My shift at work passed pleasantly enough today and I was very glad when it was 2pm and the working week was over!
At home I pootled about doing jobs and at about 4.30pm decided to have a walk for half an hour. As usual, Monty refused to come with me but stayed on the drive, miaowing at me as I passed him on my second lap! The weather was grey and horrible and I can't wait to be walking around estate in the Spring sunshine!
I drove Keith down to the pub this evening and as soon as I was back it was time to open a bottle of wine and nibble on a few crisps while we relaxed and watched Alfred Hitchcock's "Spellbound". I managed to spot the director coming out of a hotel lift! The film was very good, especially the facial expressions of Gregory Peck and we both enjoyed watching it.
Dinner tonight was quiche and potato wedges and Keith suggested staying up until 11pm to see the Brexit celebrations. I agreed but by 10pm I was flagging! I fell asleep in bed so missed out on the moment when the clock counted down the minutes. Well, that's it! We've left and I just hope we made the right decision!
Friday 31 January 2020
Thursday 30 January 2020
Grey and miserable!
Keith took me to work this morning and I have to say it does feel a little bit lighter in the mornings! I can't wait for it to be sunny when Sophie leaves at about 6am!
There was a possibility I would be working late today as people were coming down with colds and the two women that work in the afternoon were both affected. However, they came in so I was able to leave at my usual time of 3pm.
At home I felt cold and weary and had a much needed cup of tea and a couple of biscuits. It was that kind of day as outside was grey and miserable! I did sort out the recycling in the garage and took a bag of snack and crisp wrappers and some loaf bags up to Lynn's bin. She arrived home just as I got to her house so we had a chat about all the things she's doing for the village at the moment. It's a good job she's retired!
When Sophie arrived home she was a bit low as well so I suggested a walk around the estate. After twenty minutes of brisk exercise we both felt better! Although it's milder at the moment, the wind was still cold!
Dinner tonight was another healthy choice - baked chicken with asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots served with yesterday's leftover potatoes, which we pan fried in a small amount of olive oil. Delicious!
There was a possibility I would be working late today as people were coming down with colds and the two women that work in the afternoon were both affected. However, they came in so I was able to leave at my usual time of 3pm.
At home I felt cold and weary and had a much needed cup of tea and a couple of biscuits. It was that kind of day as outside was grey and miserable! I did sort out the recycling in the garage and took a bag of snack and crisp wrappers and some loaf bags up to Lynn's bin. She arrived home just as I got to her house so we had a chat about all the things she's doing for the village at the moment. It's a good job she's retired!
When Sophie arrived home she was a bit low as well so I suggested a walk around the estate. After twenty minutes of brisk exercise we both felt better! Although it's milder at the moment, the wind was still cold!
Dinner tonight was another healthy choice - baked chicken with asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots served with yesterday's leftover potatoes, which we pan fried in a small amount of olive oil. Delicious!
Wednesday 29 January 2020
Pottering about!
After seeing Sophie off to the gym this morning I went back to bed for an hour as I felt shattered! I slept soundly until about 8.30am and then woke up for coffee and breakfast.
Before going to Tesco Keith and I went to see Mum and Dad and talk about their finances and whether it was feasible for them to live in The Hawthorns. I suggested they move in for a trial period of a month, but I still don't think that my Dad is convinced. I think they would be very happy there, but understand that going from a four bedroom house to an apartment might take some adjusting to!
We did a very quick shop in Tesco and then drove to the garage in Kettering where we booked Sophie's car in for a service. One of the dashboard lights is still showing so that needs sorting out.
Back home it was lunchtime and afterwards I cleaned upstairs and hoovered the house. I spent the rest of the afternoon transferring my blog onto a word document ready for the next book!
Dinner tonight was something different - we bought some haddock fillets in Tesco and baked them in the oven with some olive oil. They were delicious served with new potatoes, vegetables and a cheese sauce!
Before going to Tesco Keith and I went to see Mum and Dad and talk about their finances and whether it was feasible for them to live in The Hawthorns. I suggested they move in for a trial period of a month, but I still don't think that my Dad is convinced. I think they would be very happy there, but understand that going from a four bedroom house to an apartment might take some adjusting to!
We did a very quick shop in Tesco and then drove to the garage in Kettering where we booked Sophie's car in for a service. One of the dashboard lights is still showing so that needs sorting out.
Back home it was lunchtime and afterwards I cleaned upstairs and hoovered the house. I spent the rest of the afternoon transferring my blog onto a word document ready for the next book!
Dinner tonight was something different - we bought some haddock fillets in Tesco and baked them in the oven with some olive oil. They were delicious served with new potatoes, vegetables and a cheese sauce!
Tuesday 28 January 2020
A sunny walk
Thankfully, work was much quieter this morning and I had a pleasant shift with Joanne. Mum and Dad came to see the film 1917 at about 10am and when I went out to see them, they'd bought some chocolates in for the girls in the office to say thanks for helping them out the other week with a query.
At 2pm I decided to take my car through the car wash at the garage as it is absolutely filthy and every time we get in or out we get dirty ourselves! It looked lovely and shiny afterwards but I still need to hoover out the inside.
Back home Keith was all ready for our daily walk around the estate so we went off and chatted to several neighbours - good exercise and good socially! The weather has been beautiful today with cloudless blue skies and sunshine but there's been a bitterly cold wind blowing.
Back home I caught up with little chores that needed doing and awaited Sophie's return from work. "Cut-throat alley" had been closed in Holcot for roadworks so I warned her not to go through the village - the crossroads that we avoid by using the narrow alley is horrendous in the rush hour traffic so she went through Hannington instead.
No drink again tonight - it does get easier every day!
Monday 27 January 2020
Daylight robbery!
Keith drove me to work this morning and I had a busy and noisy shift. Three of us were manning the phones and at times, with all three of us on a call, the noise was overwhelming. One of my colleagues had a coughing fit just before the shift ended and it caused pandemonium, with another member of staff going out to help and getting first aid treatment! I just stayed in the background and answered the phones!
Mike had a docs appointment at 2pm so I walked over to the Weston Favell Centre and queued in the bank to pay a cheque into his account. I also bought a lovely birthday cake in Tesco and went down to Costa to wait for them, having asked that Mike text me when they were five minutes away. Just as my coffee was being prepared they arrived so I was not amused! However, Keith said that Mike wanted something to eat so they disappeared up to Tesco while I enjoyed my coffee in peace! As we were walking back to the car Keith took out a letter that had arrived at home this morning - a Penalty Charge Notice to say we had somehow strayed into the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London on the 16 January while we were taking Mike to Abbie's flat in Greenwich. I was furious but there was nothing we could do about it, unfortunately. The fine was £80 and I hadn't even realised that we had gone anywhere near the zone!
We had arranged to go over and see Mum and Dad so they could wish Mike a happy birthday and we all arrived at the same time. We sat and had a chat over the delicious gooey chocolate cake and a cup of tea and then it was time to return home and pay the dratted fine online.
Michelle sent me a text asking if she could come over and she brought two bottles of wine and a thank you card for when we fed the cats. Richard has had to have major heart surgery and he came out of hospital a few days ago, so she was very grateful we'd kept the cats fed while she was visiting him.
We had a very lovely chat over a cup of tea and then it was time for Sophie to return but no alcohol was served this evening. We are giving our livers a rest!
Mike had a docs appointment at 2pm so I walked over to the Weston Favell Centre and queued in the bank to pay a cheque into his account. I also bought a lovely birthday cake in Tesco and went down to Costa to wait for them, having asked that Mike text me when they were five minutes away. Just as my coffee was being prepared they arrived so I was not amused! However, Keith said that Mike wanted something to eat so they disappeared up to Tesco while I enjoyed my coffee in peace! As we were walking back to the car Keith took out a letter that had arrived at home this morning - a Penalty Charge Notice to say we had somehow strayed into the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London on the 16 January while we were taking Mike to Abbie's flat in Greenwich. I was furious but there was nothing we could do about it, unfortunately. The fine was £80 and I hadn't even realised that we had gone anywhere near the zone!
We had arranged to go over and see Mum and Dad so they could wish Mike a happy birthday and we all arrived at the same time. We sat and had a chat over the delicious gooey chocolate cake and a cup of tea and then it was time to return home and pay the dratted fine online.
Michelle sent me a text asking if she could come over and she brought two bottles of wine and a thank you card for when we fed the cats. Richard has had to have major heart surgery and he came out of hospital a few days ago, so she was very grateful we'd kept the cats fed while she was visiting him.
We had a very lovely chat over a cup of tea and then it was time for Sophie to return but no alcohol was served this evening. We are giving our livers a rest!
Sunday 26 January 2020
Birthday celebrations!
We were off down to London today but on our way we dropped off a bootful of recycling in Milton Keynes.
I felt very pleased that we'd managed to divert all of this waste from landfill to Terracycle, who will make new garden or playground equipment from it!
We made good progress down to London and took the M25 and then the M11 as we had booked a parking space in Greenwich. Mike has been staying with Abbie since after the Aries concert on the 16th January, but will be coming home with us today.
We found our parking space very easily and then looked on Google maps for the nearest coffee shop, which was a short walk away. Avocado and Coffee was a busy place serving brunch and coffee and there were lots of families and couples enjoying a leisurely Sunday morning.
Keith and I had a Flat White while Sophie enjoyed a Mocha and after enjoying our drinks we carried on towards Greenwich. The road was filled with lots of shops and ethnic restaurants at first and then we came to some very grand buildings indeed. Up on the hill was the Royal Observatory and we also spotted the National Maritime Museum and The Queen's House.
Mike had texted us to say he was at the Gate Clock pub where he and Abbie were having breakfast so we arranged to meet them there. We wished him Happy Birthday and after they'd finished their drinks we strolled down to the river and had a look at The Cutty Sark.
There were stunning views over the river to Canary Wharf and we could see The Shard further up.
Thankfully, it wasn't raining but it was grey and damp. We walked along the river for a little while and then went into the Naval College's Chapel which was beautiful.
As the sky looked ominous, we decided to visit the Greenwich Market which was right next door to The Admiral Hardy, our lunch venue! The market was bustling and was crammed with stalls selling arts and crafts, jewellery, paintings and lots of food! The smells were divine!
Sophie spotted a silver cat ring that took her fancy but it was £75 so she said she would think about it over lunch! Keith had disappeared to the pub to have a beer and after a good look around the stalls we joined him. Our table was booked for 2pm and we were shown to the restaurant part of the pub where a table for five awaited. The menu was short but had some delicious choices. I chose a Scotch Egg to start while Keith, Sophie and Mike opted for the fried chicken and Abbie went for the Calamari.
For our mains, I chose the pork belly, Keith and Mike enjoyed the roast beef while Sophie and Abbie opted for fish and chips. The food was delicious but the roasts were a little on the cold side. The gravy was gorgeous, though!
We were all stuffed after the meal and couldn't find room for pudding! We had another walk around the market and I bought Mike three slabs of fudge from one of his favourite shops. Sophie decided ti ring was a little too big for her so we noted the name of the people running the stall and I said I would look online.
By now it was pouring with rain so we arranged to go back to our car in an Uber while Abbie and Mike returned to her flat. We would then pop to get Mike and his bags and open the presents we had taken down with us.
The Uber took us back to the parking space very efficiently and very soon we were heading back towards Greenwich to Abbie's flat. Unfortunately, there was no parking near where she lived as it was for permit holders only so we had to cut short our visit. Mike went to get his bags and we made our way home via the Blackwall Tunnel, the M11 and the A14. I had wanted to see the new road layout around Huntingdon and it was completely different to how it used to be! It was very smooth and fast!
Back home we relaxed with a drink and Mike opened his presents - he was very pleased with his new jacket!
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| Mostly pet food pouches! |
We made good progress down to London and took the M25 and then the M11 as we had booked a parking space in Greenwich. Mike has been staying with Abbie since after the Aries concert on the 16th January, but will be coming home with us today.
We found our parking space very easily and then looked on Google maps for the nearest coffee shop, which was a short walk away. Avocado and Coffee was a busy place serving brunch and coffee and there were lots of families and couples enjoying a leisurely Sunday morning.
Keith and I had a Flat White while Sophie enjoyed a Mocha and after enjoying our drinks we carried on towards Greenwich. The road was filled with lots of shops and ethnic restaurants at first and then we came to some very grand buildings indeed. Up on the hill was the Royal Observatory and we also spotted the National Maritime Museum and The Queen's House.
Mike had texted us to say he was at the Gate Clock pub where he and Abbie were having breakfast so we arranged to meet them there. We wished him Happy Birthday and after they'd finished their drinks we strolled down to the river and had a look at The Cutty Sark.
There were stunning views over the river to Canary Wharf and we could see The Shard further up.
Thankfully, it wasn't raining but it was grey and damp. We walked along the river for a little while and then went into the Naval College's Chapel which was beautiful.
As the sky looked ominous, we decided to visit the Greenwich Market which was right next door to The Admiral Hardy, our lunch venue! The market was bustling and was crammed with stalls selling arts and crafts, jewellery, paintings and lots of food! The smells were divine!
Sophie spotted a silver cat ring that took her fancy but it was £75 so she said she would think about it over lunch! Keith had disappeared to the pub to have a beer and after a good look around the stalls we joined him. Our table was booked for 2pm and we were shown to the restaurant part of the pub where a table for five awaited. The menu was short but had some delicious choices. I chose a Scotch Egg to start while Keith, Sophie and Mike opted for the fried chicken and Abbie went for the Calamari.
 |
| Yummy! |
We were all stuffed after the meal and couldn't find room for pudding! We had another walk around the market and I bought Mike three slabs of fudge from one of his favourite shops. Sophie decided ti ring was a little too big for her so we noted the name of the people running the stall and I said I would look online.
By now it was pouring with rain so we arranged to go back to our car in an Uber while Abbie and Mike returned to her flat. We would then pop to get Mike and his bags and open the presents we had taken down with us.
The Uber took us back to the parking space very efficiently and very soon we were heading back towards Greenwich to Abbie's flat. Unfortunately, there was no parking near where she lived as it was for permit holders only so we had to cut short our visit. Mike went to get his bags and we made our way home via the Blackwall Tunnel, the M11 and the A14. I had wanted to see the new road layout around Huntingdon and it was completely different to how it used to be! It was very smooth and fast!
Back home we relaxed with a drink and Mike opened his presents - he was very pleased with his new jacket!
Saturday 25 January 2020
Retirement dreams!
I'm not going to mention the weather today because I'm fed up with it! Sophie went to have breakfast with Daisy and Laura in town this morning and I picked my Mum up at 11am to go and look at a retirement village on the outskirts of Northampton.
The Hawthorns is a beautiful community where you can rent a one or two bedroomed apartment and enjoy retirement to the full. All meals and snacks are provided - it's like living in a five star hotel. They had an Open Day and we met a very pleasant young man called Oliver at 11.30am. He served us delicious coffee and we chatted before looking around the building and admiring the fantastic facilities, which include a gym, hair salon, spa and cinema!
The building itself was immaculate and the apartments were lovely and had views over open fields. Everything is included in the weekly price but Mum and Dad need to work out whether it's affordable and whether they can rent out their house to help pay the fees. It's definitely not a Care Home as there are no medical staff on hand and the residents are encouraged to be still independent. I asked what age people could live there to be told it's 55! Rats!
I drove Mum home and had a quick chat with Dad who was being a bit resistant to the idea. It's not cheap to live there so maybe he will get his way after all!
Back home I hoovered downstairs and tidied up and as soon as Sophie returned home we went over to Beckworth for a cup of tea. We had planned on going to Market Harborough but the weather was foul and it was cold so I didn't fancy trailing around the town in the damp.
Beckworth was very busy and we queued for quite a time to get a table. I hadn't had any lunch so I treated myself to a fruit scone while Sophie had a tiny piece of cake with her tea. After a quick look around we retreated back home where it was time to relax. Keith was out watching football and we lounged about with the heating on catching up with some recorded programmes.
Dinner tonight was a delicious curry cooked by Keith. He excelled himself!
The Hawthorns is a beautiful community where you can rent a one or two bedroomed apartment and enjoy retirement to the full. All meals and snacks are provided - it's like living in a five star hotel. They had an Open Day and we met a very pleasant young man called Oliver at 11.30am. He served us delicious coffee and we chatted before looking around the building and admiring the fantastic facilities, which include a gym, hair salon, spa and cinema!
The building itself was immaculate and the apartments were lovely and had views over open fields. Everything is included in the weekly price but Mum and Dad need to work out whether it's affordable and whether they can rent out their house to help pay the fees. It's definitely not a Care Home as there are no medical staff on hand and the residents are encouraged to be still independent. I asked what age people could live there to be told it's 55! Rats!
I drove Mum home and had a quick chat with Dad who was being a bit resistant to the idea. It's not cheap to live there so maybe he will get his way after all!
Back home I hoovered downstairs and tidied up and as soon as Sophie returned home we went over to Beckworth for a cup of tea. We had planned on going to Market Harborough but the weather was foul and it was cold so I didn't fancy trailing around the town in the damp.
Beckworth was very busy and we queued for quite a time to get a table. I hadn't had any lunch so I treated myself to a fruit scone while Sophie had a tiny piece of cake with her tea. After a quick look around we retreated back home where it was time to relax. Keith was out watching football and we lounged about with the heating on catching up with some recorded programmes.
Dinner tonight was a delicious curry cooked by Keith. He excelled himself!
Friday 24 January 2020
So glad it's Friday!
We had an early start this morning and left the house at just after 7am to take ET to the garage. We'd been told we could leave the car in the car park and put the keys through the letterbox but all three of us searched high and low and couldn't find it...
In the end we left ET and Keith took Sophie and me to work again before speeding back to the garage to hand in the keys. My husband was not a happy man and angrily asked where the letter box was, to be told it was in the door of the house next to the garage, something we hadn't been told! Grrr!
Yet again the weather is grey and depressing...so horrible! This really is a gloomy time of year! Work was OK and not too busy, and back home I went out for a quick walk again while we waited for a call from the garage.
Like Wednesday we weren't able to pick the car up until 4.30pm, but with the new tyres and brake pads, it passed the MOT to the tune of £160, not forgetting the £100 for the wheels yesterday! Sophie was not a happy chappy!
I went to pick her up while Keith went home and it was bliss to get back and finally relax after what has been a somewhat trying week! While Keith went to the pub, Sophie and I cooked veggie meatballs and pasta which was lovely. Keith chose a cooked chicken instead and enjoyed it with several slices of crusty bread, one of his favourite meals!
In the end we left ET and Keith took Sophie and me to work again before speeding back to the garage to hand in the keys. My husband was not a happy man and angrily asked where the letter box was, to be told it was in the door of the house next to the garage, something we hadn't been told! Grrr!
Yet again the weather is grey and depressing...so horrible! This really is a gloomy time of year! Work was OK and not too busy, and back home I went out for a quick walk again while we waited for a call from the garage.
Like Wednesday we weren't able to pick the car up until 4.30pm, but with the new tyres and brake pads, it passed the MOT to the tune of £160, not forgetting the £100 for the wheels yesterday! Sophie was not a happy chappy!
I went to pick her up while Keith went home and it was bliss to get back and finally relax after what has been a somewhat trying week! While Keith went to the pub, Sophie and I cooked veggie meatballs and pasta which was lovely. Keith chose a cooked chicken instead and enjoyed it with several slices of crusty bread, one of his favourite meals!
Thursday 23 January 2020
New faces
We had another grey and misty start to the day and Keith took both Sophie and I to work, then sped home to be there for the tyre fitting man. He then managed to get to Tesco to do some food shopping and go to the hospital for a scan, something that should have been done last September. He definitely had a busier day then me!
I walked in to discover I was training a potential new member of staff, something I could have done without today! However, she was lovely and half way through the morning she took over answering the calls while I was on hand to help.
At 3pm we drove home and I did a walk around the estate. It was still misty, damp and drizzly but it felt good to be out for a while. As well as good exercise it's great socially as I normally bump into neighbours and we have a quick chat!
Both Keith and I picked Sophie up at 5pm and then it was home to relax. Sophie and I cooked a chicken stir fry for dinner with lots of vegetables and it was delicious!
I walked in to discover I was training a potential new member of staff, something I could have done without today! However, she was lovely and half way through the morning she took over answering the calls while I was on hand to help.
At 3pm we drove home and I did a walk around the estate. It was still misty, damp and drizzly but it felt good to be out for a while. As well as good exercise it's great socially as I normally bump into neighbours and we have a quick chat!
Both Keith and I picked Sophie up at 5pm and then it was home to relax. Sophie and I cooked a chicken stir fry for dinner with lots of vegetables and it was delicious!
Wednesday 22 January 2020
Car troubles!
Sophie's car was booked in for an MOT today so I drove her to work in my car and then met Keith at the garage in Broughton. It was a foggy, really horrible morning and I hated the grey and miserable weather after the last two days of sunshine and blue skies.
We returned home for breakfast and I got ready to go and have a contact lens check at Boots in Weston Favell. Before I went to my appointment, though, Keith and I did some shopping in the Weston Favell Centre and had a quick coffee in Costa.
My check went very well and I was out within half an hour. The optician said my eyes were healthy and the contact lens I was using were fine, so that was a relief. Next year I'll have a proper eye test which always takes a lot longer!
We drove home and I had an hour at home before I had to go and have my three yearly smear test at the doctor's surgery in Guilsborough. After this one, the interval will be five years and I'm not complaining about that! I took a bit of a dislike to the nurse who saw me, to be honest. She strode off ahead to the consulting room leaving me trailing in her wake and was a bit officious in my opinion!
As I had feared, she wanted to take my blood pressure after the smear test and of course it was high, as it always is now (not because of my health, I don't think, but because of the phobia I have developed). She then weighed me and I could see disapproval emanating out of her every pore. She told me to check my blood pressure at home and asked me to make an appointment for some blood tests.
I left feeling thoroughly disheartened and felt even worse when I called Keith to say I was leaving - he had heard from the garage and ET needed two new front tyres and new brake pads. One thing was for certain... it wouldn't be passing its MOT!
I picked him up and we went over to Broughton to check the measurements of the tyres so we could arrange to have them replaced tomorrow with a mobile tyre-fitting service. I knew this would happen last week when we had tried to book it in on the Friday to have the dashboard lights looked at. If we'd been forewarned then we could have had all of this sorted out for today.
As we couldn't pick up the car until 4.30pm (they have another garage in Kettering where they were all working), we popped to see Mum and Dad and I sorted their car insurance out for them. Before we left I'd managed to halve the quote they'd received but we'd had to go to another insurer to get the better price.
At the garage we said we had arranged for the tyres to be done on Thursday and said we'd drop ET back off on Friday morning. The mechanic was a bit off with us and said that if the car wasn't dropped off early then there would be no-one there to complete the MOT. Both of us were annoyed at his attitude and I think that unless we speak to Rob himself and let him know what's been going on, we'll be looking for another garage in the future.
I sped off to pick up Sophie from work while Keith returned home in ET. Back home I tried my best to relax - not easy after a poopy day!
We returned home for breakfast and I got ready to go and have a contact lens check at Boots in Weston Favell. Before I went to my appointment, though, Keith and I did some shopping in the Weston Favell Centre and had a quick coffee in Costa.
My check went very well and I was out within half an hour. The optician said my eyes were healthy and the contact lens I was using were fine, so that was a relief. Next year I'll have a proper eye test which always takes a lot longer!
We drove home and I had an hour at home before I had to go and have my three yearly smear test at the doctor's surgery in Guilsborough. After this one, the interval will be five years and I'm not complaining about that! I took a bit of a dislike to the nurse who saw me, to be honest. She strode off ahead to the consulting room leaving me trailing in her wake and was a bit officious in my opinion!
As I had feared, she wanted to take my blood pressure after the smear test and of course it was high, as it always is now (not because of my health, I don't think, but because of the phobia I have developed). She then weighed me and I could see disapproval emanating out of her every pore. She told me to check my blood pressure at home and asked me to make an appointment for some blood tests.
I left feeling thoroughly disheartened and felt even worse when I called Keith to say I was leaving - he had heard from the garage and ET needed two new front tyres and new brake pads. One thing was for certain... it wouldn't be passing its MOT!
I picked him up and we went over to Broughton to check the measurements of the tyres so we could arrange to have them replaced tomorrow with a mobile tyre-fitting service. I knew this would happen last week when we had tried to book it in on the Friday to have the dashboard lights looked at. If we'd been forewarned then we could have had all of this sorted out for today.
As we couldn't pick up the car until 4.30pm (they have another garage in Kettering where they were all working), we popped to see Mum and Dad and I sorted their car insurance out for them. Before we left I'd managed to halve the quote they'd received but we'd had to go to another insurer to get the better price.
At the garage we said we had arranged for the tyres to be done on Thursday and said we'd drop ET back off on Friday morning. The mechanic was a bit off with us and said that if the car wasn't dropped off early then there would be no-one there to complete the MOT. Both of us were annoyed at his attitude and I think that unless we speak to Rob himself and let him know what's been going on, we'll be looking for another garage in the future.
I sped off to pick up Sophie from work while Keith returned home in ET. Back home I tried my best to relax - not easy after a poopy day!
Tuesday 21 January 2020
Rat tales...
I arrived home today to find Keith dressed all in black, standing in the kitchen next to our air rifle... Feeling slightly alarmed I asked what he'd been up to. As it turned out he'd been trying to dispatch the rat by various methods:
1. Smoking it out by bunging a couple of incense sticks down the hole (which promptly went out).
2. Drowning it by inserting the hosepipe into the hole and letting it fill for at least 20 minutes, which amazed even him, as he couldn't believe the lair was that big.
3. Shooting at it, but then realising as it got near that the safety catch was on.
All of this in addition to putting down some poison. And it has still managed to evade him!
His next idea is to put a trap down at night after our feathered friends have gone to bed and Monty is safely in the house (we keep him in at night now). We'll see what happens!
I spent the afternoon catching up with some important jobs - we booked a table at a pub in Greenwich for Sunday lunch and found a parking space on Just Park which is about a mile away. I also looked at my Mum and Dad's car insurance as they have been quoted nearly £1000 which is ridiculous. I was going to go out and clean the car but I ran out of time and it clouded over anyway. Most of today has been beautiful again but we have fog and cloud forecast for tomorrow.
In the evening Keith suggested a meal out and told Sophie we could go to The Lamplighter for dinner. I wasn't so keen as the beer never lives up to Keith's expectations, the menu is limited and parking is difficult. I also didn't fancy driving into town when we have a perfectly good pub on our doorstep, so I suggested The Royal Oak. Sophie was not best pleased when she got home and discovered that a) I had changed the pub in Greenwich from The Gipsy Moth to The Admiral Hardy as the former pub wanted a £50 deposit, and b) I refused to go to The Lamplighter for the above reasons.
She flounced off upstairs while I booked a table for 7pm, but I have to say it was the right decision. When we arrived the pub was blissfully quiet and Keith's Abbot looked very good and tasted great as well! We chose fish and chips (need I say for Keith), a burger and pork belly with mash and veg for me and we had a lovely, very relaxed meal. The pub chose a stream of Elvis songs to listen to which was great and we had delicious puds as a treat - treacle tart, apple crumble and bread and butter pudding, all served with custard. They were huge portions so Sophie and I didn't finish ours! I think we had definitely made the right decision - the pub is like a home from home for us as we have been going there for so long!
1. Smoking it out by bunging a couple of incense sticks down the hole (which promptly went out).
2. Drowning it by inserting the hosepipe into the hole and letting it fill for at least 20 minutes, which amazed even him, as he couldn't believe the lair was that big.
3. Shooting at it, but then realising as it got near that the safety catch was on.
All of this in addition to putting down some poison. And it has still managed to evade him!
His next idea is to put a trap down at night after our feathered friends have gone to bed and Monty is safely in the house (we keep him in at night now). We'll see what happens!
I spent the afternoon catching up with some important jobs - we booked a table at a pub in Greenwich for Sunday lunch and found a parking space on Just Park which is about a mile away. I also looked at my Mum and Dad's car insurance as they have been quoted nearly £1000 which is ridiculous. I was going to go out and clean the car but I ran out of time and it clouded over anyway. Most of today has been beautiful again but we have fog and cloud forecast for tomorrow.
In the evening Keith suggested a meal out and told Sophie we could go to The Lamplighter for dinner. I wasn't so keen as the beer never lives up to Keith's expectations, the menu is limited and parking is difficult. I also didn't fancy driving into town when we have a perfectly good pub on our doorstep, so I suggested The Royal Oak. Sophie was not best pleased when she got home and discovered that a) I had changed the pub in Greenwich from The Gipsy Moth to The Admiral Hardy as the former pub wanted a £50 deposit, and b) I refused to go to The Lamplighter for the above reasons.
She flounced off upstairs while I booked a table for 7pm, but I have to say it was the right decision. When we arrived the pub was blissfully quiet and Keith's Abbot looked very good and tasted great as well! We chose fish and chips (need I say for Keith), a burger and pork belly with mash and veg for me and we had a lovely, very relaxed meal. The pub chose a stream of Elvis songs to listen to which was great and we had delicious puds as a treat - treacle tart, apple crumble and bread and butter pudding, all served with custard. They were huge portions so Sophie and I didn't finish ours! I think we had definitely made the right decision - the pub is like a home from home for us as we have been going there for so long!
Monday 20 January 2020
Out in the garden!
Work was busy today but at least Stella was back so I didn't have to do the box office returns! At 2pm Keith picked me up and we sped off home where I had a lovely bath to warm up. The weather today has been lovely with blue skies and sunshine but it's much colder than of late!
After my bath I decided to go outside and tidy up the front garden which was full of dead leaves. It was brilliant to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and late afternoon sunshine. I managed to collect three big bags of leaves and I cut our geranium back so everything looks a lot tidier. Most of the leaves went into our compost bin which is full.
I chatted to Lyn who was backwards and forwards with a wheelbarrow after tidying up our middle green. She does so much work for our little estate and receives no payment for it at all.
Once Sophie was home it was time to relax while Keith cooked chilli con carne for dinner. We watched an episode of Deadwater Fell as Sophie is currently engrossed in a new season of Love Island and watches it on the TV in our bedroom. I normally catch the very end of it as I get ready for bed and they all seem a load of airheads!
After my bath I decided to go outside and tidy up the front garden which was full of dead leaves. It was brilliant to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and late afternoon sunshine. I managed to collect three big bags of leaves and I cut our geranium back so everything looks a lot tidier. Most of the leaves went into our compost bin which is full.
I chatted to Lyn who was backwards and forwards with a wheelbarrow after tidying up our middle green. She does so much work for our little estate and receives no payment for it at all.
Once Sophie was home it was time to relax while Keith cooked chilli con carne for dinner. We watched an episode of Deadwater Fell as Sophie is currently engrossed in a new season of Love Island and watches it on the TV in our bedroom. I normally catch the very end of it as I get ready for bed and they all seem a load of airheads!
Sunday 19 January 2020
A spot of recycling!
It was lovely to have a lie-in this morning and a lazy start to the day. The weather has been gorgeous today with unbroken blue skies and sunshine but it is a bit colder! However, this I do not mind!
Keith and I left Sophie at home and went to B&Q to get something to deal with our rat. On the way we called into the tip and disposed of our old microwave, some Christmas lights that no longer work and the fridge shelves and drawers that have been hanging around for ages. None of our stuff ended up in the landfill skip so we were very pleased!
At B&Q we looked at bathroom cabinets first and the one we liked wasn't in stock! We found a suitable product to deal with our unwanted guest and then popped to Lidl where we bought a new set of kitchen scales, an oven pan and various other goodies!
Back home I suggested to Sophie that we go to Tesco, take some unwanted clothes and plastic bags for recycling, fill up with diesel and then pop over to Mum and Dad's with a wedge of cake that they'd given me on my birthday. We sat with them for almost an hour before driving home in the sunset and then going for a quick walk around the estate. We didn't bother taking Monty with us as he was curled up contentedly on the sofa but it was lovely to get out in the fresh air for a short while.
Sophie made me a hot chocolate while I did some more sorting of recycling in the garage. I have bags and bags of pet food pouches and we'll pop them to Charity Recycling MK on our way to London on Sunday, when we go back to celebrate Mike's birthday and bring him home.
Back inside I transferred a few months of my blog to a word document, ready to have it made into another book. I was very pleased with 2010 but it needs a few tweaks to make 2011 even better! Sophie had got very cosy with Monty and was watching a video on her ipad:
Dinner tonight was a delicious beef pie and then it was two hours of Vera!
Keith and I left Sophie at home and went to B&Q to get something to deal with our rat. On the way we called into the tip and disposed of our old microwave, some Christmas lights that no longer work and the fridge shelves and drawers that have been hanging around for ages. None of our stuff ended up in the landfill skip so we were very pleased!
At B&Q we looked at bathroom cabinets first and the one we liked wasn't in stock! We found a suitable product to deal with our unwanted guest and then popped to Lidl where we bought a new set of kitchen scales, an oven pan and various other goodies!
Back home I suggested to Sophie that we go to Tesco, take some unwanted clothes and plastic bags for recycling, fill up with diesel and then pop over to Mum and Dad's with a wedge of cake that they'd given me on my birthday. We sat with them for almost an hour before driving home in the sunset and then going for a quick walk around the estate. We didn't bother taking Monty with us as he was curled up contentedly on the sofa but it was lovely to get out in the fresh air for a short while.
Sophie made me a hot chocolate while I did some more sorting of recycling in the garage. I have bags and bags of pet food pouches and we'll pop them to Charity Recycling MK on our way to London on Sunday, when we go back to celebrate Mike's birthday and bring him home.
Back inside I transferred a few months of my blog to a word document, ready to have it made into another book. I was very pleased with 2010 but it needs a few tweaks to make 2011 even better! Sophie had got very cosy with Monty and was watching a video on her ipad:
 |
| Life is good! |
Dinner tonight was a delicious beef pie and then it was two hours of Vera!
Saturday 18 January 2020
A working Saturday.
I was at work today from 8.30am until 4pm and Sophie dropped me off on the way to the gym. I was working with Sue and the shift passed pleasantly enough, but I'd rather have been at home!
Sophie was going out for lunch with Laura so Keith picked me up and we headed home to relax. Today, the weather has been beautiful (it would be, wouldn't it?) with clear blue skies, sunshine and a sharp frost this morning. It's actually been cold!
Sophie returned home at about 6pm after having had a great time and although she'd had lunch at Akasaka, she still wanted to have dinner with us. Keith and I were having homemade chicken Kiev and I decided to stir fry some mangetout, baby sweetcorn and a red pepper as well as do roast potatoes and asparagus.
I don't think Keith was too keen on the veg I did as he'd already prepared cauliflower, broccoli and brussels sprouts, but I wanted to do something different! As it turned out the meal was delicious and the asparagus, roasted in the oven with a sprinkling of seasalt and a knob of butter, was gorgeous.
After dinner we finished watching Marnie (we never did spot Alfred Hitchcock) and then watched an episode of Wisting. I was tired this evening (I think my long day on Thursday was catching up with me) so it was another early night!
Sophie was going out for lunch with Laura so Keith picked me up and we headed home to relax. Today, the weather has been beautiful (it would be, wouldn't it?) with clear blue skies, sunshine and a sharp frost this morning. It's actually been cold!
Sophie returned home at about 6pm after having had a great time and although she'd had lunch at Akasaka, she still wanted to have dinner with us. Keith and I were having homemade chicken Kiev and I decided to stir fry some mangetout, baby sweetcorn and a red pepper as well as do roast potatoes and asparagus.
I don't think Keith was too keen on the veg I did as he'd already prepared cauliflower, broccoli and brussels sprouts, but I wanted to do something different! As it turned out the meal was delicious and the asparagus, roasted in the oven with a sprinkling of seasalt and a knob of butter, was gorgeous.
After dinner we finished watching Marnie (we never did spot Alfred Hitchcock) and then watched an episode of Wisting. I was tired this evening (I think my long day on Thursday was catching up with me) so it was another early night!
Friday 17 January 2020
An unwelcome visitor returns...
I woke up at about 8am this morning still feeling a bit tired after our long day yesterday! We had planned on taking Sophie's car to the garage we normally use this morning because we were a bit worried about a dashboard light that had suddenly appeared the other day, but they were too busy and asked us to wait until we take it in for its MOT next Wednesday.
We were all in a bit of a bickering mood this morning but we drove over to Kettering and had a coffee in the Costa on the retail park. It was lovely to sit and relax and we chatted about last night and how Aries had used Sophie's video on his Instagram story!
The shopping in Tesco didn't take long but the store was far busier than we had expected. Keith wanted to get a joint of beef in Aldi so we trekked across Kettering to the shop (the one opposite Tesco is closed for expansion) and by now the weather had turned really nasty. Will it ever stop raining?
We bought a few things in Aldi and I treated Sophie and myself to a bottle of Vodka to make Moscow Mules tonight as a treat. When we came out it was bucketing down so it was straight home, shopping away and time to relax!
I went out in the afternoon to put some washing in the tumble drier and was shocked and dismayed to see a very large rat nibbling away at the bird food. I quietly went back into the house and called Keith who was equally annoyed. We found a hole last week at the back of the bushes and suspected we had rats again but this was proof!
I went upstairs with Keith and we fetched Mike's air rifle but after standing by the window for ages we didn't see it emerge from the bushes where it had hidden. I'm not sure I'd be as lucky again in hitting it!
Keith went to the pub in the evening while Sophie made us cocktails and we nibbled on olives and crisps. Dinner tonight was baked potatoes so very easy and it was lovely to relax and watch Alfred Hitchcock's Marnie. It was an early night for us, though, and tomorrow I am back for a long shift!
We were all in a bit of a bickering mood this morning but we drove over to Kettering and had a coffee in the Costa on the retail park. It was lovely to sit and relax and we chatted about last night and how Aries had used Sophie's video on his Instagram story!
The shopping in Tesco didn't take long but the store was far busier than we had expected. Keith wanted to get a joint of beef in Aldi so we trekked across Kettering to the shop (the one opposite Tesco is closed for expansion) and by now the weather had turned really nasty. Will it ever stop raining?
We bought a few things in Aldi and I treated Sophie and myself to a bottle of Vodka to make Moscow Mules tonight as a treat. When we came out it was bucketing down so it was straight home, shopping away and time to relax!
I went out in the afternoon to put some washing in the tumble drier and was shocked and dismayed to see a very large rat nibbling away at the bird food. I quietly went back into the house and called Keith who was equally annoyed. We found a hole last week at the back of the bushes and suspected we had rats again but this was proof!
I went upstairs with Keith and we fetched Mike's air rifle but after standing by the window for ages we didn't see it emerge from the bushes where it had hidden. I'm not sure I'd be as lucky again in hitting it!
Keith went to the pub in the evening while Sophie made us cocktails and we nibbled on olives and crisps. Dinner tonight was baked potatoes so very easy and it was lovely to relax and watch Alfred Hitchcock's Marnie. It was an early night for us, though, and tomorrow I am back for a long shift!
Thursday 16 January 2020
An evening in London
I was back at work today as normal but Sophie offered to drive me in. I had to plan ahead for this afternoon and our trip down to London as we were going straight from work, so I took a change of clothes and some make-up!
The shift passed uneventfully, thank goodness, but Stella is still off so I did as many of the box office returns as I could, to lessen the load for Sara tomorrow. At 2pm I rushed to the loos and changed my work top and then dashed out to the car park where Keith, Sophie and Mike were waiting.
The weather had turned cloudy and drizzly and we made good time down to London, stopping just once to make sure I still had the tickets for the gig in my bag! Sophie and Mike were going to see a rapper called Aries at the O2 Academy in Islington, while Keith and I had planned on seeing the film 1917.
When we reached the outskirts of London we turned the maps on and made very good time to our parking space in Islington. We were an hour early so after getting a rough idea of where the driveway was, we managed to park on the street and I sent a text to the owner asking if it was OK for us to use it a bit earlier than agreed.
I didn't get any response so after waiting a while we drove back to the row of houses but none of us could see a number! We did the circuit again and I asked if Sophie and Mike could walk the short distance to the house and guide me in, which they did. I texted again but never did get any reply which was a bit annoying, to be honest!
I was still slightly worried about leaving the car there but we made sure it was the right house so what else could we do? By now it was raining so we walked the short distance to the Brewhouse and Kitchen, a large pub which had its own brewery at the back of the building and where we enjoyed a couple of drinks. It was quiet when we entered but it soon became a lot busier when people finished work!
We'd booked a table at Bella Italia for 5.30pm and wanted to use the Gourmet Society card that Keith had (for the first time since he'd got it!|) as it gave us 25% off the total bill. It wasn't far but I was amazed at how busy the streets were! We just can't get used to the frantic pace of life in our capital!
Bella Italia is based in the same complex as the O2 Academy and the cinema and we could see youngsters already queuing for the gig. Most of them looked about 12 which alarmed Sophie slightly!
We had a delicious meal in Bella Italia and I have to say the food was a lot better than in the pub we went to yesterday for my birthday. We enjoyed a sharing starter of garlic flatbreads followed by half a chicken for Keith, a chicken burger for me, spaghetti bolognese for Sophie and a pizza for Mike. With drinks, the bill came to £66 (25% discount) which we thought was very good value.
Our film was starting at 7pm but I hadn't booked because I wanted to use my Nectar points. We said goodbye to the kids who joined the very long queue downstairs, and went up to Vue. We received a shock when the woman serving us said there were no seats together for the 7pm showing and nothing for Knives Out either, which was our second choice. Faced with the prospect of killing three hours we chose the 8pm showing and with some time on our hands made our way over to the pub opposite, saying hello to a frozen and wet Mike and Sophie on the way!
The pub was packed to the gunnels with not a seat to be had and was my idea of hell on earth. We pushed our way to the bar and Keith bought himself a pint while I stood there in a glum mood. I would really rather have been at home! I stuck it out for a while before persuading Keith to stand outside by the door as it was quieter and cooler. One of the security men then struck up a conversation with us about his university course so that kept us occupied for a bit!
Thankfully, the time came for us to go to the cinema and we dashed across the road in the pouring rain. We had booked seats on row C, so very near the front, and we sat and watched as the theatre filled up. The actual film didn't start until 8.30pm and although it was very harrowing, the cinematography was tremendous. The opening scenes reminded me very much of They Shall Not Grow Old, the digitally re-mastered footage of WW1 as it almost seemed like it was shot in 3D. Whether it was because we were sat very near, but it felt like we were in the trenches with the men.
The film tells the story of two soldiers sent deep into enemy territory to take a message to another regiment and prevent them from being caught out in a German trap. One of the men has a personal interest in going as his brother was fighting for the regiment involved. I would say the first half of the film was one long continuous shot, which was remarkable.
Keith said it was the best film he'd ever seen so we were very glad we saw it. Sophie and Mike were waiting for us downstairs and we quickly made our way back to the car, which was fine and hadn't been clamped or towed away! By now it was pouring and we set my Google map to take us to Greenwich, where Mike was staying with Abbie until after his birthday. However, the map threw a bit of a wobbler so we turned Sophie's directions on and after a couple of wrong turns and a drive through the Rotherhithe tunnel, we made it to Abbie's student flat and said goodbye to Mike.
The journey home, although dark and wet, was uneventful and we arrived home at just after 1am. The three of us were shattered!
The shift passed uneventfully, thank goodness, but Stella is still off so I did as many of the box office returns as I could, to lessen the load for Sara tomorrow. At 2pm I rushed to the loos and changed my work top and then dashed out to the car park where Keith, Sophie and Mike were waiting.
The weather had turned cloudy and drizzly and we made good time down to London, stopping just once to make sure I still had the tickets for the gig in my bag! Sophie and Mike were going to see a rapper called Aries at the O2 Academy in Islington, while Keith and I had planned on seeing the film 1917.
When we reached the outskirts of London we turned the maps on and made very good time to our parking space in Islington. We were an hour early so after getting a rough idea of where the driveway was, we managed to park on the street and I sent a text to the owner asking if it was OK for us to use it a bit earlier than agreed.
I didn't get any response so after waiting a while we drove back to the row of houses but none of us could see a number! We did the circuit again and I asked if Sophie and Mike could walk the short distance to the house and guide me in, which they did. I texted again but never did get any reply which was a bit annoying, to be honest!
I was still slightly worried about leaving the car there but we made sure it was the right house so what else could we do? By now it was raining so we walked the short distance to the Brewhouse and Kitchen, a large pub which had its own brewery at the back of the building and where we enjoyed a couple of drinks. It was quiet when we entered but it soon became a lot busier when people finished work!
We'd booked a table at Bella Italia for 5.30pm and wanted to use the Gourmet Society card that Keith had (for the first time since he'd got it!|) as it gave us 25% off the total bill. It wasn't far but I was amazed at how busy the streets were! We just can't get used to the frantic pace of life in our capital!
Bella Italia is based in the same complex as the O2 Academy and the cinema and we could see youngsters already queuing for the gig. Most of them looked about 12 which alarmed Sophie slightly!
We had a delicious meal in Bella Italia and I have to say the food was a lot better than in the pub we went to yesterday for my birthday. We enjoyed a sharing starter of garlic flatbreads followed by half a chicken for Keith, a chicken burger for me, spaghetti bolognese for Sophie and a pizza for Mike. With drinks, the bill came to £66 (25% discount) which we thought was very good value.
Our film was starting at 7pm but I hadn't booked because I wanted to use my Nectar points. We said goodbye to the kids who joined the very long queue downstairs, and went up to Vue. We received a shock when the woman serving us said there were no seats together for the 7pm showing and nothing for Knives Out either, which was our second choice. Faced with the prospect of killing three hours we chose the 8pm showing and with some time on our hands made our way over to the pub opposite, saying hello to a frozen and wet Mike and Sophie on the way!
The pub was packed to the gunnels with not a seat to be had and was my idea of hell on earth. We pushed our way to the bar and Keith bought himself a pint while I stood there in a glum mood. I would really rather have been at home! I stuck it out for a while before persuading Keith to stand outside by the door as it was quieter and cooler. One of the security men then struck up a conversation with us about his university course so that kept us occupied for a bit!
Thankfully, the time came for us to go to the cinema and we dashed across the road in the pouring rain. We had booked seats on row C, so very near the front, and we sat and watched as the theatre filled up. The actual film didn't start until 8.30pm and although it was very harrowing, the cinematography was tremendous. The opening scenes reminded me very much of They Shall Not Grow Old, the digitally re-mastered footage of WW1 as it almost seemed like it was shot in 3D. Whether it was because we were sat very near, but it felt like we were in the trenches with the men.
The film tells the story of two soldiers sent deep into enemy territory to take a message to another regiment and prevent them from being caught out in a German trap. One of the men has a personal interest in going as his brother was fighting for the regiment involved. I would say the first half of the film was one long continuous shot, which was remarkable.
Keith said it was the best film he'd ever seen so we were very glad we saw it. Sophie and Mike were waiting for us downstairs and we quickly made our way back to the car, which was fine and hadn't been clamped or towed away! By now it was pouring and we set my Google map to take us to Greenwich, where Mike was staying with Abbie until after his birthday. However, the map threw a bit of a wobbler so we turned Sophie's directions on and after a couple of wrong turns and a drive through the Rotherhithe tunnel, we made it to Abbie's student flat and said goodbye to Mike.
The journey home, although dark and wet, was uneventful and we arrived home at just after 1am. The three of us were shattered!
Wednesday 15 January 2020
Birthday celebrations!
I had a bit of a lie-in this morning and eased myself into my birthday! By 9.45am we were all showered and dressed and I opened cards and presents from friends and family, so that was lovely.
We set off for Beaconsfield at 10am and picked the M1/M25/M40 route as it was slightly quicker according to Google maps. By 11.30am we were driving through the Buckinghamshire countryside and admiring the lovely town of Beaconsfield (pronounced Beckons-field).
We managed to park in the middle of the market town and spotted a pub called The Royal Saracens Head on the main road. All of us needed the loo after the hour and a half's journey so we decided to call in for a quick drink. It was virtually empty with just a couple of tables occupied, so it was great to sit and relax for a while, discuss Mike's upcoming birthday and use the facilities.
After we'd finished our drinks we had a walk up and down the high street and looked at the menus of several restaurants including The Giggling Squid which we had visited in Henley-on-Thames. Sophie and I didn't realise was a chain! There was also a Brasserie Blanc so you'd be spoiled for choice for eating!
However, we were going to England's oldest freehouse, The Royal Standard of England, about a ten minute drive away, deep in the Chilterns, in the tiny hamlet of Forty Green. You approach the pub via a narrow road and I had high expectations having seen it on a history programme over Christmas.
It was busier than I had imagined for a Wednesday lunchtime in January but there were plenty of tables available and we found one in a lovely cosy alcove.
The pub is a maze of tiny rooms, little nooks and crannies and uneven floors. There was a large log fire burning and the delicious smell of garlic and woodsmoke permeated the whole building. People were wandering around admiring the old beams, the tiny lead windows and the old pictures and tapestries hanging on the walls.
Keith ordered drinks at the bar and then we sat and perused the menu, choosing garlic bread and olives for Mike and Sophie to share as a starter, and onion soup and smoked mackerel for Keith and I.
My soup was delicious but very filling for a starter! It was topped with Emmental cheese and was thick and sweet with onions and beef stock. Keith said his mackerel was good as well and I'm glad there was quite a wait for the main course!
We set off for Beaconsfield at 10am and picked the M1/M25/M40 route as it was slightly quicker according to Google maps. By 11.30am we were driving through the Buckinghamshire countryside and admiring the lovely town of Beaconsfield (pronounced Beckons-field).
We managed to park in the middle of the market town and spotted a pub called The Royal Saracens Head on the main road. All of us needed the loo after the hour and a half's journey so we decided to call in for a quick drink. It was virtually empty with just a couple of tables occupied, so it was great to sit and relax for a while, discuss Mike's upcoming birthday and use the facilities.
After we'd finished our drinks we had a walk up and down the high street and looked at the menus of several restaurants including The Giggling Squid which we had visited in Henley-on-Thames. Sophie and I didn't realise was a chain! There was also a Brasserie Blanc so you'd be spoiled for choice for eating!
However, we were going to England's oldest freehouse, The Royal Standard of England, about a ten minute drive away, deep in the Chilterns, in the tiny hamlet of Forty Green. You approach the pub via a narrow road and I had high expectations having seen it on a history programme over Christmas.
It was busier than I had imagined for a Wednesday lunchtime in January but there were plenty of tables available and we found one in a lovely cosy alcove.
The pub is a maze of tiny rooms, little nooks and crannies and uneven floors. There was a large log fire burning and the delicious smell of garlic and woodsmoke permeated the whole building. People were wandering around admiring the old beams, the tiny lead windows and the old pictures and tapestries hanging on the walls.
 |
| Sophie with her pint of Belhaven (we'd ordered halves!) |
Keith ordered drinks at the bar and then we sat and perused the menu, choosing garlic bread and olives for Mike and Sophie to share as a starter, and onion soup and smoked mackerel for Keith and I.
 |
| My onion soup and sourdough bread. |
Keith, Sophie and I had ordered fish and chips while Mike opted for the pork belly. The fish came without any peas (charged extra, according to Sophie) so I was a bit disappointed with that, to be honest. Sophie said her meal was oily and of course it didn't come up to Keith's very high standards so we were all a bit sad that we didn't like the food as much as we'd anticipated. Mike wasn't happy with his, either, and pinched some of our chips as his pork belly came with red cabbage and bubble and squeak, neither of which he liked so a bit of a strange choice for him! He normally chooses a hearty beef pie!
 |
| The cod and chips - wish we'd had some peas! |
Even though we'd had large meals, three of us decided to try the desserts so Sophie ordered apple crumble and custard, Mike chose chocolate fondant and I went for the chocolate mousse thinking it would be lovely and light... it was actually very dense like somebody had melted chocolate, then poured it into a ramekin and chilled it. It was lovely but not really a mousse!
We all agreed it was a lovely pub but on reflection, I'm not sure we would travel so far again when we have some lovely old pubs on our doorstep, including The Althorp Coaching Inn, which is equally lovely and quirky! The bill came to an astonishing £148 which I felt was over-priced, but I suppose the pub is in an affluent area and with the remarkable history of the place, they feel they can charge higher prices!
We drove home via the M40 as I felt it was the most direct route and after feeding Monty we went straight to see Mum and Dad who had put on a little spread for us with wine, bless them! We spent a very enjoyable couple of hours with them and I received some beautiful flowers and cards as well as an M&S voucher where I can go and have a good spend up!
Tuesday 14 January 2020
Birthday Eve!
I drove myself to work this morning and had another very busy shift with almost non-stop phone calls, some of which were highly irritating. We do get asked some strange questions at times and I almost feel like someone's going to say "Fooled you!" because of the absurdity of their requests! I sped home at 2pm amidst more bad weather. Is there ever going to be an end to this rain?
This afternoon I gave the family bathroom a good clean and hoovered upstairs, so I felt quite pleased with myself. So often the precious hours ebb away with me doing very little so I was happy that the bathroom was restored to its pristine glory!
Yesterday I had marinated the chicken breasts in readiness for tonight's meal and they smelt lovely and spicy. The sauce we used to use from Tesco is no longer available but I hoped the new one we found is a worthy successor!
When Sophie returned home she made us both strong Margaritas as we were celebrating my Birthday tomorrow and the fact that she is now off work for three days. Yippee! I popped the chicken in the oven and prepared all the ingredients for the sauce before relaxing with the drink for ten minutes. Ahhh!
Back in the kitchen Sophie made me another Margarita (!) and we did the final preparations for dinner. It smelled delicious! Keith's football match had been called off because of the terrible weather so he made do with some oven chips as he truly hates Jerk Chicken Pasta! It's his loss! Unfortunately, Mike didn't come home in time for dinner but Sophie and I enjoyed it immensely even though it was extremely hot and spicy! Even Sophie said it was hotter than normal but it was delicious! I love the contrast of creaminess and spice and the tender chicken.
Mike came home and had his dinner a bit later, but he said it was the best I'd ever cooked so that was a compliment indeed! The two strong cocktails had made me a bit tipsy but it was a lovely feeling knowing I could have a lie-in tomorrow as Sophie was off, she wasn't going to the gym and we had a day out ahead of us!
This afternoon I gave the family bathroom a good clean and hoovered upstairs, so I felt quite pleased with myself. So often the precious hours ebb away with me doing very little so I was happy that the bathroom was restored to its pristine glory!
Yesterday I had marinated the chicken breasts in readiness for tonight's meal and they smelt lovely and spicy. The sauce we used to use from Tesco is no longer available but I hoped the new one we found is a worthy successor!
When Sophie returned home she made us both strong Margaritas as we were celebrating my Birthday tomorrow and the fact that she is now off work for three days. Yippee! I popped the chicken in the oven and prepared all the ingredients for the sauce before relaxing with the drink for ten minutes. Ahhh!
Back in the kitchen Sophie made me another Margarita (!) and we did the final preparations for dinner. It smelled delicious! Keith's football match had been called off because of the terrible weather so he made do with some oven chips as he truly hates Jerk Chicken Pasta! It's his loss! Unfortunately, Mike didn't come home in time for dinner but Sophie and I enjoyed it immensely even though it was extremely hot and spicy! Even Sophie said it was hotter than normal but it was delicious! I love the contrast of creaminess and spice and the tender chicken.
Mike came home and had his dinner a bit later, but he said it was the best I'd ever cooked so that was a compliment indeed! The two strong cocktails had made me a bit tipsy but it was a lovely feeling knowing I could have a lie-in tomorrow as Sophie was off, she wasn't going to the gym and we had a day out ahead of us!
Monday 13 January 2020
Dark and stormy!
Keith took me to work this morning and went to do some shopping for tonight and tomorrow. He is supposed to be out tomorrow night at a football match so Sophie and I are taking the opportunity to cook Jerk Chicken Pasta, something we haven't had for ages!
I had a busy shift at work as Stella was off sick so I was asked to do the Box Office returns. I didn't mind at all, but doing them and answering the phones was certainly a challenge!
Today Storm Brendan has swept across the UK bringing high winds and rain. The north and west have had it the worst, but we had terrible weather this afternoon and evening. Back home I pootled about doing jobs that needed attention and prepared the dinner for tonight which was liver and bacon, another meal that we haven't enjoyed for a long time!
Keith and I went out into the kitchen to cook the dinner and opened the door to let some air in and we were astounded at the violence of the wind and rain. If this was just the edges of the storm I dread to think what it was like in Scotland and Ireland where they had it much worse!
I had a busy shift at work as Stella was off sick so I was asked to do the Box Office returns. I didn't mind at all, but doing them and answering the phones was certainly a challenge!
Today Storm Brendan has swept across the UK bringing high winds and rain. The north and west have had it the worst, but we had terrible weather this afternoon and evening. Back home I pootled about doing jobs that needed attention and prepared the dinner for tonight which was liver and bacon, another meal that we haven't enjoyed for a long time!
Keith and I went out into the kitchen to cook the dinner and opened the door to let some air in and we were astounded at the violence of the wind and rain. If this was just the edges of the storm I dread to think what it was like in Scotland and Ireland where they had it much worse!
Sunday 12 January 2020
Meeting old friends!
We had a slow start to the day this morning but by 10am Keith and I were driving over to Tesco to get the Sunday newspapers and a loaf of bread. On the way home we popped in to see Mum and Dad and to give them the paper and have a quick coffee.
Back home it was time for scrambled eggs on toast for breakfast and a good read of the papers in the conservatory. The sun even came out for a little while!
Sophie had an appointment at Virgin Beauty salon at 1pm and because we'd decided to go to Homesense afterwards, I drove her down and waited for her. It was lovely sitting in the car in the peace and quiet!
Once Sophie came out, we drove to the St James retail park which was busy with Sunday shoppers. We popped into Homesense and had a look at the mirrors and foodie treats, but apart from a scented candle, a book about cocktails and a big pack of veggie straws, I didn't really see anything I wanted to buy.
On the way out we met two old friends from years ago - Mick and Julie - who have children of a similar age to Sophie and Mike. Keith used to play squash regularly with Mick years and years ago and neither of them had changed a bit! We had a really good chat and tentatively suggested a drink in the near future for a good catch up!
Before going home Sophie and I called to see Mum and Dad again and sat and chatted to them in their lovely cosy living room. We then took the scenic route home, enjoying the gorgeous sunset on the way. The sky was a beautiful sapphire blue and the bare trees looked gorgeous outlined against the horizon.
Sophie and I indulged in a cocktail or two when we got home and sat in the conservatory chatting while munching on the veggie straws. Keith cooked a delicious beef casserole for dinner and it was a lovely end to a relaxing day!
Back home it was time for scrambled eggs on toast for breakfast and a good read of the papers in the conservatory. The sun even came out for a little while!
Sophie had an appointment at Virgin Beauty salon at 1pm and because we'd decided to go to Homesense afterwards, I drove her down and waited for her. It was lovely sitting in the car in the peace and quiet!
Once Sophie came out, we drove to the St James retail park which was busy with Sunday shoppers. We popped into Homesense and had a look at the mirrors and foodie treats, but apart from a scented candle, a book about cocktails and a big pack of veggie straws, I didn't really see anything I wanted to buy.
On the way out we met two old friends from years ago - Mick and Julie - who have children of a similar age to Sophie and Mike. Keith used to play squash regularly with Mick years and years ago and neither of them had changed a bit! We had a really good chat and tentatively suggested a drink in the near future for a good catch up!
Before going home Sophie and I called to see Mum and Dad again and sat and chatted to them in their lovely cosy living room. We then took the scenic route home, enjoying the gorgeous sunset on the way. The sky was a beautiful sapphire blue and the bare trees looked gorgeous outlined against the horizon.
Sophie and I indulged in a cocktail or two when we got home and sat in the conservatory chatting while munching on the veggie straws. Keith cooked a delicious beef casserole for dinner and it was a lovely end to a relaxing day!
Saturday 11 January 2020
A spot of January cleaning!
I was up at a nice reasonable time of 7.30am this morning and it was great to slowly wake up with a cup of coffee and the cat curled up next to me.
Sophie was having breakfast with her friends Laura and Daisy first thing and the plan was for them to book a holiday to Italy later in the year. What a lovely thing to do on a blustery cold January day! Unfortunately, Keith and I had an appointment with the conservatory roof which was badly in need of a good clean!
Last week I had noticed spots of mould appearing on the glass and also on the white flashing and roof struts. Armed with a bucket of hot soapy water and loads of cloths, Keith and I wobbled our way around the room on step-ladders and gave it a really good clean. The outside will have to wait until the weather improves and is also badly in need of some TLC. It hasn't been too bad today with bouts of sunshine and the odd hint of blue sky, but the lawn is sodden and adding to it with water from the roof would be madness.
While we were working away we noticed the dead ivy that Keith had cut down last year so he decided to try and get it all down, but it clings like a limpet to the brickwork. He brought down some, but will wait until the weather's better before tackling it again! Because he was out on the step-ladders, I went out with him and I noticed loads of leaves all over the gravel garden so I started to gather them all up. Keith then asked if I was finished inside (which I wasn't) so he made me go back indoors! We have so much to do at the moment and we really need a spell of fine, dry weather but I don't think it's going to happen! Next week is due to be windy and unsettled with yet more rain on the way.
After we'd finished the conservatory roof I mopped the floor and then went outside to dead-head the summer bedding plants that are still clinging on to life. I've been meaning to do it for ages and it looked so much better when I'd finished. The geraniums are still looking healthy and I've positioned them by the wall so they are protected a bit from frost, not that we've had much so far this winter!
When Sophie arrived home I was in the shower and she told me that she and Daisy and Laura have booked to go to Sorrento in July so that will be something to look forward to! We decided to pop down to Riverside as I was badly in need fo bird food and a new mop!
As usual, the shopping area was busy but we parked quite easily and went and had a coffee in Costa. I hadn't eaten since a breakfast of crumpets so I had a sandwich while Sophie had a vegetarian breakfast bowl. The place was heaving with people and the noise level was tremendous!
We paid a quick visit to Next to look at pictures but nothing took my fancy so we popped into Wilco's where I bought fat snax, peanuts, a new feeder and some other bits and bobs. The shop was very busy indeed and there was a great long queue at the checkouts!
It was bliss to get home and relax for a while! I had a nap and was asleep for about 40 minutes and I suspect Sophie was also napping on her bed upstairs. It had been a busy day!
Sophie was having breakfast with her friends Laura and Daisy first thing and the plan was for them to book a holiday to Italy later in the year. What a lovely thing to do on a blustery cold January day! Unfortunately, Keith and I had an appointment with the conservatory roof which was badly in need of a good clean!
Last week I had noticed spots of mould appearing on the glass and also on the white flashing and roof struts. Armed with a bucket of hot soapy water and loads of cloths, Keith and I wobbled our way around the room on step-ladders and gave it a really good clean. The outside will have to wait until the weather improves and is also badly in need of some TLC. It hasn't been too bad today with bouts of sunshine and the odd hint of blue sky, but the lawn is sodden and adding to it with water from the roof would be madness.
While we were working away we noticed the dead ivy that Keith had cut down last year so he decided to try and get it all down, but it clings like a limpet to the brickwork. He brought down some, but will wait until the weather's better before tackling it again! Because he was out on the step-ladders, I went out with him and I noticed loads of leaves all over the gravel garden so I started to gather them all up. Keith then asked if I was finished inside (which I wasn't) so he made me go back indoors! We have so much to do at the moment and we really need a spell of fine, dry weather but I don't think it's going to happen! Next week is due to be windy and unsettled with yet more rain on the way.
After we'd finished the conservatory roof I mopped the floor and then went outside to dead-head the summer bedding plants that are still clinging on to life. I've been meaning to do it for ages and it looked so much better when I'd finished. The geraniums are still looking healthy and I've positioned them by the wall so they are protected a bit from frost, not that we've had much so far this winter!
When Sophie arrived home I was in the shower and she told me that she and Daisy and Laura have booked to go to Sorrento in July so that will be something to look forward to! We decided to pop down to Riverside as I was badly in need fo bird food and a new mop!
As usual, the shopping area was busy but we parked quite easily and went and had a coffee in Costa. I hadn't eaten since a breakfast of crumpets so I had a sandwich while Sophie had a vegetarian breakfast bowl. The place was heaving with people and the noise level was tremendous!
We paid a quick visit to Next to look at pictures but nothing took my fancy so we popped into Wilco's where I bought fat snax, peanuts, a new feeder and some other bits and bobs. The shop was very busy indeed and there was a great long queue at the checkouts!
It was bliss to get home and relax for a while! I had a nap and was asleep for about 40 minutes and I suspect Sophie was also napping on her bed upstairs. It had been a busy day!
Friday 10 January 2020
A sociable walk!
As always on a Friday morning, I was mightily glad it was the last day of the working week! I took myself off to work and had an uneventful shift, although it did go a bit mad in the last hour!
Back home I pottered about doing little jobs and then went for a walk around the estate. On my second lap I was pounced on by one of the ROAR! ladies who had a bag of Tassimo pods for me. I then spotted Ruth who runs the group and she gave me the most enormous bag of pet food pouches! We stood and chatted for a while and I said I would help out with the next sort if she moved the time a bit later in the afternoon. Ruth said that ROAR! has now raised over £100 for our charities so that was brilliant news, as well as all the plastic we have diverted from landfill!
I staggered home with the bags and did a quick sort of my own in the garage - I had told Keith I'd only be out for about twenty minutes but I was probably gone for more like an hour! I had also had a quick chat with Lynn and given her a big bag of crisp and snack wrappers and some loaf bags, so it was a very fruitful walk! She had pointed out all the little green shoots coming through from the bulbs we'd donated for the green so it'll be great to see the flowers in the Spring. Bring it on!
Keith walked to the pub tonight and Sophie and I had a glass of wine and prepared the dinner which didn't take a lot of effort as it was baked potatoes!
Back home I pottered about doing little jobs and then went for a walk around the estate. On my second lap I was pounced on by one of the ROAR! ladies who had a bag of Tassimo pods for me. I then spotted Ruth who runs the group and she gave me the most enormous bag of pet food pouches! We stood and chatted for a while and I said I would help out with the next sort if she moved the time a bit later in the afternoon. Ruth said that ROAR! has now raised over £100 for our charities so that was brilliant news, as well as all the plastic we have diverted from landfill!
I staggered home with the bags and did a quick sort of my own in the garage - I had told Keith I'd only be out for about twenty minutes but I was probably gone for more like an hour! I had also had a quick chat with Lynn and given her a big bag of crisp and snack wrappers and some loaf bags, so it was a very fruitful walk! She had pointed out all the little green shoots coming through from the bulbs we'd donated for the green so it'll be great to see the flowers in the Spring. Bring it on!
Keith walked to the pub tonight and Sophie and I had a glass of wine and prepared the dinner which didn't take a lot of effort as it was baked potatoes!
Thursday 9 January 2020
Tedious Thursday!
I said to Sophie when she woke me up this morning that I really don't like Thursdays... maybe there's something I can do to solve this!
I was hoping that today wouldn't be as busy as it had been on Monday and Tuesday and thankfully, it wasn't! I was back working with Sue for the first time in ages and the shift passed very quickly. Keith collected me at 3pm and we went home to potter about as is usual after work.
Sophie and I are watching a good programme at the moment that's on every evening at 5pm called A New Life in the Sun. It's about Brits who have decided to move abroad for a better life. I don't think that some of them are prepared for the roles they take on, though, especially those who choose to run a B&B or a restaurant, as the work is often harder than the jobs they were escaping from at home! Two sisters were running a steak restaurant in Nerja which was hard work, to be honest and they were easily doing twelve hour days! Another couple, based in the Dordogne and running a B&B were managing sixteen hour days! No thanks!
I was hoping that today wouldn't be as busy as it had been on Monday and Tuesday and thankfully, it wasn't! I was back working with Sue for the first time in ages and the shift passed very quickly. Keith collected me at 3pm and we went home to potter about as is usual after work.
Sophie and I are watching a good programme at the moment that's on every evening at 5pm called A New Life in the Sun. It's about Brits who have decided to move abroad for a better life. I don't think that some of them are prepared for the roles they take on, though, especially those who choose to run a B&B or a restaurant, as the work is often harder than the jobs they were escaping from at home! Two sisters were running a steak restaurant in Nerja which was hard work, to be honest and they were easily doing twelve hour days! Another couple, based in the Dordogne and running a B&B were managing sixteen hour days! No thanks!
Wednesday 8 January 2020
It's Pointless!
As I said yesterday, I was really excited and looking forward to going to Elstree to see the recording of Pointless, a show we manage to watch most evenings! We were up with Sophie and waved her off to the gym before getting ready ourselves, as we wanted to leave at 8am and have some breakfast near the studios.
We left at the agreed time but the traffic was horrendous (as I knew it would be) and it took us 45 minutes to get to the A45 near Brackmills. I'm surprised we didn't see Sophie on the large roundabout!
The journey down the M1 was less eventful, although we were held up a bit in the roadworks. We arrived in Borehamwood at 10am and decided to pop to a large Tesco first and use their facilities! They had a Costa so we decided to have something to eat there - not really what I had in mind but time was short and we needed to move the car to a nearby car park, as we were only able to park at Tesco for four hours.
The Costa in Tesco was a bit depressing (low ceilings and no windows) so we ate our breakfast baps quickly and left. Across the road was a car park where we could stay for over five hours so we paid and walked back to the studios, joining the queue that had already started to form near the gates. We had a lengthy wait but thankfully it was cold or raining! At about 11am two members of SRO Audiences who organise the spectators came along, took our names and gave us a stickered number to put on our coats.
We were eventually let through the gates at about 11.45am and were escorted to the relevant studio. In one building I could see lots of filming equipment and it was all very interesting and exciting! We were led into the studio and everywhere there were cameras and people looking very important with clipboards and laptops. As we filed in the contestants arrived as well, all of them looking a bit nervous and startled!
The studio was nowhere near as big as I thought it would be but was very brightly lit. We were told where to sit and Keith and I ended up on the right hand side, near to where Richard Osman sits. He and Alexander Armstrong came in and chatted to the contestants while we listened to the warm-up man who was very funny. Nobody was allowed to take photos but I did sneak one pic when they broke between shows!
Keith and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I would definitely do it again and maybe even go to another production. The warm-up man came on every time there was a break and at one point we had to "act" out applause and whooping if they won the jackpot, which they did, twice!
For anyone who doesn't know how Pointless works, you have to come up with obscure answers to questions, the more obscure the better!
We saw two shows recorded but they probably won't be shown on BBC1 for a good few months. When it had finished we left and I would gladly have sat through another couple of episodes! We made our way back to the car and headed home via the A1, M25 and M1.
We arrived home at 4pm, prepared dinner for tonight and relaxed...by watching Pointless!
We left at the agreed time but the traffic was horrendous (as I knew it would be) and it took us 45 minutes to get to the A45 near Brackmills. I'm surprised we didn't see Sophie on the large roundabout!
The journey down the M1 was less eventful, although we were held up a bit in the roadworks. We arrived in Borehamwood at 10am and decided to pop to a large Tesco first and use their facilities! They had a Costa so we decided to have something to eat there - not really what I had in mind but time was short and we needed to move the car to a nearby car park, as we were only able to park at Tesco for four hours.
The Costa in Tesco was a bit depressing (low ceilings and no windows) so we ate our breakfast baps quickly and left. Across the road was a car park where we could stay for over five hours so we paid and walked back to the studios, joining the queue that had already started to form near the gates. We had a lengthy wait but thankfully it was cold or raining! At about 11am two members of SRO Audiences who organise the spectators came along, took our names and gave us a stickered number to put on our coats.
We were eventually let through the gates at about 11.45am and were escorted to the relevant studio. In one building I could see lots of filming equipment and it was all very interesting and exciting! We were led into the studio and everywhere there were cameras and people looking very important with clipboards and laptops. As we filed in the contestants arrived as well, all of them looking a bit nervous and startled!
The studio was nowhere near as big as I thought it would be but was very brightly lit. We were told where to sit and Keith and I ended up on the right hand side, near to where Richard Osman sits. He and Alexander Armstrong came in and chatted to the contestants while we listened to the warm-up man who was very funny. Nobody was allowed to take photos but I did sneak one pic when they broke between shows!
Keith and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I would definitely do it again and maybe even go to another production. The warm-up man came on every time there was a break and at one point we had to "act" out applause and whooping if they won the jackpot, which they did, twice!
For anyone who doesn't know how Pointless works, you have to come up with obscure answers to questions, the more obscure the better!
We saw two shows recorded but they probably won't be shown on BBC1 for a good few months. When it had finished we left and I would gladly have sat through another couple of episodes! We made our way back to the car and headed home via the A1, M25 and M1.
We arrived home at 4pm, prepared dinner for tonight and relaxed...by watching Pointless!
Tuesday 7 January 2020
Busy, busy!
Keith took me to work this morning and I was glad because I'm getting to dread the journey in. The roads seem much busier than before Christmas and with the dark mornings, it's a horrible experience. How I long for the sunlit mornings of summer!
Keith dropped me off and went to do some shopping for tonight and tomorrow. Jo and I had an extremely busy shift with hardly any let up and I had a job to do for Sara that kept me extra busy - I had to gather prices and information from rival leisure centres so that certainly made the time go fast!
Back at home in the afternoon I caught up with various jobs and relaxed a bit. I also printed off our ticket for tomorrow's showing of Pointless at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. I am very excited about the prospect of going to see the show and I'm so glad that this time we were able to make it!
Dinner tonight was fajitas which Sophie very kindly cooked for us. We shared the dregs of a bottle of red wine even though we supposed to have stopped drinking in the week! It was only one small glass each though, so it could have been worse!
Keith dropped me off and went to do some shopping for tonight and tomorrow. Jo and I had an extremely busy shift with hardly any let up and I had a job to do for Sara that kept me extra busy - I had to gather prices and information from rival leisure centres so that certainly made the time go fast!
Back at home in the afternoon I caught up with various jobs and relaxed a bit. I also printed off our ticket for tomorrow's showing of Pointless at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. I am very excited about the prospect of going to see the show and I'm so glad that this time we were able to make it!
Dinner tonight was fajitas which Sophie very kindly cooked for us. We shared the dregs of a bottle of red wine even though we supposed to have stopped drinking in the week! It was only one small glass each though, so it could have been worse!
Monday 6 January 2020
Miserable Monday!
Why do weekends go by so quickly! I took myself off to work this morning and I was dismayed at how heavy the traffic was on the roads. Everyone must now be back at work and we face the two most miserable months of the year (despite my birthday being in nine days time!),
Work was busy and the time flew. At 2pm I sped home and called Keith to say that a parcel I was expecting was waiting for me at Brixworth library. We popped over to the village and Mike came with us as he said he was hungry... he always is!
My parcel consisted of a new coat and some boots but I waited until Sophie was home before trying them on as she can give me an honest opinion! Keith and I managed a quick walk around the estate before heading home to prepare dinner - bubble and squeak and cold roast beef. Delicious!
Work was busy and the time flew. At 2pm I sped home and called Keith to say that a parcel I was expecting was waiting for me at Brixworth library. We popped over to the village and Mike came with us as he said he was hungry... he always is!
My parcel consisted of a new coat and some boots but I waited until Sophie was home before trying them on as she can give me an honest opinion! Keith and I managed a quick walk around the estate before heading home to prepare dinner - bubble and squeak and cold roast beef. Delicious!
Sunday 5 January 2020
Clearing up...
I had another late start to the day, which was a bit annoying as I had so much to get done today! Sophie went to see a friend in town this morning while I made a start on taking all of the Christmas decorations down. What a shame everything has to be packed away, especially the outside lights which really brighten up our streets and houses!
Keith took the trees down and packed them back into their boxes and Mike put everything back up onto the rafters of the garage. I'm sure it won't feel like long before we're putting them all up again!
Mum and Dad popped around for a cup of tea and I showed them the Janie's Jottings book I'd had printed - the first of ten! They were thrilled with it and I said they could take the copy home to read as there was so much in there about the business we used to run and our trips down to see Nan in Dartford. There were also photos of their cat, Jake, in the book and they spent ages looking at the pages and remembering the events of ten years ago.
Once they had gone I carried on cleaning and Sophie phoned to say she wasn't going to go to the gym because of having a big breakfast! She came straight home and we popped to Brixworth to get the Sunday newspaper. While we were there. we spotted a little dog who had been tied up outside the Co-op and at first we thought he'd been abandoned. After waiting several minutes and going into the shop to find out about him, his owner appeared! Sophie was very relieved!
We drove home over the reservoir and we noticed it was looking really full - it's no wonder with all the rain we've had recently! It would be lovely if we could have a week or so of light breezes and sunshine to dry everything out. I've noticed spots of mould on our conservatory roof which will need to be sorted out.
I had a shower and even though we talked about going out for a walk, I felt a wee bit tired so we changed our minds. I still had some washing to do and I put our bedding back that had been washed. How I long for dry and sunny days so we can get the washing dried outside!
Keith cooked a delicious roast beef in the evening and we relaxed for a little while after dinner, but it's work tomorrow so no more late nights!
Keith took the trees down and packed them back into their boxes and Mike put everything back up onto the rafters of the garage. I'm sure it won't feel like long before we're putting them all up again!
Mum and Dad popped around for a cup of tea and I showed them the Janie's Jottings book I'd had printed - the first of ten! They were thrilled with it and I said they could take the copy home to read as there was so much in there about the business we used to run and our trips down to see Nan in Dartford. There were also photos of their cat, Jake, in the book and they spent ages looking at the pages and remembering the events of ten years ago.
Once they had gone I carried on cleaning and Sophie phoned to say she wasn't going to go to the gym because of having a big breakfast! She came straight home and we popped to Brixworth to get the Sunday newspaper. While we were there. we spotted a little dog who had been tied up outside the Co-op and at first we thought he'd been abandoned. After waiting several minutes and going into the shop to find out about him, his owner appeared! Sophie was very relieved!
We drove home over the reservoir and we noticed it was looking really full - it's no wonder with all the rain we've had recently! It would be lovely if we could have a week or so of light breezes and sunshine to dry everything out. I've noticed spots of mould on our conservatory roof which will need to be sorted out.
I had a shower and even though we talked about going out for a walk, I felt a wee bit tired so we changed our minds. I still had some washing to do and I put our bedding back that had been washed. How I long for dry and sunny days so we can get the washing dried outside!
Keith cooked a delicious roast beef in the evening and we relaxed for a little while after dinner, but it's work tomorrow so no more late nights!
Saturday 4 January 2020
Visiting Oxford
After a late start (about 8.30am for me!) Sophie and I drove to Oxford, to visit the Ashmolean Museum. We had an easy journey to the Pear Tree Park and Ride and managed to get on a bus straight away.
We decided to get off at the bus stop we used before and popped into Waterstones to have a coffee and a cake. Their cafe was on the top floor and had beautiful views across the busy shopping street below and the lovely blue sky. I enjoyed a Flat White and a chocolate and hazelnut cake which was delicious!
It was a short walk to the Ashmolean museum, which was opened in 1683 and is thought to be the first modern museum of its kind. Entrance is free but there are a number of exhibitions which you have to buy tickets for. These were all sold out so it's a popular place!
After leaving our coats in a locker we wandered around the the ground floor of the museum and learned about its history. We came across some ancient cauldrons and saw some beautiful jewellery dating from 4000 years ago that wouldn't look out of place in a shop today. We also wandered through the Ancient Egyptian displays and saw some mummies, which were fascinating:
There was lots to look at and a lot to read about the history of the world. It was like a mini V&A and a mini British Museum combined. As well as Egypt we saw displays of items from India, China, Iran, Greece and Cyprus as well as Roman objects.
By about 2pm we were flagging so we went down to the basement and enjoyed a sandwich and a drink. Suitably refreshed we wandered around the shop (I bought a small easily accessible history book) and then went up to the 3rd floor to see artefacts from England from 400AD to 1600AD.
Looking at the objects it was difficult to believe that some of them were so old, especially the spear heads and small figurines.
At about 3.30pm we decided to call it a day and emerged into the late afternoon sunshine to go and catch a bus back to the Park and Ride.
Before long we were seated on the busy bus and heading back to the car. It had been a lovely day and we'll definitely go back to explore some more.
The journey home was uneventful and we picked Mike up from Abbie's house on the way. Keith was home when we arrived and had been to see Sileby play. After a quick drink Sophie and I made dinner of stir fried chicken with noodles and then it was time to relax and watch two more episodes of Wisting!
We decided to get off at the bus stop we used before and popped into Waterstones to have a coffee and a cake. Their cafe was on the top floor and had beautiful views across the busy shopping street below and the lovely blue sky. I enjoyed a Flat White and a chocolate and hazelnut cake which was delicious!
It was a short walk to the Ashmolean museum, which was opened in 1683 and is thought to be the first modern museum of its kind. Entrance is free but there are a number of exhibitions which you have to buy tickets for. These were all sold out so it's a popular place!
After leaving our coats in a locker we wandered around the the ground floor of the museum and learned about its history. We came across some ancient cauldrons and saw some beautiful jewellery dating from 4000 years ago that wouldn't look out of place in a shop today. We also wandered through the Ancient Egyptian displays and saw some mummies, which were fascinating:
There was lots to look at and a lot to read about the history of the world. It was like a mini V&A and a mini British Museum combined. As well as Egypt we saw displays of items from India, China, Iran, Greece and Cyprus as well as Roman objects.
By about 2pm we were flagging so we went down to the basement and enjoyed a sandwich and a drink. Suitably refreshed we wandered around the shop (I bought a small easily accessible history book) and then went up to the 3rd floor to see artefacts from England from 400AD to 1600AD.
Looking at the objects it was difficult to believe that some of them were so old, especially the spear heads and small figurines.
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Before long we were seated on the busy bus and heading back to the car. It had been a lovely day and we'll definitely go back to explore some more.
The journey home was uneventful and we picked Mike up from Abbie's house on the way. Keith was home when we arrived and had been to see Sileby play. After a quick drink Sophie and I made dinner of stir fried chicken with noodles and then it was time to relax and watch two more episodes of Wisting!
Friday 3 January 2020
Rude people!
At least we only had one more day to finish off the week and work for me was a lot quieter today, thank goodness!
I drove myself today and at 2pm I dashed home to collect Keith so we could go and do the shopping. The weather has been slightly better today and it was clear and sunny for much of Friday. There's still no snow on the horizon and I think we're going to have a mild, wet winter. At least we're not having terrible fires like they are experiencing Australia at the moment, which is horrible. So much wildlife has been affected and the pictures we're getting on the news are awful.
Keith and I did our shopping and bickered most of the way around! Aldi is now closed until the summer as they are expanding the store so doing everything in Tesco was a bit difficult! I'm sure we will have forgotten something vital like milk as we normally get all of our basics in Aldi!
When we came out of the store I found a car just inches away from my own which meant I would have been unable to even open the door. I was furious! Just as I was about to take a photo and go back inside the supermarket to ask them to tannoy the driver, two young women appeared. The one who was driving gestured to me to get in but I said it was impossible! Even she, being very slim had difficulty getting into the driver's seat! As there were plenty of spaces about I wondered why on earth they'd parked as they did! As they drove off, one of them waved sarcastically so Keith stuck his finger up at them...what a pleasant encounter!
It was great that it was Friday night - my favourite time of the whole week! I dropped Keith off at the pub and came home to curl up on the sofa with Sophie and watch Dangerous Roads, set in Nepal. It was pretty hair-raising!
I drove myself today and at 2pm I dashed home to collect Keith so we could go and do the shopping. The weather has been slightly better today and it was clear and sunny for much of Friday. There's still no snow on the horizon and I think we're going to have a mild, wet winter. At least we're not having terrible fires like they are experiencing Australia at the moment, which is horrible. So much wildlife has been affected and the pictures we're getting on the news are awful.
Keith and I did our shopping and bickered most of the way around! Aldi is now closed until the summer as they are expanding the store so doing everything in Tesco was a bit difficult! I'm sure we will have forgotten something vital like milk as we normally get all of our basics in Aldi!
When we came out of the store I found a car just inches away from my own which meant I would have been unable to even open the door. I was furious! Just as I was about to take a photo and go back inside the supermarket to ask them to tannoy the driver, two young women appeared. The one who was driving gestured to me to get in but I said it was impossible! Even she, being very slim had difficulty getting into the driver's seat! As there were plenty of spaces about I wondered why on earth they'd parked as they did! As they drove off, one of them waved sarcastically so Keith stuck his finger up at them...what a pleasant encounter!
It was great that it was Friday night - my favourite time of the whole week! I dropped Keith off at the pub and came home to curl up on the sofa with Sophie and watch Dangerous Roads, set in Nepal. It was pretty hair-raising!
Thursday 2 January 2020
A busy shift!
I did not relish getting up this morning to go to work! Sophie woke me at about 6am and went to the gym and Keith and I left for work at 7.30am. It was so dark! I can't wait for the lighter mornings!
This morning our online bookings system went down which meant we were flooded with calls. At one point we had about ten waiting which is very unusual, so Sara had to help us out! It was not the most relaxing start to the working day!
The frantic pace carried on all morning and I was very glad to go at the earlier time of 2pm! We had answered about 370 calls by the time we went so it had certainly been a busy shift! Keith collected me and we popped to Brixworth to post a parcel for Sophie and then decided to call and see Mum and Dad. On the way we passed a tow truck with the crashed car of last night!
Mum and Dad were in good spirits and we sat and chatted to them for an hour before returning home. Mike and Abbie had gone to her house earlier today so there was only the three of us this evening and we enjoyed baked potatoes for dinner. We had had some lovely meals lately and I think we were all a bit fed up with rich food!
This morning our online bookings system went down which meant we were flooded with calls. At one point we had about ten waiting which is very unusual, so Sara had to help us out! It was not the most relaxing start to the working day!
The frantic pace carried on all morning and I was very glad to go at the earlier time of 2pm! We had answered about 370 calls by the time we went so it had certainly been a busy shift! Keith collected me and we popped to Brixworth to post a parcel for Sophie and then decided to call and see Mum and Dad. On the way we passed a tow truck with the crashed car of last night!
Mum and Dad were in good spirits and we sat and chatted to them for an hour before returning home. Mike and Abbie had gone to her house earlier today so there was only the three of us this evening and we enjoyed baked potatoes for dinner. We had had some lovely meals lately and I think we were all a bit fed up with rich food!
Wednesday 1 January 2020
A New Year's Day walk
We had a slow start to the day as the four younger members of our group were still in bed at 11am! Keith and I couldn't really do anything until they'd woken up so we just mooched about and I felt a bit fed up, as we'd planned on going to Oxford today and it was clear that we were running out of time.
When Sophie and Laura emerged, we made a start on breakfast and I dashed to Mawsley to buy some more orange juice and baked beans. The weather was dull, grey and gloomy so not a great opener to the new year and decade!
After we'd eaten breakfast and cleared away, Laura went home and we made the decision to go to Olney for a walk and a drink at one of the pubs there. We all hurriedly showered and dressed and by 2.30pm we were on our way.
After parking in the small car park in the centre of the town we walked towards the river and took a path over the fields. There was a sign post saying that Newport Pagnell was five miles away and I should imagine it's a lovely walk in the summer. The fields were flooded after all the rain we've had lately. We walked a short distance but it was getting late so we turned around and walked back into the town having a good look at the lovely old houses on the way.
We had a couple of drinks at The Swan which was a lovely old pub bustling with New Year's day drinkers. They had been doing food as lots of people were lingering over late lunches, but we were still full from our cooked breakfast! It was lovely to sit and chat and there was a great relaxed atmosphere in the pub.
We drove home and had about an hour and a half before we went out to India2Mawsley for dinner. The restaurant was very quiet again with just two other diners but that was fine with us. We all enjoyed poppadums and curries and the food was as delicious as ever.
On the way home we came across a car that had gone into a hedge on a nasty bend. It must have happened in the hour and a half that we were eating and we drove past several times to make sure nobody was in the car and hurt. The airbags were out but the lights were off so we called the police just in case. We have a feeling whoever was in the car had abandoned it, so at least they weren't hurt, but it was a bit unnerving to say the least!
When Sophie and Laura emerged, we made a start on breakfast and I dashed to Mawsley to buy some more orange juice and baked beans. The weather was dull, grey and gloomy so not a great opener to the new year and decade!
After we'd eaten breakfast and cleared away, Laura went home and we made the decision to go to Olney for a walk and a drink at one of the pubs there. We all hurriedly showered and dressed and by 2.30pm we were on our way.
After parking in the small car park in the centre of the town we walked towards the river and took a path over the fields. There was a sign post saying that Newport Pagnell was five miles away and I should imagine it's a lovely walk in the summer. The fields were flooded after all the rain we've had lately. We walked a short distance but it was getting late so we turned around and walked back into the town having a good look at the lovely old houses on the way.
We had a couple of drinks at The Swan which was a lovely old pub bustling with New Year's day drinkers. They had been doing food as lots of people were lingering over late lunches, but we were still full from our cooked breakfast! It was lovely to sit and chat and there was a great relaxed atmosphere in the pub.
We drove home and had about an hour and a half before we went out to India2Mawsley for dinner. The restaurant was very quiet again with just two other diners but that was fine with us. We all enjoyed poppadums and curries and the food was as delicious as ever.
On the way home we came across a car that had gone into a hedge on a nasty bend. It must have happened in the hour and a half that we were eating and we drove past several times to make sure nobody was in the car and hurt. The airbags were out but the lights were off so we called the police just in case. We have a feeling whoever was in the car had abandoned it, so at least they weren't hurt, but it was a bit unnerving to say the least!
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