Cars galore!

We had planned a weekend of staying home, with only a trip to the recycling centre to get us out of the house, but it didn't work out that way!

We spent the morning looking at cars on online selling platforms like Cinch and Carwow, and I almost bought two! One was an Audi Q3, but it was more than we wanted to pay and would have used a lot of our savings. The other was a white Peugeot 3008, and I called to see if I could arrange a test drive. It wasn't possible, but as I looked at it, it disappeared and said it was sold!

We looked at so many cars that we began to feel a bit shell-shocked, and they all began to blur into one mass! In the end, we started to be ruthless with our choices, such as discounting any without a spare wheel, but in the end I decided I wanted to see the car, drive it and make sure it's OK before I take the leap.

Sophie prepared tonight's dinner of chicken casserole while I took all the hearts down in the conservatory to do some cleaning. They were all festooned with cobwebs, and some of them were well past their best, so we decided not to put them back up. I gazed with dismay at the roof of the conservatory that needed cleaning, and submitted an enquiry to a local company.

We pottered about for another couple of hours, and went to see my Mum in the afternoon. She seemed a bit confused again, but then said as clearly as anything to one of the carers, "Did you have a good couple of days off?" We were speechless, as when speaking to us she wasn't making a lot of sense and seemed to have no idea what day it was! Hmmm! We stayed for an hour and tried to get the television working, as she had lost all of the terrestrial channels, such as BBC1, etc. 

Before heading home, we popped to the pub for a drink and a bite to eat. We hadn't eaten much at all during the day, so we ordered a bucket of chips (a very small bucket!), some tzatziki with Greek flatbread, and chicken satay. The food was delicious, and it was lovely to sit, relax and look forward to our Saturday evening.

We got home after Keith, who had been to see Sileby, told him we'd been to the pub and didn't want dinner... thankfully, he didn't mind! Sophie and I played Scrabble with a Vesper each, and almost had a bickerfest about the scores. I'd been leading, and then Sophie went way ahead! I ended up winning, but I think my daughter was annoyed with me!

We finally watched What Lies Beneath, and Sophie spent most of the time screaming. It was a good, scary film, and Harrison Ford looked very handsome in it! Swoon!

Feeling a little sad...

My heart sank when Liam arrived at 8:00am this morning, but he was very well-behaved and quiet all day! We had a chat about cars, so it was good to have some company. I do miss my former colleagues and the little chats we used to have!

At lunchtime, just as I was about to have something to eat, I had a Teams meeting with Kally, who looks after all the managers in the area. She wanted to show me about taking cash, but most of it went over my head! I learn by doing, not by looking, so I felt a bit deflated in the afternoon. I go from one day enjoying the job to the next wishing I was doing something else, which is very tiring for my family, and this impacted our Friday evening and set the tone for the weekend, unfortunately.

I realised, almost like an epiphany, that I haven't really enjoyed any job I've done, even when I was working with my parents! I was happy for the most part when I worked at the same location with my old company, but there were still days when I walked out, determined to look for something else! It's definitely me! I envy people who love their job and don't see it as work!

So, Friday evening was a bit subdued and the plan to watch What Lies Beneath, starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer, was put on hold. We plonked a tray of Tesco curries into the oven and drank a Picpoul de Pinet. After dinner, we caught a couple of episodes of Top of the Pops from the 80s, so that made us smile!

Annoying noises!

We decided to make do and use ingredients in the cupboard for our dinner this evening, so Keith didn't have to go shopping. I dropped Sophie at the station and carried on to work, arriving just in time. It was my turn to buy the breakfasts today, and I used the new Greggs app on my phone. I have to say it was very easy to do!

Dan left at lunchtime, and Liam came into the office with me. He spent the afternoon making an annoying noise with his pen, which drove me crazy, so I was in a foul mood when I drove home. I ranted to Keith, so he must have thought I was a madwoman! I had to agree with him!

We went to pick up Sophie again, and she was in a much better mood than yesterday, so that was good. She had the leftovers from her lasagne for dinner, while Keith had made a delicious corned beef, onion and potato stew for us, served with crusty bread. Sophie and I enjoyed a delicious French red wine to go with our meals; it was a wine from Vaison-la-Romaine, and it brought back happy memories!

Bad news...

Sophie was off to Birmingham this morning to attend her yearly trade show, so Keith and I dropped her at the station before heading home to tackle the usual Wednesday chores. I was determined to find out what was happening with the car today, as it's now been three weeks since the accident, and I've had no news from either the insurance company or the garage about the repair.

I wish now I hadn't bothered. When I finally got through to the claims department, I was told the car was a "total loss" and that the garage had been sent the information on the 7th of September, over a week ago! I was very upset, as I honestly thought we would get the VW back. I now have to look for a new car, with all the hassle that comes with it. I was going to replace the car in the new year, but now I've been forced to do it!

The man I spoke to said that the specialist department dealing with a total loss would contact me next week, but in the meantime to look at valuations myself for the car, so I was prepared. My morning was therefore taken up with dealing with this and cleaning the conservatory, as Kym was due to come and see to our feet just after lunchtime. The hoover was making a strange noise, and when I looked at the brush, I could see it was jammed with hair! I then spent half an hour cutting it all out. In the end, there was enough for a new wig for Sophie or me! What a delightful morning!

Kym arrived at about 1:30pm and showed me photos of her wedding, which had taken place the day Sophie and I drove to Bergerac. She looked stunning in the photos, and it was lovely to chat about her day.

So, Keith and I have some big decisions to make in the next few months. We need a new car, and the en-suite bathroom is still awaiting a renovation as well. I feel we're in a bit of a slump at the moment, to be honest. Sophie is still hobbling about on her swollen ankle, and although our problems are little niggles, and nothing major, it feels like there is a steady drip, drip of issues happening that we could definitely do without!

Sophie's train arrived back in Northampton at just past 6:00pm, so we drove to collect her, and she'd had an exhausting day and was not in the best of moods! We bustled about doing the dinner as soon as we got home, and she had a drink to relax! I did too!

A busy start to the week!

Monday

I drove myself to work this morning and spent a frustrating day trying to get our outstanding invoices paid. I was busy all day, but I didn't achieve much! I also had a Teams meeting with other colleagues and a woman from the Independent Cinema Office regarding the opening of the cinema soon. I'm looking forward to this!

Back home, I pottered about, and we had the beef burgers that we should have had last night for dinner. Keith was looking forward to watching Newcastle play Leeds tonight, but the outcome was disappointing. Sophie and I went upstairs to watch Help! We Bought A Village, a much more relaxing choice!

Tuesday

I had another busy day at work, and I think I'm keeping my head above the water! I'm determined not to have over three hundred emails in my inbox like Sheila had, and I try to tackle them when they come in!

Keith and I went home at 4:00pm, and I hoovered and did some housework before Sophie arrived. Her ankle is a little better, but over the next two days she'll be at a trade show in Birmingham, so it'll be tough on her feet!

We enjoyed meatballs and pasta for dinner, and Keith went to see Sileby play. We watched the last episode of a documentary about a woman who pretended her son was seriously ill, and when the cats came in, Sophie went upstairs for some cuddles while I watched a programme about Britain's lost masterpieces. Keith came home at 10:00pm, happy to report that Sileby had won!

A muddy run!

We woke up to rain steadily falling out of a grey sky this morning, which wasn't good news for Sophie as she was taking part in a 10K run at Holdenby House. She set off at 8:00am while I relaxed with a coffee in the dry!

We had arranged to meet her at 10:45am at The Red Barn Café near Spratton for breakfast. I kept in touch with her throughout her run, and she said she'd twisted her ankle as the ground she was running on was uneven and slippery in places because of the rain.

She collected her medal at the end and enjoyed a free bottle of apple juice to celebrate! We drove over to Spratton to meet her, and arrived at the café a few minutes before her. We were seated by one of the pleasant staff who changed our table because of an influx of flies! I certainly didn't want them bothering us as we ate our breakfast!

Sophie arrived looking wet, muddy and sweaty, and we congratulated her on her achievement. Before long, she'll be doing the London Marathon! We had a good look at the menu, choosing sausage and bacon rolls, and a bowl of granola and compote for Sophie. She and Keith had tea while I opted for a flat white, one of the smallest I've ever had!

We enjoyed our breakfast, but I'm not sure we'll venture back. Keith said his bap was greasy, and I did feel queasy myself after eating. The café was noisy and felt just a little grubby to me. It had good reviews and it was great to try somewhere new, and I didn't even know it existed!

Back home, we pottered about, and Sophie put her trainers into the washing machine to wash. Her ankle had swelled up, so she wasn't happy about that, especially as next week she's at a trade show in Birmingham and will be on her feet for two days. I put some grass seed down on the back lawn, but it's so bald I used it all up and had to order some more! With the sunshine and rain showers today, it should do well!

Sophie had a lovely hot shower, and we went to see my Mum for an hour. We took her down to the lounge for a change and chatted to her, as well as showing her some photos on our phones. Sophie's foot began to hurt, so we returned home to relax, and after Keith had watched the football, I switched on Saturday Morning Kitchen, not really the best of programmes to watch on a Sunday evening when the weekend was over!

Surrounded by art!

Sophie and I were up early this morning and on our way to Market Harborough at 8:45am, as my daughter had a hair appointment at 10:00am. We found a parking space easily and walked to Just So Italian for a coffee and an almond croissant. This is definitely our favourite place to go to now in Market Harborough, and I'm sure we've tried everywhere! We used to hang out at Café Nero years ago, but no longer!

After we'd enjoyed our breakfast, we popped to Boots and then crossed the street to the hairdressing salon. There were no seats free, so I went to Costa and had another flat white there! Once I finished my coffee, I went back and waited for Sophie while reading my book. It was very relaxing!

We avoided the charity shops today (apart from the Oxfam bookshop) and browsed in Waterstones, where Sophie bought three books. She is such a passionate reader, and I love seeing her curled up with a book in her nook! We also popped into the new art gallery and admired some very modern, brightly coloured art!

We walked up the main street and noticed more artwork in the shop windows. The art exhibition is on again at Lamport, and they were also showing off works around town. We ventured down a small alleyway to explore a couple more shops, and met a woman with a tiny Pomeranian dog in her bag. The dog was called Pom, and she was gorgeously fluffy and friendly!

We walked further up the street and went to a new store called Neptune, which specialised in kitchens and homewares. This is now the third shop in the town selling overpriced tat, and I noticed candles for £45. We beat a hasty retreat!

By now, we were a bit peckish, so we decided to have a light lunch at The Wine Shed. We sat outside (the sky looked a bit ominous, though!), ordered a glass of wine each, and had paté and bread, and a sourdough roll filled with cheese and salami, with a hot honey dressing.

It was breezy sitting outside, and guests who were attending a wedding at the nearby church arrived in flowery dresses and ordered a bottle of wine. A couple asked for blankets to keep warm; it was that kind of day! Sophie and I chatted about our dream of buying a property in northern France, and she texted her ex-manager, who has an apartment not far from Boulogne. We wanted to pick her brains, so we arranged to take her out for lunch and ask lots of questions! We then saw a lovely flat in Deauville, which would be great to rent out in the Spring and Summer! We have to have dreams!

By the time we'd eaten our lunch and Sophie had enjoyed a Negroni, we decided to call it a day and head to Lamport to check out this year's artworks. The sky had clouded over, and we had dodged a few droplets of rain over lunch. We parked behind the hall and went for a cup of tea and cake first. Sophie chose a slice of red velvet cake, while I went for my favourite, Victoria Sponge. We sat at a wobbly table in the old stables, and I was bemused to see that the café was using packets of wooden cutlery. Why not just put out normal knives, forks and spoons and wash them?

We then spent a pleasant hour wandering about, looking at the different forms of art, from photography, painting, jewellery, textiles and sculpture. There wasn't much that caught my eye apart from a gorgeous wooden bench that had already been sold.

Inspired by Tina Turner...why?

By 4:00pm we had had enough, so it was time to head home, relax and look forward to a Chinese takeaway and a game of Scrabble. Need I say that Sophie beat me? She always does!

After enjoying our meal, we started watching Charlie Wilson's War, but it left all of us cold, so we switched on Carpe Diem instead. A much better choice!