work until 6pm. My poor daughter was there with me and although I offered to drive her to the gym, she volunteered to stay with me and help me tidy up afterwards. The good thing is that I managed to get a lot of things done in the two extra hours I had!
Sunday 17 November 2013
Dull and grey...and the weather wasn't much better!
Today has been horrible, the very worst of winter weather. The sky remained grey all day, there was a nasty drizzle in the wind and we never saw the sun at all.
I was up early again, this time at about 6am, and I managed to catch the end of The Birds...not sure I'll ever look at my crows in the same way again! By 9am I was showered and dressed and Keith and I went to get the Sunday papers, calling in to have a coffee with mum on the way home.
I took Sophie to work at 11am and called into Next to buy a voucher for one of our staff who was leaving today.I managed a relaxing session in the spa at the gym and then it was home to loll about on the sofa to store up some energy for tomorrow when we close again at work. I'm not going to clean, the plan is to start painting!
I was up early again, this time at about 6am, and I managed to catch the end of The Birds...not sure I'll ever look at my crows in the same way again! By 9am I was showered and dressed and Keith and I went to get the Sunday papers, calling in to have a coffee with mum on the way home.
I took Sophie to work at 11am and called into Next to buy a voucher for one of our staff who was leaving today.I managed a relaxing session in the spa at the gym and then it was home to loll about on the sofa to store up some energy for tomorrow when we close again at work. I'm not going to clean, the plan is to start painting!
Saturday 16 November 2013
The first mince pie!
I was aiming for a lie-in this morning ( I was still awake at 11pm last night!) but I was up and about by 7.30am. Keith and I popped over to Audi this morning to take the V5 for the A1 so I could then reclaim the £500 security I'd paid on my credit card, as techically Vindis didn't own the car until I'd received it back from the DVLA with the original registration plate listed.
It's all very confusing, I have to say! I now have to take the retention certificate back to Vindis and they will make up my new plates for the A4. I sometimes wonder if it's all worth it to have my own plates on the car! Of course, the certificate was delivered to me this morning, about half an hour after getting back from the car showroom!
In the afternoon Sophie and I went over to Market Harborough (or Meerkat Harborough as we call it) for a spot of shopping. I had the first mince pie of the season in Caffe Nero with a cup of hot chocolate. Very indulgent!
We visited New Look (where else?) and bought some new books in Waterstones. We then had a mooch about the little shops which line the narrow back streets and I went in search of new salt and pepper pots as I have a couple of dinner parties coming up and I'm ashamed of what we have at the moment! However, the ones I saw in a posh cook shop were about £35 each...I'm not that ashamed!
By 3pm, we'd had enough and it was time to go home, in the gathering murk. Today has been grey and cold and perfect weather for the curry Keith had prepared!
It's all very confusing, I have to say! I now have to take the retention certificate back to Vindis and they will make up my new plates for the A4. I sometimes wonder if it's all worth it to have my own plates on the car! Of course, the certificate was delivered to me this morning, about half an hour after getting back from the car showroom!
In the afternoon Sophie and I went over to Market Harborough (or Meerkat Harborough as we call it) for a spot of shopping. I had the first mince pie of the season in Caffe Nero with a cup of hot chocolate. Very indulgent!
We visited New Look (where else?) and bought some new books in Waterstones. We then had a mooch about the little shops which line the narrow back streets and I went in search of new salt and pepper pots as I have a couple of dinner parties coming up and I'm ashamed of what we have at the moment! However, the ones I saw in a posh cook shop were about £35 each...I'm not that ashamed!
By 3pm, we'd had enough and it was time to go home, in the gathering murk. Today has been grey and cold and perfect weather for the curry Keith had prepared!
Friday 15 November 2013
Floor pics
I took these before we re-opened. Everything shone - not sure it will look like this again for a while!
All finished!
And so we come to the very last day of cleaning! We spent most of today putting the chairs and tables back and cleaning the party rooms as we have two parties booked in tonight. I have to say the place looked beautiful by 4pm and I was very proud of all that we'd achieved this week.
I spent a fair amount of time sitting in the jacuzzi in a trance-like state, soaking up the warmth and reflecting on my busy week. I really enjoyed blitzing the play area and making order out of chaos!
Back home Keith had made soup for supper, with a starter of pate and crusty bread. He'd treated me to a bottle of whisky which went down extremely well!
I spent a fair amount of time sitting in the jacuzzi in a trance-like state, soaking up the warmth and reflecting on my busy week. I really enjoyed blitzing the play area and making order out of chaos!
Back home Keith had made soup for supper, with a starter of pate and crusty bread. He'd treated me to a bottle of whisky which went down extremely well!
Thursday 14 November 2013
Bag Lady, begone!
Today has been another day of cleaning, this time all the framework, including the top levels which was a bit hairy! Keith helped enormously by getting up on the ladders and dusting the very tops of the scaffolding, showering everything with dust which floated to the ground like snow!
Mum and Dad came in today and although mum was still a bit stiff from the operation, she cleaned all the chairs and tables while dad mopped the floors and shampooed the carpets. By the time we open tomorrow the place should be immaculate!
By the end of today I felt like a bag lady...my feet were black from where I'd removed my shoes to crawl over the framework, my hair resembled a bush and my clothes were covered in dust. I couldn't wait to get home, have a long soak in a hot bath and wash my hair! All my clothes went into the wash bin as they were so dusty!
Keith treated me to a couple of drinks at the Queen's Arms in Orlingbury which was very pleasant indeed! The pub was blissfully quiet and we had a good chat about our day, both of us pleased with the progress that had been made. The floor is all finished now but we won't open until tomorrow afternoon to make sure the place is as clean as possible. I have to admit to enjoying the peace and quiet this week without customers...!!
Mum and Dad came in today and although mum was still a bit stiff from the operation, she cleaned all the chairs and tables while dad mopped the floors and shampooed the carpets. By the time we open tomorrow the place should be immaculate!
By the end of today I felt like a bag lady...my feet were black from where I'd removed my shoes to crawl over the framework, my hair resembled a bush and my clothes were covered in dust. I couldn't wait to get home, have a long soak in a hot bath and wash my hair! All my clothes went into the wash bin as they were so dusty!
Keith treated me to a couple of drinks at the Queen's Arms in Orlingbury which was very pleasant indeed! The pub was blissfully quiet and we had a good chat about our day, both of us pleased with the progress that had been made. The floor is all finished now but we won't open until tomorrow afternoon to make sure the place is as clean as possible. I have to admit to enjoying the peace and quiet this week without customers...!!
Wednesday 13 November 2013
The Big Clean...
Keith went into work early for me this morning as the scissor lift was due to be picked up and I really wanted him to deal with it rather than me!
Today was mostly spent cleaning - everything is covered in a fine layer of dust so I cleaned the Tots area and made sure everything was ready for when we re-open on Friday. I also cleaned all the surfaces in the kitchen and took in the Booker order. The floor men had stopped all the buffing and were starting to lay the vinyl so things were looking good.
I cleaned from 9am until 3pm and was looking forward to going to the gym for a well-earned rest in the spa! I knew I wasn't going to have a workout before I even left home this morning so I'd just packed my swimsuit and a towel!
I spent 45 minutes in the spa, alternating between the steam room, the sauna and the jacuzzi in an attempt to get warm! My relaxing session was finished off with a hot shower before calling into work on the way home to make sure the gates were shut. It was heaven to finally get home and have dinner!
Today was mostly spent cleaning - everything is covered in a fine layer of dust so I cleaned the Tots area and made sure everything was ready for when we re-open on Friday. I also cleaned all the surfaces in the kitchen and took in the Booker order. The floor men had stopped all the buffing and were starting to lay the vinyl so things were looking good.
I cleaned from 9am until 3pm and was looking forward to going to the gym for a well-earned rest in the spa! I knew I wasn't going to have a workout before I even left home this morning so I'd just packed my swimsuit and a towel!
I spent 45 minutes in the spa, alternating between the steam room, the sauna and the jacuzzi in an attempt to get warm! My relaxing session was finished off with a hot shower before calling into work on the way home to make sure the gates were shut. It was heaven to finally get home and have dinner!
Tuesday 12 November 2013
Gainfully employed...
It felt very strange today to be closed! If I thought I wouldn't have any contact with customers I was wrong as I had quite a few people come in to book parties or pay deposits and the phone was busy all day.
Mum had her operation first thing and she called me mid morning to say she felt a bit drowsy but she was fine, which was great news. My Dad was in and out for most of the day while I helped Ian and Keith with the lights and did as much cleaning as I could, which I found a bit frustrating. The floor man (Dave) spent lot of the day putting down more seal and when it was dry, buffing it to remove the excess powder. This meant that a lot of the surfaces are now covered in dust!
After Keith and Ian had replaced all the tubes that had blown, I went up on the scissor lift to try and clean the girders and light fittings. However, all I seemed to have done is move the dust from one area to another! My efforts were halted at 2pm as we had a meeting with our Landlord's agent about the rent so I had to go and make myself look a bit presentable!
In the evening Mikey had an Army Cadet meet in town so Keith and I went to The Lamplighter for a drink and a meal, rather than drive all the way home. We'd never been to this pub before but I'd heard good things about it so it was definitely one I wanted to try.
The pub was lovely - it's an old Victorian pub with high ceilings and a lovely cosy atmosphere. There were three beers on offer and we chose a ruby red ale which was delicious (can't remember its name!). The staff were really friendly and we had fish and chips and sausage and mash from the menu, and both dishes were lovely. After Keith's second pint the ruby red ale went off so he chose an IPA, moving onto a new beer for his fourth pint! You can tell I was driving!
Mum had her operation first thing and she called me mid morning to say she felt a bit drowsy but she was fine, which was great news. My Dad was in and out for most of the day while I helped Ian and Keith with the lights and did as much cleaning as I could, which I found a bit frustrating. The floor man (Dave) spent lot of the day putting down more seal and when it was dry, buffing it to remove the excess powder. This meant that a lot of the surfaces are now covered in dust!
After Keith and Ian had replaced all the tubes that had blown, I went up on the scissor lift to try and clean the girders and light fittings. However, all I seemed to have done is move the dust from one area to another! My efforts were halted at 2pm as we had a meeting with our Landlord's agent about the rent so I had to go and make myself look a bit presentable!
In the evening Mikey had an Army Cadet meet in town so Keith and I went to The Lamplighter for a drink and a meal, rather than drive all the way home. We'd never been to this pub before but I'd heard good things about it so it was definitely one I wanted to try.
The pub was lovely - it's an old Victorian pub with high ceilings and a lovely cosy atmosphere. There were three beers on offer and we chose a ruby red ale which was delicious (can't remember its name!). The staff were really friendly and we had fish and chips and sausage and mash from the menu, and both dishes were lovely. After Keith's second pint the ruby red ale went off so he chose an IPA, moving onto a new beer for his fourth pint! You can tell I was driving!
Monday 11 November 2013
All change!
It's going to be a very busy week for me at work as we are having new flooring put down, which means we will be closed until around 4pm on Friday. It's all worked out well as Maureen is on holiday this week and Mum is going into hospital tomorrow for an operation on her knee. We've also given Polly the week off and our cleaner, so the place is going to be very quiet indeed!
We had big plans for today but the gremlins must have been around as things didn't work out quite as planned. The floor man was an hour later than expected and the scissor lift that we'd ordered for around 9am never turned up at all! Keith and Ian were due to use it to replace some of the fluorescent tubes but they had to give up on that idea. It's a good thing we're closed all week as it would have been a complete waste of a day. We also had Playfix in to replace some of the worn out vinyl padded mats and they didn't arrive until past 2pm, instead of midday!
I did the urgent office jobs in case I couldn't gain access to the office later in the week! Here are some photos of the floor before work started:
The workmen ripped the old floor up so easily!
We had a problem moving the very heavy Coca Cola vending machine but Keith and Ian managed it by sliding steel tubes underneath, a la Stonehenge!
Very soon all the old tiles had been pulled up and the dust and debris swept away. They then put down a seal over the whole floor. It was looking better already!
I picked Sophie up from her friend's house and we went off to the gym, leaving the Playfix men still working away. We had a good workout and a relaxing time in the spa and then it was time to call into work on the way home and see if the men had finished. Luckily they had so I was able to lock up and shut the gates. I was facing the prospect of having to go home and come back later, but it all worked out very well!
We had big plans for today but the gremlins must have been around as things didn't work out quite as planned. The floor man was an hour later than expected and the scissor lift that we'd ordered for around 9am never turned up at all! Keith and Ian were due to use it to replace some of the fluorescent tubes but they had to give up on that idea. It's a good thing we're closed all week as it would have been a complete waste of a day. We also had Playfix in to replace some of the worn out vinyl padded mats and they didn't arrive until past 2pm, instead of midday!
I did the urgent office jobs in case I couldn't gain access to the office later in the week! Here are some photos of the floor before work started:
The workmen ripped the old floor up so easily!
We had a problem moving the very heavy Coca Cola vending machine but Keith and Ian managed it by sliding steel tubes underneath, a la Stonehenge!
Very soon all the old tiles had been pulled up and the dust and debris swept away. They then put down a seal over the whole floor. It was looking better already!
I picked Sophie up from her friend's house and we went off to the gym, leaving the Playfix men still working away. We had a good workout and a relaxing time in the spa and then it was time to call into work on the way home and see if the men had finished. Luckily they had so I was able to lock up and shut the gates. I was facing the prospect of having to go home and come back later, but it all worked out very well!
Sunday 10 November 2013
Lest we forget...
This morning Keith and I attended a Remembrance service in Pitsford along with Mikey who was there representing the Army Cadets. It was the first time we'd ever been to a service and I found it very moving, especially as so many people turned out to remember all those who lost their lives in conflict over the years.
The service started when we all gathered around the flag pole in the middle of the village. It felt a little strange as Pitsford isn't our village but we saw quite a few people who didn't live in the village and I can only presume that certain detachments go to different villages.
When the Last Post was played on the bugle, I have to admit to shedding a few tears. Thinking about the brave people (and animals) who gave their lives always makes me feel a bit emotional and today was even more so! From the flag pole we walked en masse to the church and then the wreaths were laid at the war memorial after we had the two minute silence.
Luckily it was the most perfect Autumn day - cold but sunny and bright - and we were so glad it wasn't like yesterday. After the laying of the wreaths we all trooped into the church for the service of hymns, readings and prayers. I was so glad we decided to go and it was great to see Mikey and his comrades in full uniform, and also all the other Scout groups.
It was gone midday by the time we got back to the car and then it was home for a quick lunch before Sophie and I went to the gym for a swim and a dip in the jacuzzi. I treated her to a panini in the cafe and then it was home to wash my filthy car! It's a lot bigger to clean than the A1 and I think I'll have to get some step ladders out to wash the roof!
The service started when we all gathered around the flag pole in the middle of the village. It felt a little strange as Pitsford isn't our village but we saw quite a few people who didn't live in the village and I can only presume that certain detachments go to different villages.
When the Last Post was played on the bugle, I have to admit to shedding a few tears. Thinking about the brave people (and animals) who gave their lives always makes me feel a bit emotional and today was even more so! From the flag pole we walked en masse to the church and then the wreaths were laid at the war memorial after we had the two minute silence.
Luckily it was the most perfect Autumn day - cold but sunny and bright - and we were so glad it wasn't like yesterday. After the laying of the wreaths we all trooped into the church for the service of hymns, readings and prayers. I was so glad we decided to go and it was great to see Mikey and his comrades in full uniform, and also all the other Scout groups.
It was gone midday by the time we got back to the car and then it was home for a quick lunch before Sophie and I went to the gym for a swim and a dip in the jacuzzi. I treated her to a panini in the cafe and then it was home to wash my filthy car! It's a lot bigger to clean than the A1 and I think I'll have to get some step ladders out to wash the roof!
Saturday 9 November 2013
Birthday celebrations
I was up very early this morning - 5.30am! - so I made myself a cup of coffee and watched a film I'd recorded, That Touch of Mink starring Doris Day and Cary Grant. Although it was early, it was a lovely way to start the day and I enjoyed the film immensely. I think Cary Grant must be the perfect man!
My pre-dawn awakening gave me a good start to the day as I was making dinner for my parents. It's my Mum's birthday today so I asked them around to celebrate but also to be guinea pigs to try out my recipes as it will be my turn to host Come Dine With Me in December!
I made beef stroganoff before breakfast and then let the meat marinate in the juices all day. It smelt lovely but I was a bit worried it would just be a beef stew. I didn't want to serve it the usual way, with rice, as my Mum is not keen on plain boiled rice so I prepared a lot of vegetables and cut the potatoes into large chunks to roast them. At 11am I took Sophie into work (she swapped days this week as we're busier today) and then battled through the traffic to one of the large retail parks on the edge of Northampton. My Mum is a fan of the big BHS home stores so I bought her some vouchers so she could have a spending spree and while I was in there I was asked if I wanted a free coffee! Excuse me! I'm always up for a free coffee, especially when it was pouring with rain outside and really not very pleasant at all!
The free coffee was courtesy of Starbucks as a very nice man was trying to sell their machines. As I've asked Santa Claus for a coffee machine for Christmas this was ideal! I tried a latte and very good it was too, although it was a tad expensive at 92p a cup. All I really want in the mornings before work is a strong cup to wake me up so I'm not bothered about a latte as I can have those at work. The machine looked lovely and seemed very easy to use so I will tell Santa Claus about my discovery. I'm still looking at the Tassimo machines as well as I think they sell Costa Coffee capsules which I love. I will enjoy doing the research!
Back home I prepared the meringue base for my Pavlova, something I've never done before. I whisked the egg whites, added caster sugar and white wine vinegar and then spread the stiffened mixture over baking parchment and popped it into the oven for an hour. When I took it out I was very pleased with the result!
The horrible weather cheered up a bit in the afternoon and before going to pick Sophie up from work I hoovered downstairs and set the table. I do like having dinner parties in the winter as the light is so low you can get away with not having the house immaculate!!
We had a great evening and Mum loved her presents and cards. The food was great but there are a few tweaks I need to make to the stroganoff to increase the flavour so it was great to experiment. There were four clean plates (the children left mushrooms on theirs) and second helpings and my roast potatoes were very good (so I'm told).
The Pavlova was delicious. I scooped whipped cream on top and then piled strawberries, kiwi fruit and grapes over the cream and I have to say I found it very yummy. So often I try things and they're a disaster so I was very happy with the meal!
My pre-dawn awakening gave me a good start to the day as I was making dinner for my parents. It's my Mum's birthday today so I asked them around to celebrate but also to be guinea pigs to try out my recipes as it will be my turn to host Come Dine With Me in December!
I made beef stroganoff before breakfast and then let the meat marinate in the juices all day. It smelt lovely but I was a bit worried it would just be a beef stew. I didn't want to serve it the usual way, with rice, as my Mum is not keen on plain boiled rice so I prepared a lot of vegetables and cut the potatoes into large chunks to roast them. At 11am I took Sophie into work (she swapped days this week as we're busier today) and then battled through the traffic to one of the large retail parks on the edge of Northampton. My Mum is a fan of the big BHS home stores so I bought her some vouchers so she could have a spending spree and while I was in there I was asked if I wanted a free coffee! Excuse me! I'm always up for a free coffee, especially when it was pouring with rain outside and really not very pleasant at all!
The free coffee was courtesy of Starbucks as a very nice man was trying to sell their machines. As I've asked Santa Claus for a coffee machine for Christmas this was ideal! I tried a latte and very good it was too, although it was a tad expensive at 92p a cup. All I really want in the mornings before work is a strong cup to wake me up so I'm not bothered about a latte as I can have those at work. The machine looked lovely and seemed very easy to use so I will tell Santa Claus about my discovery. I'm still looking at the Tassimo machines as well as I think they sell Costa Coffee capsules which I love. I will enjoy doing the research!
Back home I prepared the meringue base for my Pavlova, something I've never done before. I whisked the egg whites, added caster sugar and white wine vinegar and then spread the stiffened mixture over baking parchment and popped it into the oven for an hour. When I took it out I was very pleased with the result!
The horrible weather cheered up a bit in the afternoon and before going to pick Sophie up from work I hoovered downstairs and set the table. I do like having dinner parties in the winter as the light is so low you can get away with not having the house immaculate!!
We had a great evening and Mum loved her presents and cards. The food was great but there are a few tweaks I need to make to the stroganoff to increase the flavour so it was great to experiment. There were four clean plates (the children left mushrooms on theirs) and second helpings and my roast potatoes were very good (so I'm told).
The Pavlova was delicious. I scooped whipped cream on top and then piled strawberries, kiwi fruit and grapes over the cream and I have to say I found it very yummy. So often I try things and they're a disaster so I was very happy with the meal!
Friday 8 November 2013
Frantic Friday!
Just lately, mornings at work have been very hectic, and today was no exception! We had a meeting with a husband and wife photographic team at 10am as they're interested in coming to work and taking photos of children playing or attending Birthday parties. It's something that lots of other play centres are doing so it's about time we do it too!
I tried to get some office work done today, in between clearing tables and manning Reception. The weather changed dramatically in the afternoon and it poured with rain so when I went to pick Sophie up from school I tried (but failed) to get as close to the school as I could. Of course, my daughter wasn't happy that I was parked far away so we had a short, very sharp argument when she got into the car. As I'd been driving around trying to find a space I was not in the mood for her moans!
The bad mood extended to the gym so we went our separate ways - she went off to the pool to swim while I stayed upstairs and did my weights and exercises. By the time I went down to the spa she was changing so I spent a very pleasant half hour relaxing in the steam room and the jacuzzi, letting all the frustrations of the day just melt away.
Back in the changing rooms I met Sarah and we had a chat about teenage girls...maybe it's a good thing when they go off to University! By the time I re-joined my daughter she was in a much better mood so obviously the time apart was very beneficial!
I had a quick chat in the car park with Liam about pubs (anybody would think we both liked a drink!) and then it was back home to prepare dinner. Mikey was at a Bonfire party so he was out for the night...my children are growing up fast!
I tried to get some office work done today, in between clearing tables and manning Reception. The weather changed dramatically in the afternoon and it poured with rain so when I went to pick Sophie up from school I tried (but failed) to get as close to the school as I could. Of course, my daughter wasn't happy that I was parked far away so we had a short, very sharp argument when she got into the car. As I'd been driving around trying to find a space I was not in the mood for her moans!
The bad mood extended to the gym so we went our separate ways - she went off to the pool to swim while I stayed upstairs and did my weights and exercises. By the time I went down to the spa she was changing so I spent a very pleasant half hour relaxing in the steam room and the jacuzzi, letting all the frustrations of the day just melt away.
Back in the changing rooms I met Sarah and we had a chat about teenage girls...maybe it's a good thing when they go off to University! By the time I re-joined my daughter she was in a much better mood so obviously the time apart was very beneficial!
I had a quick chat in the car park with Liam about pubs (anybody would think we both liked a drink!) and then it was back home to prepare dinner. Mikey was at a Bonfire party so he was out for the night...my children are growing up fast!
Thursday 7 November 2013
A trying day!
Today didn't start off too well this morning when I received a call at 8am from our cook at work phoning in sick. This put me in a grump and I managed to have an argument with the children before we even left for school about the mess they left in the conservatory last night...
At work I told my parents we were without a cook today so the next hour was spent trying to arrange cover and then our frozen food supplier arrived with the week's large delivery. We also had an important meeting scheduled for 9.30am when hordes of customers decided to arrive and the phones kept ringing!
As I was trying to deal with people coming in Polly wandered over from the restaurant where she had taken over Maureen's job and started wittering on about the cistern in the loo...was now really the time to tell me?
Luckily Paula arrived to cover Polly's job so I was able to escape back to the office and take part in the last half hour of the meeting. By this time I was desperate for a cup of coffee! Yesterday everything went very smoothly at work but today has been very trying! At least I was able to go out to the bank in the afternoon and drive my car. I am totally in love with it and I'm itching to take it on a long journey on the motorway but this weekend will be taken up with catering for a dinner with Mum and Dad on Saturday night and a Service of Remembrance with Mikey on Sunday. Maybe next weekend!
After work Keith and I set out for a walk but by 4.30pm it was already very dark, and cold! We walked to the village but then I said I wanted to go home as it was freezing and I hadn't put a coat on...a bit stupid, I know! We went home, opened a bottle of wine and sat in the conservatory to discuss what we were going to cook for Mum and Dad on Saturday night. My turn at Come Dine With Me is in December and my theme is Dr Zhivago so I was going to cook Russian dishes. We decided on pate to start (easy) and Beef Stroganoff for a main course followed by Pavlova. When the girls come I'm going to prepare Blinis with smoked salmon, but Mum and Dad didn't seem too keen when I told them about the starter!
At work I told my parents we were without a cook today so the next hour was spent trying to arrange cover and then our frozen food supplier arrived with the week's large delivery. We also had an important meeting scheduled for 9.30am when hordes of customers decided to arrive and the phones kept ringing!
As I was trying to deal with people coming in Polly wandered over from the restaurant where she had taken over Maureen's job and started wittering on about the cistern in the loo...was now really the time to tell me?
Luckily Paula arrived to cover Polly's job so I was able to escape back to the office and take part in the last half hour of the meeting. By this time I was desperate for a cup of coffee! Yesterday everything went very smoothly at work but today has been very trying! At least I was able to go out to the bank in the afternoon and drive my car. I am totally in love with it and I'm itching to take it on a long journey on the motorway but this weekend will be taken up with catering for a dinner with Mum and Dad on Saturday night and a Service of Remembrance with Mikey on Sunday. Maybe next weekend!
After work Keith and I set out for a walk but by 4.30pm it was already very dark, and cold! We walked to the village but then I said I wanted to go home as it was freezing and I hadn't put a coat on...a bit stupid, I know! We went home, opened a bottle of wine and sat in the conservatory to discuss what we were going to cook for Mum and Dad on Saturday night. My turn at Come Dine With Me is in December and my theme is Dr Zhivago so I was going to cook Russian dishes. We decided on pate to start (easy) and Beef Stroganoff for a main course followed by Pavlova. When the girls come I'm going to prepare Blinis with smoked salmon, but Mum and Dad didn't seem too keen when I told them about the starter!
Wednesday 6 November 2013
November rain
It's been a real November day today - misty, rainy and horrible!
When I got home after a busy day I found yet another letter about mobile phones, this time from Phones 4 U saying I'd taken out mobile phone insurance! I called the helpline immediately and managed to get through very quickly. The man I spoke to was very helpful and said he would pass all the information on to their fraud department. There was a mobile number listed on the letter so we called it, but the line was dead. At least it looks like the phone has been cancelled!
When I got home after a busy day I found yet another letter about mobile phones, this time from Phones 4 U saying I'd taken out mobile phone insurance! I called the helpline immediately and managed to get through very quickly. The man I spoke to was very helpful and said he would pass all the information on to their fraud department. There was a mobile number listed on the letter so we called it, but the line was dead. At least it looks like the phone has been cancelled!
Tuesday 5 November 2013
Feeding the cake!
The school run was a great deal more pleasant this morning as I got to know my new car! My parents were very impressed and I took Mum for a little spin around the car park. We had a moment when I put the car in reverse and it wouldn't move as I hadn't got my seatbelt on! Talk about machines taking over!
The weather today has been very miserable - chilly, grey and rainy - and not what I expected as last night was cold and clear. I did talk to Keith about going for a walk after work but Sophie and I had to take a top back to New Look and we didn't arrive home until past 5pm and it was well and truly dark!
We fed the Christmas cake tonight. I used the leftover brandy that was used to soak the fruit and dribbled it over the top of the cake. I then added it to a half-full bottle of Port and the mixture smelt and tasted delicious so next week I'll feed it a bit more. Keith was looking at the cake with a gleam in his eye but we are not eating this one yet! I'm going to attempt to ice it and then keep it for Christmas!
The weather today has been very miserable - chilly, grey and rainy - and not what I expected as last night was cold and clear. I did talk to Keith about going for a walk after work but Sophie and I had to take a top back to New Look and we didn't arrive home until past 5pm and it was well and truly dark!
We fed the Christmas cake tonight. I used the leftover brandy that was used to soak the fruit and dribbled it over the top of the cake. I then added it to a half-full bottle of Port and the mixture smelt and tasted delicious so next week I'll feed it a bit more. Keith was looking at the cake with a gleam in his eye but we are not eating this one yet! I'm going to attempt to ice it and then keep it for Christmas!
Monday 4 November 2013
Boring cleaning...again!
Today was time to take down the Halloween decorations but we are not putting up any Christmas ones yet!
As our cleaner at work had taken today off, it was down to us to do the cleaning which took up most of the afternoon. I took everything out of my car and I felt nothing at all, which surprised me. It was a bit like returning a hire car so my decision to change it is definitely the right one.
Keith and I went to pick up the children from school and miraculously, Mikey remembered he was meeting us! He didn't fancy coming to get the new car with us so he stayed at work and then Mum and Dad took him home.
I was very excited and a bit nervous, especially as the sun was really low in the sky, making driving difficult. I needn't have worried as we were in the dealership for over an hour and the sun had long disappeared by the time we emerged!
We dealt with lots more paperwork and then the handover man gave me a thorough session going through all the features of my new car. Many of them were the same as they were in the A1 (the stop-start system, the information screen) but I had some new ones such as cruise control and Bluetooth for my phone which was amazing. It means my phone is now connected to the car and I can use my voice to dial numbers and answer the phone without taking my hands off the steering wheel. Sophie was extremely impressed with all the gadgets - I even have a different floor in the boot for wet stuff! - and loves it as much as I do, which is a complete change from the previous car!
The registration plate transfer is going through so that was all dealt with and as soon as I receive the relevant paperwork I have to pop back to Audi to get the plates changed. All plans to go the gym were forgotten as we didn't leave the dealership until about 5.30pm and then we had to battle our way through the traffic go back to work, lock up and collect Keith's car. I followed him home so it was well past 6pm when we eventually walked through the door. Our dinner plans changed as there was no way he was going to make a chicken and mushroom pie at that time of the night so it was cold meat for us and lasagne for the kids. I can honestly say I'm looking forward to the school run tomorrow!
As our cleaner at work had taken today off, it was down to us to do the cleaning which took up most of the afternoon. I took everything out of my car and I felt nothing at all, which surprised me. It was a bit like returning a hire car so my decision to change it is definitely the right one.
Keith and I went to pick up the children from school and miraculously, Mikey remembered he was meeting us! He didn't fancy coming to get the new car with us so he stayed at work and then Mum and Dad took him home.
I was very excited and a bit nervous, especially as the sun was really low in the sky, making driving difficult. I needn't have worried as we were in the dealership for over an hour and the sun had long disappeared by the time we emerged!
We dealt with lots more paperwork and then the handover man gave me a thorough session going through all the features of my new car. Many of them were the same as they were in the A1 (the stop-start system, the information screen) but I had some new ones such as cruise control and Bluetooth for my phone which was amazing. It means my phone is now connected to the car and I can use my voice to dial numbers and answer the phone without taking my hands off the steering wheel. Sophie was extremely impressed with all the gadgets - I even have a different floor in the boot for wet stuff! - and loves it as much as I do, which is a complete change from the previous car!
The registration plate transfer is going through so that was all dealt with and as soon as I receive the relevant paperwork I have to pop back to Audi to get the plates changed. All plans to go the gym were forgotten as we didn't leave the dealership until about 5.30pm and then we had to battle our way through the traffic go back to work, lock up and collect Keith's car. I followed him home so it was well past 6pm when we eventually walked through the door. Our dinner plans changed as there was no way he was going to make a chicken and mushroom pie at that time of the night so it was cold meat for us and lasagne for the kids. I can honestly say I'm looking forward to the school run tomorrow!
Sunday 3 November 2013
Boring cleaning!
I couldn't put off doing some cleaning today as the house was in a real mess! Mikey has trodden mud all over the carpets and there were more leaves inside than out! Keith took Sophie to work so I could just get on and do it without any interruption.
I worked until about 2pm and felt a sense of satisfaction when I'd finished as most of the stuff that had been irritating me for ages had been dealt with! Paperwork that just gets left on the table, dirty windows in the kitchen, mystery blobs of unidentifiable goo that nobody else seemed to notice and a trail of hot chocolate up the stairs and the wall (I know the culprit of that one!). It amazes me how dirty the house becomes and how little everybody else does about it!
The cleanliness will last for a couple of days and this time next week all my hard work will be undone! It was lovely, though, to get home from picking Sophie up from work, light the candles in the living room, pour a glass of red wine and watch a film!
I worked until about 2pm and felt a sense of satisfaction when I'd finished as most of the stuff that had been irritating me for ages had been dealt with! Paperwork that just gets left on the table, dirty windows in the kitchen, mystery blobs of unidentifiable goo that nobody else seemed to notice and a trail of hot chocolate up the stairs and the wall (I know the culprit of that one!). It amazes me how dirty the house becomes and how little everybody else does about it!
The cleanliness will last for a couple of days and this time next week all my hard work will be undone! It was lovely, though, to get home from picking Sophie up from work, light the candles in the living room, pour a glass of red wine and watch a film!
Saturday 2 November 2013
Flying leaves!
Today has been a bit stormy!
In the evening I took Sophie and two of her friends over to the village of Hollowell as they have a large bonfire and firework display and it was certainly a wild and woolly night! I do like the road over to Hollowell - it's a bit twisty and turny and I took the Passat as I really didn't want Sophie's friends to be squeezed into the back of the Audi. I'd forgotten how good it is to drive, despite having over 170,000 miles on the clock!
When I got home Keith was watching the football, Mikey was hogging my laptop and I felt a bit sad I wasn't going out to a firework display...Normally our village would have something on but for some reason it's been delayed until next Friday - and Sophie wants to go to that one as well!
We ordered a Chinese takeaway tonight as there was just the three of us and the wind nearly blew me away as I went to pick it up. There are leaves everywhere at the moment and I wonder how many fall every year!
I picked the kids up at 9pm and they'd had a great time, but they were all a bit cold! It was home to the last of the apple crumble and a warming glass of whisky!
In the evening I took Sophie and two of her friends over to the village of Hollowell as they have a large bonfire and firework display and it was certainly a wild and woolly night! I do like the road over to Hollowell - it's a bit twisty and turny and I took the Passat as I really didn't want Sophie's friends to be squeezed into the back of the Audi. I'd forgotten how good it is to drive, despite having over 170,000 miles on the clock!
When I got home Keith was watching the football, Mikey was hogging my laptop and I felt a bit sad I wasn't going out to a firework display...Normally our village would have something on but for some reason it's been delayed until next Friday - and Sophie wants to go to that one as well!
We ordered a Chinese takeaway tonight as there was just the three of us and the wind nearly blew me away as I went to pick it up. There are leaves everywhere at the moment and I wonder how many fall every year!
I picked the kids up at 9pm and they'd had a great time, but they were all a bit cold! It was home to the last of the apple crumble and a warming glass of whisky!
Friday 1 November 2013
Ah! The end of the week!
We've had the busiest day of our week at work so far which meant that I was roped in for a short while to wash up and clear tables (and sort out a mess in the Ladies' loos, but the less said about that the better!).
Mikey came in with Keith when he brought Sophie in to work and my dad took him to a shop in Northampton and bought him an air rifle... Last weekend they were practising with my Dad's rifle and Mikey did really well with the target so they've now bonded over weapons! Mikey is under the strictest of instructions to look after it and behave responsibly and it can only be used for target practice so let's hope he keeps to his side of the bargain!
After work we drove to Audi to drop off my registration papers and a copy of my tax disc. It wasn't really the ideal time to do it and the traffic was horrendous all the way there and then even worse on the way to the gym as I decided to cut straight across town. It was 5pm by the time we reached Virgin and we met Liam in the car park and swapped Audi stories. He was surprised to learn that I was trading in the A1 after having it for just two years, but understood perfectly my reasons. I just hope he doesn't think I'm a copycat as he has a beautiful A6 estate!
It was a bit too late to work out so we headed straight for the pool and had a good swim in an almost (at times) empty pool. Bliss!
Mikey came in with Keith when he brought Sophie in to work and my dad took him to a shop in Northampton and bought him an air rifle... Last weekend they were practising with my Dad's rifle and Mikey did really well with the target so they've now bonded over weapons! Mikey is under the strictest of instructions to look after it and behave responsibly and it can only be used for target practice so let's hope he keeps to his side of the bargain!
After work we drove to Audi to drop off my registration papers and a copy of my tax disc. It wasn't really the ideal time to do it and the traffic was horrendous all the way there and then even worse on the way to the gym as I decided to cut straight across town. It was 5pm by the time we reached Virgin and we met Liam in the car park and swapped Audi stories. He was surprised to learn that I was trading in the A1 after having it for just two years, but understood perfectly my reasons. I just hope he doesn't think I'm a copycat as he has a beautiful A6 estate!
It was a bit too late to work out so we headed straight for the pool and had a good swim in an almost (at times) empty pool. Bliss!
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