So today is the last day of the meteorological Autumn and forecasters have said we might get snow this afternoon! It was -1c at 8am so not as cold as we'd been led to believe it would be!
Work was quite busy so the time passed quickly. I didn't have a chat with Sara about the form as it was her first day back and she looked pretty stressed. I decided to leave it as I'm working an extra day on Saturday, and with the travel expenses, I will get back almost as much as I've lost.
When I arrived home I found Keith leaving with Mike who wanted to go to Brixworth. I was annoyed because he's been out somewhere almost every day this week (it's the work experience week at college and he's exempt due to being a second year student) and Keith is sick of driving about all day. Our petrol and diesel usage has gone through the roof!
Keith had made me a sandwich so I gobbled that down and then noticed that none of our lights were working and the washing machine had stopped. I realised our electrics had tripped so I sorted it out and left a note for Keith. Just as I was leaving it happened again...
The afternoon at school was busy and there was mass excitement when it started to snow! It was only light but it sent all the children mad and they ran out into the playground to play! At the end of the session I rushed home as Sue was coming around at 6.30pm. She bought a lovely bottle of red wine with her and some cheese which went well with all the nibbles I'd bought.
We had a great chat and outside the freezing wind strengthened and we had a yellow weather warning for snow (jinxes it!). After Sue went home Keith and the children ate chilli con carne but I was too full of nibbles to join them!
Thursday 30 November 2017
Wednesday 29 November 2017
A bit of training.
We had a lazy start to the day and Keith tackled the grouting in the en-suite while I mooched about in a bad mood. I'd called ACAS about the jury service form and they had advised me to see my supervisor. As she's back at work tomorrow I might do that. I also messaged Gill to see if she was at CAB today as I was going to go in and see her, but she wasn't in so I left it, feeling even more annoyed as the day wore on.
At 12.30pm I went to school as a group of us were doing training on Safeguarding Children. The session was at our school's twin in another village so I followed Lisa in her car as I wasn't really sure of where it was. The other school is tiny but very sweet and cosy and after having a cup of tea in the minute staff room we started the session.
A lot of it was common sense and I can say with 100% certainty that all of us were committed to keeping the children in our care safe. As I used to run a Day Nursery I had already undergone some training but it was good to have a refresher. We had to dash off at 2.45pm to get back to open the After School Club and I gave a lift to one of the other staff.
We had 17 children this afternoon so we were very busy and it was quite chaotic. However, when there's that many they tend to entertain themselves so the time went by very quickly. I took some of them out to play as although it was cold, it was dry. I was amazed at how dark it became and how quickly!
When I got home Keith said Mike was in Brixworth, so we went to get him and I bought some nibbles and wine in the Co-op as Sue is coming over tomorrow. I managed to spend nearly £20 but there were some bottles of beer in the basket for Keith as well!
After dinner, Sophie and I did the shopping list for Keith for tomorrow (always a fun job) and then it was a double bill of 90 Day Fiance!
At 12.30pm I went to school as a group of us were doing training on Safeguarding Children. The session was at our school's twin in another village so I followed Lisa in her car as I wasn't really sure of where it was. The other school is tiny but very sweet and cosy and after having a cup of tea in the minute staff room we started the session.
A lot of it was common sense and I can say with 100% certainty that all of us were committed to keeping the children in our care safe. As I used to run a Day Nursery I had already undergone some training but it was good to have a refresher. We had to dash off at 2.45pm to get back to open the After School Club and I gave a lift to one of the other staff.
We had 17 children this afternoon so we were very busy and it was quite chaotic. However, when there's that many they tend to entertain themselves so the time went by very quickly. I took some of them out to play as although it was cold, it was dry. I was amazed at how dark it became and how quickly!
When I got home Keith said Mike was in Brixworth, so we went to get him and I bought some nibbles and wine in the Co-op as Sue is coming over tomorrow. I managed to spend nearly £20 but there were some bottles of beer in the basket for Keith as well!
After dinner, Sophie and I did the shopping list for Keith for tomorrow (always a fun job) and then it was a double bill of 90 Day Fiance!
Tuesday 28 November 2017
A night out!
We had a busy day today as I wanted to go and get some more Christmas cards and pop into Wilco's to get some bird food for my hungry feathered friends. The winter is set to bite this week with snow forecast for some parts of the country on Thursday.
We shopped in Tesco for Tuesday and Wednesday and when Keith went to return the bags to the car, Sophie and I went into Wilco's and I treated us all to Advent calendars. I also bought some fat snax, mealworms and other foodie treats. That should keep them going for a few weeks!
We had a coffee in Costa and then drove to Screwfix where Keith bought some sealant for our shower. These products are billed as mould-resistant but it's a big fat lie! Our shower unit needs new sealant urgently and Keith hates doing it but it looks horrible!
While we were in the area we also called into Chips Away to see if they could give me a quote for repairing the scratches on my front bumper and the small one on the back of the car. I thought it would come to about £350 but I was monumentally shocked when he quoted me just over £1000! I thought that's what a re-spray would come to!
We beat a hasty retreat home and had lunch before I left to go to school. As it was such a nice afternoon (but cold) we went outside for a while and I played a game of football with one of the girls! We were finished at 6pm and I dashed home to change as Keith and I were going out...on our own! We drove to the King's Head at Wadenhoe and even though I'd said to Keith to ring up and book, he refused. When we arrived two women were getting out of a taxi which looked bad news... as predicted there was a table set for ten and another one for four, for an 18th Birthday.
The woman behind the bar said she could fit us in if we ordered straight away, so we did even though this is something Keith hates doing. However, he was able to sink two pints before we ate! I chose chicken liver pate to start while Keith went for whitebait. I tried some - they were lovely and crunchy!
We both chose fish and chips for our main course and the cod resembled a whale! The portion was huge but we gamely pushed on, regretting our starters a bit! The fish was very good and it was a lovely meal, if a little rushed.
We decided to head nearer home to finish the evening and we went to our local, The White Horse. Amazingly, standing at the bar, were our neighbours from about 25 years ago, so we had a lovely chat and caught up with what we were all doing. They're still fairly local and pop into the pub once a week so that was great.
We didn't get home until about 10pm so we more than enjoyed our night out!
We shopped in Tesco for Tuesday and Wednesday and when Keith went to return the bags to the car, Sophie and I went into Wilco's and I treated us all to Advent calendars. I also bought some fat snax, mealworms and other foodie treats. That should keep them going for a few weeks!
We had a coffee in Costa and then drove to Screwfix where Keith bought some sealant for our shower. These products are billed as mould-resistant but it's a big fat lie! Our shower unit needs new sealant urgently and Keith hates doing it but it looks horrible!
While we were in the area we also called into Chips Away to see if they could give me a quote for repairing the scratches on my front bumper and the small one on the back of the car. I thought it would come to about £350 but I was monumentally shocked when he quoted me just over £1000! I thought that's what a re-spray would come to!
We beat a hasty retreat home and had lunch before I left to go to school. As it was such a nice afternoon (but cold) we went outside for a while and I played a game of football with one of the girls! We were finished at 6pm and I dashed home to change as Keith and I were going out...on our own! We drove to the King's Head at Wadenhoe and even though I'd said to Keith to ring up and book, he refused. When we arrived two women were getting out of a taxi which looked bad news... as predicted there was a table set for ten and another one for four, for an 18th Birthday.
The woman behind the bar said she could fit us in if we ordered straight away, so we did even though this is something Keith hates doing. However, he was able to sink two pints before we ate! I chose chicken liver pate to start while Keith went for whitebait. I tried some - they were lovely and crunchy!
We both chose fish and chips for our main course and the cod resembled a whale! The portion was huge but we gamely pushed on, regretting our starters a bit! The fish was very good and it was a lovely meal, if a little rushed.
We decided to head nearer home to finish the evening and we went to our local, The White Horse. Amazingly, standing at the bar, were our neighbours from about 25 years ago, so we had a lovely chat and caught up with what we were all doing. They're still fairly local and pop into the pub once a week so that was great.
We didn't get home until about 10pm so we more than enjoyed our night out!
Monday 27 November 2017
Very disgruntled!
I was at work at 8am this morning and discovered an email that had been sent last week regarding my Loss of Earnings certificate. The HR department were adamant they weren't going to sign the form which made me really angry and frustrated. It was all down to me being a casual employee with no guaranteed hours even though I'd been asked by Sara to do every Monday, Thursday and Friday up until Christmas. It made me reluctant to do any more work, to be honest and I was tempted to walk out!
However, I made it through the morning and went to get Sophie from uni before dropping her off at work. I then had barely ten minutes at home before I was back out again to the school for my three hour stint there.
We had very few children and we were all finished by 5.15pm. I went home and spent half an hour watching Pointless before going to pick Sophie up at 6.30pm. It was great to finally get home and relax!
However, I made it through the morning and went to get Sophie from uni before dropping her off at work. I then had barely ten minutes at home before I was back out again to the school for my three hour stint there.
We had very few children and we were all finished by 5.15pm. I went home and spent half an hour watching Pointless before going to pick Sophie up at 6.30pm. It was great to finally get home and relax!
Sunday 26 November 2017
Getting ahead of myself!
We went to see my parents this morning for a coffee (Dad was playing about with his machine) and I bought them some fancy biscuits as we're always eating theirs!
We stayed until 11am and then returned home where Sophie put a colour on my hair. Keith took Mike to work as I was half-way through the procedure! It did look so much better when Sophie finished and all the grey bits have gone! Hooray!
Today the morning has been lovely and sunny but it clouded over in the afternoon. I swept up all the leaves from the front garden and managed to fill the wheelie bin. It was great to be out in the fresh air and just before the sun set Keith, Sophie and I went for a walk to see the horses with Monty. As soon as they saw us the horses came over and ate some carrots that we'd taken with us.
We walked around the estate with a very frisky Monty and then it was home to write out some Christmas cards. I keep the previous year's cards for reference so I ended up bringing down all the decorations to keep in the conservatory, Next Sunday we will be putting them all up!
We stayed until 11am and then returned home where Sophie put a colour on my hair. Keith took Mike to work as I was half-way through the procedure! It did look so much better when Sophie finished and all the grey bits have gone! Hooray!
Today the morning has been lovely and sunny but it clouded over in the afternoon. I swept up all the leaves from the front garden and managed to fill the wheelie bin. It was great to be out in the fresh air and just before the sun set Keith, Sophie and I went for a walk to see the horses with Monty. As soon as they saw us the horses came over and ate some carrots that we'd taken with us.
We walked around the estate with a very frisky Monty and then it was home to write out some Christmas cards. I keep the previous year's cards for reference so I ended up bringing down all the decorations to keep in the conservatory, Next Sunday we will be putting them all up!
Saturday 25 November 2017
Snow!
Amazingly, at about 8.30am this morning we had a very light snow flurry that lasted about half an hour! Is this a sign of a hard winter to come?
We dropped Sophie off at work and then went on a hunt for Fajita sauce. We had got a spicy powder to marinate the chicken with, but Sophie likes her fajitas a bit "wet" so we drove to Aldi but they hadn't any at all. We tried Waitrose but they had everything but! As a last resort we walked to Asda and had a choice of two jars! Bingo!
Back home we had toast for breakfast and I caught up with some jobs that had been waiting for me all week. Next week I'll be glad to have Tuesday and Wednesday off again! I dropped Mike off in town at midday and came home to wash my car. Keith went off to the football and after hoovering downstairs I managed to sit out in the garden for a little while with a mug of hot chocolate. The sky was blue with some big fluffy clouds and it was great to get some fresh air for a little while. The sun sets here at about 4pm now and it was really low in the sky but it was still great to sit outside for just a few minutes.
I settled down to watch Scrooged on the television and Keith returned from the football looking frozen! We caught a very old cookery programme with Nigel Slater and an astonishingly young Nigella Lawson (she looked about 12) before Keith turned over to watch the football.
Mike had gone from town to Sophie's work so we were able to pick him up from there which was a lot easier! It was home to relax before dinner of fajitas, and the sauce was very good indeed!
We dropped Sophie off at work and then went on a hunt for Fajita sauce. We had got a spicy powder to marinate the chicken with, but Sophie likes her fajitas a bit "wet" so we drove to Aldi but they hadn't any at all. We tried Waitrose but they had everything but! As a last resort we walked to Asda and had a choice of two jars! Bingo!
Back home we had toast for breakfast and I caught up with some jobs that had been waiting for me all week. Next week I'll be glad to have Tuesday and Wednesday off again! I dropped Mike off in town at midday and came home to wash my car. Keith went off to the football and after hoovering downstairs I managed to sit out in the garden for a little while with a mug of hot chocolate. The sky was blue with some big fluffy clouds and it was great to get some fresh air for a little while. The sun sets here at about 4pm now and it was really low in the sky but it was still great to sit outside for just a few minutes.
I settled down to watch Scrooged on the television and Keith returned from the football looking frozen! We caught a very old cookery programme with Nigel Slater and an astonishingly young Nigella Lawson (she looked about 12) before Keith turned over to watch the football.
Mike had gone from town to Sophie's work so we were able to pick him up from there which was a lot easier! It was home to relax before dinner of fajitas, and the sauce was very good indeed!
Friday 24 November 2017
She passed!
It was a very cold and frosty morning and Keith and I were up and out by 7.30am. He was determined to get my tyre sorted out today but had to use the Honda to take Mike to college. He was on a trip down to London and the coach left college at 9.30am so we woke him before we left with dire warnings if he didn't get into the shower straight away!
I still didn't manage to resolve the problem with my loss of earnings today and the office was very noisy as the one of the managers was in and spent almost the whole time cackling like a witch and talking very loudly despite us trying to hear customers on the phone. I have really got to hate this job at the moment and I'm actively looking for something else!
Sophie had her driving test today and was very nervous so I kept her spirits up by texting her and when Keith and I were driving home at 2pm she called to say she'd passed! We were so proud of her because both Keith and I failed our driving tests the first time! Now we just need to sort out an automatic car for her and Keith to share!
Keith had managed to get the puncture in my tyre fixed but unfortunately, somehow, had managed to scrape my front bumper so now I have two deep scratches, which I was really unhappy about. I will definitely have to get it sorted out.
We had film night at the after school club but as it was a lovely afternoon, we took the children out for half an hour before putting on the movie. This meant that the film finished just as the parents were arriving to pick up their children so it worked out very well.
It was great to go home and relax with Sophie but Mike had called to say that he wouldn't be back at college until about 8pm. Sophie had heard of a suspected terror attack in London but it turned out to be a false alarm, thank goodness, but this had held the college trip up as a couple of students had been caught up in it all. He eventually arrived back at about 8.30pm so Sophie and I went to collect him before finally getting home and relaxing!
I still didn't manage to resolve the problem with my loss of earnings today and the office was very noisy as the one of the managers was in and spent almost the whole time cackling like a witch and talking very loudly despite us trying to hear customers on the phone. I have really got to hate this job at the moment and I'm actively looking for something else!
Sophie had her driving test today and was very nervous so I kept her spirits up by texting her and when Keith and I were driving home at 2pm she called to say she'd passed! We were so proud of her because both Keith and I failed our driving tests the first time! Now we just need to sort out an automatic car for her and Keith to share!
Keith had managed to get the puncture in my tyre fixed but unfortunately, somehow, had managed to scrape my front bumper so now I have two deep scratches, which I was really unhappy about. I will definitely have to get it sorted out.
We had film night at the after school club but as it was a lovely afternoon, we took the children out for half an hour before putting on the movie. This meant that the film finished just as the parents were arriving to pick up their children so it worked out very well.
It was great to go home and relax with Sophie but Mike had called to say that he wouldn't be back at college until about 8pm. Sophie had heard of a suspected terror attack in London but it turned out to be a false alarm, thank goodness, but this had held the college trip up as a couple of students had been caught up in it all. He eventually arrived back at about 8.30pm so Sophie and I went to collect him before finally getting home and relaxing!
Thursday 23 November 2017
A bit annoyed!
When I got into work this morning I was told by Sara that the court's Loss of Earnings certificate I'd asked to be signed by HR was causing a problem because I was not a "contracted" employee... As the company weren't going to be reimbursing me, the court was, I was a bit put out! Sara gave me the extension number of the woman I needed to speak to, but despite leaving a message and emailing her, by the time I went home I still hadn't resolved the issue.
I was annoyed because I had no choice in the matter when it came to Jury Service...it's not a voluntary option and I'd only missed two days of work, anyway! It did put me in a bit of a bad mood!
The weather today has been fine and dry and the winds of the last couple of days have eased. I sped home at 2pm to spend a few minutes with Keith and he had some more bad news...he thinks the Audi has a slow puncture so that will need to be sorted out! Keith took me into work as there was hardly any petrol in Jazzy Jim, so he dropped me off and went to fill the car up as he would be using it this afternoon to go and get Sophie from uni.
At work we managed to get out into the fresh air for half an hour and when we went back into the hall it all became a bit chaotic as we had thirteen children! It was lovely to finish at 6pm and meet Keith and Sophie in the pub for a quick drink. It was the best part of the day!
I was annoyed because I had no choice in the matter when it came to Jury Service...it's not a voluntary option and I'd only missed two days of work, anyway! It did put me in a bit of a bad mood!
The weather today has been fine and dry and the winds of the last couple of days have eased. I sped home at 2pm to spend a few minutes with Keith and he had some more bad news...he thinks the Audi has a slow puncture so that will need to be sorted out! Keith took me into work as there was hardly any petrol in Jazzy Jim, so he dropped me off and went to fill the car up as he would be using it this afternoon to go and get Sophie from uni.
At work we managed to get out into the fresh air for half an hour and when we went back into the hall it all became a bit chaotic as we had thirteen children! It was lovely to finish at 6pm and meet Keith and Sophie in the pub for a quick drink. It was the best part of the day!
Wednesday 22 November 2017
A loooong wait!
Yesterday, at the after school club, I called the court answering service and learned I had to go in at 11.30am today. It was a bit of an odd time to go in but I hoped I'd be on another case.
We took Sophie to uni and as we had an hour to kill, we called into Costa next to Waitrose and had a coffee. After this we popped into the supermarket to buy some bread (weren't we in Tesco yesterday?) and then Keith dropped me off at the court.
I went in and saw a couple of jurors I'd been with last week so after ordering lunch, I sat with them. I was a bit early and by 11.30am a few of my fellow jurors also arrived, including Megan who I had got on very well with. We all sat together and had a chat and I learnt that Luke and Matt were on another case and had been since Monday, lucky things! I felt a bit jealous!
At around lunchtime the court official read out my name as a possible juror for a case lasting 2-3 days that would start in the afternoon but we weren't given a time, just that we had to be there for 2pm. We all amused ourselves by doing a couple of crosswords and I had a cheese and ham toastie for lunch.
In the afternoon a lot of my new friends were told they weren't needed (the trial couldn't go ahead) and Matt and Luke went back into court so I was on my own. I tried to read but couldn't concentrate and spent the time texting Sophie.
At 4pm we were told we'd be going up to the courtroom so we all made ourselves ready but about fifteen minutes later we were told that the defendant had changed their plea to guilty so we weren't needed! A five hour wait for nothing! Arggh! As they had already arranged for the jurors to attend for the next day, we were told to call on Thursday evening to see if we were needed for Friday. So it's back to work for me tomorrow, then!
Keith and Sophie came to get me, in very heavy traffic, and waiting for them in the car park was not pleasant as it was very windy indeed. When we finally got home it was great to relax and look forward to dinner!
We took Sophie to uni and as we had an hour to kill, we called into Costa next to Waitrose and had a coffee. After this we popped into the supermarket to buy some bread (weren't we in Tesco yesterday?) and then Keith dropped me off at the court.
I went in and saw a couple of jurors I'd been with last week so after ordering lunch, I sat with them. I was a bit early and by 11.30am a few of my fellow jurors also arrived, including Megan who I had got on very well with. We all sat together and had a chat and I learnt that Luke and Matt were on another case and had been since Monday, lucky things! I felt a bit jealous!
At around lunchtime the court official read out my name as a possible juror for a case lasting 2-3 days that would start in the afternoon but we weren't given a time, just that we had to be there for 2pm. We all amused ourselves by doing a couple of crosswords and I had a cheese and ham toastie for lunch.
In the afternoon a lot of my new friends were told they weren't needed (the trial couldn't go ahead) and Matt and Luke went back into court so I was on my own. I tried to read but couldn't concentrate and spent the time texting Sophie.
At 4pm we were told we'd be going up to the courtroom so we all made ourselves ready but about fifteen minutes later we were told that the defendant had changed their plea to guilty so we weren't needed! A five hour wait for nothing! Arggh! As they had already arranged for the jurors to attend for the next day, we were told to call on Thursday evening to see if we were needed for Friday. So it's back to work for me tomorrow, then!
Keith and Sophie came to get me, in very heavy traffic, and waiting for them in the car park was not pleasant as it was very windy indeed. When we finally got home it was great to relax and look forward to dinner!
Tuesday 21 November 2017
Feeling festive!
It was great to be facing a few hours of freedom but we did have to go to Tesco to sort out meals for Tuesday and Wednesday, so maybe not that good!
We dropped Mike off at college and we were late as there were roadworks on the A43. I knew I should have gone the other way! We took Sophie to uni and then called to see Mum and Dad before we went shopping. Keith managed to fix their oven light for them and we had a chat over a cup of coffee. They have had some work done in their garden and it looked great - it really finished off the landscaping and it's another area for them to sit in if they want to.
We popped to Tesco and Keith managed to spend £80 even though we'd just popped in for a few bits! I picked up the Christmas food brochure to have a look at - I love seeing all the different festive foods and even if I don't order anything, it's nice to see it all looking so beautiful!
We returned home, had lunch and before I knew it, it was time to collect Sophie from uni. I dropped her off at home and then it was time to go into work. We only had eight children this evening so it was nice and quiet!
As soon as I returned home I was dragged into the conservatory to play a game of cards with some popcorn and a drink. Bliss!
We dropped Mike off at college and we were late as there were roadworks on the A43. I knew I should have gone the other way! We took Sophie to uni and then called to see Mum and Dad before we went shopping. Keith managed to fix their oven light for them and we had a chat over a cup of coffee. They have had some work done in their garden and it looked great - it really finished off the landscaping and it's another area for them to sit in if they want to.
We popped to Tesco and Keith managed to spend £80 even though we'd just popped in for a few bits! I picked up the Christmas food brochure to have a look at - I love seeing all the different festive foods and even if I don't order anything, it's nice to see it all looking so beautiful!
We returned home, had lunch and before I knew it, it was time to collect Sophie from uni. I dropped her off at home and then it was time to go into work. We only had eight children this evening so it was nice and quiet!
As soon as I returned home I was dragged into the conservatory to play a game of cards with some popcorn and a drink. Bliss!
Monday 20 November 2017
Back to work.
I was up and and out very early this morning and left my family sleeping, which was a horrible feeling!
Work was busy and although we did have a slight lull mid-morning, the time passed very quickly. I picked up Sophie from uni and sped home to have lunch. I'd bought a Scotch egg yesterday from Beckworth and I'd forgotten to take it with me to work!
At the after school club we had just seven children so it was quite cosy in the hall as it grew dark outside. Poppy and Syd were pleased to see me and we played monopoly for the first hour.
We managed to get away at just before 6pm and it was home to relax while Keith prepared dinner of jacket potatoes and roast chicken. I called the court and was told I wasn't needed on Tuesday so at least I'll be able to have a lazy-ish morning tomorrow!
Work was busy and although we did have a slight lull mid-morning, the time passed very quickly. I picked up Sophie from uni and sped home to have lunch. I'd bought a Scotch egg yesterday from Beckworth and I'd forgotten to take it with me to work!
At the after school club we had just seven children so it was quite cosy in the hall as it grew dark outside. Poppy and Syd were pleased to see me and we played monopoly for the first hour.
We managed to get away at just before 6pm and it was home to relax while Keith prepared dinner of jacket potatoes and roast chicken. I called the court and was told I wasn't needed on Tuesday so at least I'll be able to have a lazy-ish morning tomorrow!
Sunday 19 November 2017
Cafe disappointment...
After a lovely, very lazy morning, Sophie and I took Mike to work and then went over to The Yards again in Kettering. We were very disappointed to discover that the Retro Union cafe was closed as we'd been looking forward to having lunch there. That sort of set the tone for the afternoon as, after a long trawl through the town to find the Sunday newspapers, we didn't really enjoy our visit to The Yards as much as we did last time.
There is a cafe there, but they only had outside seating and today, being beautifully sunny yet cold, didn't really do it for us! We had a look at the vintage clothes and the American sweets but after a little while we both decided to go and have something to eat at Beckworth.
The ice skating has started there and the rink is now in an area of its own, quite a way apart from the restaurant and garden centre. This means you can no longer watch the skaters as you enjoy something to eat. The queue wasn't too bad and we were soon seated and perusing the menu. As I had had a sausage sandwich for a late breakfast I chose a slice of Black Forest Yule Log which was delicious. Sophie had a cheese and chicken sandwich and we both had large pots of tea.
After we'd eaten we wandered around the Christmas Food Emporium and saw a little robin hopping about under our feet. How fitting was that! I bought some cheese biscuits and chocolate reindeers for Sophie and MIke and then we popped into the Co-op at Moulton before returning home. I wanted to go for a walk but the weather suddenly turned and it became really cloudy so we didn't have the sunset I was hoping for.
We all relaxed for a while before it was time to pick Mike up from Brixworth who fell out with me as he wanted to stay out longer. As we'd been so late home last night, my answer was a firm no!
There is a cafe there, but they only had outside seating and today, being beautifully sunny yet cold, didn't really do it for us! We had a look at the vintage clothes and the American sweets but after a little while we both decided to go and have something to eat at Beckworth.
The ice skating has started there and the rink is now in an area of its own, quite a way apart from the restaurant and garden centre. This means you can no longer watch the skaters as you enjoy something to eat. The queue wasn't too bad and we were soon seated and perusing the menu. As I had had a sausage sandwich for a late breakfast I chose a slice of Black Forest Yule Log which was delicious. Sophie had a cheese and chicken sandwich and we both had large pots of tea.
After we'd eaten we wandered around the Christmas Food Emporium and saw a little robin hopping about under our feet. How fitting was that! I bought some cheese biscuits and chocolate reindeers for Sophie and MIke and then we popped into the Co-op at Moulton before returning home. I wanted to go for a walk but the weather suddenly turned and it became really cloudy so we didn't have the sunset I was hoping for.
We all relaxed for a while before it was time to pick Mike up from Brixworth who fell out with me as he wanted to stay out longer. As we'd been so late home last night, my answer was a firm no!
Saturday 18 November 2017
Chinese cock-up!
After dropping Sophie at work this morning, we returned home to a breakfast of bacon and tomatoes, mopped up with bread...my favourite!
The weather has been dull today but stayed dry so after writing some of my novel, I went out into the garden to get some fresh air and a bit of exercise. I had a plant in a wheelbarrow that I had sadly neglected over the summer and as the wheelbarrow didn't have any holes for drainage, the water had become stagnated and the plant had died. I really have not looked after my garden this year...
I removed the plant and then tried to get the soil out but it was really heavy so I managed to transfer the dirt into different pots. Perhaps, once they've dried out a bit I can plant some winter pansies in them.
I saw a little fluttering on the ground and realised our resident robin was watching me intently! He was a beautiful little thing with a flaming red breast and dark, very alert eyes. He stayed with me the whole time I was emptying the wheelbarrow and hopped about finding little worms in the soil. After this chore, I raked up all the leaves that were on the lawn and half-filled our wheelie bin with them. It felt great to be outside after my week of being confined indoors!
Mike and Keith went out in the afternoon so I had a lovely bath and binge-watched Motherland which I'm really enjoying. At 6pm we drove into the village to order a take-away from the van and I met Lisa who was also queuing up to order. We had a chat while we waited...and waited. We had to go and pick Mike up at 6.15pm so in the end we had to go and I said I would call from the car. We sped off and I managed to swap places with Keith in Brixworth and I phoned our order through (eventually...the phone was engaged a lot!).
Sophie had already called to say she was finished so we rushed to get her and then drove back to the village to collect our order. There was another queue of people and our food wasn't ready but I said to Keith that we needed to check it when we picked it up as I had a feeling it would be wrong...
Eventually our name was called and we collected our food. I asked the children to have a look at the boxes in the car but Keith just wanted to get home as by now it was well past 7pm. When I took the food out of the bags and put it in the oven for a little while to keep warm we noticed that our sweet and sour sauce had morphed into a curry sauce and we were a rice short.
We had a drink and watched some of Strictly and then had our dinner, but I discovered that we were two rices short which was extremely annoying. Sophie and I shared a chilli salt chicken which was really salty tonight so I think we'll go elsewhere the next time we decide to have a take-away. It's a real shame as normally the food is very good, but we've noticed a place in Brixworth that might do instead.
After our meal we settled down to watch Cast Away, the whole way through, something I've never done before!
The weather has been dull today but stayed dry so after writing some of my novel, I went out into the garden to get some fresh air and a bit of exercise. I had a plant in a wheelbarrow that I had sadly neglected over the summer and as the wheelbarrow didn't have any holes for drainage, the water had become stagnated and the plant had died. I really have not looked after my garden this year...
I removed the plant and then tried to get the soil out but it was really heavy so I managed to transfer the dirt into different pots. Perhaps, once they've dried out a bit I can plant some winter pansies in them.
I saw a little fluttering on the ground and realised our resident robin was watching me intently! He was a beautiful little thing with a flaming red breast and dark, very alert eyes. He stayed with me the whole time I was emptying the wheelbarrow and hopped about finding little worms in the soil. After this chore, I raked up all the leaves that were on the lawn and half-filled our wheelie bin with them. It felt great to be outside after my week of being confined indoors!
Mike and Keith went out in the afternoon so I had a lovely bath and binge-watched Motherland which I'm really enjoying. At 6pm we drove into the village to order a take-away from the van and I met Lisa who was also queuing up to order. We had a chat while we waited...and waited. We had to go and pick Mike up at 6.15pm so in the end we had to go and I said I would call from the car. We sped off and I managed to swap places with Keith in Brixworth and I phoned our order through (eventually...the phone was engaged a lot!).
Sophie had already called to say she was finished so we rushed to get her and then drove back to the village to collect our order. There was another queue of people and our food wasn't ready but I said to Keith that we needed to check it when we picked it up as I had a feeling it would be wrong...
Eventually our name was called and we collected our food. I asked the children to have a look at the boxes in the car but Keith just wanted to get home as by now it was well past 7pm. When I took the food out of the bags and put it in the oven for a little while to keep warm we noticed that our sweet and sour sauce had morphed into a curry sauce and we were a rice short.
We had a drink and watched some of Strictly and then had our dinner, but I discovered that we were two rices short which was extremely annoying. Sophie and I shared a chilli salt chicken which was really salty tonight so I think we'll go elsewhere the next time we decide to have a take-away. It's a real shame as normally the food is very good, but we've noticed a place in Brixworth that might do instead.
After our meal we settled down to watch Cast Away, the whole way through, something I've never done before!
Friday 17 November 2017
Bunking off!
I was back at court again at 10am but today we had to drop Mike off at college. I had given him dire warnings not to be late as I had a horror of not being at court at the appointed time! He was very good, though, and we had a great journey in which meant I was early.
We were taken up to the courtroom at 10am only to be told the judge wasn't ready, so we all trooped back downstairs again and waited another hour to be called. We all sat together and it was very social! There's no guarantee I'll be with the same people next week (if I'm even needed) so it was great to have a laugh and a chat.
Our case finished this morning and we were able to go home after lunch. I called Keith and he and Sophie came to meet me. I suppose I could have gone to the after-school club at 3pm but Lisa had already arranged cover so I used the time to do some housework!
Sophie and I went to get Mike in the afternoon and the sunset was beautiful - it looked as if someone had washed the sky with pink and peach paint! We returned home and I called the court answering machine to discover I wasn't needed on Monday. Drat! It's back to work for me then, but I will need to call again on Monday night to see if I'm needed on Tuesday.
Keith walked down to the pub even though I offered him a lift! Perhaps the cold air will do him good!
We were taken up to the courtroom at 10am only to be told the judge wasn't ready, so we all trooped back downstairs again and waited another hour to be called. We all sat together and it was very social! There's no guarantee I'll be with the same people next week (if I'm even needed) so it was great to have a laugh and a chat.
Our case finished this morning and we were able to go home after lunch. I called Keith and he and Sophie came to meet me. I suppose I could have gone to the after-school club at 3pm but Lisa had already arranged cover so I used the time to do some housework!
Sophie and I went to get Mike in the afternoon and the sunset was beautiful - it looked as if someone had washed the sky with pink and peach paint! We returned home and I called the court answering machine to discover I wasn't needed on Monday. Drat! It's back to work for me then, but I will need to call again on Monday night to see if I'm needed on Tuesday.
Keith walked down to the pub even though I offered him a lift! Perhaps the cold air will do him good!
Thursday 16 November 2017
An afternoon off!
I was back in court today at 10am and on the way in we dropped Sophie off at uni. I arrived at about 9.30am but there were lots of people queuing to get in and with all the security checks it took a while to get through to the jurors' waiting room.
I sat with the people I was serving on the jury with and we managed to have a hot drink before we were called up to the court. After the morning's proceedings we were discharged at 1pm as our Judge had other matters to attend to in the afternoon. This meant that we would return tomorrow to deliberate on the verdict.
I called Keith to come and pick me up after lunch and the earlier lovely weather had turned, so it was cold and rainy! I stood and waited for him by the car park and was pelted with leaves from a nearby tree!
Keith had taken Mike to Brixworth but we went back there as I had some parcels I needed to post. We then returned home where I had a chance to catch up with things I hadn't had time to deal with over the last couple of days. I finally managed to get in touch with Vodafone and cancelled my contract, which was a bit of a shame as I'd been with them since 1997 and the woman I spoke to was very apologetic about the way my queries had been handled last weekend.
We went to pick up Sophie at 5pm and then carried on to Brixworth to get Mike. I drove as Keith was still not feeling 100% and he was a bit sick of all the driving he'd been doing this week, poor thing! Back home we played a couple of games of cards and then had dinner. I cannot believe how fast this week has flown by - it's been very interesting though, and I just hope I'm picked to go on another case next week!
I sat with the people I was serving on the jury with and we managed to have a hot drink before we were called up to the court. After the morning's proceedings we were discharged at 1pm as our Judge had other matters to attend to in the afternoon. This meant that we would return tomorrow to deliberate on the verdict.
I called Keith to come and pick me up after lunch and the earlier lovely weather had turned, so it was cold and rainy! I stood and waited for him by the car park and was pelted with leaves from a nearby tree!
Keith had taken Mike to Brixworth but we went back there as I had some parcels I needed to post. We then returned home where I had a chance to catch up with things I hadn't had time to deal with over the last couple of days. I finally managed to get in touch with Vodafone and cancelled my contract, which was a bit of a shame as I'd been with them since 1997 and the woman I spoke to was very apologetic about the way my queries had been handled last weekend.
We went to pick up Sophie at 5pm and then carried on to Brixworth to get Mike. I drove as Keith was still not feeling 100% and he was a bit sick of all the driving he'd been doing this week, poor thing! Back home we played a couple of games of cards and then had dinner. I cannot believe how fast this week has flown by - it's been very interesting though, and I just hope I'm picked to go on another case next week!
Wednesday 15 November 2017
Playing the waiting game!
Today I didn't have to be in court until 10am so we had a slightly more relaxing journey in. I arrived and ordered my lunch and sat with a couple of the jurors who had been on the case with me yesterday.
We were in court until about 11am and then we were sent down to a room for deliberation. This is all very strictly controlled and if you are still deliberating over lunch, your meals are sent to the room. We weren't allowed any contact with the outside world and our phones were taken and locked away.
We returned our verdict before lunch and were told that we had to return at 2pm to see if we were needed on another case. I ate lunch with some of the jurors and then we had a four hour wait to see if we were called again. This was the boring bit and although I had downloaded a book sample on my Kindle I had finished it after ten minutes! There's no wifi in the waiting room so we all chatted and went to look at some board games that had been provided. We also helped a woman complete a crossword! I had never sat down for such a long period!
Amazingly, at about 4pm I was picked to be on another case, one that would last for about three days. We finished at almost 5pm and Keith was waiting for me again in the car park. We sped off to Brixworth to pick up Mike and then it was home to Sophie who had waited in for my new phone to be delivered.
I sent texts to both Lisa and Sara to say I wouldn't be at work for the rest of the week and was really rather pleased I'd been picked again! I do find it very interesting!
We had a lovely relaxing evening dining on a delicious curry that Keith had made and watching 90 Day Fiance. I was pleased with my new phone but decided to look at it properly when I have more time!
We were in court until about 11am and then we were sent down to a room for deliberation. This is all very strictly controlled and if you are still deliberating over lunch, your meals are sent to the room. We weren't allowed any contact with the outside world and our phones were taken and locked away.
We returned our verdict before lunch and were told that we had to return at 2pm to see if we were needed on another case. I ate lunch with some of the jurors and then we had a four hour wait to see if we were called again. This was the boring bit and although I had downloaded a book sample on my Kindle I had finished it after ten minutes! There's no wifi in the waiting room so we all chatted and went to look at some board games that had been provided. We also helped a woman complete a crossword! I had never sat down for such a long period!
Amazingly, at about 4pm I was picked to be on another case, one that would last for about three days. We finished at almost 5pm and Keith was waiting for me again in the car park. We sped off to Brixworth to pick up Mike and then it was home to Sophie who had waited in for my new phone to be delivered.
I sent texts to both Lisa and Sara to say I wouldn't be at work for the rest of the week and was really rather pleased I'd been picked again! I do find it very interesting!
We had a lovely relaxing evening dining on a delicious curry that Keith had made and watching 90 Day Fiance. I was pleased with my new phone but decided to look at it properly when I have more time!
Tuesday 14 November 2017
Jury service!
I was a little nervous this morning and worried about getting to court on time so Keith dropped me off at about 8.45am. I'm glad I asked him to take me as the traffic was horrendous. I used to leave at 8am when I volunteered at the CAB and managed to get into town for about 8.35am so this morning was a particularly bad one!
I had to show my summons letter and we had our bags checked. I, of course, was frisked, as I always am, just like at the airport! Once inside the jurors' waiting room (think small airport departure lounge) we had to show ID and we were given expenses forms and a guide to what to expect.
I sat next to a very nervous lady but I realised most of us newbies were in the same boat and all a bit unsure of what to expect. We went to see a courtroom and then a lady from the catering team explained what happened about lunch and gave us meal vouchers for the ten days. We were also shown a video and then we had to wait. We had a television near us and were told we could change the channel if we wanted. One of the men sitting near us ran through the channels and found the Adult stations! That raised quite a titter, I can tell you! Funnily enough, I was called up with several of the people sitting near me, all of whom were very friendly.
At intervals one of the court officers appeared and read out our names. I was called to a particular court and fifteen of us went to the courtroom. I was chosen and then had to swear an oath and the jurors who weren't picked went back downstairs to see if they were needed on another case.
Obviously, I cannot say what happened in my case, but it was very interesting and although I was nervous to begin with the court staff were excellent. We broke for lunch and then went back until about 4pm but our case wasn't finished so we will be back tomorrow.
I walked to my car with another female juror that I had become friendly with, and Keith met me as I walked to the car park. By now it was dark so I was doubly glad Keith had come to pick me up!
We drove home (Soph and Mike were in the car as well) through extremely heavy traffic and it was bliss to relax after my day. It wasn't tiring in that we had to do physical stuff, more hard work on the brain with the concentrating and taking notes! I found it very interesting and enjoyable, which was a bonus!
I had to show my summons letter and we had our bags checked. I, of course, was frisked, as I always am, just like at the airport! Once inside the jurors' waiting room (think small airport departure lounge) we had to show ID and we were given expenses forms and a guide to what to expect.
I sat next to a very nervous lady but I realised most of us newbies were in the same boat and all a bit unsure of what to expect. We went to see a courtroom and then a lady from the catering team explained what happened about lunch and gave us meal vouchers for the ten days. We were also shown a video and then we had to wait. We had a television near us and were told we could change the channel if we wanted. One of the men sitting near us ran through the channels and found the Adult stations! That raised quite a titter, I can tell you! Funnily enough, I was called up with several of the people sitting near me, all of whom were very friendly.
At intervals one of the court officers appeared and read out our names. I was called to a particular court and fifteen of us went to the courtroom. I was chosen and then had to swear an oath and the jurors who weren't picked went back downstairs to see if they were needed on another case.
Obviously, I cannot say what happened in my case, but it was very interesting and although I was nervous to begin with the court staff were excellent. We broke for lunch and then went back until about 4pm but our case wasn't finished so we will be back tomorrow.
I walked to my car with another female juror that I had become friendly with, and Keith met me as I walked to the car park. By now it was dark so I was doubly glad Keith had come to pick me up!
We drove home (Soph and Mike were in the car as well) through extremely heavy traffic and it was bliss to relax after my day. It wasn't tiring in that we had to do physical stuff, more hard work on the brain with the concentrating and taking notes! I found it very interesting and enjoyable, which was a bonus!
Monday 13 November 2017
Business as normal.
I was supposed to have started Jury Service today but they didn't have any new cases, so I was told to go in on Tuesday instead. I went to work as usual and mid-morning all of our phone lines went down! The office manager was in (being very loud as normal) and kept barking instructions at Sara to let customers know and to use an old number that had been kept, which was a good thing!
By 2pm it was all back to normal and I went to collect Sophie from work before heading home for a few brief minutes. I had told Lisa I was available on the Monday night and we only had six children in the after-school club, which was a bit disappointing. However, we played cards and Monopoly with them and the time passed very quickly.
I sped home at 6pm for a well-earned drink and at 9pm Sophie and I ventured out with Monty to walk around the estate for a few minutes. I was desperate for a better night's sleep (Keith has a cough at the moment and we were both awake from 2.30am until 5am) and hoped that getting out for a gentle walk would help!
By 2pm it was all back to normal and I went to collect Sophie from work before heading home for a few brief minutes. I had told Lisa I was available on the Monday night and we only had six children in the after-school club, which was a bit disappointing. However, we played cards and Monopoly with them and the time passed very quickly.
I sped home at 6pm for a well-earned drink and at 9pm Sophie and I ventured out with Monty to walk around the estate for a few minutes. I was desperate for a better night's sleep (Keith has a cough at the moment and we were both awake from 2.30am until 5am) and hoped that getting out for a gentle walk would help!
Sunday 12 November 2017
Afternoon tea!
I didn't sleep very well last night as my son didn't get a lift home as planned. I woke up at 1.30am and asked Keith if he was home but he hadn't returned. I decided to text him but my message went unanswered (no surprise there). I got up at about 2.30am and stared out of the living room window for a while but gave up and went back to bed. Finally at 3am, after I'd called him, he texted me to say he was staying at a friend's house in Brixworth... I ended the message with a grumpy "Thanks for telling me!"
We awoke to a glorious day with beautiful, clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine. It's been cold too, but I much prefer that to the mild damp weather! Sophie and I went to get Mike and rather than being in Brixworth as he said, he was at a house in town, and was very tired and hungry. I had a short, sharp word about keeping in contact with me so I could sleep at night!
I took him to work at 12pm (he was shattered) and then drove home to get ready to go out with my Mum and Sophie for afternoon tea in Woburn. It took us an hour to get to the small Buckinghamshire town and after driving through the grounds of Woburn Abbey and seeing some deer, we parked and had a mooch around two lovely shops selling homeware and gifts.
Our afternoon tea at The Woburn Hotel was booked for 3pm and we were taken through to a lovely cosy lounge where Sophie and Mum sat on a sofa and I took one of the two armchairs. Our plates and cups were arranged on a small table and it was all very comfortable and warm. There wasn't a log fire but that didn't matter!
We enjoyed ham and mustard, egg and cress, cream cheese and cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches, followed by scones with jam and clotted cream and an assortment of cakes. There was lashings of hot tea and the staff were excellent and very friendly. My only gripe was the £4.85 we were charged for three tiny finger sandwiches of cheese for Sophie who wasn't keen on the selection in the afternoon tea.
We were all full long before we'd eaten all the offerings so we boxed up the leftover cakes and Mum took them home with her. We'd had a really lovely time and Mum had thoroughly enjoyed herself.
We took the scenic route home in the growing dusk and meandered through Newport Pagnell, Tyringham, Filgrave, Olney and Castle Ashby. We dropped Mum off at home and then sped over to Brixworth to get Mike from work. He had been waiting a little while and was freezing cold, bless him!
Sophie and I didn't fancy a big dinner in the evening so we made do with leftover pizza from the boys' tea!
We awoke to a glorious day with beautiful, clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine. It's been cold too, but I much prefer that to the mild damp weather! Sophie and I went to get Mike and rather than being in Brixworth as he said, he was at a house in town, and was very tired and hungry. I had a short, sharp word about keeping in contact with me so I could sleep at night!
I took him to work at 12pm (he was shattered) and then drove home to get ready to go out with my Mum and Sophie for afternoon tea in Woburn. It took us an hour to get to the small Buckinghamshire town and after driving through the grounds of Woburn Abbey and seeing some deer, we parked and had a mooch around two lovely shops selling homeware and gifts.
Our afternoon tea at The Woburn Hotel was booked for 3pm and we were taken through to a lovely cosy lounge where Sophie and Mum sat on a sofa and I took one of the two armchairs. Our plates and cups were arranged on a small table and it was all very comfortable and warm. There wasn't a log fire but that didn't matter!
We enjoyed ham and mustard, egg and cress, cream cheese and cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches, followed by scones with jam and clotted cream and an assortment of cakes. There was lashings of hot tea and the staff were excellent and very friendly. My only gripe was the £4.85 we were charged for three tiny finger sandwiches of cheese for Sophie who wasn't keen on the selection in the afternoon tea.
We were all full long before we'd eaten all the offerings so we boxed up the leftover cakes and Mum took them home with her. We'd had a really lovely time and Mum had thoroughly enjoyed herself.
We took the scenic route home in the growing dusk and meandered through Newport Pagnell, Tyringham, Filgrave, Olney and Castle Ashby. We dropped Mum off at home and then sped over to Brixworth to get Mike from work. He had been waiting a little while and was freezing cold, bless him!
Sophie and I didn't fancy a big dinner in the evening so we made do with leftover pizza from the boys' tea!
Saturday 11 November 2017
Catch up Saturday!
It was bliss this morning to not have to rush anywhere - apart from taking Sophie to work - and when we returned, I made a list of all the things I had got behind with. The last three days have been a bit hectic and even the poor birds in the garden were running out of food! Saturdays have lately been a day when I can finally catch up with myself and take a breather!
I caught up with writing this, tidied up the conservatory and sorted out some paperwork, as well as doing lots of little jobs that I'd delayed because of lack of time. I even managed to order a new phone and was kept hanging on for ages when I tried to cancel my old phone contract. I gave up in the end!
I took Mike to Brixworth at lunchtime as he is off to a party tonight and told me he was getting a lift home. It's only in the next village so that was reassuring!
Keith and I picked up Sophie in the evening and enjoyed a delicious coq au vin for dinner. The season of Christmas films has started and the adverts are beginning to appear on the TV! It's only six weeks away!
I caught up with writing this, tidied up the conservatory and sorted out some paperwork, as well as doing lots of little jobs that I'd delayed because of lack of time. I even managed to order a new phone and was kept hanging on for ages when I tried to cancel my old phone contract. I gave up in the end!
I took Mike to Brixworth at lunchtime as he is off to a party tonight and told me he was getting a lift home. It's only in the next village so that was reassuring!
Keith and I picked up Sophie in the evening and enjoyed a delicious coq au vin for dinner. The season of Christmas films has started and the adverts are beginning to appear on the TV! It's only six weeks away!
Friday 10 November 2017
Another busy day!
I knew this week would go by very quickly and I was proved right! Where does the time go?
I was at work again at 8am and this time took some crosswords in with me to complete between phone calls. We were very quiet indeed and Sara has promised me that she will give me some extra work to do as the time drags if we are not busy taking calls.
I was able to get away at 2pm and rushed home to have a quick lunch before starting work again. Lisa had decided to put on film night again so we watched Happy Feet but the children were very distracted this afternoon and kept getting up, turning around and even fighting! I threatened to turn the film off and make them all sit and look at one another, and that seemed to work for a short while!
I suggested to Lisa that we try and take them out into the playground before the film to try and get them to burn off some energy so we'll try that next week (if I'm there...my Jury service has been delayed until Tuesday but I don't know what other days I'll be needed).
After the film we played games with the children before their parents arrived. One of the mums then happened to say there'd been a bad accident on the road that Keith normally takes to bring Mike back from college, so my blood ran cold. After calling home and getting no answer (and imagining all sorts of things) Sophie called me back to say there were all back and had been for some while (and hadn't even been on the road in question!).
Because of the road being closed, we anticipated that one of the boys would be late staying with us as his mum had had to turn around and use a different route. However, she used her brain and called her sister who lives nearby and he was collected before 6pm so we could go home as normal.
I sped home and Sophie and I relaxed with a glass of wine before preparing dinner. Yippee! It's Friday evening!
I was at work again at 8am and this time took some crosswords in with me to complete between phone calls. We were very quiet indeed and Sara has promised me that she will give me some extra work to do as the time drags if we are not busy taking calls.
I was able to get away at 2pm and rushed home to have a quick lunch before starting work again. Lisa had decided to put on film night again so we watched Happy Feet but the children were very distracted this afternoon and kept getting up, turning around and even fighting! I threatened to turn the film off and make them all sit and look at one another, and that seemed to work for a short while!
I suggested to Lisa that we try and take them out into the playground before the film to try and get them to burn off some energy so we'll try that next week (if I'm there...my Jury service has been delayed until Tuesday but I don't know what other days I'll be needed).
After the film we played games with the children before their parents arrived. One of the mums then happened to say there'd been a bad accident on the road that Keith normally takes to bring Mike back from college, so my blood ran cold. After calling home and getting no answer (and imagining all sorts of things) Sophie called me back to say there were all back and had been for some while (and hadn't even been on the road in question!).
Because of the road being closed, we anticipated that one of the boys would be late staying with us as his mum had had to turn around and use a different route. However, she used her brain and called her sister who lives nearby and he was collected before 6pm so we could go home as normal.
I sped home and Sophie and I relaxed with a glass of wine before preparing dinner. Yippee! It's Friday evening!
Thursday 9 November 2017
Birthday celebrations!
I was at work at 8am today and unfortunately the office was a lot noisier than last week! In between phone calls I wrote some of my novel as I had used up all the data on my phone which was very annoying! I need to get a new one, with some urgency, soon!
At 2pm I rushed off like a mad thing and collected Sophie from uni. We then sped home where I hastily gobbled a sandwich and went to my second job. On days like this I do wonder if it's a good idea to have two jobs with so little time between them. I always feel very stressed as it approaches 2pm and dread getting a long and complicated call about two minutes before my session ends as it could really delay me getting home.
As the weather was dry today we took the children out for almost an hour and watched some of the Year 6 pupils practising for a Strictly Come Dancing evening at the Derngate in Northampton. I admired their teacher who showed great patience with them all!
At 6pm I rushed off home again and picked up my family as we were all off to see my Mum and have a quick birthday drink with her. Their friends, Garry and Gloria, were still there and had been enjoying a small buffet with Prosecco. My Mum was thrilled with her presents and cards and we toasted her birthday with a glass of fizz.
We left at about 7.30pm and called into the chippy in Broughton for dinner. It was bliss to finally get home, enjoy our meal and then catch up with Modern Family. Keith, much to my surprise, had bought me a bottle of whisky in the shopping and made me a drink as I relaxed. He's a hero!
At 2pm I rushed off like a mad thing and collected Sophie from uni. We then sped home where I hastily gobbled a sandwich and went to my second job. On days like this I do wonder if it's a good idea to have two jobs with so little time between them. I always feel very stressed as it approaches 2pm and dread getting a long and complicated call about two minutes before my session ends as it could really delay me getting home.
As the weather was dry today we took the children out for almost an hour and watched some of the Year 6 pupils practising for a Strictly Come Dancing evening at the Derngate in Northampton. I admired their teacher who showed great patience with them all!
At 6pm I rushed off home again and picked up my family as we were all off to see my Mum and have a quick birthday drink with her. Their friends, Garry and Gloria, were still there and had been enjoying a small buffet with Prosecco. My Mum was thrilled with her presents and cards and we toasted her birthday with a glass of fizz.
We left at about 7.30pm and called into the chippy in Broughton for dinner. It was bliss to finally get home, enjoy our meal and then catch up with Modern Family. Keith, much to my surprise, had bought me a bottle of whisky in the shopping and made me a drink as I relaxed. He's a hero!
Wednesday 8 November 2017
A friend in need!
It's been a gorgeous day today with clear blue skies and sunshine. My friend Lynda had asked me to take her to Leicester this morning as she had an appointment for some work to be done on her teeth and as she was having a sedative, she needed someone to drive her home.
I picked her up at 8.15am and we headed out to the M1 in heavy rush hour traffic. Thankfully, the motorway wasn't too busy and very soon we were turning off at Junction 21 and driving into the city centre. Lynda guided me to where the dental surgery was and we parked on a side street nearby.
Her appointment was for two hours so I sat in the waiting room and read my Kindle until she was all done. At 12pm the nurse came down from the treatment room and asked if I could go and get a prescription for her a few doors away at a pharmacy.
By the time I got back to the surgery, Lynda was all ready to go but I had to sign a form saying I was responsible for her which was a bit of a shock! We returned home and I started to get a wee bit worried about the time as we were still on the M1 at 1pm and I had to start work at 3pm!
However, I dropped her off at about 1.30pm after making sure she would be OK on her own. I really wish she would have let me take her to her Mum's house, but she refused. I sped off to McDonald's to get myself something to eat and called Sophie who gave me her order as well. I drove to uni and we sat and ate our lunch in the car!
Back home I took Mike to Brixworth and then headed into work where we took the children out for a good half an hour to make the most of the beautiful, if slightly chilly, day. We also played a couple of games of Monopoly so that was good. I'm being paid to do this!
After the session ended I dashed home to get Keith and Sophie and we drove to Brixworth to pick up Mike who had been seeing friends. I bought some beer for the boys in the very busy Co-op and then it was finally home to relax with a glass of wine and 90 Day Fiance! Bliss!
I picked her up at 8.15am and we headed out to the M1 in heavy rush hour traffic. Thankfully, the motorway wasn't too busy and very soon we were turning off at Junction 21 and driving into the city centre. Lynda guided me to where the dental surgery was and we parked on a side street nearby.
Her appointment was for two hours so I sat in the waiting room and read my Kindle until she was all done. At 12pm the nurse came down from the treatment room and asked if I could go and get a prescription for her a few doors away at a pharmacy.
By the time I got back to the surgery, Lynda was all ready to go but I had to sign a form saying I was responsible for her which was a bit of a shock! We returned home and I started to get a wee bit worried about the time as we were still on the M1 at 1pm and I had to start work at 3pm!
However, I dropped her off at about 1.30pm after making sure she would be OK on her own. I really wish she would have let me take her to her Mum's house, but she refused. I sped off to McDonald's to get myself something to eat and called Sophie who gave me her order as well. I drove to uni and we sat and ate our lunch in the car!
Back home I took Mike to Brixworth and then headed into work where we took the children out for a good half an hour to make the most of the beautiful, if slightly chilly, day. We also played a couple of games of Monopoly so that was good. I'm being paid to do this!
After the session ended I dashed home to get Keith and Sophie and we drove to Brixworth to pick up Mike who had been seeing friends. I bought some beer for the boys in the very busy Co-op and then it was finally home to relax with a glass of wine and 90 Day Fiance! Bliss!
Tuesday 7 November 2017
Present hunting!
As usual for a Tuesday, we had to go and do the shopping for the rest of the week but today I also wanted to get my Mum's presents for her birthday on Thursday.
We didn't have to take Mike to college because he had a lift in with a friend, so after getting ready we traipsed over to the Weston Favell centre and made a beeline for Tesco where Sophie bought cards for my mum. We made our decisions about meals and whilst shopping in one of the aisles spotted a woman drinking from a small bottle of red wine! Sophie couldn't believe what she was seeing and exchanged amazed looks with another customer who was also gazing at the woman in disbelief! I know that Cameron Diaz drinks from a bottle of wine whilst grocery shopping in The Holiday, but I've never seen it happen in real life!
From the Weston Favell Centre we drove down to Next on Riverside and were smacked in the face by their Christmas offerings as soon as we walked through the doors! There's no hiding from it now! We looked at the homewear stuff but in the end decided on a beautiful necklace and a snazzy scarf to match. We hope she likes our choices!
The Costa at Next was crowded so we walked the short distance to the other Costa and enjoyed hot drinks and my first mince pie of the season!
We didn't have to take Mike to college because he had a lift in with a friend, so after getting ready we traipsed over to the Weston Favell centre and made a beeline for Tesco where Sophie bought cards for my mum. We made our decisions about meals and whilst shopping in one of the aisles spotted a woman drinking from a small bottle of red wine! Sophie couldn't believe what she was seeing and exchanged amazed looks with another customer who was also gazing at the woman in disbelief! I know that Cameron Diaz drinks from a bottle of wine whilst grocery shopping in The Holiday, but I've never seen it happen in real life!
From the Weston Favell Centre we drove down to Next on Riverside and were smacked in the face by their Christmas offerings as soon as we walked through the doors! There's no hiding from it now! We looked at the homewear stuff but in the end decided on a beautiful necklace and a snazzy scarf to match. We hope she likes our choices!
The Costa at Next was crowded so we walked the short distance to the other Costa and enjoyed hot drinks and my first mince pie of the season!
Monday 6 November 2017
Time flies!
Today has seen, for us anyway, the first frost of the season and we had mist as well, which added to the beautiful scenery on the way to work. I heartily wished I'd had my camera with me to capture the gorgeous images of the sun appearing through the fog.
Work was ok, but quite busy so the time flew, which was a good thing! I escaped at 2pm, dashed home and enjoyed a sandwich in the conservatory with Sophie and Keith. Sophie had had a good driving lesson and now feels more confident about her upcoming driving test, thank goodness.
Work at the after-school club was very quiet - we only had six children with us so it was lovely, actually! We sat and played Monopoly and chatted to them, which was great. For once, Lisa and I were left in the school alone at the end of the session so it was a bit creepy when it was time to go home!
I drove home and enjoyed a couple of drinks before Sophie and I cooked Spaghetti Carbonara for dinner. It was delicious and creamy and was pronounced one of the best I'd ever made, but I did have some great help!
Sunday 5 November 2017
A quiet day...
Sophie was at work this morning and it felt strange to be taking her on a Sunday! I dropped Keith off at Pitsford reservoir on the way home so he could have an hour's walk.
The weather today has been a mix of sun and cloud and it's noticeably cooler. When Keith arrived home we took Mike to work and then it was time for lunch of bacon rolls.
I spent the afternoon at my computer in the conservatory and managed to get some more writing done. It's something I'm really enjoying and I love how the characters are subtly taking over!
It was back out at 6pm to get both Mike and Sophie and then home to relax with a drink before we enjoyed a delicious beef pie for dinner!
Here are some more photos I took yesterday:
The weather today has been a mix of sun and cloud and it's noticeably cooler. When Keith arrived home we took Mike to work and then it was time for lunch of bacon rolls.
I spent the afternoon at my computer in the conservatory and managed to get some more writing done. It's something I'm really enjoying and I love how the characters are subtly taking over!
It was back out at 6pm to get both Mike and Sophie and then home to relax with a drink before we enjoyed a delicious beef pie for dinner!
Here are some more photos I took yesterday:
Saturday 4 November 2017
Foodie treats!
It was heaven to wake up this morning and know we hadn't got to rush off anywhere. Sophie had swapped her working day with another member of staff so she was free and Mike wasn't working either.
Keith and I had a Neighbours binge fest first thing and the rest of the morning was very lazy. We had torrential rain early in the day and at one point the sky went really dark. Good job it wasn't like this last night at the fireworks!
In the afternoon Sophie and I went to Market Harborough and had lunch at Pizza Express as a treat. We enjoyed the dough-balls to start and shared a pizza with a glass of wine. Perfect! When we emerged from the restaurant we discovered a foodie market taking place in the main square - there were stalls from France and Germany (currywurst!) and it was all really festive. It made me yearn for the Christmas markets of Berlin!
We had a mooch about the shops and called in to see Duncan and his merry crew. His shop had been changed around quite considerably and they now offer a wine bar on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! It was very busy indeed and we had a little tasting before buying two bottles of wine. I explained to Duncan that I'd been working for Majestic and he looked a bit surprised!
As the car park ticket was just about to run out, we dashed off and drove over to Mum and Dad's as I haven't seen them for a while. We had a cup of tea and some cake and then it was time to go home where I discovered that Mike was still out. I thought that Keith was going to pick him up on his way home from the football! Just as I took my boots off, he rang so Sophie and I went to collect him from Moulton.
The A43 is closed this weekend so there was lots of traffic trying to get through Moulton, which is difficult enough at the best of times. Sophie spotted a huge lorry trying to turn around on a side road - obviously the driver hadn't followed the official diversion signs and had probably used his SatNav to find the way, with disastrous consequences!
As we headed back home we could see fireworks in the distance and a strange white light hovering over the clouds. We thought it was a laser but Mike said he'd seen it before when he'd walked to the village! Weird!
Sophie and I were cooking tonight and had chosen a Hairy Bikers' recipe for Chicken Parmigiana. By the time we got home it was almost 7pm and I really didn't fancy cooking a new recipe, but after Keith suggested having a takeaway instead, I felt guilty so Sophie and I pressed on. She prepped all the vegetables while I grated a block of Parmesan cheese and chopped up an onion (borrowed from Sue and Paul!). We then made the tomato and red wine sauce, butterflied the chicken and covered the breasts in breadcrumbs mixed with the cheese. It was a bit of a faff but by 8pm it was all ready. We added mushrooms to the base of the dish which we probably won't do again as they created more juice then we wanted but we all agreed it was a lovely meal and next time, we'll just adapt it slightly!
Keith and I had a Neighbours binge fest first thing and the rest of the morning was very lazy. We had torrential rain early in the day and at one point the sky went really dark. Good job it wasn't like this last night at the fireworks!
In the afternoon Sophie and I went to Market Harborough and had lunch at Pizza Express as a treat. We enjoyed the dough-balls to start and shared a pizza with a glass of wine. Perfect! When we emerged from the restaurant we discovered a foodie market taking place in the main square - there were stalls from France and Germany (currywurst!) and it was all really festive. It made me yearn for the Christmas markets of Berlin!
We had a mooch about the shops and called in to see Duncan and his merry crew. His shop had been changed around quite considerably and they now offer a wine bar on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! It was very busy indeed and we had a little tasting before buying two bottles of wine. I explained to Duncan that I'd been working for Majestic and he looked a bit surprised!
As the car park ticket was just about to run out, we dashed off and drove over to Mum and Dad's as I haven't seen them for a while. We had a cup of tea and some cake and then it was time to go home where I discovered that Mike was still out. I thought that Keith was going to pick him up on his way home from the football! Just as I took my boots off, he rang so Sophie and I went to collect him from Moulton.
The A43 is closed this weekend so there was lots of traffic trying to get through Moulton, which is difficult enough at the best of times. Sophie spotted a huge lorry trying to turn around on a side road - obviously the driver hadn't followed the official diversion signs and had probably used his SatNav to find the way, with disastrous consequences!
As we headed back home we could see fireworks in the distance and a strange white light hovering over the clouds. We thought it was a laser but Mike said he'd seen it before when he'd walked to the village! Weird!
Sophie and I were cooking tonight and had chosen a Hairy Bikers' recipe for Chicken Parmigiana. By the time we got home it was almost 7pm and I really didn't fancy cooking a new recipe, but after Keith suggested having a takeaway instead, I felt guilty so Sophie and I pressed on. She prepped all the vegetables while I grated a block of Parmesan cheese and chopped up an onion (borrowed from Sue and Paul!). We then made the tomato and red wine sauce, butterflied the chicken and covered the breasts in breadcrumbs mixed with the cheese. It was a bit of a faff but by 8pm it was all ready. We added mushrooms to the base of the dish which we probably won't do again as they created more juice then we wanted but we all agreed it was a lovely meal and next time, we'll just adapt it slightly!
Friday 3 November 2017
Fireworks!
Yesterday, Majestic had called me about a job I'd applied for (in Kettering) and wanted me to go for an interview next Monday. Because I was working I couldn't make it so the manager was going to call me back to arrange a different day. I sat at work trying to weigh up the pros and cons of both jobs and I have to be honest and say that I was better off doing the job with the phones as it was more money, more hours and not such hard work! I loved working at Majestic in the summer and doing deliveries, but it might be a whole different matter in the depths of winter when it's dark at 4pm and the roads could be snowy and icy!
Time did drag a little today as we weren't that busy but now that I'm more confident of what I'm doing I'm enjoying the job more. I also like talking to customers and helping them with their queries, and if I get a complaint I can always pass it on to a supervisor, not like when I had the business with Mum and Dad and the buck stopped with me!
Lisa had set out the hall with paints and crafts this afternoon as she'd decided to stop doing film night. We took the children out into the playground first to let them burn off some energy and after snack we let them loose on the crafts. The aim was to make Christmas cards and things to sell at the fair in December but most (not all) of the children just made a huge mess! They decided to paint their hands and therefore spread it over a wide area and very soon they were covered in the stuff! I even managed to get some on my coat when I leaned over the table where the pictures were drying!
Lisa asked me to take them outside while she started clearing up and we swapped over as it was a huge job! There was paint on the floor, all over the toilets (luckily one of the older boys told me about this) and the tables and benches were covered in blobs of brightly coloured goo!
We cleared up and swept and mopped the floor helped by the oldest boy who did a really good job, bless him! We finished the session in the library and they even managed to create havoc in there! By 5.45pm I was glad when the last child was picked up and I could rush home to get ready for the bonfire night in the village.
Keith dropped Sophie, Mike and me off in the middle of the village and then he drove to the pub in Walgrave. He's not interested in fireworks! We walked the short distance to the field and paid our entrance fee and first up was a cup of mulled wine for Sophie and me, and a beer for Mike. He saw one of his mates from the village and then we met Richard and Michelle who had bought some food so we all watched the fireworks together, which was lovely. I do like them very much and it seemed ages since we'd all been at Sue and Paul's house! We agreed that we needed to make a date for the next wine tasting, hosted by Keith and I, probably in the new year.
The fireworks were fantastic - they seemed to go on forever and there were lots of bangs and beautiful colours. We thoroughly enjoyed them! Afterwards we walked home with masses of other people and arrived back to find Keith putting the finishing touches to a delicious chicken curry!
Time did drag a little today as we weren't that busy but now that I'm more confident of what I'm doing I'm enjoying the job more. I also like talking to customers and helping them with their queries, and if I get a complaint I can always pass it on to a supervisor, not like when I had the business with Mum and Dad and the buck stopped with me!
Lisa had set out the hall with paints and crafts this afternoon as she'd decided to stop doing film night. We took the children out into the playground first to let them burn off some energy and after snack we let them loose on the crafts. The aim was to make Christmas cards and things to sell at the fair in December but most (not all) of the children just made a huge mess! They decided to paint their hands and therefore spread it over a wide area and very soon they were covered in the stuff! I even managed to get some on my coat when I leaned over the table where the pictures were drying!
Lisa asked me to take them outside while she started clearing up and we swapped over as it was a huge job! There was paint on the floor, all over the toilets (luckily one of the older boys told me about this) and the tables and benches were covered in blobs of brightly coloured goo!
We cleared up and swept and mopped the floor helped by the oldest boy who did a really good job, bless him! We finished the session in the library and they even managed to create havoc in there! By 5.45pm I was glad when the last child was picked up and I could rush home to get ready for the bonfire night in the village.
Keith dropped Sophie, Mike and me off in the middle of the village and then he drove to the pub in Walgrave. He's not interested in fireworks! We walked the short distance to the field and paid our entrance fee and first up was a cup of mulled wine for Sophie and me, and a beer for Mike. He saw one of his mates from the village and then we met Richard and Michelle who had bought some food so we all watched the fireworks together, which was lovely. I do like them very much and it seemed ages since we'd all been at Sue and Paul's house! We agreed that we needed to make a date for the next wine tasting, hosted by Keith and I, probably in the new year.
The fireworks were fantastic - they seemed to go on forever and there were lots of bangs and beautiful colours. We thoroughly enjoyed them! Afterwards we walked home with masses of other people and arrived back to find Keith putting the finishing touches to a delicious chicken curry!
Thursday 2 November 2017
Scary film!
I had quite an enjoyable session at work today as there was just one other woman and me manning the phones and the office was very quiet. Yesterday was noisy as a lot of the supervisors were in and one woman in particular thought it was a great idea to spend the session cackling away like a witch and completely ignoring the fact that we were trying to hear customers on the phone! I get on very well with Sue who was working with me and in between calls we had a nice chat!
Keith picked me up at 2pm and we rushed off home so I could grab some lunch before starting work again at 3pm. We all stayed inside this afternoon and as we had about thirteen children it did get a bit noisy! We played monopoly but some of the other children kept demanding our attention so it was hard to concentrate! I also promised to find out the rules of chess so we could all learn how to play properly!
Back at home Sophie and I indulged in a couple of episodes of Modern Family and then watched the 1978 film Halloween after dinner. Sophie watched mainly from behind a cushion and there was a fair amount of screaming going on, both on the television and off!
Keith picked me up at 2pm and we rushed off home so I could grab some lunch before starting work again at 3pm. We all stayed inside this afternoon and as we had about thirteen children it did get a bit noisy! We played monopoly but some of the other children kept demanding our attention so it was hard to concentrate! I also promised to find out the rules of chess so we could all learn how to play properly!
Back at home Sophie and I indulged in a couple of episodes of Modern Family and then watched the 1978 film Halloween after dinner. Sophie watched mainly from behind a cushion and there was a fair amount of screaming going on, both on the television and off!
Wednesday 1 November 2017
Halloween excitement!
I didn't sleep very well last night, mainly due to the fact that I kept waking up and wondering what Sophie was doing out on the town! I can't remember the last time both my children were out all night! Sophie was staying over at her friend's house and did text me at 3am to say she was back from her evening out and was going to sleep, so when I saw that at about 4am I was very reassured!
To make things worse I was at work so my alarm went off at 6.30am...groan! However, it was a beautiful morning and since the clocks went back it has been a little lighter first thing. At work I sorted out the days I'm going to be working up until Christmas but I was a little annoyed to be asked if I could work until 4pm on a Thursday as they knew when I started that I had my after-school job which I really enjoy doing.
Talking of which, we were very quiet as the school Halloween disco was on this evening and so we only had eight children attend. Excitement was running very high so we took them outside for a lot of the session so they could run off some steam. It was a beautiful afternoon so it was a real bonus to be able to get out and have some fresh air, especially for me as I'd been cooped up in an office all morning.
Towards the end of the session, the children we had left started to get ready and then they went running around the school in the dark trying to scare the few teachers who were still in the building! The last mum arrived at about 5.30pm and had brought with her some facepaints so she made up her own children, and Lisa's as well, and they set off to have some fun!
I went off home to sit in the conservatory with a glass of wine, and played cards with my family! Bliss!
To make things worse I was at work so my alarm went off at 6.30am...groan! However, it was a beautiful morning and since the clocks went back it has been a little lighter first thing. At work I sorted out the days I'm going to be working up until Christmas but I was a little annoyed to be asked if I could work until 4pm on a Thursday as they knew when I started that I had my after-school job which I really enjoy doing.
Talking of which, we were very quiet as the school Halloween disco was on this evening and so we only had eight children attend. Excitement was running very high so we took them outside for a lot of the session so they could run off some steam. It was a beautiful afternoon so it was a real bonus to be able to get out and have some fresh air, especially for me as I'd been cooped up in an office all morning.
Towards the end of the session, the children we had left started to get ready and then they went running around the school in the dark trying to scare the few teachers who were still in the building! The last mum arrived at about 5.30pm and had brought with her some facepaints so she made up her own children, and Lisa's as well, and they set off to have some fun!
I went off home to sit in the conservatory with a glass of wine, and played cards with my family! Bliss!
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