I was dreading today, to be honest, as I was due to be at work until 7pm this evening which meant that my Friday wine-night with Sophie had to be delayed. I arrived and was told that now I had completed my driver training I was going to be doing the morning's deliveries...
James, the manager, and Jonathan loaded the van up and after a brief look at some of the places I was going to on Google maps, I was off on my own. Frankly, I was really nervous, mainly because I didn't want to have a bump in the van and also because I was worried I would have difficulty finding the houses (I also delivered to three pubs but they were much easier to find!).
My first delivery was in Stoke Bruerne and I knew the way but I did have a little difficulty finding the house. Luckily, a friendly villager pointed me in the right direction! From the village I drove out towards Towcester and a pub just on the outskirts of the town. I then headed back onto the A5 and to a couple of villages either side of the busy road. I had real trouble in a tiny village called Grimscote as I just couldn't find the house. I even called the store to see if they could help, but again, I had a very friendly man give me directions and the woman of the house came out to help me in with the wine.
From there I drove to the small village of Badby and dropped off some wine at the pub before heading back to Weedon. Unfortunately I had two idiotic van drivers behind me on the road who seemed to be incensed by my driving. I had been told to stick to the speed limit at all times and I was hooted at and overtaken only to find them sitting at a red traffic light in Weedon some minutes later!
It was a relief to get back to the store and let Jonathan take over in the afternoon. James went through some tasks he wanted me to get acquainted with and confessed that I hadn't really had a lot of training over the last seven weeks. I agree!
It was bliss when it was time to go home...it had been a long and, at times, fraught day! I was looking forward to a fish and chip supper and a couple of glasses of wine with my family! As soon as I got home we drove over to Broughton and the fish shop was crammed with people. There were cars everywhere and I wonder how long it will be before the nearby residents get fed up with all the traffic. We waited ages for our meals and while we were in the shop the heavens opened and we had a heavy downpour...no watering for me tomorrow, then!
Friday 30 June 2017
Thursday 29 June 2017
My driving under scrutiny!
Yesterday afternoon I received a text from (nice) James to say that my Driver Awareness Training was going to take place today at 1pm. I had a pelvic ultra-sound booked for 5pm but I was assured that it would only last just over two hours so I was glad I didn't have to cancel my hospital appointment!
I took Sophie into work and neither of us really wanted to go today! I just have to keep thinking of the holiday awaiting us in a month's time!
My driving instructor arrived at midday and for the first hour we went through lots of paperwork and presentations on his iPad. He was a very friendly man with tonnes of driving experience (he even trains police officers) and we got on very well.
After tackling the paperwork side we we out to the van and checked it all over, including the tyres, oil, water and brake fluid. He even made sure that I could read a registration plate at the approved DVLA distance!
We went for about an hour's drive and firstly we had to fill up with fuel at the Shell garage near Junction 15. Nobody in the store had told me the pin number, but luckily the woman at the till was very understanding as I hurriedly called Jonathan!
We went out to the M1, turned off at junction 15 and drove towards Wellingborough before heading back into Northampton. John, the instructor, came up with some very helpful advice and gave a running commentary the whole way which I did find slightly off-putting, to be honest. However, I did learn some useful tips and he seemed to think I was OK, so it was a relief when it was all over and I headed home.
I quickly had a wash while Keith dropped Mike off at Brixworth and then we drove down to the hospital in Northampton. I really couldn't see why I was having this scan as I haven't had any pain for ages now but I suppose it was good to be on the safe side. Everything went really well and all my internal organs looked normal. I was glad I had no problems with my womb as my Mum had fibroids at my age and had to have a hysterectomy because of them.
Keith and I had an hour to kill before picking up Sophie so we went to the Britannia pub for a quick drink. There were lots of people in there stopping off for a drink before home and it was very noisy! We had a quick drink and then it was off to pick Sophie up from work, a game of cards and a couple of bottles of Leffe!
I took Sophie into work and neither of us really wanted to go today! I just have to keep thinking of the holiday awaiting us in a month's time!
My driving instructor arrived at midday and for the first hour we went through lots of paperwork and presentations on his iPad. He was a very friendly man with tonnes of driving experience (he even trains police officers) and we got on very well.
After tackling the paperwork side we we out to the van and checked it all over, including the tyres, oil, water and brake fluid. He even made sure that I could read a registration plate at the approved DVLA distance!
We went for about an hour's drive and firstly we had to fill up with fuel at the Shell garage near Junction 15. Nobody in the store had told me the pin number, but luckily the woman at the till was very understanding as I hurriedly called Jonathan!
We went out to the M1, turned off at junction 15 and drove towards Wellingborough before heading back into Northampton. John, the instructor, came up with some very helpful advice and gave a running commentary the whole way which I did find slightly off-putting, to be honest. However, I did learn some useful tips and he seemed to think I was OK, so it was a relief when it was all over and I headed home.
I quickly had a wash while Keith dropped Mike off at Brixworth and then we drove down to the hospital in Northampton. I really couldn't see why I was having this scan as I haven't had any pain for ages now but I suppose it was good to be on the safe side. Everything went really well and all my internal organs looked normal. I was glad I had no problems with my womb as my Mum had fibroids at my age and had to have a hysterectomy because of them.
Keith and I had an hour to kill before picking up Sophie so we went to the Britannia pub for a quick drink. There were lots of people in there stopping off for a drink before home and it was very noisy! We had a quick drink and then it was off to pick Sophie up from work, a game of cards and a couple of bottles of Leffe!
Wednesday 28 June 2017
Two quiet days...
I had Tuesday off work, so after dropping Sophie off, Keith and I went to do some shopping at Tesco. We shopped for just tonight and Wednesday as Keith feels up to tackling our big weekly shop on his own on Thursday. He is now back to driving and the pain he had after his operation is much reduced, thank goodness!
In the afternoon he had a follow-up appointment to see Mr Finch at the Three Shires hospital to talk about the operation. Mr Finch examined him and was pleased with his progress, so that was a relief! We were in and out by 3.30pm so it was back home before going out again to collect Sophie.
The weather today has been dull and overcast with hardly any sun and horrible thick cloud! Before dinner we played cards in the conservatory which was very pleasant indeed and then had an "indoor" barbecue which was delicious!
Sadly, Wednesday was my last day at CAB and I did feel sorry that I wouldn't be going again. Priya came in and it was her last day as well, so she bought us cream scones at lunchtime, which was lovely! We had a quiet day and I gave Gill a hug when we parted at the car park. I will really miss these sessions and would have been over the moon if I could have done the Receptionist's job as paid employment every day of the week.
It has rained for most of the day and after getting home Keith and I went to Mum and Dad's as the next two days will be very busy and I won't have time to pop over. The temperatures have been well down today and it has been distinctly chilly...what a change from last Wednesday!
In the afternoon he had a follow-up appointment to see Mr Finch at the Three Shires hospital to talk about the operation. Mr Finch examined him and was pleased with his progress, so that was a relief! We were in and out by 3.30pm so it was back home before going out again to collect Sophie.
The weather today has been dull and overcast with hardly any sun and horrible thick cloud! Before dinner we played cards in the conservatory which was very pleasant indeed and then had an "indoor" barbecue which was delicious!
Sadly, Wednesday was my last day at CAB and I did feel sorry that I wouldn't be going again. Priya came in and it was her last day as well, so she bought us cream scones at lunchtime, which was lovely! We had a quiet day and I gave Gill a hug when we parted at the car park. I will really miss these sessions and would have been over the moon if I could have done the Receptionist's job as paid employment every day of the week.
It has rained for most of the day and after getting home Keith and I went to Mum and Dad's as the next two days will be very busy and I won't have time to pop over. The temperatures have been well down today and it has been distinctly chilly...what a change from last Wednesday!
Monday 26 June 2017
Out and about...
At work this morning I went out in the van with (nice) James as we had to go and collect some wine and Champagne from Sywell aerodrome. We did a quick delivery first and then headed out to Sywell. I told James where to go and we re-traced the route that Jonathan and I had taken last Thursday. The control tower opened the gate without us even saying anything but once on the apron, a man came up to us and said we shouldn't be there...how he thought we were going to get to the hangar I'll never know! Jobsworth!!!
There was a lot of drinks to come back and while James checked them off I loaded up the van. It was difficult because I didn't know what else was being returned and some of the boxes were open. We even had three Magnums loose in a wooden box! We gingerly returned to the store amidst much clinking and faced the task of putting it all away!
After work I went home to collect Keith and we drove over to Mum and Dad's to water the garden. The forecast for this week is unsettled weather so maybe I won't have to do too much over the next few days!
There was a lot of drinks to come back and while James checked them off I loaded up the van. It was difficult because I didn't know what else was being returned and some of the boxes were open. We even had three Magnums loose in a wooden box! We gingerly returned to the store amidst much clinking and faced the task of putting it all away!
After work I went home to collect Keith and we drove over to Mum and Dad's to water the garden. The forecast for this week is unsettled weather so maybe I won't have to do too much over the next few days!
Sunday 25 June 2017
An afternoon treat.
It was lovely to think we had all of today off work and in the afternoon Sophie and I went to Beckworth to enjoy a glass of wine and a slice of cake. It was nowhere near as busy as I imagined it would be and we didn't have to wait at all for a table.
I chose a cheese scone served with cream cheese and tomato chutney, which was delicious. Sophie went for a Banoffee cake and we both had a glass of Pinot Grigio. Bliss!
We had a good chat and relaxed over our little treat. Afterwards, we had a mooch about and I resisted the temptation to buy some summer bedding plants. It wouldn't be fair on Mum if she had to water loads of baskets and pots while we're away so I just have two tubs that I want to keep and that should be pretty easy.
We also looked at the food as I needed some chorizo for the paella we're having later. Mike had eaten some, then decided he didn't like it and had thrown it on the lawn for the birds! However, Beckworth wanted over £6 for a chorizo sausage so we fled (the Warner Edwards Gin was £40 and Fever Tree tonic £3.99!!) and went to the Co-op in Moulton where I bought some slices for £1...a much better price!
It's been a pretty overcast day today and although we did sit in the garden for a while this morning, it hasn't been a lovely summery day. Sophie and Keith cooked paella in the evening for dinner and very good it was, too!
I chose a cheese scone served with cream cheese and tomato chutney, which was delicious. Sophie went for a Banoffee cake and we both had a glass of Pinot Grigio. Bliss!
We had a good chat and relaxed over our little treat. Afterwards, we had a mooch about and I resisted the temptation to buy some summer bedding plants. It wouldn't be fair on Mum if she had to water loads of baskets and pots while we're away so I just have two tubs that I want to keep and that should be pretty easy.
We also looked at the food as I needed some chorizo for the paella we're having later. Mike had eaten some, then decided he didn't like it and had thrown it on the lawn for the birds! However, Beckworth wanted over £6 for a chorizo sausage so we fled (the Warner Edwards Gin was £40 and Fever Tree tonic £3.99!!) and went to the Co-op in Moulton where I bought some slices for £1...a much better price!
It's been a pretty overcast day today and although we did sit in the garden for a while this morning, it hasn't been a lovely summery day. Sophie and Keith cooked paella in the evening for dinner and very good it was, too!
Saturday 24 June 2017
A late start...
I was working today, but not until 3pm so we took Sophie to work, went to water Mum and Dad's garden and popped to Tesco to buy some essentials.
The weather today has been overcast with the odd sunny spell, and it's considerably cooler than of late. I drove to work for 3pm and arrived 25 minutes early to find that the store had been quiet today. As soon as I arrived, James the manager left so the atmosphere lightened quite a bit! There wasn't any wine to put away and very few customers, so it was a much different day to yesterday.
We tried the wines that were open for tasting which was very pleasant and one part of the job that I really love! I also tried a Cassis liqueur that had been made in Britain but was set to be sold for over £20 a bottle...way too expensive in my opinion!
As we were so quiet I left at 6pm and said I would do my extra hour on Monday when there will be more things to do. I drove to collect Sophie from work and also picked up Mike who was nearby. It was lovely to drive home knowing that we had tomorrow off and that I had more time to relax and have a drink before dinner!
The weather today has been overcast with the odd sunny spell, and it's considerably cooler than of late. I drove to work for 3pm and arrived 25 minutes early to find that the store had been quiet today. As soon as I arrived, James the manager left so the atmosphere lightened quite a bit! There wasn't any wine to put away and very few customers, so it was a much different day to yesterday.
We tried the wines that were open for tasting which was very pleasant and one part of the job that I really love! I also tried a Cassis liqueur that had been made in Britain but was set to be sold for over £20 a bottle...way too expensive in my opinion!
As we were so quiet I left at 6pm and said I would do my extra hour on Monday when there will be more things to do. I drove to collect Sophie from work and also picked up Mike who was nearby. It was lovely to drive home knowing that we had tomorrow off and that I had more time to relax and have a drink before dinner!
Friday 23 June 2017
Beware...a moany entry today!
I was awake at about 5.30am this morning, which wasn't ideal! Keith was also up so we had a chat about the job offer I'd received and my night's sleep hadn't reconciled me to the idea of working a 45 hour week!
Unfortunately, today wasn't the best of days and it brought it home to me how tough this job can be. There are lovely instances when customers come in and need recommendations and we have a chat, but the reality is that the wine that comes in on pallets (and beer, of course) all has to be put away and that means dismantling the displays that are already set up and trying to slot it all in. It also means being on my feet for hours at a time and the boots I'm wearing definitely need to be changed if I'm to continue in July.
Jonathan took me to the bank first thing on his way to a delivery and I walked back to the store before starting to put away wine and beer from the four pallets that had been delivered this morning. I think this whole system is ludicrous - in my opinion there should be a larger storeroom area and the wine should be on shelves not balanced on boxes of wine. I have never seen so much stock in all my life! It just continues to pour in! I thought back fondly to when I worked for Duncan Murray who kept all his wines in a storeroom at the back and if a customer wanted a box it would be easy to go and fetch it. Here, the customers are terrified of moving anything as they are scared they will send a whole clutch of bottles crashing to the ground!
Today was in a stark contrast to last Friday when Jonathan went to get fish and chips for our lunch and we had a really enjoyable day. It got to 2pm and nobody had done anything until James the manager sent Jonathan to Lidl. This meant that I didn't get to have anything to eat until 3.30pm, just half an hour before I was due to leave.
I also made the grave mistake of transferring sixteen boxes of wine from a pallet to a trolley and then decided I could get them all away before 4pm. It was hard work especially as a stack of boxes had to be moved out of the way first to make room. Trying to cram the new boxes in was hard work and I was almost crying by the time I'd finished at well after 4pm.
I drove home feeling thoroughly miserable and worn out. Was cleaning the conservatory such a good idea on Wednesday?! As soon as I got home I jumped into the bath and then it was time to go and pick up Sophie and Mike, who was also in Moulton. My daughter had had a bad day at work as well and had been left on her own to cook for two parties in the evening as well as a pile of orders from customers. She was shattered as she'd been in every day this week and is also due to work nine hours tomorrow.
Our wine evening was a bit lack-lustre tonight as we both felt so tired!
Unfortunately, today wasn't the best of days and it brought it home to me how tough this job can be. There are lovely instances when customers come in and need recommendations and we have a chat, but the reality is that the wine that comes in on pallets (and beer, of course) all has to be put away and that means dismantling the displays that are already set up and trying to slot it all in. It also means being on my feet for hours at a time and the boots I'm wearing definitely need to be changed if I'm to continue in July.
Jonathan took me to the bank first thing on his way to a delivery and I walked back to the store before starting to put away wine and beer from the four pallets that had been delivered this morning. I think this whole system is ludicrous - in my opinion there should be a larger storeroom area and the wine should be on shelves not balanced on boxes of wine. I have never seen so much stock in all my life! It just continues to pour in! I thought back fondly to when I worked for Duncan Murray who kept all his wines in a storeroom at the back and if a customer wanted a box it would be easy to go and fetch it. Here, the customers are terrified of moving anything as they are scared they will send a whole clutch of bottles crashing to the ground!
Today was in a stark contrast to last Friday when Jonathan went to get fish and chips for our lunch and we had a really enjoyable day. It got to 2pm and nobody had done anything until James the manager sent Jonathan to Lidl. This meant that I didn't get to have anything to eat until 3.30pm, just half an hour before I was due to leave.
I also made the grave mistake of transferring sixteen boxes of wine from a pallet to a trolley and then decided I could get them all away before 4pm. It was hard work especially as a stack of boxes had to be moved out of the way first to make room. Trying to cram the new boxes in was hard work and I was almost crying by the time I'd finished at well after 4pm.
I drove home feeling thoroughly miserable and worn out. Was cleaning the conservatory such a good idea on Wednesday?! As soon as I got home I jumped into the bath and then it was time to go and pick up Sophie and Mike, who was also in Moulton. My daughter had had a bad day at work as well and had been left on her own to cook for two parties in the evening as well as a pile of orders from customers. She was shattered as she'd been in every day this week and is also due to work nine hours tomorrow.
Our wine evening was a bit lack-lustre tonight as we both felt so tired!
Thursday 22 June 2017
A clash with planes...
This morning, at work, I accompanied Jonathan as he was making three deliveries to Sywell Aerodrome. We were delivering to an aerobatic team based at the small airport, called The Blades, as they were having a big event on the Saturday night and they had ordered a vast quantity of wine, Champagne and other drinks.
When we got to Sywell, we saw a Spitfire sitting near the airfield so that was a real treat. I'm sure my Dad would have been green with envy if he'd known where I was! We were told where to go which involved driving onto the apron where a fair number of planes were parked! Before we could unload our delivery, two men had to take out the four planes that were currently being housed in a small hangar...they pulled them out by hand and they were tiny! Like slightly bigger model aeroplanes that my Dad flies!
We unloaded the van which was full of Veuve Cliquot Champagne and luckily the two men helped so we were able to get back onto the road and load up the van again. It was hard work, but very enjoyable. Luckily the weather has been much cooler today with a breeze and overcast skies so it wasn't too hot unloading all the boxes.
We did our second trip and this time our way was blocked by the Spitfire which was getting re-fuelled! Jonathan had to make a detour around the filling station! James the Manager went with Jonathan for the third and final trip while I stayed behind in the store. The deliveries certainly made today go very fast and it was great to be out and about on the road!
James today has asked whether I'm interested in working full time for the company and said I could take some time to think about it. I was flattered and pleased to be asked and my head says I should, but my heart says no as it is hard work and the hours that the other staff do are very long indeed. I said I would consider it and maybe cover throughout July as James will be away for a while as he's getting married. Unfortunately, he is quite difficult to work with and the atmosphere is very different when he is in at work, which is a real shame. Shereen is going to Leicester at the end of the month so it will mean they will be short-staffed in July. I was looking forward to having some time off in July and had made plans for all sorts of things, but they might have to be put on hold now!
After picking Sophie up later in the day we returned home to play cards in the conservatory and I told my family what had happened. Keith seemed very relieved but I still felt a nagging sense of doubt...I honestly cannot wait until our holiday arrives!
When we got to Sywell, we saw a Spitfire sitting near the airfield so that was a real treat. I'm sure my Dad would have been green with envy if he'd known where I was! We were told where to go which involved driving onto the apron where a fair number of planes were parked! Before we could unload our delivery, two men had to take out the four planes that were currently being housed in a small hangar...they pulled them out by hand and they were tiny! Like slightly bigger model aeroplanes that my Dad flies!
We unloaded the van which was full of Veuve Cliquot Champagne and luckily the two men helped so we were able to get back onto the road and load up the van again. It was hard work, but very enjoyable. Luckily the weather has been much cooler today with a breeze and overcast skies so it wasn't too hot unloading all the boxes.
We did our second trip and this time our way was blocked by the Spitfire which was getting re-fuelled! Jonathan had to make a detour around the filling station! James the Manager went with Jonathan for the third and final trip while I stayed behind in the store. The deliveries certainly made today go very fast and it was great to be out and about on the road!
James today has asked whether I'm interested in working full time for the company and said I could take some time to think about it. I was flattered and pleased to be asked and my head says I should, but my heart says no as it is hard work and the hours that the other staff do are very long indeed. I said I would consider it and maybe cover throughout July as James will be away for a while as he's getting married. Unfortunately, he is quite difficult to work with and the atmosphere is very different when he is in at work, which is a real shame. Shereen is going to Leicester at the end of the month so it will mean they will be short-staffed in July. I was looking forward to having some time off in July and had made plans for all sorts of things, but they might have to be put on hold now!
After picking Sophie up later in the day we returned home to play cards in the conservatory and I told my family what had happened. Keith seemed very relieved but I still felt a nagging sense of doubt...I honestly cannot wait until our holiday arrives!
Wednesday 21 June 2017
Another scorcher!
I was up at 6am this morning and watching the birds have their breakfast in the garden. It was lovely to be cool as today was supposed to be the hottest of the year so far and they were saying that it could even be the hottest since the legendary heatwave of 1976, which I still remember!
It was also the Summer Solstice and for once the skies were clear and blue! So many times in the past it's been cloudy and overcast with little chance of seeing the sun!
We took Sophie to work and then I set to and cleaned the conservatory as it was filthy and I was fed up with seeing the dirty roof when we sat down for dinner at night. It was hard work and I used our soft broom to scrub away at the dirt before rinsing it with water and using a scraper to get rid of the drips. I also cleaned the windows and all the soffits so I was very pleased when I finally finished in the early afternoon. Keith and Mikey cut back some of the bushes in the garden and Keith raked up yet more leaves that had fallen from the tree. He is planning on cutting it down in September as it is now very large and we are worried the roots will go underneath the house.
After having a lovely shower, Keith and I went to Tesco and he treated us all to some alcoholic beverages! He bought me a bottle of vodka, some Tequila for Sophie and some cider for Mike to say thank you to us for looking after him since his operation.
We returned home, put it all in the fridge to keep cold and settled down to watch a couple of episodes of Riviera. Sue knocked on the door as we were watching the penultimate episode and we had a chat as we hadn't seen her for a while.
After collecting Sophie from work we all sat in the garden and had a really lovely time chatting and enjoying our drinks. It felt like we were on holiday! The sky had clouded over a bit and it was very warm and sultry. Coming home in the car the temperature hovered between 30-32c and thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow...it would be a welcome relief!
It was also the Summer Solstice and for once the skies were clear and blue! So many times in the past it's been cloudy and overcast with little chance of seeing the sun!
We took Sophie to work and then I set to and cleaned the conservatory as it was filthy and I was fed up with seeing the dirty roof when we sat down for dinner at night. It was hard work and I used our soft broom to scrub away at the dirt before rinsing it with water and using a scraper to get rid of the drips. I also cleaned the windows and all the soffits so I was very pleased when I finally finished in the early afternoon. Keith and Mikey cut back some of the bushes in the garden and Keith raked up yet more leaves that had fallen from the tree. He is planning on cutting it down in September as it is now very large and we are worried the roots will go underneath the house.
After having a lovely shower, Keith and I went to Tesco and he treated us all to some alcoholic beverages! He bought me a bottle of vodka, some Tequila for Sophie and some cider for Mike to say thank you to us for looking after him since his operation.
We returned home, put it all in the fridge to keep cold and settled down to watch a couple of episodes of Riviera. Sue knocked on the door as we were watching the penultimate episode and we had a chat as we hadn't seen her for a while.
After collecting Sophie from work we all sat in the garden and had a really lovely time chatting and enjoying our drinks. It felt like we were on holiday! The sky had clouded over a bit and it was very warm and sultry. Coming home in the car the temperature hovered between 30-32c and thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow...it would be a welcome relief!
Tuesday 20 June 2017
A day off?
Sophie was at work today but first she wanted to go to the university library to take some books back, and also to Next on Riverside.
It was a glorious morning and not too hot, which was lovely. I went into the library with Sophie as she had quite a few books to take back and I was very impressed with the facilities! From there we drove to Riverside and Sophie took some clothes back to Next that she'd bought. She said she would treat us to a coffee before we took her to work, which was lovely. This is how days off are supposed to be spent!
After dropping her off at work we went to check Mum and Dad's house and I watered the garden. We then made a trip to Aldi and Tesco as this was our only real chance of doing our shopping this week as I am back at work on Thursday and Friday.
Aldi had had a problem with its chiller cabinets so there was very little to choose from in the way of meats and refrigerated foods. As tomorrow was supposed to be hotter again, we wanted cold meats to go with salad so we bought what we could in the store and went over to Tesco.
The temperature still wasn't as high as it was yesterday morning when I drove to work - 27c - so it really did feel a lot fresher. I decided to tackle the garden in the afternoon as the lawn was covered with Eucalyptus leaves and it looked really shabby and untidy. I "mowed" the grass, hoovered up all the leaves and tidied the pots, some of which were way past their best. It looked so much better when I'd finished and Keith and I sat out for quite a while with Monty who enjoyed our company!
I then had a shower and we both lay on our bed watching Pointless until it was time to go and collect Sophie from work. She had had a better day, thank goodness, and didn't feel as hot as she did on Monday!
It was a glorious morning and not too hot, which was lovely. I went into the library with Sophie as she had quite a few books to take back and I was very impressed with the facilities! From there we drove to Riverside and Sophie took some clothes back to Next that she'd bought. She said she would treat us to a coffee before we took her to work, which was lovely. This is how days off are supposed to be spent!
After dropping her off at work we went to check Mum and Dad's house and I watered the garden. We then made a trip to Aldi and Tesco as this was our only real chance of doing our shopping this week as I am back at work on Thursday and Friday.
Aldi had had a problem with its chiller cabinets so there was very little to choose from in the way of meats and refrigerated foods. As tomorrow was supposed to be hotter again, we wanted cold meats to go with salad so we bought what we could in the store and went over to Tesco.
The temperature still wasn't as high as it was yesterday morning when I drove to work - 27c - so it really did feel a lot fresher. I decided to tackle the garden in the afternoon as the lawn was covered with Eucalyptus leaves and it looked really shabby and untidy. I "mowed" the grass, hoovered up all the leaves and tidied the pots, some of which were way past their best. It looked so much better when I'd finished and Keith and I sat out for quite a while with Monty who enjoyed our company!
I then had a shower and we both lay on our bed watching Pointless until it was time to go and collect Sophie from work. She had had a better day, thank goodness, and didn't feel as hot as she did on Monday!
Monday 19 June 2017
So hot!
Last night was very uncomfortable and it just brings it home to me how unsuitable our houses are in this country for hot weather. It felt like all our carpets, curtains and upholstery had soaked up the heat through the day and let it back out at night. I didn't sleep very well, despite the fan going full pelt all night!
I took Mike to college and Sophie to work before going myself. I was working with James (Assistant Manager) and Shereen today and I have to say it was a good day, even though we had a lot of wine to put away. My first customer was a lovely lady from Houston in Texas and I really wanted to know what she was doing in Northampton, but didn't want to appear too nosy! She bought a bottle of Cava and said that although it was hot here, it was nothing compared to the temperatures in Texas!
I left at 4pm and was astonished to see the temperature outside: 34c!
Thank goodness we have air conditioning in the shop! I went to collect Mike who said that he was now finished for this year and had passed with a Merit! I was jubilant and so pleased that he had worked hard and completed his first year! We drove home in heavy traffic and I jumped into the shower before lying on the bed, with the fan on, watching Pointless with Keith who had been a bit bored today on his own.
Keith and I went back into town to collect Sophie and we sat in the garden for a while to try and get cool. Here are some photos I took of Monty on Saturday:
Dinner tonight was spaghetti bolognese, but it was really too hot to eat!
I took Mike to college and Sophie to work before going myself. I was working with James (Assistant Manager) and Shereen today and I have to say it was a good day, even though we had a lot of wine to put away. My first customer was a lovely lady from Houston in Texas and I really wanted to know what she was doing in Northampton, but didn't want to appear too nosy! She bought a bottle of Cava and said that although it was hot here, it was nothing compared to the temperatures in Texas!
I left at 4pm and was astonished to see the temperature outside: 34c!
Thank goodness we have air conditioning in the shop! I went to collect Mike who said that he was now finished for this year and had passed with a Merit! I was jubilant and so pleased that he had worked hard and completed his first year! We drove home in heavy traffic and I jumped into the shower before lying on the bed, with the fan on, watching Pointless with Keith who had been a bit bored today on his own.
Keith and I went back into town to collect Sophie and we sat in the garden for a while to try and get cool. Here are some photos I took of Monty on Saturday:
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| Chicken leg is fully extended |
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| Trying to fins some shade! |
Dinner tonight was spaghetti bolognese, but it was really too hot to eat!
Sunday 18 June 2017
Celebrating Dads!
Today was set to be a very busy day as Mum and Dad were coming over for lunch and then Sophie and I were taking them to Heathrow later in the day, as they are flying to Cyprus tomorrow.
I woke up with a sudden thought that I really needed to insure myself to drive their car - my own insurance covers me to drive any car with the owner's permission, but only on a third party basis. If the very worst happened and I wrote off my Dad's car, I wouldn't be covered! Luckily I found a great temporary insurance website which insured me to drive Dad's car for just today, and for only £20! Worth it for peace of mind!
I gave the house a quick clean downstairs and Sophie made a salad and set the table for me. After we'd showered we went to get some diesel for my car, picked up the Sunday newspapers and some beer and went to collect my parents. They were in the process of checking in online but hadn't realised that they'd only booked tickets which included cabin baggage. To check in their two suitcases cost them £160 but if they'd left it until they arrived at the airport to check in, the cost would have been £260! And this is BA! Since when did they charge for hold bags? How times have changed! I was so glad Sophie and I were there to help them.
I left my car at their house and drove them home in their new Nissan. By now it was getting very warm indeed and it was lovely to have the air-conditioning going full blast! When we arrived home we had the Sicilian sparkling wine I'd bought on Friday and Dad had a glass of Spanish red. He opened his present from me and was very pleased but decided to leave the aftershave with me as he didn't want to risk putting the bottle in his cabin bag and having it confiscated!
Sitting in the conservatory at lunchtime was a bit hot and I brought our fan downstairs to try and alleviate the heat a bit! We'd roasted a chicken and we served this with new potatoes, salad and some nibbly bits such as Scotch eggs and cocktail sausages. We decided to have dessert in the living room with the fan full on again and Sophie and I went into the kitchen to assemble our Eton Mess, a mixture of meringue, thick cream and strawberries. It was delicious!
At 4pm we left for the airport after first making sure they had all their paperwork! The journey down was not bad, considering it was Sunday and Father's Day! We were held up for a while just before we reached the junction for Terminal 5 of Heathrow and I found the way to the Premier Inn quite well, with just one small mistake...we'd turned the SatNav off as we later discovered she wanted us to avoid all motorways!
The Premier Inn was in a small village, which was bizarre, but the runway must have been opposite as we could see the planes taking off every couple of minutes. I felt like I could have reached out and touched them! We said goodbye to my parents and I hoped fervently that they would be OK on the stressful journey tomorrow.
We had a good trip home and it took us about 90 minutes to get back, drop my parents' car off and reclaim mine. I collapsed on the sofa with a glass of the Spanish red and relaxed for the first time today with the wine and a couple of episodes of Riviera, which is very good!
I woke up with a sudden thought that I really needed to insure myself to drive their car - my own insurance covers me to drive any car with the owner's permission, but only on a third party basis. If the very worst happened and I wrote off my Dad's car, I wouldn't be covered! Luckily I found a great temporary insurance website which insured me to drive Dad's car for just today, and for only £20! Worth it for peace of mind!
I gave the house a quick clean downstairs and Sophie made a salad and set the table for me. After we'd showered we went to get some diesel for my car, picked up the Sunday newspapers and some beer and went to collect my parents. They were in the process of checking in online but hadn't realised that they'd only booked tickets which included cabin baggage. To check in their two suitcases cost them £160 but if they'd left it until they arrived at the airport to check in, the cost would have been £260! And this is BA! Since when did they charge for hold bags? How times have changed! I was so glad Sophie and I were there to help them.
I left my car at their house and drove them home in their new Nissan. By now it was getting very warm indeed and it was lovely to have the air-conditioning going full blast! When we arrived home we had the Sicilian sparkling wine I'd bought on Friday and Dad had a glass of Spanish red. He opened his present from me and was very pleased but decided to leave the aftershave with me as he didn't want to risk putting the bottle in his cabin bag and having it confiscated!
Sitting in the conservatory at lunchtime was a bit hot and I brought our fan downstairs to try and alleviate the heat a bit! We'd roasted a chicken and we served this with new potatoes, salad and some nibbly bits such as Scotch eggs and cocktail sausages. We decided to have dessert in the living room with the fan full on again and Sophie and I went into the kitchen to assemble our Eton Mess, a mixture of meringue, thick cream and strawberries. It was delicious!
At 4pm we left for the airport after first making sure they had all their paperwork! The journey down was not bad, considering it was Sunday and Father's Day! We were held up for a while just before we reached the junction for Terminal 5 of Heathrow and I found the way to the Premier Inn quite well, with just one small mistake...we'd turned the SatNav off as we later discovered she wanted us to avoid all motorways!
The Premier Inn was in a small village, which was bizarre, but the runway must have been opposite as we could see the planes taking off every couple of minutes. I felt like I could have reached out and touched them! We said goodbye to my parents and I hoped fervently that they would be OK on the stressful journey tomorrow.
We had a good trip home and it took us about 90 minutes to get back, drop my parents' car off and reclaim mine. I collapsed on the sofa with a glass of the Spanish red and relaxed for the first time today with the wine and a couple of episodes of Riviera, which is very good!
Saturday 17 June 2017
The heat is on...
I could feel the temperature rising this morning before we left the house and it was very warm when we took Sophie to work. We called in for a cup of coffee and then went over to the Weston Favell Centre where Keith bought some more beer and I bought a bottle of aftershave for Father's Day. I was pleased with my purchase and it smells gorgeous!
We headed home for bacon rolls and by now it was very warm indeed. When I went to collect Mike from Brixworth it was 27c...phew! I had changed Sophie and Mike's beds this morning so I spent some time putting them back and Mum and Dad popped around for a cup of tea. I had taken Keith to the pub as it's Dave's birthday today and after making them a cup of tea I drove back to get him in my dad's car. They are off to Heathrow tomorrow and I am the chauffeur so I need to get used to their new car, a Nissan Qashqai, which was lovely to drive.
After they'd gone I sat in the garden with Monty until it became a bit too warm!
We headed home for bacon rolls and by now it was very warm indeed. When I went to collect Mike from Brixworth it was 27c...phew! I had changed Sophie and Mike's beds this morning so I spent some time putting them back and Mum and Dad popped around for a cup of tea. I had taken Keith to the pub as it's Dave's birthday today and after making them a cup of tea I drove back to get him in my dad's car. They are off to Heathrow tomorrow and I am the chauffeur so I need to get used to their new car, a Nissan Qashqai, which was lovely to drive.
After they'd gone I sat in the garden with Monty until it became a bit too warm!
Friday 16 June 2017
The Gin drinkers...
On the way to work this morning I dropped Mike off at college and Sophie at her place of work where she will be until 6pm this evening. Today is set to be warm and sunny again, followed by a mini heatwave over the weekend. Hooray!
Work was quiet but we did have a few customers come in to buy Father's Day presents, including a woman whose father didn't drink Gin, but he will get a bottle because she's in love with it! Gin is certainly riding high in the popularity stakes at the moment and our customers can't get enough of Warner Edwards Rhubarb Gin in particular. It's great as it's a local company (based a few miles away from us in Harrington) and their whole range is extremely popular.
As it was Free Lunch Friday, Jonathan called into the local chippy on his way back from his deliveries and we had fish and chips...well the boys did, I just asked for a sausage with my chips as we're having fish tonight! Although it had been quiet with customers all morning, as soon as we had sat down to eat, loads of people flocked in. Typical!
I sped off at 4pm after buying three bottles of wine for the weekend - a sparkling Sicilian wine (NOT Prosecco), a fruity Beaujolais to go with our burgers on Saturday night and a delicious Spanish red for lunch on Sunday when my parents will be coming over.
As a huge bonus, Sophie was able to finish early so I picked her up after collecting Mike and we crawled home in the heavy rush hour traffic. Up ahead of us on the A43 was a road roller who obviously thought it was a good idea to drive back at one of the busiest times of the day...
Mike was off to Brixworth in the evening to see friends so I took him and headed home for wine time with Sophie. Keith wasn't going to the pub tonight, and after a day of going stir crazy on his own, he suggested a game of cards in the conservatory. We were only too happy to oblige!
Work was quiet but we did have a few customers come in to buy Father's Day presents, including a woman whose father didn't drink Gin, but he will get a bottle because she's in love with it! Gin is certainly riding high in the popularity stakes at the moment and our customers can't get enough of Warner Edwards Rhubarb Gin in particular. It's great as it's a local company (based a few miles away from us in Harrington) and their whole range is extremely popular.
As it was Free Lunch Friday, Jonathan called into the local chippy on his way back from his deliveries and we had fish and chips...well the boys did, I just asked for a sausage with my chips as we're having fish tonight! Although it had been quiet with customers all morning, as soon as we had sat down to eat, loads of people flocked in. Typical!
I sped off at 4pm after buying three bottles of wine for the weekend - a sparkling Sicilian wine (NOT Prosecco), a fruity Beaujolais to go with our burgers on Saturday night and a delicious Spanish red for lunch on Sunday when my parents will be coming over.
As a huge bonus, Sophie was able to finish early so I picked her up after collecting Mike and we crawled home in the heavy rush hour traffic. Up ahead of us on the A43 was a road roller who obviously thought it was a good idea to drive back at one of the busiest times of the day...
Mike was off to Brixworth in the evening to see friends so I took him and headed home for wine time with Sophie. Keith wasn't going to the pub tonight, and after a day of going stir crazy on his own, he suggested a game of cards in the conservatory. We were only too happy to oblige!
Thursday 15 June 2017
A manic day!
I had a follow-up doctor's appointment this morning that I almost forgot! It was a good job I checked my diary the night before and remembered! I had to take Mike with me as he was off to college straight afterwards so we left at 8.15am and almost as soon as I sat down she was calling me in. She wants me to have a pelvic ultrasound and another blood test even though I've not really felt the stomach pain for quite a while. I think she is being very thorough, so I can't complain.
I took Mike to college and then realised I had an hour to kill before I started work! One of these days I will just leave home and go to work without having to go anywhere on the way! I drove slowly into town and sat outside the wine shop for about fifteen minutes until Jonathan turned up, so it wasn't that bad. It was time I wish I was able to get back later in the day, to be honest!
Today was quite enjoyable and several customers asked me to pick out a range of wines for them. I love doing this, but I'm also slightly worried they won't like my recommendations. I always manage to sneak in a bottle of the Ravenswood Zinfandel into their basket which I really love, and hope they will like too! I am so looking forward to being able to buy a wide range of Californian wines when we go to the US in August.
After work I picked up Mike and as soon as I arrived home I left again to go shopping with Sophie. This evening I was supposed to be having a glass of wine with Sue but I've had to cancel...how I ever thought I could get home, go shopping and be ready for 6.30pm I'll never know. Also, Sophie had said she would make paella for dinner tonight but there was no chance of that...we didn't get home until 7pm! We'd bought Tesco curries and these went into the oven shortly after we'd unpacked and put all the shopping away. I had a very cold glass of Leffe...I figured I'd earned it!
I took Mike to college and then realised I had an hour to kill before I started work! One of these days I will just leave home and go to work without having to go anywhere on the way! I drove slowly into town and sat outside the wine shop for about fifteen minutes until Jonathan turned up, so it wasn't that bad. It was time I wish I was able to get back later in the day, to be honest!
Today was quite enjoyable and several customers asked me to pick out a range of wines for them. I love doing this, but I'm also slightly worried they won't like my recommendations. I always manage to sneak in a bottle of the Ravenswood Zinfandel into their basket which I really love, and hope they will like too! I am so looking forward to being able to buy a wide range of Californian wines when we go to the US in August.
After work I picked up Mike and as soon as I arrived home I left again to go shopping with Sophie. This evening I was supposed to be having a glass of wine with Sue but I've had to cancel...how I ever thought I could get home, go shopping and be ready for 6.30pm I'll never know. Also, Sophie had said she would make paella for dinner tonight but there was no chance of that...we didn't get home until 7pm! We'd bought Tesco curries and these went into the oven shortly after we'd unpacked and put all the shopping away. I had a very cold glass of Leffe...I figured I'd earned it!
Wednesday 14 June 2017
Lots of chats!
Today dawned bright and sunny and this lovely weather is set to continue for the rest of the week and into the weekend. Hooray!
I took Mike to college and Sophie to work today so I was a little late arriving at the Guildhall, but it really couldn't be helped. I wished I'd booked today off as I hated leaving Keith alone at home, especially as he was still in a fair bit of pain.
We had a quiet day with clients arriving sporadically which gave us lots of opportunities for a chat and Hadeer told us all about Ramadan and the meanings behind it, which was very interesting. Priya came over in the afternoon and the session was a bit busier with two clients arriving at the same time just as we were thinking of closing up for the day!
We also spoke about the terrible fire in a block of flats in London and I did wonder how much more can our capital take? The emergency services must be stretched to their limit.
On the way back to the car I bought some more dressings for Keith's operations wounds and then went to collect both Mike and Sophie which was a bonus as I thought she was going to be at work all day.
Back home Keith got into the shower and I re-dressed his wounds so he felt a lot better. The beautiful weather continued and we sat in the conservatory and played cards which was lovely. Dinner was cold meats and salad - perfect for a warm and sunny day!
Later in the evening I watered the garden and Monty and I sat and watched the bats wheeling about - there seemed to be lots of them swooping about among the trees and it was great to see them so active!
I took Mike to college and Sophie to work today so I was a little late arriving at the Guildhall, but it really couldn't be helped. I wished I'd booked today off as I hated leaving Keith alone at home, especially as he was still in a fair bit of pain.
We had a quiet day with clients arriving sporadically which gave us lots of opportunities for a chat and Hadeer told us all about Ramadan and the meanings behind it, which was very interesting. Priya came over in the afternoon and the session was a bit busier with two clients arriving at the same time just as we were thinking of closing up for the day!
We also spoke about the terrible fire in a block of flats in London and I did wonder how much more can our capital take? The emergency services must be stretched to their limit.
On the way back to the car I bought some more dressings for Keith's operations wounds and then went to collect both Mike and Sophie which was a bonus as I thought she was going to be at work all day.
Back home Keith got into the shower and I re-dressed his wounds so he felt a lot better. The beautiful weather continued and we sat in the conservatory and played cards which was lovely. Dinner was cold meats and salad - perfect for a warm and sunny day!
Later in the evening I watered the garden and Monty and I sat and watched the bats wheeling about - there seemed to be lots of them swooping about among the trees and it was great to see them so active!
Tuesday 13 June 2017
Sophie plays nurse.
Luckily, Sophie was at home today so she looked after Keith. I was at work and Mike went to college so I dropped him off and was early again!
The manager made a return today which was a bit of a shock...he was very quiet and barely spoke but I helped Shereen re-organise the whole of the Italian section so we were kept very busy. We had a nice break when one of the delivery drivers made us all a cup of tea, which I think was very sweet of him! He brought in three pallets and I put away a lot of the stock after lunch, including some very heavy cases of bottled water...a mere six bottles of wine in a box was nothing after that!
The manager opened up a bit in the afternoon so today wasn't as bad as I feared it would be, but it was still great to leave at 4pm, pick up Mike and head home. There was no rest for me, though, as I had to head to Tesco with Sophie and shop for tonight and tomorrow. We really should have sorted this out last week, but I thought Keith would be driving. It never occurred to me that he wouldn't want to drive so soon after his operation! Duh!
We bought individual pies and vegetables for dinner tonight and cold meats and salad for tomorrow as it's supposed to be warm and humid. We also bought some beers as I felt we all deserved a treat! We all sat and played cards before dinner which was lovely and Keith seemed to be a little better although he still has pain in his tummy.
After dinner I went and had a bath and soaked my aching muscles. Heaven!
The manager made a return today which was a bit of a shock...he was very quiet and barely spoke but I helped Shereen re-organise the whole of the Italian section so we were kept very busy. We had a nice break when one of the delivery drivers made us all a cup of tea, which I think was very sweet of him! He brought in three pallets and I put away a lot of the stock after lunch, including some very heavy cases of bottled water...a mere six bottles of wine in a box was nothing after that!
The manager opened up a bit in the afternoon so today wasn't as bad as I feared it would be, but it was still great to leave at 4pm, pick up Mike and head home. There was no rest for me, though, as I had to head to Tesco with Sophie and shop for tonight and tomorrow. We really should have sorted this out last week, but I thought Keith would be driving. It never occurred to me that he wouldn't want to drive so soon after his operation! Duh!
We bought individual pies and vegetables for dinner tonight and cold meats and salad for tomorrow as it's supposed to be warm and humid. We also bought some beers as I felt we all deserved a treat! We all sat and played cards before dinner which was lovely and Keith seemed to be a little better although he still has pain in his tummy.
After dinner I went and had a bath and soaked my aching muscles. Heaven!
Monday 12 June 2017
Waiting about...
Keith was due to go into the Three Shires hospital today at 12.30pm so we spent the morning getting ready. I think he was a little bit nervous, but said he wasn't...however, I know him well!
We arrived at our due time and were shown up to his room where a nurse arrived and took loads of details. She said he would be going down for his operation at 5pm so there was no point in me staying with him as I had lots of things to catch up with at home. I kissed him goodbye and hoped fervently that everything would be OK.
Sophie was out on a driving lesson so I finished changing our bed and then gave the house a quick clean. Sophie came home and said she hadn't been able to concentrate fully on her driving as she was worried about her dad which was only natural.
Later in the afternoon Sophie, Mike and I popped over to Tesco to get the evening's dinner and I treated them both to a Costa which cost almost three times as much as our meatball and pasta supper!
I was anxiously waiting to hear how Keith was and eventually phoned at about 6.30pm to be told he was still in recovery but that the nurse would call me back when he was up in his room. However, she forgot, so by the time I called back it was almost 8pm and I was getting a bit worried! I was not impressed!
Sophie and I drove down to the hospital to find Keith sitting up and drinking tea which was great. He was in quite a lot of pain and said he dreaded getting up but he had to do that before he could go home. The nurse brought him some supper of a cheese Ploughman's and Sophie and I helped him with buttering the bread and making him a cheese and apple sandwich...his favourite!
After he'd stuffed his face he managed to stand up and walk up and down the corridor so the nurse was happy for him to go home. He got dressed and by now it was almost 10.30pm so one of the porters had to come and let us out of the main entrance!
Keith and Sophie walked slowly to the car while I went ahead and brought it as close as I could. Getting him into the front seat was a bit difficult but we managed and I drove very slowly home, trying to avoid every pothole, which was almost an impossibility!
Back home he slept in Sophie's bed and we made him as comfortable as we could...perhaps we should have been nurses!
We arrived at our due time and were shown up to his room where a nurse arrived and took loads of details. She said he would be going down for his operation at 5pm so there was no point in me staying with him as I had lots of things to catch up with at home. I kissed him goodbye and hoped fervently that everything would be OK.
Sophie was out on a driving lesson so I finished changing our bed and then gave the house a quick clean. Sophie came home and said she hadn't been able to concentrate fully on her driving as she was worried about her dad which was only natural.
Later in the afternoon Sophie, Mike and I popped over to Tesco to get the evening's dinner and I treated them both to a Costa which cost almost three times as much as our meatball and pasta supper!
I was anxiously waiting to hear how Keith was and eventually phoned at about 6.30pm to be told he was still in recovery but that the nurse would call me back when he was up in his room. However, she forgot, so by the time I called back it was almost 8pm and I was getting a bit worried! I was not impressed!
Sophie and I drove down to the hospital to find Keith sitting up and drinking tea which was great. He was in quite a lot of pain and said he dreaded getting up but he had to do that before he could go home. The nurse brought him some supper of a cheese Ploughman's and Sophie and I helped him with buttering the bread and making him a cheese and apple sandwich...his favourite!
After he'd stuffed his face he managed to stand up and walk up and down the corridor so the nurse was happy for him to go home. He got dressed and by now it was almost 10.30pm so one of the porters had to come and let us out of the main entrance!
Keith and Sophie walked slowly to the car while I went ahead and brought it as close as I could. Getting him into the front seat was a bit difficult but we managed and I drove very slowly home, trying to avoid every pothole, which was almost an impossibility!
Back home he slept in Sophie's bed and we made him as comfortable as we could...perhaps we should have been nurses!
Sunday 11 June 2017
Sunday off...for some!
It was great to have today off, but Sophie was working this Sunday! We dropped her off at 9am and then popped over to Kettering as I badly needed some diesel. I had intended on going to Aldi to pick up a bottle of our favourite New Zealand Pinot Gris, but they weren't open yet so we drove to Mum and Dad's and had a coffee with them.
Aldi was packed when we returned and I was glad I was only buying a bottle of wine! Back home we had breakfast and then I tackled my filthy car, hoovering it inside as well as giving it a good wash on the outside. When I finished, it gleamed!
Mike wanted a hair cut, so it was back over to Kettering and Keith and I waited in the car until he was done. I spent the rest of the afternoon pottering about until it was time to go back and collect Sophie. She was tired, poor thing, and had been working six days on the trot, so was looking forward to a couple of days off!
We opened our wine, watched Million Dollar Listing: New York and had a very relaxing evening!
Aldi was packed when we returned and I was glad I was only buying a bottle of wine! Back home we had breakfast and then I tackled my filthy car, hoovering it inside as well as giving it a good wash on the outside. When I finished, it gleamed!
Mike wanted a hair cut, so it was back over to Kettering and Keith and I waited in the car until he was done. I spent the rest of the afternoon pottering about until it was time to go back and collect Sophie. She was tired, poor thing, and had been working six days on the trot, so was looking forward to a couple of days off!
We opened our wine, watched Million Dollar Listing: New York and had a very relaxing evening!
Saturday 10 June 2017
A very enjoyable pub crawl!
Sophie and I were in at work again today so I dropped her off and continued on my way. I did think it was going to be a long and tedious day, but although we were quiet with customers, we did have a few characters in that added a bit of interest, thank goodness!
The weather has been lovely today, with lots of blue skies and sunshine and we did wonder why we were so quiet! Just before I left I helped cut up some lemons and oranges as today is National Gin Day and we were holding another tasting in the early evening.
I sped home at 4pm, had a lovely hot shower and then Keith and I tucked into baked potatoes with cheese as we were out in the evening with Sarah and Liam and had agreed to have a pub crawl rather than go out for a meal.
While Keith got ready I collected Sophie from work, dashed home and put some make-up on. Our friends and erstwhile neighbours picked us up and we headed for The Black Horse at Foxton where Keith, Sophie and I had visited last May. The pub was quiet and the landlady said that they wouldn't be serving food as there was something wrong with the kitchen...it was a good job we hadn't planned on eating there then! Keith and Liam had beer while I chose a blackcurrant cider that tasted like fizzy Ribena!
From Foxton we went to The Neville Arms in Medbourne, passing the Queens head at Sutton Bassett on the way which looked firmly closed. What a shame as this used to be one of our favourite pubs...
The Neville Arms was packed to the rafters as there was a wedding party celebrating but we managed to find a quiet table and continued with our pub crawl. This time the men did not like their beer at all - Cheshire Cat, I think it was - and gave it a rude name! I had a normal cider this time!
After Medbourne we re-traced our steps and went to The Coach and Horses in Lubenham, just outside Market Harborough. Again, this was a pub we visited on one of the Bank Holidays last May and this turned out to be the star of the evening. The beer was pronounced "excellent!" so we stayed here for the rest of the evening. I had a cider but dropped a measure of whisky into it which was delicious!
We had a fantastic evening with lots of chat and laughter and a fair amount of reminiscing! We arrived home at almost midnight and Sophie was still awake, bless her!
The weather has been lovely today, with lots of blue skies and sunshine and we did wonder why we were so quiet! Just before I left I helped cut up some lemons and oranges as today is National Gin Day and we were holding another tasting in the early evening.
I sped home at 4pm, had a lovely hot shower and then Keith and I tucked into baked potatoes with cheese as we were out in the evening with Sarah and Liam and had agreed to have a pub crawl rather than go out for a meal.
While Keith got ready I collected Sophie from work, dashed home and put some make-up on. Our friends and erstwhile neighbours picked us up and we headed for The Black Horse at Foxton where Keith, Sophie and I had visited last May. The pub was quiet and the landlady said that they wouldn't be serving food as there was something wrong with the kitchen...it was a good job we hadn't planned on eating there then! Keith and Liam had beer while I chose a blackcurrant cider that tasted like fizzy Ribena!
From Foxton we went to The Neville Arms in Medbourne, passing the Queens head at Sutton Bassett on the way which looked firmly closed. What a shame as this used to be one of our favourite pubs...
The Neville Arms was packed to the rafters as there was a wedding party celebrating but we managed to find a quiet table and continued with our pub crawl. This time the men did not like their beer at all - Cheshire Cat, I think it was - and gave it a rude name! I had a normal cider this time!
After Medbourne we re-traced our steps and went to The Coach and Horses in Lubenham, just outside Market Harborough. Again, this was a pub we visited on one of the Bank Holidays last May and this turned out to be the star of the evening. The beer was pronounced "excellent!" so we stayed here for the rest of the evening. I had a cider but dropped a measure of whisky into it which was delicious!
We had a fantastic evening with lots of chat and laughter and a fair amount of reminiscing! We arrived home at almost midnight and Sophie was still awake, bless her!
Friday 9 June 2017
A tale of two supermarkets!
I woke up at 3am this morning and checked the BBC news to discover that things were going very badly indeed for Theresa May...who would have thought it in the days following her decision to call the election, when the polls predicted she might get a landslide majority?
At 5.30am Keith came back to bed and said it was looking increasingly likely there would be a hung parliament with no party having overall majority. What a disaster for the Tories! She had the power and threw it all away!
I was at work today but had to give Sophie a lift first. I stayed and had a cup of coffee as I was way too early for work and anyway, I wanted to see what happened with putting all the signs and the trolleys out...!
I got to work at 9.55am and nothing had been done so I sat in my car until the absolute last minute. Even then nobody had taken them out! Petty, I know, but I was determined to let someone else do it today!
I went to get the lunch for the three of us today and went to Lidl again, which wasn't far away. As I came out the heavens opened and I got wet again! Not very funny! I also went to Sainsbury's in the afternoon to buy some food for the New Zealand wine tasting we were hosting in the evening and I was amazed to see that the car park had grown a roof! That just shows how long it's been since I visited this particular supermarket! It was nice to get out today and it certainly made the time pass quickly!
Keith went to the pub and I went to get Sophie and then it was home for a glass of wine. Sue popped around quickly in the evening and we arranged to meet for a glass of wine later in the week. I will have fun choosing a bottle from work!
At 5.30am Keith came back to bed and said it was looking increasingly likely there would be a hung parliament with no party having overall majority. What a disaster for the Tories! She had the power and threw it all away!
I was at work today but had to give Sophie a lift first. I stayed and had a cup of coffee as I was way too early for work and anyway, I wanted to see what happened with putting all the signs and the trolleys out...!
I got to work at 9.55am and nothing had been done so I sat in my car until the absolute last minute. Even then nobody had taken them out! Petty, I know, but I was determined to let someone else do it today!
I went to get the lunch for the three of us today and went to Lidl again, which wasn't far away. As I came out the heavens opened and I got wet again! Not very funny! I also went to Sainsbury's in the afternoon to buy some food for the New Zealand wine tasting we were hosting in the evening and I was amazed to see that the car park had grown a roof! That just shows how long it's been since I visited this particular supermarket! It was nice to get out today and it certainly made the time pass quickly!
Keith went to the pub and I went to get Sophie and then it was home for a glass of wine. Sue popped around quickly in the evening and we arranged to meet for a glass of wine later in the week. I will have fun choosing a bottle from work!
Thursday 8 June 2017
Rushing about!
Today has been very busy with a lot of driving about! At least I was able to have a more relaxed start, though, as Sophie didn't have to be at uni until 11.30am this morning as she was having a meeting with her dissertation tutor.
Before we dropped her off, we went to vote in the General Election and then took Mike to his old sixth form building so he could meet up with some of his mates. For a change, we went to Lidl at the Weston Favell centre to buy tonight's dinner as we simply didn't have the time to do a full shop and Keith said he would go tomorrow instead.
Going to Lidl was a mistake. We chose some pork steaks in a Chinese sauce for dinner, as well as some strips of belly pork and I picked two sachets of fried rice to go with them. We didn't have a lot of shopping but we were stuck at the checkout for almost twenty minutes as the till had locked up and the manager started to panic as nothing he did would work. The queue built up behind us and as there were only two checkouts operational, I could feel an angry atmosphere start to develop as people were forced to wait. We very nearly abandoned our shopping on the conveyor belt!
Eventually we went through and decided to pop to Tesco to buy some Chinese accompaniments to go with our meal. I also chose a bottle of wine for tonight as I had a feeling that after today Sophie and I would need a glass or two!
We went back to pick our daughter up and took her to work where she would remain until 6pm. It was then time for Keith and I to dash home, have some lunch and get ready for his pre-op assessment at 4pm.
Just as we were about to leave, Mike called and asked if we could pick him up from college on the way. We were a bit short on time but managed to collect him and get to The Three Shires hospital in time for the appointment. It turned out that Keith would need to stay for an hour so Mike and I went to McDonald's on Riverside as my silly son hadn't eaten anything since breakfast!
Back at the hospital we had to wait a little while for Keith to be finished but he'd been given a thorough overhaul in advance of his operation on Monday. He was a bit concerned about his wallet because he couldn't find it and didn't know whether he'd left it at home or not. This meant we had to speed home in the rush hour traffic where we found it sitting on the table in the living room!
After another journey to go and get Sophie it was lovely to finally get home and relax. Unfortunately our dinner wasn't the best we'd ever had...I think we'll stick to the van in the village if we want a Chinese meal from now on!
Sophie and I saw the news at 10pm and saw that the exit poll forecast that the Conservatives wouldn't get the majority they needed and that it might even be a hung parliament tomorrow...a bit of a shock there, then!
Before we dropped her off, we went to vote in the General Election and then took Mike to his old sixth form building so he could meet up with some of his mates. For a change, we went to Lidl at the Weston Favell centre to buy tonight's dinner as we simply didn't have the time to do a full shop and Keith said he would go tomorrow instead.
Going to Lidl was a mistake. We chose some pork steaks in a Chinese sauce for dinner, as well as some strips of belly pork and I picked two sachets of fried rice to go with them. We didn't have a lot of shopping but we were stuck at the checkout for almost twenty minutes as the till had locked up and the manager started to panic as nothing he did would work. The queue built up behind us and as there were only two checkouts operational, I could feel an angry atmosphere start to develop as people were forced to wait. We very nearly abandoned our shopping on the conveyor belt!
Eventually we went through and decided to pop to Tesco to buy some Chinese accompaniments to go with our meal. I also chose a bottle of wine for tonight as I had a feeling that after today Sophie and I would need a glass or two!
We went back to pick our daughter up and took her to work where she would remain until 6pm. It was then time for Keith and I to dash home, have some lunch and get ready for his pre-op assessment at 4pm.
Just as we were about to leave, Mike called and asked if we could pick him up from college on the way. We were a bit short on time but managed to collect him and get to The Three Shires hospital in time for the appointment. It turned out that Keith would need to stay for an hour so Mike and I went to McDonald's on Riverside as my silly son hadn't eaten anything since breakfast!
Back at the hospital we had to wait a little while for Keith to be finished but he'd been given a thorough overhaul in advance of his operation on Monday. He was a bit concerned about his wallet because he couldn't find it and didn't know whether he'd left it at home or not. This meant we had to speed home in the rush hour traffic where we found it sitting on the table in the living room!
After another journey to go and get Sophie it was lovely to finally get home and relax. Unfortunately our dinner wasn't the best we'd ever had...I think we'll stick to the van in the village if we want a Chinese meal from now on!
Sophie and I saw the news at 10pm and saw that the exit poll forecast that the Conservatives wouldn't get the majority they needed and that it might even be a hung parliament tomorrow...a bit of a shock there, then!
Wednesday 7 June 2017
Approaching the end of an era...
I have given my notice in at the Citizens Advice Bureau and have told them my last day will be the 26 July. I feel a bit sad but the time is right to go and I will need to have every day free when I return from my holiday and go and look for work!
Tina, one of the managers, came over mid-morning and gave us some cream cakes as it's Volunteer Week. They were delicious after my sandwich at lunchtime! We had a steady day but I was very conscious of the time as I had to go to a quick training session at 3pm on debt. Gill was our only adviser this afternoon and of course, as we neared the finish time, we had an influx of people wanting advice. I had to turn several people away, which was a shame.
As soon as we were all finished and locked up I sped off and saw Tina again for the quick training session. As part of our standards we have to have all done some training on what to do with clients who are in debt and even though I'm not an adviser, I need to know what to do if we cannot see someone who is facing hardship.
Today has been lovely weather (on the whole) and the sun was shining when I left the town. Sophie was at work and had asked me to call in for a cup of tea, which was lovely. I had a chat with Maureen and Polly and then went home to sit with Keith on the sofa again until it was time to return to collect Sophie at 6.30pm.
We had a curry for dinner and it started raining again...more is on the way, apparently!
Tina, one of the managers, came over mid-morning and gave us some cream cakes as it's Volunteer Week. They were delicious after my sandwich at lunchtime! We had a steady day but I was very conscious of the time as I had to go to a quick training session at 3pm on debt. Gill was our only adviser this afternoon and of course, as we neared the finish time, we had an influx of people wanting advice. I had to turn several people away, which was a shame.
As soon as we were all finished and locked up I sped off and saw Tina again for the quick training session. As part of our standards we have to have all done some training on what to do with clients who are in debt and even though I'm not an adviser, I need to know what to do if we cannot see someone who is facing hardship.
Today has been lovely weather (on the whole) and the sun was shining when I left the town. Sophie was at work and had asked me to call in for a cup of tea, which was lovely. I had a chat with Maureen and Polly and then went home to sit with Keith on the sofa again until it was time to return to collect Sophie at 6.30pm.
We had a curry for dinner and it started raining again...more is on the way, apparently!
Tuesday 6 June 2017
Rain, rain, rain...
If I thought the weather yesterday was horrible, I wasn't prepared for the wind and rain we experienced today!
I arrived early at work, at the same time as another staff member and while he stood and stared at the computer for a good ten minutes, I did all the opening up, including dragging our heavy sign across the carpark and onto the path next to the main road. When I got back to the store I resembled a drowned rat as my hair was soaking and my fleece was wet through. How any man could have let me do that I'll never know, and unfortunately my opinion of him went even lower than it already was!
Today was another day of putting more boxes of wine out onto display and trying to fit them into the already crowded aisles. We did have some lovely customers come in, though, which brightened my day and by the time I went home the sun was trying to come out a little bit!
I went home and sat with Keith on the sofa until it was time to go and collect Sophie from work. She went in at 2pm and was doing the afternoon shift. Luckily today I have felt a lot better than yesterday so it may have been me just getting cold and wet in Market Harborough.
I felt a lot more lively than I did yesterday evening so we watched the last three episodes of Public Enemy back to back and it was a brilliant ending, and one I certainly hadn't seen coming. This is the second Belgian drama we've enjoyed - last year's The Outlaws was excellent - and I was really quite sad that it had finished!
I arrived early at work, at the same time as another staff member and while he stood and stared at the computer for a good ten minutes, I did all the opening up, including dragging our heavy sign across the carpark and onto the path next to the main road. When I got back to the store I resembled a drowned rat as my hair was soaking and my fleece was wet through. How any man could have let me do that I'll never know, and unfortunately my opinion of him went even lower than it already was!
Today was another day of putting more boxes of wine out onto display and trying to fit them into the already crowded aisles. We did have some lovely customers come in, though, which brightened my day and by the time I went home the sun was trying to come out a little bit!
I went home and sat with Keith on the sofa until it was time to go and collect Sophie from work. She went in at 2pm and was doing the afternoon shift. Luckily today I have felt a lot better than yesterday so it may have been me just getting cold and wet in Market Harborough.
I felt a lot more lively than I did yesterday evening so we watched the last three episodes of Public Enemy back to back and it was a brilliant ending, and one I certainly hadn't seen coming. This is the second Belgian drama we've enjoyed - last year's The Outlaws was excellent - and I was really quite sad that it had finished!
Monday 5 June 2017
Wiped out!
The weather today has been terrible again, with almost constant wind and rain. Sophie had a driving lesson this morning but instead of the two hours she had booked she was only out for an hour. She paid for a block of ten hours and the instructor has told her to book her theory test as she should be ready to book her actual driving test when we come back from our holiday.
We had planned on going to Market Harborough, and against my better judgement we went, despite the atrocious weather. Luckily in the town it was still dry but after having a milkshake in Caffe Nero, the clouds gathered and it started raining in earnest.
We went into Waterstones and Boots and then called it a day as I felt really cold and achy. We returned home and I put on my lovely fluffy onesie that Keith had bought me for Christmas and some soft, thick socks to keep me warm. My tummy hurt again and I wondered whether it had been lifting and sorting out the boxes of wine yesterday?
We spent the afternoon doing very little and I fell asleep a couple of times on the sofa. I just couludn't get warm and really should have gone and had a long hot bath. I felt really horrible! Keith and Sophie made dinner of Enchiladas and then it was an early night for me!
Sunday 4 June 2017
A hard day's work...
I have to admit to not being that keen on going into work today, especially as the weather was beautiful and all my family were at home!
It was hard work, though, and the time did go fairly quickly as we had to try and put away as much stock as we could from three pallets, which meant carrying boxes of wine about and moving the existing display to fit them in. First of all, though, we carried out the weekly check on the delivery van and it made me realise I never do that on my own car!
It was a very quiet morning without that many customers, but of course, as soon as we sat down to eat some lunch, everyone came in! The previously beautiful weather turned at lunchtime and we had an afternoon of heavy showers, with a really hard downpour when we left at 5pm. Shereen gave me half a bottle of fizz to take home which went down very well when I got home and we sat in the conservatory playing cards before dinner!
After a supper of cold meats and salad (my favourite) we watched the Ariana Grande concert from Manchester. Of course, it was all the more poignant after last night's events in London in which seven people died. These are very dark days indeed at the moment. It will be interesting to see what happens next Thursday, when the country goes out to vote!
It was hard work, though, and the time did go fairly quickly as we had to try and put away as much stock as we could from three pallets, which meant carrying boxes of wine about and moving the existing display to fit them in. First of all, though, we carried out the weekly check on the delivery van and it made me realise I never do that on my own car!
It was a very quiet morning without that many customers, but of course, as soon as we sat down to eat some lunch, everyone came in! The previously beautiful weather turned at lunchtime and we had an afternoon of heavy showers, with a really hard downpour when we left at 5pm. Shereen gave me half a bottle of fizz to take home which went down very well when I got home and we sat in the conservatory playing cards before dinner!
After a supper of cold meats and salad (my favourite) we watched the Ariana Grande concert from Manchester. Of course, it was all the more poignant after last night's events in London in which seven people died. These are very dark days indeed at the moment. It will be interesting to see what happens next Thursday, when the country goes out to vote!
Saturday 3 June 2017
Shocking news...
Sophie and I were both working today so I dropped her off and continued into town. Unfortunately, Mike has lost his job at the pub which is a real shame as we thought he was getting on well and his wages were certainly going to come in useful for him when we go on holiday! I was hoping that his manager would have a change of heart and send him a text to come in, but no...he is now unemployed again.
Work was OK but we weren't that busy, despite the sunny weather. However, when the customers did come in they tended to spend a fair amount of money on wine! I left at just after 4pm as one of the other members of staff was out doing a delivery and it would have meant Shereen being left on her own. I drove home and relaxed on the sofa with Keith and read the day's papers until it was time to go and collect Sophie from work.
We had a delicious beef casserole for dinner and settled down to watch our latest TV series, the Belgian Public Enemy, which is proving to be very intriguing. It makes me wish I was fluent in French again as I was at school. Perhaps this can be a project for the winter?
Just before going to bed we realised there had been yet another terrorist attack in London and that it had only just happened, so the news was very sketchy. How much more can we take of this?
Work was OK but we weren't that busy, despite the sunny weather. However, when the customers did come in they tended to spend a fair amount of money on wine! I left at just after 4pm as one of the other members of staff was out doing a delivery and it would have meant Shereen being left on her own. I drove home and relaxed on the sofa with Keith and read the day's papers until it was time to go and collect Sophie from work.
We had a delicious beef casserole for dinner and settled down to watch our latest TV series, the Belgian Public Enemy, which is proving to be very intriguing. It makes me wish I was fluent in French again as I was at school. Perhaps this can be a project for the winter?
Just before going to bed we realised there had been yet another terrorist attack in London and that it had only just happened, so the news was very sketchy. How much more can we take of this?
Friday 2 June 2017
Back to work.
Keith and Sophie went for a walk this morning, and just as I was making myself some breakfast, Mike called to ask me to pick him up from Brixworth. I sped over there, a little worried about the time as I was at work today and needed to leave by 9.15am! Luckily, he was waiting for me, so we returned home, I finished my breakfast and set off for work.
Work was fairly quiet today and Lou, who works in another branch, came in to cover for the manager who is still absent. We got on very well and at lunchtime I popped over to the nearby Subway to get us lunch. Typically, just as we were about to tuck in, we had an influx of customers, one of whom wandered about for a good twenty minutes before leaving empty-handed!
Just before I was due to leave, Sophie sent me a text asking me to collect her from work as she was able to finish early. I was only too happy to oblige! It was great to drive home and look forward to an evening of relaxation, although this was tempered slightly by the thought that I was at work on Saturday and Sunday this week...never mind!
Just before I was due to leave, Sophie sent me a text asking me to collect her from work as she was able to finish early. I was only too happy to oblige! It was great to drive home and look forward to an evening of relaxation, although this was tempered slightly by the thought that I was at work on Saturday and Sunday this week...never mind!
I took Keith to the pub this evening as it was pouring with rain and went home to catch up on some TV with Sophie. We had decided to have fish and chips for dinner and after picking Keith up we drove to Broughton where the place was packed as usual and car parking spaces were at a premium. Keith and Sophie went in to get our supper and I amused myself by watching all the comings and goings around me. I wonder if the residents get fed up of all the cars trying to park when they visit the very popular Co-op and fish shop? I know I wouldn't want to live nearby!
Thursday 1 June 2017
Gorgeous weather!
Today has been another gorgeous day with what I call a "Florida sky" and plenty of warmth and sunshine.
Keith, Sophie and I went for a walk first thing and did about three and a half miles. It was a glorious morning and it felt lovely to be out. As soon as we returned we all showered and after dropping Mike off in Brixworth, we took Sophie to work.
I had the day off today so I accompanied Keith to do the shopping and by lunchtime we were back and putting it all away. Sophie called to say that she wasn't really needed at work and could we pick her up at 2pm? She said there were eight members of staff in! If we had been in charge we would have had three at the most!
We returned home and I called my Mum to see if she was in and we popped around with a cake for a cup of tea. My Dad was still out flying so we had a delicious cup of tea and a slice of Belgian chocolate cake over a good chat!
We took the slow road home and sat in the garden for a little while with Monty who was very pleased to see us. It was the kind of evening that called out for a cold beer, some crisps and a game of cards!
Keith, Sophie and I went for a walk first thing and did about three and a half miles. It was a glorious morning and it felt lovely to be out. As soon as we returned we all showered and after dropping Mike off in Brixworth, we took Sophie to work.
I had the day off today so I accompanied Keith to do the shopping and by lunchtime we were back and putting it all away. Sophie called to say that she wasn't really needed at work and could we pick her up at 2pm? She said there were eight members of staff in! If we had been in charge we would have had three at the most!
We returned home and I called my Mum to see if she was in and we popped around with a cake for a cup of tea. My Dad was still out flying so we had a delicious cup of tea and a slice of Belgian chocolate cake over a good chat!
We took the slow road home and sat in the garden for a little while with Monty who was very pleased to see us. It was the kind of evening that called out for a cold beer, some crisps and a game of cards!
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