I decided to tackle our cabinet in the study today and what a job it was! All the drawers are stuffed with papers so it makes it difficult to get anything else in there, or find important things! I had a good clear out and moved the cabinet away from the wall so I could hoover and dust behind it...it was cobweb city!
Everyone (apart from me) in the family have also said that the cabinet is cluttered so I decided to clear it all away. All the books were put upstairs and Keith fixed the fairy lights for me so it looks very pretty at night now. I've kept a little chest of drawers that my Mum bought for me and which are great for storing odd bits and pieces, like batteries and hair clips! I also kept our mugs from the Berlin Christmas markets and the two photos from Gatorland of Mike and Sophie with snakes and baby alligators.
At 12pm we took Mike to work but as we were driving home he called to say he wasn't expected in today! I was about to turn around and go back when he said he would stay in Brixworth and go and see his mates. It's next Saturday he's working an extra shift, not today!
Keith went off to Sileby play in the afternoon so after I'd finished cleaning downstairs I had a lovely hot bath and then watched the World Rowing Championships on the television. I'm not normally a fan of rowing but they were coming from Sarasota and I wanted to see what the weather was like in Florida...it was cloudy!
Mike called to say he was going to stay overnight with his friend so it was just the three of us for dinner of chicken in a black bean sauce with noodles. Keith decided not to watch Black Lake with us but we enjoyed the two episodes very much, even though Sophie resorted to hiding behind a cushion again!
Saturday 30 September 2017
Friday 29 September 2017
Backwards and forwards!
We had a very early start this morning as Mike was off to London and had to be at college at 6.45am to get the coach. We woke him up at 5.30am so he had plenty of time to get ready and Keith took him, even though I hadn't gone back to sleep!
Keith, Sophie and I called to see Mum and Dad for a coffee and a chat first thing and we helped Dad connect his phone to their house wifi, but turn the roaming ability off. He insists on getting expensive smartphones when really all he needs is a basic phone to make and receive calls, but we sorted him out so hopefully he won't get any high bills because he inadvertently had his wifi on all the time!
We dropped Keith off at home and then popped to Brixworth library to pick up some clothes I'd ordered. It's been a dull day today with masses of heavy cloud hanging over our heads but it has stayed dry, thank goodness. Just lately, for some reason, it seems to rain a lot at night!
From Brixworth we drove to Riverside as I needed to go and buy myself a hair colour. My grey bits are starting to poke through again and it seems incredible that the last time I'd put a colour on my hair was in Naples, the Sunday before we returned from our holiday, nearly six weeks ago! I managed to get my favourite hair colour in Boots, which was good as I'd hunted for it yesterday and couldn't find it anywhere. I've been using John Frieda's range and it seems to last much longer than any other hair colour I've tried. Sophie bought some make-up and then we headed for Subway for a sandwich. I felt very wistful - the last time we had one of their sandwiches was at the garage on the 997 in Florida, on our way back from the Keys. The view today as we sat and ate our lunch was a little different! Sophie also treated me to a McFlurry so we have had our fair share of naughty foods today!
At work in the afternoon we watched Homeward Bound and there were a couple of scenes in the film that upset our little ones. When the cat falls in the river, one of the younger girls became very upset and I gave her a cuddle, reassuring her that she was OK and would be saved! Then, the two dogs are chased by a Puma and one of the boys from Year 1 came running up to me to say he was scared! He received a lovely cuddle too until he was happy to go back and sit down!
Lisa wanted to put on the whole Harry Potter series of films, but I told her that the young children would be traumatised by the Dementors and Voldemort! Not really a great idea!
We left work a bit earlier than normal even though some of the mums who arrived to pick up their offspring hovered around for ages! I drove home and met Keith on the way who said that Mike still wasn't home as he'd only left London at about 4pm. I turned around and drove to Sophie's work where it looked like she'd been very busy as there were cars in the second car park! She was nowhere near ready so I called Mike and asked him to phone me when he was turning off the M1. He said he was still on the outskirts of London so I didn't expect him for a while!
Just as we arrived home, Mike called to say he was coming into Northampton! I won't repeat here what I said! I dashed inside to check on the curry that Keith had left in our slow cooker, and then Sophie and I retraced our steps back into Northampton to pick him up from college!
By the time we arrived home again, it was almost time to go and pick Keith up from the pub! My glass of wine when I eventually got home for the night was most welcome!
Keith, Sophie and I called to see Mum and Dad for a coffee and a chat first thing and we helped Dad connect his phone to their house wifi, but turn the roaming ability off. He insists on getting expensive smartphones when really all he needs is a basic phone to make and receive calls, but we sorted him out so hopefully he won't get any high bills because he inadvertently had his wifi on all the time!
We dropped Keith off at home and then popped to Brixworth library to pick up some clothes I'd ordered. It's been a dull day today with masses of heavy cloud hanging over our heads but it has stayed dry, thank goodness. Just lately, for some reason, it seems to rain a lot at night!
From Brixworth we drove to Riverside as I needed to go and buy myself a hair colour. My grey bits are starting to poke through again and it seems incredible that the last time I'd put a colour on my hair was in Naples, the Sunday before we returned from our holiday, nearly six weeks ago! I managed to get my favourite hair colour in Boots, which was good as I'd hunted for it yesterday and couldn't find it anywhere. I've been using John Frieda's range and it seems to last much longer than any other hair colour I've tried. Sophie bought some make-up and then we headed for Subway for a sandwich. I felt very wistful - the last time we had one of their sandwiches was at the garage on the 997 in Florida, on our way back from the Keys. The view today as we sat and ate our lunch was a little different! Sophie also treated me to a McFlurry so we have had our fair share of naughty foods today!
At work in the afternoon we watched Homeward Bound and there were a couple of scenes in the film that upset our little ones. When the cat falls in the river, one of the younger girls became very upset and I gave her a cuddle, reassuring her that she was OK and would be saved! Then, the two dogs are chased by a Puma and one of the boys from Year 1 came running up to me to say he was scared! He received a lovely cuddle too until he was happy to go back and sit down!
Lisa wanted to put on the whole Harry Potter series of films, but I told her that the young children would be traumatised by the Dementors and Voldemort! Not really a great idea!
We left work a bit earlier than normal even though some of the mums who arrived to pick up their offspring hovered around for ages! I drove home and met Keith on the way who said that Mike still wasn't home as he'd only left London at about 4pm. I turned around and drove to Sophie's work where it looked like she'd been very busy as there were cars in the second car park! She was nowhere near ready so I called Mike and asked him to phone me when he was turning off the M1. He said he was still on the outskirts of London so I didn't expect him for a while!
Just as we arrived home, Mike called to say he was coming into Northampton! I won't repeat here what I said! I dashed inside to check on the curry that Keith had left in our slow cooker, and then Sophie and I retraced our steps back into Northampton to pick him up from college!
By the time we arrived home again, it was almost time to go and pick Keith up from the pub! My glass of wine when I eventually got home for the night was most welcome!
Thursday 28 September 2017
A long chinwag!
We had a bit of a technical hitch this morning as Keith, unbeknown to me, decided to print off his car insurance documents and Sophie tried (unsuccessfully) to order an eyeshadow palette online, which proved to be far too popular for the website!
While Keith's documents were churning out (he really only needed to print out the certificate and there was no hurry for that anyway) Sophie lost her cool with the online website, which made for a fraught start to the day!
I was meeting my friend Gill from CAB at 11am, so I dropped a still grumbling Sophie off at work and drove to the Weston Favell Centre to do some shopping before it was time to catch up. We enjoyed a coffee and chatted for three hours! Three hours! When she told me what the time was I was horrified because a new four hour restriction has been introduced and I didn't want to get a parking ticket!
I sped off to get Sophie who very kindly made me a toasted sandwich for my lunch and then we dashed home so I could start work at 3pm. It's been another gorgeous day and walking up to the school was really warm. Summer is not finished with us yet!
Like yesterday we spent a lot of time outdoors - we might as well make the most of it before the days grow shorter. Sophie and Keith walked to meet me again and we went home to sit in the conservatory with a game of cards and a glass of wine. Bliss!
Wednesday 27 September 2017
Room confusion!
As it was dry this morning I ventured out into the garden and did some pruning. I cut back our Clematis completely as it was a tangle of dead wood and looked terrible. I've either killed it or cured it! I also moved another Clematis from the love-seat to the wall next to it so we'll see what happens in the Spring!
I managed to fill our garden wheelie bin until it was two thirds full so even though it didn't look like I'd done a lot, I must have done something! It was good to be out in the fresh air and pottering about before I started work at 3pm.
There was a bit of confusion as to where we were this afternoon as the hall was being used later for a meeting. I'd put out the tables and chairs, only to be told we had to put them back again, which was a bit annoying especially as Lisa had seen me and spoken to me before I went into the school. I took all of our stuff into the library only to find the French teacher come in a little while after me! It was a good job it was a lovely dry day as we ended up spending the whole session outdoors!
Keith and Sophie walked down to meet me again but this time we drove straight home. I don't want to get into the habit of a swift half after work!
I managed to fill our garden wheelie bin until it was two thirds full so even though it didn't look like I'd done a lot, I must have done something! It was good to be out in the fresh air and pottering about before I started work at 3pm.
There was a bit of confusion as to where we were this afternoon as the hall was being used later for a meeting. I'd put out the tables and chairs, only to be told we had to put them back again, which was a bit annoying especially as Lisa had seen me and spoken to me before I went into the school. I took all of our stuff into the library only to find the French teacher come in a little while after me! It was a good job it was a lovely dry day as we ended up spending the whole session outdoors!
Keith and Sophie walked down to meet me again but this time we drove straight home. I don't want to get into the habit of a swift half after work!
Tuesday 26 September 2017
Collecting bugs!
Mike was at college this morning and starting at 10.30am so we had plenty of time to get ready and left a little bit earlier than normal. This was a good thing as we decided to take the A43 and swiftly became embroiled in a traffic jam! We just about made it to the college in time!
After dropping him off we went over to the Weston Favell Centre and while Keith did a bit of shopping in Tesco, Sophie and I went to New Look and had a quick coffee in Costa. From there we drove to Jones's and I bought a couple of toys for the children at the after school club. Some of the older girls are obsessed with making "slime" from blue tack so I managed to get a small pot to take in for them, as well as a bingo game and a pack of playing cards.
It was a beautiful, warm afternoon and the children spent almost the whole time in the playground collecting bugs! The poor little things were imprisoned in plastic cups and given leaves and berries to "eat"! The slime went down very well with one of the older girls but unfortunately we lost it down a drain!
Keith and Sophie met me as I walked back to the car and we went to the pub for a couple of drinks, which was a lovely end to a busy afternoon. As soon as we arrived home Keith and I prepared the dinner of liver and bacon (the children had pies) and then it was time to relax and watch the latest episode of Liar!
After dropping him off we went over to the Weston Favell Centre and while Keith did a bit of shopping in Tesco, Sophie and I went to New Look and had a quick coffee in Costa. From there we drove to Jones's and I bought a couple of toys for the children at the after school club. Some of the older girls are obsessed with making "slime" from blue tack so I managed to get a small pot to take in for them, as well as a bingo game and a pack of playing cards.
It was a beautiful, warm afternoon and the children spent almost the whole time in the playground collecting bugs! The poor little things were imprisoned in plastic cups and given leaves and berries to "eat"! The slime went down very well with one of the older girls but unfortunately we lost it down a drain!
Keith and Sophie met me as I walked back to the car and we went to the pub for a couple of drinks, which was a lovely end to a busy afternoon. As soon as we arrived home Keith and I prepared the dinner of liver and bacon (the children had pies) and then it was time to relax and watch the latest episode of Liar!
Monday 25 September 2017
A tangerine sun!
I spent all of this morning filling in the forms that had been sent to me by Georgie, and what a lot of forms there were! I also had to supply copies of my passport, birth certificate and driving licence! Phew!
The weather today has been dreadful with rain and overcast, grey skies all morning. Sophie went off for a driving lesson and came back to say that the instructor wants her to book her driving test. She managed to get a date in late November, so fingers crossed she does OK!
The weather improved very slightly in the afternoon and it stopped raining so the children were able to go outside and run about, which was a relief. They hate being cooped up in the hall! Lisa and I finished on time and before going to collect Sophie I called for Keith so he could come with me.
The heavy clouds were starting to clear and the sun came through, but we had a very weird sky on the way to Moulton. I wished I'd had my camera with me because the sky was full of heavy clouds, but the sun had managed to peek through and it looked like a huge flaming ball. On the way back home it was even more beautiful and the sun resembled a large tangerine! Some of the clouds were tinged with peachy pink and it was gorgeous. Soon after we arrived home, though, it rained again!
The weather today has been dreadful with rain and overcast, grey skies all morning. Sophie went off for a driving lesson and came back to say that the instructor wants her to book her driving test. She managed to get a date in late November, so fingers crossed she does OK!
The weather improved very slightly in the afternoon and it stopped raining so the children were able to go outside and run about, which was a relief. They hate being cooped up in the hall! Lisa and I finished on time and before going to collect Sophie I called for Keith so he could come with me.
The heavy clouds were starting to clear and the sun came through, but we had a very weird sky on the way to Moulton. I wished I'd had my camera with me because the sky was full of heavy clouds, but the sun had managed to peek through and it looked like a huge flaming ball. On the way back home it was even more beautiful and the sun resembled a large tangerine! Some of the clouds were tinged with peachy pink and it was gorgeous. Soon after we arrived home, though, it rained again!
Sunday 24 September 2017
Birthday celebrations!
We had planned on going to Whitby today as Keith's favourite meal is fish and chips, but we agreed that it was an awfully long way to go for one meal so we came up with another plan. We would visit the Princess Alexandra pub in town, followed by a new place for us, The Old House, which is opposite The Lighthouse, a bar/restaurant specialising in fish and chips!
Going out at lunchtime gave us all the opportunity for a lazy start to the day and after Keith opened his presents and cards we all showered and set off. As forecast, it was a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine, blue skies and warm temperatures.
We parked easily opposite the Princess Alexandra and we were the first customers in when they opened at midday. Keith was disappointed with the beer - they only had one real ale available, although they stocked loads of "craft beers" which seem to be taking over these days but are very expensive!
I had half a pint of Stout while Sophie had a lager and was asked for ID, which meant that Mike had to go without! We stayed for just the one drink and then drove to the Wellingborough road and where we were very lucky to secure a parking space in a small car park behind the street.
The Old House used to be called The Old House at Home and has undergone a transformation, making it quite stark and bare with no real ales on draught at all, much to Keith's disappointment. There was lots of wood, exposed brickwork and tiles and it was very quiet indeed! However, I am sure the place is very popular on Friday and Saturday nights!
We all sat in the garden and Keith and Mike enjoyed a pint of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I sipped on an orange juice while Sophie tried a Brooklyn Lager. It was lovely to sit in the sun and it made me realise what a bonus a day like this is!
Again, we only stayed for one drink and then made our way across the road to the Lighthouse, a quirky bar/restaurant in the same family as The Old House. There were more white subway tiles here, as well as metal chairs and a red, blue and white theme. It took ages for Keith and Mike to decide what to drink, but in the end they settled on a pint of Sam Adams each.
The seating area for food is at the back of the pub and our menus were printed on the placemats. Keith, Sophie and I opted for cod and chips while Mike had a Mexi-cow pie which contained chilli con carne, beef and cheddar cheese. The food was very good and plentiful. I tried the pub's sauce with my meal which was spicy and delicious and went very well with the fish. Mike had gravy (he's mad about it) while Sophie had a curry sauce. Yum!
None of us had room for dessert so we paid the bill (the food was far better value than the beer) of £36 and waddled back to the car. Keith wanted to watch Newcastle play at 4pm so he settled himself on the sofa while Sophie and I relaxed in the conservatory with Monty cat (he's allowed in as long as he stays on his bed!). It was lovely to not have to worry about cooking dinner!
Going out at lunchtime gave us all the opportunity for a lazy start to the day and after Keith opened his presents and cards we all showered and set off. As forecast, it was a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine, blue skies and warm temperatures.
We parked easily opposite the Princess Alexandra and we were the first customers in when they opened at midday. Keith was disappointed with the beer - they only had one real ale available, although they stocked loads of "craft beers" which seem to be taking over these days but are very expensive!
I had half a pint of Stout while Sophie had a lager and was asked for ID, which meant that Mike had to go without! We stayed for just the one drink and then drove to the Wellingborough road and where we were very lucky to secure a parking space in a small car park behind the street.
The Old House used to be called The Old House at Home and has undergone a transformation, making it quite stark and bare with no real ales on draught at all, much to Keith's disappointment. There was lots of wood, exposed brickwork and tiles and it was very quiet indeed! However, I am sure the place is very popular on Friday and Saturday nights!
We all sat in the garden and Keith and Mike enjoyed a pint of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I sipped on an orange juice while Sophie tried a Brooklyn Lager. It was lovely to sit in the sun and it made me realise what a bonus a day like this is!
Again, we only stayed for one drink and then made our way across the road to the Lighthouse, a quirky bar/restaurant in the same family as The Old House. There were more white subway tiles here, as well as metal chairs and a red, blue and white theme. It took ages for Keith and Mike to decide what to drink, but in the end they settled on a pint of Sam Adams each.
The seating area for food is at the back of the pub and our menus were printed on the placemats. Keith, Sophie and I opted for cod and chips while Mike had a Mexi-cow pie which contained chilli con carne, beef and cheddar cheese. The food was very good and plentiful. I tried the pub's sauce with my meal which was spicy and delicious and went very well with the fish. Mike had gravy (he's mad about it) while Sophie had a curry sauce. Yum!
None of us had room for dessert so we paid the bill (the food was far better value than the beer) of £36 and waddled back to the car. Keith wanted to watch Newcastle play at 4pm so he settled himself on the sofa while Sophie and I relaxed in the conservatory with Monty cat (he's allowed in as long as he stays on his bed!). It was lovely to not have to worry about cooking dinner!
Saturday 23 September 2017
Experimenting!
We had a very busy morning as after dropping Sophie off at work, we popped to the Weston Favell Centre and then called to see Mum and Dad. We could only stay half an hour as Mike had swapped his shifts so he was free tomorrow.
We hurriedly downed some coffee and biscuits and then sped home to get Mike. It would be a lot better if he could change permanently to Saturdays as that would leave Sunday completely free!
After a late breakfast, I prepared dinner - haggis-stuffed chicken for Keith and I, pate stuffed for Soph and Mike. It's Come Dine With Me season again and my dinner is on the 4th November this year. I did Bonfire Night last time so I've decided to go with a Scottish theme! I wrapped mine and Keith's chicken in Parma Ham while the children's versions had bacon. I then covered them with foil and popped them back in the fridge.
As it was another beautiful day I ventured out into the garden and mowed the lawn, "hoovering" up a lot of sawdust from the felled tree in the process. I also tidied up some pots and swept up a load of leaves. By the time I finished it looked a lot neater but my heart wasn't really in it. I feel we've really neglected our garden this year, although the experts say that leaving some parts a bit wild can be good for wildlife. That's my excuse, then!
Towards evening we collected Mike from his place of work and then carried on into Northampton to get Sophie. On returning home I concentrated on dinner as I was a bit nervous of the outcome! We didn't even have the Chinese van to rely on as they must be on holiday!
I forgot to get some kind of sauce for the chicken and although we had gravy, I concocted something of my own...I mixed a chicken stock cube with some butter and milk and then added a dash of Talisker whisky. Talisker is very peaty so it really affected the taste of the sauce, but I did manage to tone it down with some more milk! It wasn't bad at all and the chickens came out very well, retaining lots of moisture and succulence! Both Sophie and Mike enjoyed their pate versions, and Keith and I liked ours stuffed with haggis, although next time I make the dish I will mix the haggis with some whisky (but not Talisker!).
After dinner, Sophie and I watched two more episodes of Black Lake and my daughter spent most of the time hidden behind a cushion. It was very scary!
We hurriedly downed some coffee and biscuits and then sped home to get Mike. It would be a lot better if he could change permanently to Saturdays as that would leave Sunday completely free!
After a late breakfast, I prepared dinner - haggis-stuffed chicken for Keith and I, pate stuffed for Soph and Mike. It's Come Dine With Me season again and my dinner is on the 4th November this year. I did Bonfire Night last time so I've decided to go with a Scottish theme! I wrapped mine and Keith's chicken in Parma Ham while the children's versions had bacon. I then covered them with foil and popped them back in the fridge.
As it was another beautiful day I ventured out into the garden and mowed the lawn, "hoovering" up a lot of sawdust from the felled tree in the process. I also tidied up some pots and swept up a load of leaves. By the time I finished it looked a lot neater but my heart wasn't really in it. I feel we've really neglected our garden this year, although the experts say that leaving some parts a bit wild can be good for wildlife. That's my excuse, then!
Towards evening we collected Mike from his place of work and then carried on into Northampton to get Sophie. On returning home I concentrated on dinner as I was a bit nervous of the outcome! We didn't even have the Chinese van to rely on as they must be on holiday!
I forgot to get some kind of sauce for the chicken and although we had gravy, I concocted something of my own...I mixed a chicken stock cube with some butter and milk and then added a dash of Talisker whisky. Talisker is very peaty so it really affected the taste of the sauce, but I did manage to tone it down with some more milk! It wasn't bad at all and the chickens came out very well, retaining lots of moisture and succulence! Both Sophie and Mike enjoyed their pate versions, and Keith and I liked ours stuffed with haggis, although next time I make the dish I will mix the haggis with some whisky (but not Talisker!).
After dinner, Sophie and I watched two more episodes of Black Lake and my daughter spent most of the time hidden behind a cushion. It was very scary!
Friday 22 September 2017
New job?
It's Keith's birthday on Sunday so after dropping Mike off at college this morning, Sophie and I drove down to Riverside to visit Next. We wanted to have a look in the shop to see if we could come up with some inspiration for a gift! He's the hardest person to buy for!
We meandered around the menswear department, but we soon realised that nothing would do. He doesn't need any more clothes, he has plenty of "lounging around" things to wear (including two onesies!) and he certainly isn't a man-bag type of person! We had a coffee and a cake at the Costa inside Next and then popped to Boots.
Sophie bought some make-up while I decided on a bottle of Boss aftershave, which came with a free weekend bag. He does need some quality scent so this will have to do! It smelled lovely. From Riverside I took Sophie to work and then after filling up with diesel (we may be going out for the day on Sunday) I went to Lings Forum as there may be a job for me there, manning the phones in their contact centre.
I met a very friendly and chatty lady called Sarah and she explained what the job involved, giving me a brief look at the computer systems and showing me the enormous range of activities that the company offer in terms of fitness classes and children's clubs. It's quite ironic as this is the same organisation that bought our family business two years ago!
On the way out I met Georgie who works closely with both Lings and the activity centre and we had a lovely chat. I was very pleased about how the meeting turned out and Georgie said he would email all the contracts and forms over to me.
As it was a gorgeous day I returned home to have lunch and sit in the garden with Monty. Now our tree is gone, we certainly get far more sun than we did before and sitting on the bench, with the sun full on my face was bliss!
Our film for this afternoon at the after-school club was Alvin and the Chipmunks and after it had finished the children were able to go out and play. We were all finished by 5.30pm today so it was home to make a start on preparing dinner before it was time to go and collect Sophie from work.
Dinner was fish pie, not one of my favourites, but tonight I enjoyed it more than usual...maybe it was the cream I put into the mashed potato!
We meandered around the menswear department, but we soon realised that nothing would do. He doesn't need any more clothes, he has plenty of "lounging around" things to wear (including two onesies!) and he certainly isn't a man-bag type of person! We had a coffee and a cake at the Costa inside Next and then popped to Boots.
Sophie bought some make-up while I decided on a bottle of Boss aftershave, which came with a free weekend bag. He does need some quality scent so this will have to do! It smelled lovely. From Riverside I took Sophie to work and then after filling up with diesel (we may be going out for the day on Sunday) I went to Lings Forum as there may be a job for me there, manning the phones in their contact centre.
I met a very friendly and chatty lady called Sarah and she explained what the job involved, giving me a brief look at the computer systems and showing me the enormous range of activities that the company offer in terms of fitness classes and children's clubs. It's quite ironic as this is the same organisation that bought our family business two years ago!
On the way out I met Georgie who works closely with both Lings and the activity centre and we had a lovely chat. I was very pleased about how the meeting turned out and Georgie said he would email all the contracts and forms over to me.
As it was a gorgeous day I returned home to have lunch and sit in the garden with Monty. Now our tree is gone, we certainly get far more sun than we did before and sitting on the bench, with the sun full on my face was bliss!
Our film for this afternoon at the after-school club was Alvin and the Chipmunks and after it had finished the children were able to go out and play. We were all finished by 5.30pm today so it was home to make a start on preparing dinner before it was time to go and collect Sophie from work.
Dinner was fish pie, not one of my favourites, but tonight I enjoyed it more than usual...maybe it was the cream I put into the mashed potato!
Thursday 21 September 2017
Another first...
This past year seems to have been a year of doing new and different things and today, after 49 years, I had my first filling. Not really something to be proud about, admittedly, and I was certainly dreading my appointment!
My lovely daughter came with me to hold my hand and I was glad she was there, as although the experience wasn't painful, it felt very weird! The dentist injected two shots of local anaesthetic into my left lower gum and while that was working he gave me a scale and polish, something I hate at the best of times!
As soon as the anaesthetic was in, the left hand side of my face felt very strange and balloon-like! It wasn't a pleasant feeling! The filling was done quite quickly and then I was free to go, albeit with a numb cheek, tongue and left ear! I drove home and attempted a cup of coffee and a breakfast bar and waved Sophie off on a driving lesson.
Keith arrived home minutes after she had left as he had been at the doctor's for a check-up (everything very good). Mike was doing an extra shift at work as he has Wednesdays and Thursdays off at college, so Keith and I went shopping on our own. Once that was all done we returned home for lunch and thankfully the anaesthetic had worn off...finally!
The afternoon at work was very chaotic as we had nineteen children at the after school club, more than any other day. To make it worse it was raining so they couldn't go out and play and the noise level was tremendous! There's always a basket of musical instruments kept in the hall and invariably they find them and begin bashing drums and maracas!
The last child was picked up at 6pm on the dot and it was lovely to drive home and sit in the quiet!
My lovely daughter came with me to hold my hand and I was glad she was there, as although the experience wasn't painful, it felt very weird! The dentist injected two shots of local anaesthetic into my left lower gum and while that was working he gave me a scale and polish, something I hate at the best of times!
As soon as the anaesthetic was in, the left hand side of my face felt very strange and balloon-like! It wasn't a pleasant feeling! The filling was done quite quickly and then I was free to go, albeit with a numb cheek, tongue and left ear! I drove home and attempted a cup of coffee and a breakfast bar and waved Sophie off on a driving lesson.
Keith arrived home minutes after she had left as he had been at the doctor's for a check-up (everything very good). Mike was doing an extra shift at work as he has Wednesdays and Thursdays off at college, so Keith and I went shopping on our own. Once that was all done we returned home for lunch and thankfully the anaesthetic had worn off...finally!
The afternoon at work was very chaotic as we had nineteen children at the after school club, more than any other day. To make it worse it was raining so they couldn't go out and play and the noise level was tremendous! There's always a basket of musical instruments kept in the hall and invariably they find them and begin bashing drums and maracas!
The last child was picked up at 6pm on the dot and it was lovely to drive home and sit in the quiet!
Wednesday 20 September 2017
The tree comes down...
It was very sad this morning when the tree surgeons arrived to fell our beautiful, but very tall, Eucalyptus. I'm not sure how tall it actually was, but it towered over the house and when the men came out to look at it before giving us a quote, they said that if we had a bad storm it would have fallen anyway. What made it worse was that the trunk had split into two separate trunks, which increased its chances of coming down...on top of our conservatory!
The men from Wilby Tree were very good at dealing with it, cutting down the larger branches before reducing the height of the trunk. We watched them as they worked and it was fascinating. There were three of them - one up the tree (the most experienced, I guessed!), a young man on the ground in our garden who had control of the rope and a woman who worked outside our garden taking all the branches and logs away.
Within two hours it had all been done, with very little fuss and mess. They did an excellent job. We now have so much more light in our back garden, although the birds did look a bit confused when they returned!
Keith had asked for a couple of slabs so that we could make a house number plate from them, which I thought was a lovely touch and something we could keep as a reminder of the tree. They left us seven slabs of wood so after they've dried out we can get our number etched onto the wood and I also plan to make one into a cheeseboard.
The men from Wilby Tree were very good at dealing with it, cutting down the larger branches before reducing the height of the trunk. We watched them as they worked and it was fascinating. There were three of them - one up the tree (the most experienced, I guessed!), a young man on the ground in our garden who had control of the rope and a woman who worked outside our garden taking all the branches and logs away.
Within two hours it had all been done, with very little fuss and mess. They did an excellent job. We now have so much more light in our back garden, although the birds did look a bit confused when they returned!
 |
| All gone! |
Our idea is to take out the Hibiscus which is in the corner, plus all the other shrubs and have just one tree there, perhaps a flowering cherry or something similar. Something that won't get too big!
Before going to get Sophie from work, we popped over to the Weston Favell centre to go to the bank and we had a quick coffee in Costa. My parents were there, and had been to work to see Maureen and Polly, so we had a chat with them before dashing off to collect Sophie. I then took Sophie and Keith home before starting work...I didn't want Keith having to wait for ages if I was late again!
As it turned out we left on time and it was bliss to get home, pour a glass of wine and have a game of cards in the conservatory. We haven't done that for a while!
Tuesday 19 September 2017
Called up!
This morning we took Sophie to work and Mike to college and then returned home to do some housework. While I was busy cleaning the bathroom, Keith handed me a letter - I had been called up for Jury Service!
It was a bit of a shock, to be honest! I suppose there's every chance that all adults over the age of 18 will be picked at random, but somehow I never thought it would happen to me! I have to attend court in November but there's no guarantee I will actually serve on the jury as they always call up more people than go on to be jurors.
We went to pick Sophie up at 2pm and she was more excited than me, I think! They dropped me off at work before going home so Sophie could get ready to meet some friends for coffee. I was at work past 6pm again because of a late parent (this is becoming a habit) and I'd heard reports of the M1 being closed because of a suspicious package under a bridge near Milton Keynes. Keith picked me up and I dropped him off at home so he could get his car and pick Mike up from Brixworth. I then had to collect Sophie from uni and there'd been an accident near Moulton so that held me up for a little while! What is going on with the roads at the moment?!
Keith went to see Sileby play in Cogenhoe in the evening and as soon as I arrived home with Sophie we got straight into making Jerk Chicken Pasta for dinner. Afterwards we sipped wine and watched Steel Magnolias...it was very sad!
It was a bit of a shock, to be honest! I suppose there's every chance that all adults over the age of 18 will be picked at random, but somehow I never thought it would happen to me! I have to attend court in November but there's no guarantee I will actually serve on the jury as they always call up more people than go on to be jurors.
We went to pick Sophie up at 2pm and she was more excited than me, I think! They dropped me off at work before going home so Sophie could get ready to meet some friends for coffee. I was at work past 6pm again because of a late parent (this is becoming a habit) and I'd heard reports of the M1 being closed because of a suspicious package under a bridge near Milton Keynes. Keith picked me up and I dropped him off at home so he could get his car and pick Mike up from Brixworth. I then had to collect Sophie from uni and there'd been an accident near Moulton so that held me up for a little while! What is going on with the roads at the moment?!
Keith went to see Sileby play in Cogenhoe in the evening and as soon as I arrived home with Sophie we got straight into making Jerk Chicken Pasta for dinner. Afterwards we sipped wine and watched Steel Magnolias...it was very sad!
Monday 18 September 2017
Storm clouds gather.
We had an hour to kill again today as Mike started college at 9.30am and Sophie started work at 10.30am. Mike's new hours are much better as it means we miss all the school traffic!
Before we took Sophie to work we went to the Weston Favell centre and shopped for Tuesday and Wednesday. Keith was planning to go and see Sileby play on Tuesday evening so Sophie and I decided to have Jerk Chicken Pasta for dinner...it's always either that or meatballs! Heavens knows what would happen if he went out every Tuesday night!
Back home I tackled the downstairs cleaning and shredded a lot of papers, some of which had been for the holiday, which was a bit sad. We have learned in the news that now Hurricane Maria is heading for the Caribbean and may affect the islands already ravaged by Irma.
After work I went to collect Sophie and overhead the clouds were very dark indeed. I was a little early for her so I chatted to her as she mopped the floor. When we emerged from the building it was like night and the rain pelted down as we drove home. It was torrential and already parts of the road were flooding!
Before we took Sophie to work we went to the Weston Favell centre and shopped for Tuesday and Wednesday. Keith was planning to go and see Sileby play on Tuesday evening so Sophie and I decided to have Jerk Chicken Pasta for dinner...it's always either that or meatballs! Heavens knows what would happen if he went out every Tuesday night!
Back home I tackled the downstairs cleaning and shredded a lot of papers, some of which had been for the holiday, which was a bit sad. We have learned in the news that now Hurricane Maria is heading for the Caribbean and may affect the islands already ravaged by Irma.
After work I went to collect Sophie and overhead the clouds were very dark indeed. I was a little early for her so I chatted to her as she mopped the floor. When we emerged from the building it was like night and the rain pelted down as we drove home. It was torrential and already parts of the road were flooding!
Sunday 17 September 2017
A perfect Autumn day.
Today has been lovely, mainly because the weather has been gorgeous, which was a bonus! We were able to sit outside in the garden in the afternoon!
We had a very relaxed start to the day and Sophie and I decided to go out after taking Mike to work. I've always wanted to visit The Yards in Kettering, so after finding out where it was in the town we drove over and parked in a large car park a few minutes walk away. This is a lovely part of Kettering, with a beautiful church nearby and a museum in the grounds. We also saw signs for the The Blitz Cafe, which looked very interesting!
When we first arrived at The Yards it looked mainly closed, so that was disappointing. Two women were having a chat outside their shops, which sold clothing, scarves, bags and hats. We had a brief look around and noticed that there was no cafe... I spoke to the two women who said that a lot of the shops had closed as they'd had a busy week and that normally things were a lot more lively.
We found another building which housed lots of different small shops on three levels. There was an area selling American sweets and foods, a toyshop and different places selling gifts, candles and vintage clothing. Sophie spotted a beautiful blue tee-shirt for £10 which she promptly bought and she had a good rummage around for other clothes. We both agreed that Mike would love it here as well.
As the cafe in The Yards was closed we decided to head for the Blitz cafe, only to find this closed as well. However, on the way we had spotted a lovely looking place called The Retro Union bar and as they were serving sandwiches and cups of tea we went in.
I was so glad we did as we have discovered a true little gem! We enjoyed a delicious pot of tea (real tea leaves) and sandwiches of square sausage and cheese and salad, accompanied by a bowl of yummy chips. The staff were very friendly and it was like stepping back in time! We were the only ones in there which was surprising as the place is very friendly and the food was extremely good value - our bill came to just £9 for a large pot of tea, two rounds of sandwiches and a bowl of chips. Elsewhere, this would have been almost twice as much.
We strolled back to the car and the weather was truly beautiful - warm sun and blue skies with some very interesting clouds. The trees were just about to turn - it was a perfect day!
Back home we sat in the garden with Monty and read the Sunday newspapers. I'm trying my hardest to cling onto summer for a few more days!
We had a very relaxed start to the day and Sophie and I decided to go out after taking Mike to work. I've always wanted to visit The Yards in Kettering, so after finding out where it was in the town we drove over and parked in a large car park a few minutes walk away. This is a lovely part of Kettering, with a beautiful church nearby and a museum in the grounds. We also saw signs for the The Blitz Cafe, which looked very interesting!
When we first arrived at The Yards it looked mainly closed, so that was disappointing. Two women were having a chat outside their shops, which sold clothing, scarves, bags and hats. We had a brief look around and noticed that there was no cafe... I spoke to the two women who said that a lot of the shops had closed as they'd had a busy week and that normally things were a lot more lively.
We found another building which housed lots of different small shops on three levels. There was an area selling American sweets and foods, a toyshop and different places selling gifts, candles and vintage clothing. Sophie spotted a beautiful blue tee-shirt for £10 which she promptly bought and she had a good rummage around for other clothes. We both agreed that Mike would love it here as well.
As the cafe in The Yards was closed we decided to head for the Blitz cafe, only to find this closed as well. However, on the way we had spotted a lovely looking place called The Retro Union bar and as they were serving sandwiches and cups of tea we went in.
I was so glad we did as we have discovered a true little gem! We enjoyed a delicious pot of tea (real tea leaves) and sandwiches of square sausage and cheese and salad, accompanied by a bowl of yummy chips. The staff were very friendly and it was like stepping back in time! We were the only ones in there which was surprising as the place is very friendly and the food was extremely good value - our bill came to just £9 for a large pot of tea, two rounds of sandwiches and a bowl of chips. Elsewhere, this would have been almost twice as much.
We strolled back to the car and the weather was truly beautiful - warm sun and blue skies with some very interesting clouds. The trees were just about to turn - it was a perfect day!
Back home we sat in the garden with Monty and read the Sunday newspapers. I'm trying my hardest to cling onto summer for a few more days!
Saturday 16 September 2017
Mike goes awol...
I was at a loose end today and my plan to paint one of our interior doors didn't appeal at all! After dropping Sophie off at work Keith and I went down to Majestic to see my former co-workers. It was great to have a chat and we bought six bottles of wine - three of The Ned Pinot Grigio and three of the Portuguese Porta 6, which is delicious.
I tried calling Mike to say we were in Northampton but there was no answer - in fact, his phone went straight to voicemail. Back home Keith and I had breakfast and then we made a walnut, banana and pear loaf. I know I should have knuckled down to something but I just didn't feel like it! However I did go out and wash my car in the afternoon, because the sun came out and I believed that the rain had stopped for the day...
How wrong I was! The minute I finished drying the car it began to rain and it really came down! I had been trying to get hold of Mike since the morning and was starting to worry that he hadn't contacted us and that he hadn't been on Messenger since the previous evening. Sophie then tried to get in touch with him via all his accounts - Instagram, Messenger and Twitter - and he finally called us at home. I was really angry with him and I'm glad Keith spoke to him and not me.
He wanted picking up in Brixworth so we sloshed over to get him and were dismayed to see him arrive with filthy, muddy jeans. His new white trainers were black with dirt and he'd ripped the Ralph Lauren shirt he'd bought in Florida in the thrift store. He stated he'd been pushed over and had banged into a gate, but we both suspected there was more to it than that, especially as he had scratch marks all over his arms and his back. Naturally, as soon as we started to question him he went all defensive so we dropped it and as soon as he arrived back home he jumped straight into the shower. Boys!
He didn't dare ask if he could go out tonight (as previously planned) as my answer would have been a resounding no! We had a quiet dinner and then Sophie and I watched a new Swedish drama called Black Lake. It was a bit scary!
I tried calling Mike to say we were in Northampton but there was no answer - in fact, his phone went straight to voicemail. Back home Keith and I had breakfast and then we made a walnut, banana and pear loaf. I know I should have knuckled down to something but I just didn't feel like it! However I did go out and wash my car in the afternoon, because the sun came out and I believed that the rain had stopped for the day...
How wrong I was! The minute I finished drying the car it began to rain and it really came down! I had been trying to get hold of Mike since the morning and was starting to worry that he hadn't contacted us and that he hadn't been on Messenger since the previous evening. Sophie then tried to get in touch with him via all his accounts - Instagram, Messenger and Twitter - and he finally called us at home. I was really angry with him and I'm glad Keith spoke to him and not me.
He wanted picking up in Brixworth so we sloshed over to get him and were dismayed to see him arrive with filthy, muddy jeans. His new white trainers were black with dirt and he'd ripped the Ralph Lauren shirt he'd bought in Florida in the thrift store. He stated he'd been pushed over and had banged into a gate, but we both suspected there was more to it than that, especially as he had scratch marks all over his arms and his back. Naturally, as soon as we started to question him he went all defensive so we dropped it and as soon as he arrived back home he jumped straight into the shower. Boys!
He didn't dare ask if he could go out tonight (as previously planned) as my answer would have been a resounding no! We had a quiet dinner and then Sophie and I watched a new Swedish drama called Black Lake. It was a bit scary!
Friday 15 September 2017
Killing time...
Sophie started work at 10.30am this morning, but Mike was at college at 9.30am so to kill an hour we went to Costa in Kingsthorpe and enjoyed a coffee and pastry. This is starting to become a very frequent habit!
Back home Keith and I pottered about until it was time for me to start work at 3pm. It was film night again and this afternoon the children enjoyed The Boss Baby. I don't really concentrate on the film as I'm making sure the children are behaving and helping Lisa with drinks and popcorn, but this particular movie looked very silly. The children seemed to enjoy it, though, which is all that matters!
It's been another day of sunshine and showers and it feels more like April than November! After the film we all went outside and it was great to be able to make the most of the daylight - in another month, we'll really notice the nights drawing in.
Mike came with me to collect Sophie from work as he was off to see friends in Northampton. He was going to walk from Moulton into the town and had an umbrella with him. He was told by Sophie NOT to lose it as it was one of our Berlin umbrellas with sentimental value!
Back home Keith and I pottered about until it was time for me to start work at 3pm. It was film night again and this afternoon the children enjoyed The Boss Baby. I don't really concentrate on the film as I'm making sure the children are behaving and helping Lisa with drinks and popcorn, but this particular movie looked very silly. The children seemed to enjoy it, though, which is all that matters!
It's been another day of sunshine and showers and it feels more like April than November! After the film we all went outside and it was great to be able to make the most of the daylight - in another month, we'll really notice the nights drawing in.
Mike came with me to collect Sophie from work as he was off to see friends in Northampton. He was going to walk from Moulton into the town and had an umbrella with him. He was told by Sophie NOT to lose it as it was one of our Berlin umbrellas with sentimental value!
Thursday 14 September 2017
A little shopping.
This morning, along with Sophie and Mike, I picked up my Mum and we drove over to Rushden Lakes to do some shopping. First up was a coffee at Costa in Next - there's certainly no shortage of places to eat and drink at the new shopping centre, but there were no cashpoints, which was a shame as Sophie wanted to draw some money out.
We had a mooch around Next and then popped into M&S where I bought myself a new bra. Everything was brand new and it's a really pleasant place to spend a couple of hours shopping, especially as there is a lakeside walk with more restaurants to be added at a later date. I did initially think I would come here rather than go to Milton Keynes, but now I'm not so sure. The sheer size and variety of shops in Milton Keynes is hard to beat!
Sophie and Mike had a good look at the trainers in Schuh and JD Sports but we didn't venture into House of Fraser as there were lots of make-up counters in there and Sophie didn't want to be distracted! It was a bright and breezy day but a little on the cold side so we stayed for a couple of hours and then we took my Mum home.
In the afternoon, at work, the children collected leaves and made them into pictures with paint. As expected, it went everywhere and then one of them knocked over a water pot! They looked like they'd had fun, though!
We had a mooch around Next and then popped into M&S where I bought myself a new bra. Everything was brand new and it's a really pleasant place to spend a couple of hours shopping, especially as there is a lakeside walk with more restaurants to be added at a later date. I did initially think I would come here rather than go to Milton Keynes, but now I'm not so sure. The sheer size and variety of shops in Milton Keynes is hard to beat!
Sophie and Mike had a good look at the trainers in Schuh and JD Sports but we didn't venture into House of Fraser as there were lots of make-up counters in there and Sophie didn't want to be distracted! It was a bright and breezy day but a little on the cold side so we stayed for a couple of hours and then we took my Mum home.
In the afternoon, at work, the children collected leaves and made them into pictures with paint. As expected, it went everywhere and then one of them knocked over a water pot! They looked like they'd had fun, though!
Wednesday 13 September 2017
Sunshine and showers!
I dropped Sophie off at uni today as she was meeting her friends there to do some research for her dissertation, and then having lunch with them. It felt like ages since I'd taken her to uni, but next month she will be back as normal!
Back home I discovered a great website with imagery from Florida after Hurricane Irma. It put my mind at rest that Naples hadn't suffered as much as I feared. It would have been terrible to see images of destruction from such a beautiful area.
https://storms.ngs.noaa.gov/storms/irma/index.html
The weather was still very windy in the morning but we had sunshine and showers for the rest of the day and some lovely, interesting skies. It's definitely much cooler now, though, and the warm temperatures are a thing of the past!
Back home I discovered a great website with imagery from Florida after Hurricane Irma. It put my mind at rest that Naples hadn't suffered as much as I feared. It would have been terrible to see images of destruction from such a beautiful area.
https://storms.ngs.noaa.gov/storms/irma/index.html
The weather was still very windy in the morning but we had sunshine and showers for the rest of the day and some lovely, interesting skies. It's definitely much cooler now, though, and the warm temperatures are a thing of the past!
Tuesday 12 September 2017
Stormy weather!
Although Hurricane Irma has now dissipated and lost strength, the havoc she left behind is all too clear. I was looking at photos of the Florida Keys this morning and was horrified to see the state of the main road running through the islands and the damage caused to buildings. I think it will be quite some time before things return to normal. Sadly it looks like the mid Keys have suffered the most with reports of damage and flooding in Marathon, where we stayed last month. I only hope that the lovely places we saw weren't too badly affected.
Today, though, we had a weather warning of our own - the first storm of the season, Aileen, was set to affect us this evening and into tomorrow. Sophie was at work today, and Mike at college, so we dropped them both off and popped to Aldi to get some things we had forgotten yesterday, namely dishwasher tablets! On the way to pick up my car from the garage we called to see Mum and had a cup of coffee. It's been a bright and very breezy day today with a strengthening wind, but at least we had a "Florida sky"!
My car cost me £239, which was a bit more than I was expecting, but on the way home there was an ominous rattle coming from the back near the windscreen wiper. I arrived home and told Keith and we fiddled about with the boot cover and then went for a short drive. It was no better and when we stopped to investigate, we found the cover hadn't been put back properly and a screw was bouncing around inside. When Keith removed it and attached the cover back firmly, it stopped! I have to say that the wiper is a lot smoother and absolutely silent now, so I think it must have been going wrong for quite some time. It would make a horrible juddering, scraping noise whenever I turned it on and it's much improved now!
At work we were ousted from the hall as there was a meeting on, so we used the much smaller and much more cosy library. As the weather was still dry and sunny, we spent much of the session outside with the children playing on the new pirate ship in the playground. They even ate their snack outside which was lovely - let's make the most of it while we can!
After work I dashed off to pick up Sophie and Mike from work. Mike had walked to Moulton after college and I saw him in the main street of the village before I reached Sophie's work. After our dinner of "starter and dessert" (pate and trifle) we watched another two episodes of Tin Star starring Tim Roth. It's riveting! Outside the rain started in earnest and the wind was blowing like mad. Aileen had arrived!
Today, though, we had a weather warning of our own - the first storm of the season, Aileen, was set to affect us this evening and into tomorrow. Sophie was at work today, and Mike at college, so we dropped them both off and popped to Aldi to get some things we had forgotten yesterday, namely dishwasher tablets! On the way to pick up my car from the garage we called to see Mum and had a cup of coffee. It's been a bright and very breezy day today with a strengthening wind, but at least we had a "Florida sky"!
My car cost me £239, which was a bit more than I was expecting, but on the way home there was an ominous rattle coming from the back near the windscreen wiper. I arrived home and told Keith and we fiddled about with the boot cover and then went for a short drive. It was no better and when we stopped to investigate, we found the cover hadn't been put back properly and a screw was bouncing around inside. When Keith removed it and attached the cover back firmly, it stopped! I have to say that the wiper is a lot smoother and absolutely silent now, so I think it must have been going wrong for quite some time. It would make a horrible juddering, scraping noise whenever I turned it on and it's much improved now!
At work we were ousted from the hall as there was a meeting on, so we used the much smaller and much more cosy library. As the weather was still dry and sunny, we spent much of the session outside with the children playing on the new pirate ship in the playground. They even ate their snack outside which was lovely - let's make the most of it while we can!
After work I dashed off to pick up Sophie and Mike from work. Mike had walked to Moulton after college and I saw him in the main street of the village before I reached Sophie's work. After our dinner of "starter and dessert" (pate and trifle) we watched another two episodes of Tin Star starring Tim Roth. It's riveting! Outside the rain started in earnest and the wind was blowing like mad. Aileen had arrived!
Monday 11 September 2017
Making slime!
It was well and truly back to reality today when we woke Mike up at 7am so he could get ready for college! Luckily, he was starting slightly later than normal, at 9.30am, so we missed most of the school traffic, which was a bonus!
After we dropped him off Keith and I went to the Weston Favell Centre and did some shopping for the rest of the week. We then sped home as I wanted to accompany Sophie on her driving lesson at 10.30am but I was not allowed to! Because of the insurance! Anyway, he told me that Sophie was doing well and that it wouldn't be long until she was ready to take her driving test, which currently has an eight week waiting list.
At the school, in the afternoon, the plan was to "make slime". Lisa had bought lots of ingredients to make it - shaving foam, contact lens solution, baking powder, glue and food colouring. We set up a table and covered it with an oilcloth and gave them bowls and spoons to mix it all up. Chaos reigned as they all grabbed at the ingredients and attempted to make slime! Well, I've never seen such a mess when they finished, and unfortunately it hadn't turned to slime! Just a pink goo that went everywhere...and I mean everywhere! It was all over the floor, the carpeted areas outside the hall, the children themselves and me! Lisa cleared up while I took the children outside and then it began to rain and really pelt it down so it was back inside for a game of Snap!
Keith and Sophie came to pick me up as walking was out of the question today. As well as the heavy rain showers we've been experiencing Keith has a bad cold, plus my car is still at the garage. The rear windscreen wiper has been sorted but they rang just as I was about to leave so I told them I would have to collect it tomorrow.
It was bliss to get home to my quiet house and sip a glass of red wine while a sniffly Keith made dinner!
After we dropped him off Keith and I went to the Weston Favell Centre and did some shopping for the rest of the week. We then sped home as I wanted to accompany Sophie on her driving lesson at 10.30am but I was not allowed to! Because of the insurance! Anyway, he told me that Sophie was doing well and that it wouldn't be long until she was ready to take her driving test, which currently has an eight week waiting list.
At the school, in the afternoon, the plan was to "make slime". Lisa had bought lots of ingredients to make it - shaving foam, contact lens solution, baking powder, glue and food colouring. We set up a table and covered it with an oilcloth and gave them bowls and spoons to mix it all up. Chaos reigned as they all grabbed at the ingredients and attempted to make slime! Well, I've never seen such a mess when they finished, and unfortunately it hadn't turned to slime! Just a pink goo that went everywhere...and I mean everywhere! It was all over the floor, the carpeted areas outside the hall, the children themselves and me! Lisa cleared up while I took the children outside and then it began to rain and really pelt it down so it was back inside for a game of Snap!
Keith and Sophie came to pick me up as walking was out of the question today. As well as the heavy rain showers we've been experiencing Keith has a bad cold, plus my car is still at the garage. The rear windscreen wiper has been sorted but they rang just as I was about to leave so I told them I would have to collect it tomorrow.
It was bliss to get home to my quiet house and sip a glass of red wine while a sniffly Keith made dinner!
Sunday 10 September 2017
A quiet weekend.
I implemented my plan to do some jobs on Saturday and after we'd taken Sophie to work I came home to paint the skirting boards in the conservatory. It wasn't very comfortable work as I was on my hands and knees and I should really have used a kneeling mat! It's a job I've been meaning to do for ages so it felt really good when I'd finished and the paintwork looked all lovely and clean. I'm glad I hadn't been tempted to paint the garage door as the lovely weather in the morning disappeared in the afternoon and we had thunder, lightening and heavy rain showers.
Keith went to see Sileby play in the afternoon and I tidied everything away and watched the end of a Jack Lemmon film called The Apartment. It was very good! When Keith came home I took Mike into town and we called to Brixworth first to get one of his mates. I dropped them both off at a car park in the middle of Northampton and prayed that they wouldn't get up to mischief. It was an 18th birthday party they were going to in a nearby bar, so I did have my concerns!
I picked up Sophie from work and we drove home under a very interesting sky, full of dark clouds and a rainbow. Hurricane Irma is due to affect the Florida Keys early tomorrow morning and then head up the mainland and I'm just praying that the west coast isn't affected too badly.
Sophie was working on Sunday and after we'd dropped her off we went to collect Mike from town. He looked very weary and said he hadn't slept all night. Wonderful when he had to go to work! We took him home and he heated up the paella we'd eaten last night.
It's been very windy here today and grey and chilly and I spent a lot of the morning watching updates on Irma and how she affected Florida. It seems incredible to think that just four weeks ago we were driving down to the Keys. I dread to think what would have happened if this had struck when we were there.
Mike was at work today but because of the weather he asked to be picked up early. Sophie, on the other hand, was busy - it's amazing how they both benefit from different types of weather!
Keith went to see Sileby play in the afternoon and I tidied everything away and watched the end of a Jack Lemmon film called The Apartment. It was very good! When Keith came home I took Mike into town and we called to Brixworth first to get one of his mates. I dropped them both off at a car park in the middle of Northampton and prayed that they wouldn't get up to mischief. It was an 18th birthday party they were going to in a nearby bar, so I did have my concerns!
I picked up Sophie from work and we drove home under a very interesting sky, full of dark clouds and a rainbow. Hurricane Irma is due to affect the Florida Keys early tomorrow morning and then head up the mainland and I'm just praying that the west coast isn't affected too badly.
Sophie was working on Sunday and after we'd dropped her off we went to collect Mike from town. He looked very weary and said he hadn't slept all night. Wonderful when he had to go to work! We took him home and he heated up the paella we'd eaten last night.
It's been very windy here today and grey and chilly and I spent a lot of the morning watching updates on Irma and how she affected Florida. It seems incredible to think that just four weeks ago we were driving down to the Keys. I dread to think what would have happened if this had struck when we were there.
Mike was at work today but because of the weather he asked to be picked up early. Sophie, on the other hand, was busy - it's amazing how they both benefit from different types of weather!
Friday 8 September 2017
Film night!
We had to pop to the Weston Favell centre today as Sophie had some leggings to take back to New Look and we had some money to pay into Mike's account. We throw all of our copper and 5p pieces into an old piggy bank for him and it mounts up quite nicely every couple of months!
My car wasn't ready today so I went to pick it up just before I started work at 3pm. The mechanics were waiting for a small part to be delivered so I'll have to return it on Monday. The rear windscreen wiper had been taken off but the washer nozzle still remained and it shot out a long jet of water...that would be useful to do if a cyclist annoyed me over the weekend!
At the after school club it was film night and most of the usual children we look after don't attend. We still had twelve children though (whose parents had paid £6 for them to stay) and they all trooped in when the bell went and settled themselves down on the mats in front of the screen. Lisa buys popcorn for them and hot dogs to enjoy half way through. We never had anything like this when I was at school!
We watched The Smurfs and when it had finished they were all able to go out and play as the weather had cleared up a bit and the heavy rain had stopped. They tore about while Lisa and I kept an eye on them and one by one the parents arrived to pick them up.
I'd driven today so after the session was over, I walked down to the pub and collected my car. I did pop my head into the pub to see if Keith was there but he was absent. However, within a minute of getting in the car I met him and we had a chat before I sped home.
Sophie and I were going to watch Steel Magnolias but I had to go and collect Mike from Brixworth and then go out and get fish and chips for dinner so we abandoned that idea. However, we did watch Passengers at 9pm and Sophie really enjoyed it. Even though I'd seen it earlier in the year I enjoyed it as well and when it finished we watched a very rude dating show called Naked Attraction. The only reason we watched it was because Sophie knew one of the men on the programme who she'd been at school with...it made for very cringey viewing!
My car wasn't ready today so I went to pick it up just before I started work at 3pm. The mechanics were waiting for a small part to be delivered so I'll have to return it on Monday. The rear windscreen wiper had been taken off but the washer nozzle still remained and it shot out a long jet of water...that would be useful to do if a cyclist annoyed me over the weekend!
At the after school club it was film night and most of the usual children we look after don't attend. We still had twelve children though (whose parents had paid £6 for them to stay) and they all trooped in when the bell went and settled themselves down on the mats in front of the screen. Lisa buys popcorn for them and hot dogs to enjoy half way through. We never had anything like this when I was at school!
We watched The Smurfs and when it had finished they were all able to go out and play as the weather had cleared up a bit and the heavy rain had stopped. They tore about while Lisa and I kept an eye on them and one by one the parents arrived to pick them up.
I'd driven today so after the session was over, I walked down to the pub and collected my car. I did pop my head into the pub to see if Keith was there but he was absent. However, within a minute of getting in the car I met him and we had a chat before I sped home.
Sophie and I were going to watch Steel Magnolias but I had to go and collect Mike from Brixworth and then go out and get fish and chips for dinner so we abandoned that idea. However, we did watch Passengers at 9pm and Sophie really enjoyed it. Even though I'd seen it earlier in the year I enjoyed it as well and when it finished we watched a very rude dating show called Naked Attraction. The only reason we watched it was because Sophie knew one of the men on the programme who she'd been at school with...it made for very cringey viewing!
Thursday 7 September 2017
Weather matters
The news here is full of Hurricane Irma at the moment and we are watching the path of the storm very carefully. It only seems like a few days ago we were in the Keys and I just hope that Irma doesn't cause too much devastation. When we were in Florida I downloaded an app to my phone that tracks storms and although there were a couple out in the Atlantic that could have developed, we were lucky to escape bad weather. It must be terrifying to see it heading towards your home and not be able to do anything about it.
We had a busy morning as I had to take my car into the garage to have the rear windscreen wiper fixed. We then drove over to Guilsborough as Sophie had a doctor's appointment. When she arrived she was told her normal doctor was off sick but the lady that stood in was very friendly and helpful and lived in our village so we had a great chat.
As it's Thursday, we also went off to do the weekly shop and the sun came out, making it very pleasant and warm. By the time we'd got home, though, and put all the shopping away, it had clouded over again so plans for sitting in the garden with Monty had to be abandoned.
Keith dropped me off at the school again and I had a chat with Lisa about taking the children up to the playing fields. She had had the same thought and needed to get consent forms out for us to take them. They can run about to their heart's content then!
Keith and Sophie came to meet me again and we had a pleasant walk home although it did feel a bit chillier and I'm sure I felt a few drops of rain!
We had a busy morning as I had to take my car into the garage to have the rear windscreen wiper fixed. We then drove over to Guilsborough as Sophie had a doctor's appointment. When she arrived she was told her normal doctor was off sick but the lady that stood in was very friendly and helpful and lived in our village so we had a great chat.
As it's Thursday, we also went off to do the weekly shop and the sun came out, making it very pleasant and warm. By the time we'd got home, though, and put all the shopping away, it had clouded over again so plans for sitting in the garden with Monty had to be abandoned.
Keith dropped me off at the school again and I had a chat with Lisa about taking the children up to the playing fields. She had had the same thought and needed to get consent forms out for us to take them. They can run about to their heart's content then!
Keith and Sophie came to meet me again and we had a pleasant walk home although it did feel a bit chillier and I'm sure I felt a few drops of rain!
Wednesday 6 September 2017
Discoveries.
Although today started out beautiful and sunny, the weather changed and it became overcast and cloudy, which was a shame! We decided to drive over to the new Rushden Lakes shopping centre to have a look. We weren't going to get out of the car; I was just curious to see what was happening there.
I have to say we were very impressed! There was a large M&S, New Look, Primark, Boots and lots of other shops including House of Fraser with a Mac concession, which pleased Sophie very much! Perhaps we now won't have to trek all the way over to Milton Keynes! Despite it being a Wednesday morning the car parks were filling up and we could see hoardings advertising more shops to open in the near future. There's also plans for a cinema and lots more restaurants. We will definitely be going back!
Sophie felt a bit unwell in the afternoon which was worrying so I advised her to have a nap and see if she felt better. Rather than walk down to the school, Keith dropped me off, but I was very relieved to see her at 6pm when they came to pick me up! She said she felt a lot better so maybe she just needed a sleep and a cup of tea! That cures everything!
I have to say we were very impressed! There was a large M&S, New Look, Primark, Boots and lots of other shops including House of Fraser with a Mac concession, which pleased Sophie very much! Perhaps we now won't have to trek all the way over to Milton Keynes! Despite it being a Wednesday morning the car parks were filling up and we could see hoardings advertising more shops to open in the near future. There's also plans for a cinema and lots more restaurants. We will definitely be going back!
Sophie felt a bit unwell in the afternoon which was worrying so I advised her to have a nap and see if she felt better. Rather than walk down to the school, Keith dropped me off, but I was very relieved to see her at 6pm when they came to pick me up! She said she felt a lot better so maybe she just needed a sleep and a cup of tea! That cures everything!
Tuesday 5 September 2017
New job!
I was a little nervous today as I was due to start my new job this afternoon - looking after children who attend the after-school club at the local school! I'll be working three hours a day from Monday to Friday and although it's not really what I had in mind, I'll enjoy working with children again.
This morning we went to Tesco to do some shopping and on our return I knuckled down and cleaned upstairs which was badly in need of doing as the spiders had been spinning their webs again! The good thing is that at least most of my day is free, but I will have to look for another part-time job as the school work certainly won't be enough for me to live on.
The plan was to walk to the school with Keith and Sophie but Mike wanted to go and see his friends so we dropped him off and then Keith drove me to school. I met Lisa again and she explained what was happening and we met the children who were attending. It was quite difficult as she hadn't been given exact numbers so we had to "wing" it today and see how many turned up!
All the children were lovely and ranged in age from about 7 years up to 10 years. I had forgotten how my two were at these ages and it did bring back some memories of seeing them in their school uniform!
Thankfully, the weather was lovely and dry and we were able to spend all the time outside in the playground. Keith and Sophie came to meet me and we walked home, which was very pleasant! I'm not so sure I'll be fond of doing this in November and December, though, when it's freezing cold and raining hard!
Keith went out in the evening to see Sileby play, and as Mike was still out at a friend's house, Sophie and I had a girls' night in. We ate Hunter's Chicken with crispy potatoes and had a tipple or two. Perfect!
This morning we went to Tesco to do some shopping and on our return I knuckled down and cleaned upstairs which was badly in need of doing as the spiders had been spinning their webs again! The good thing is that at least most of my day is free, but I will have to look for another part-time job as the school work certainly won't be enough for me to live on.
The plan was to walk to the school with Keith and Sophie but Mike wanted to go and see his friends so we dropped him off and then Keith drove me to school. I met Lisa again and she explained what was happening and we met the children who were attending. It was quite difficult as she hadn't been given exact numbers so we had to "wing" it today and see how many turned up!
All the children were lovely and ranged in age from about 7 years up to 10 years. I had forgotten how my two were at these ages and it did bring back some memories of seeing them in their school uniform!
Thankfully, the weather was lovely and dry and we were able to spend all the time outside in the playground. Keith and Sophie came to meet me and we walked home, which was very pleasant! I'm not so sure I'll be fond of doing this in November and December, though, when it's freezing cold and raining hard!
Keith went out in the evening to see Sileby play, and as Mike was still out at a friend's house, Sophie and I had a girls' night in. We ate Hunter's Chicken with crispy potatoes and had a tipple or two. Perfect!
Monday 4 September 2017
Turning Japanese...
Today dawned grey and overcast, which was disappointing! Back in Naples I had promised to go with Sophie to Las Iguanas in Milton Keynes, but we discovered yesterday that they were closing today for a three week refurbishment. I suggested we go to the Japanese restaurant we spotted in Northampton a couple of months ago instead, and invite Keith and Mike to go with us.
Keith wasn't interested but Mike readily agreed so at 12pm we set off. I parked in the Mayorhold car park and we walked down to Castilian Street through the market square. Things hadn't improved since I used to do this every Wednesday and the atmosphere in town was still decidedly edgy. It certainly wouldn't be my first choice for shopping!
Akasaka was empty when we arrived which didn't surprise me, it being a Monday lunchtime, and I had expected it to be closed when I'd checked the opening times the previous day. The waitress was very friendly and we had a good look at the menu before deciding. The restaurant has a special lunchtime menu which made it easier for us to order and we chose a spicy ramen soup of noodles and chicken (Mike), a chicken Katsu curry (Sophie) and Tonkatsu with Yaki Gyoza for me which was deep fried pork slices served with rice, dumplings and vegetables. We all shared a bottle of sparkling water, but if we ever go back I'd love to try the Sake.
Our food was delicious and Mike's soup looked particularly good and was very hot and spicy.
We only had chopsticks to eat with but we all coped admirably with them, even though we did borrow Mike's soup spoon to scoop up the last bits of delicious rice! We managed to east an ice-cream for dessert, although I don't think they were traditionally Japanese! The bill came to £35 for the three of us which I thought was really good value. We will be back!
The plan was to have a drink at the bar that Sophie wanted to go to before we went on holiday but they're closed on Mondays so we went to John Franklin's again. Mike went off to meet his mates but while we were sitting enjoying our drinks (I had coffee, Sophie had a Mojito) he called us to say he wanted to come home with us rather than getting the bus.
It had been a lovely treat and we will definitely return to Akasaka, hopefully with Keith so he can experience the delicious food. In the evening we prepared king prawns for dinner which was fiddly and messy! We were having just a starter and dessert and Keith had made a chocolate cheesecake, but it took us ages to de-shell and de-vein the prawns and then coat them in breadcrumbs before frying them. The dish was a bit of a disaster, to be honest, as Sophie found them chewy and the rest of us found them tasteless! At least the cheesecake was a hit!
Keith wasn't interested but Mike readily agreed so at 12pm we set off. I parked in the Mayorhold car park and we walked down to Castilian Street through the market square. Things hadn't improved since I used to do this every Wednesday and the atmosphere in town was still decidedly edgy. It certainly wouldn't be my first choice for shopping!
Akasaka was empty when we arrived which didn't surprise me, it being a Monday lunchtime, and I had expected it to be closed when I'd checked the opening times the previous day. The waitress was very friendly and we had a good look at the menu before deciding. The restaurant has a special lunchtime menu which made it easier for us to order and we chose a spicy ramen soup of noodles and chicken (Mike), a chicken Katsu curry (Sophie) and Tonkatsu with Yaki Gyoza for me which was deep fried pork slices served with rice, dumplings and vegetables. We all shared a bottle of sparkling water, but if we ever go back I'd love to try the Sake.
Our food was delicious and Mike's soup looked particularly good and was very hot and spicy.
We only had chopsticks to eat with but we all coped admirably with them, even though we did borrow Mike's soup spoon to scoop up the last bits of delicious rice! We managed to east an ice-cream for dessert, although I don't think they were traditionally Japanese! The bill came to £35 for the three of us which I thought was really good value. We will be back!
The plan was to have a drink at the bar that Sophie wanted to go to before we went on holiday but they're closed on Mondays so we went to John Franklin's again. Mike went off to meet his mates but while we were sitting enjoying our drinks (I had coffee, Sophie had a Mojito) he called us to say he wanted to come home with us rather than getting the bus.
It had been a lovely treat and we will definitely return to Akasaka, hopefully with Keith so he can experience the delicious food. In the evening we prepared king prawns for dinner which was fiddly and messy! We were having just a starter and dessert and Keith had made a chocolate cheesecake, but it took us ages to de-shell and de-vein the prawns and then coat them in breadcrumbs before frying them. The dish was a bit of a disaster, to be honest, as Sophie found them chewy and the rest of us found them tasteless! At least the cheesecake was a hit!
Sunday 3 September 2017
A short walk
Today dawned overcast and grey and after dropping Mike off at work, we parked Keith's car near Pitsford and walked home through the nature reserve. It was perfect weather for walking - cool and cloudy - but it would have been nice to have seen some sun and blue sky! There was really no point me taking any photos as the pics would have been fifty shades of grey and brown!
Already, lots of leaves were lying on the ground and more were falling as we walked. There was a real Autumnal smell going on as well! We didn't see one animal today and not even any birds, so the woods were very quiet. It did feel good to be out, though, and I can't remember the last time I went out for a walk. I'm not sure I will achieve my goal of walking around both sides of the reservoir this year, but I can still hope!
After showering Sophie and I popped into her work so she could input her hours on the computer and then we drove to Mum and Dad's, stopping to buy a couple of cakes on the way to go with a cup of tea. We had a lovely chat with them and then drove home via the scenic route.
After picking Mike up from work, it was home to enjoy a drink and I opened the Black Cow vodka that the guys from the wine shop bought me. It was delicious!
Already, lots of leaves were lying on the ground and more were falling as we walked. There was a real Autumnal smell going on as well! We didn't see one animal today and not even any birds, so the woods were very quiet. It did feel good to be out, though, and I can't remember the last time I went out for a walk. I'm not sure I will achieve my goal of walking around both sides of the reservoir this year, but I can still hope!
After showering Sophie and I popped into her work so she could input her hours on the computer and then we drove to Mum and Dad's, stopping to buy a couple of cakes on the way to go with a cup of tea. We had a lovely chat with them and then drove home via the scenic route.
After picking Mike up from work, it was home to enjoy a drink and I opened the Black Cow vodka that the guys from the wine shop bought me. It was delicious!
Saturday 2 September 2017
Spiders again!
It's been another gorgeous day today but the mornings and evenings are decidedly chilly! We took Sophie to work and I dropped Keith off at the nature reserve so he could walk home. I read the newspapers and then, with Monty, took a walk around the garden to see what was happening in our gravelled area. I received a shock when I saw the state of the conservatory windows...they were filthy and covered in cobwebs and dead leaves.
I really had no choice but to knuckle down and wash all the windows, dodging spiders as I went! They really have taken over this house during the summer! I dread to think what the place would look like if we'd left it any longer!
Keith came back with a grazed knee as he'd slipped over, so we took care of that and he made me a coffee. I sat with Monty for five minutes and then got back to work. I decided to have a go at the windows at the front of the house and discovered that our front door was also covered in cobwebs! I began to feel like they were crawling all over me. Yuk!
Mike went off to the local "Groove on the Green" and Keith went to watch Sileby play so I had the house to myself. I made a mad dash for the bath after putting our fresh bedding back onto the bed and had a good soak. I felt so much better afterwards and decided to relax for the rest of the afternoon. I feel I had deserved it!
On the way to picking Sophie up from work we met Mike who came with us. He looked a bit groggy and when we returned home he disappeared to his bedroom and wasn't seen again until later in the evening! Keith cooked beef stroganoff and Sophie and I stood in the kitchen to keep him company while he prepared the meal. I showed her all my hard work and said that from now on, I was going to tackle jobs in the house on a Saturday, leaving Sunday free for a funday!
I really had no choice but to knuckle down and wash all the windows, dodging spiders as I went! They really have taken over this house during the summer! I dread to think what the place would look like if we'd left it any longer!
Keith came back with a grazed knee as he'd slipped over, so we took care of that and he made me a coffee. I sat with Monty for five minutes and then got back to work. I decided to have a go at the windows at the front of the house and discovered that our front door was also covered in cobwebs! I began to feel like they were crawling all over me. Yuk!
Mike went off to the local "Groove on the Green" and Keith went to watch Sileby play so I had the house to myself. I made a mad dash for the bath after putting our fresh bedding back onto the bed and had a good soak. I felt so much better afterwards and decided to relax for the rest of the afternoon. I feel I had deserved it!
On the way to picking Sophie up from work we met Mike who came with us. He looked a bit groggy and when we returned home he disappeared to his bedroom and wasn't seen again until later in the evening! Keith cooked beef stroganoff and Sophie and I stood in the kitchen to keep him company while he prepared the meal. I showed her all my hard work and said that from now on, I was going to tackle jobs in the house on a Saturday, leaving Sunday free for a funday!
Friday 1 September 2017
Autumn arrives...
After dropping Sophie off at work today I came home and enjoyed a coffee in the garden with Monty. It certainly wasn't warm though, and there is a definite hint of Autumn in the air! Keith went for a walk and when he returned he said he wanted to go and pick some blackberries as a neighbour had very kindly given us some apples, and he fancied apple and blackberry crumble.
I was only too pleased to accompany him as it was a gorgeous day and the temperature had risen slightly. We didn't have to go far to find some juicy blackberries and they went into a basin to be washed and used later in the day.
I went and collected Sophie from work and when we returned I helped Keith make the crumble, using a Hairy Bikers recipe. It went into the oven for forty minutes and Sophie and I went over to Beckworth for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
It wasn't too busy so we didn't have to wait and I enjoyed a scone with jam and cream while Sophie chose a delicious slab of Victoria sponge cake. It looked lovely and she took the raspberries off and gave them to me to eat. Yum! After eating we mooched about but none of the plants caught my fancy so, after buying some chocolate, we headed home.
Mum and Dad called and popped around for a cup of tea and they had some good news. While we were away in Florida they'd been given a parking ticket at the Weston Favell Centre for parking outside the white lines. I'd been furious about it especially as my parents use the disabled spaces and have been customers for over 40 years. I urged them to appeal and the Citizen's Advice where I used to volunteer also helped them to draft a letter which had obviously done the job as they had been let off. I was very pleased but still annoyed that they'd been given a ticket in the first place, especially as the car park is free!
Surprisingly, it rained in the evening so I gave Keith a lift to the pub and returned home for a glass of wine and a recorded episode of Celebrity Masterchef. It was very entertaining!
I was only too pleased to accompany him as it was a gorgeous day and the temperature had risen slightly. We didn't have to go far to find some juicy blackberries and they went into a basin to be washed and used later in the day.
I went and collected Sophie from work and when we returned I helped Keith make the crumble, using a Hairy Bikers recipe. It went into the oven for forty minutes and Sophie and I went over to Beckworth for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
It wasn't too busy so we didn't have to wait and I enjoyed a scone with jam and cream while Sophie chose a delicious slab of Victoria sponge cake. It looked lovely and she took the raspberries off and gave them to me to eat. Yum! After eating we mooched about but none of the plants caught my fancy so, after buying some chocolate, we headed home.
Mum and Dad called and popped around for a cup of tea and they had some good news. While we were away in Florida they'd been given a parking ticket at the Weston Favell Centre for parking outside the white lines. I'd been furious about it especially as my parents use the disabled spaces and have been customers for over 40 years. I urged them to appeal and the Citizen's Advice where I used to volunteer also helped them to draft a letter which had obviously done the job as they had been let off. I was very pleased but still annoyed that they'd been given a ticket in the first place, especially as the car park is free!
Surprisingly, it rained in the evening so I gave Keith a lift to the pub and returned home for a glass of wine and a recorded episode of Celebrity Masterchef. It was very entertaining!
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