I don't think I'll be sorry to say goodbye to this year! Here's to every success, health, wealth and happiness in 2014!
We have friends coming over much later to have a drink with at midnight - I wish you all a great night, wherever you are!
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Monday, 30 December 2013
Best days of 2013
I've been looking back at 2013 and have picked out the best days for each month. Here's the list!
Sunday 13 January - A lovely day when we drove over to Fawsley to take photos of the gorgeous winter landscape.
Sunday 17 February - Beautiful Spring-like weather and a visit to Coton Manor gardens.
Sunday 24 March - A lovely snowy day. We went to Milton Keynes and had lunch and then had a wonderful walk in the afternoon with Keith and Mikey jumping in the snow-drifts...and of course, our holiday to Florida was only days away!
Monday 8 April - A magical day when we drove to Anna Maria Island, had lunch at Yoder's in Sarasota and then spent a wonderful evening by the pool having lots to drink! This may well even count as the happiest day of my life so far!
Monday 6 May - A glorious trip to Portmeirion in Wales with fantastic weather and a play on the beach in the afternoon. Perfect!
Saturday 29 June - A lovely day spent in Newcastle (we were away for the weekend) and a night spent in a great hotel near Durham.
Saturday 27 July - The start of our road trip to Berlin. An afternoon spent wandering around in Dover doing some shopping and then some lovely pubs in the evening.
Saturday 31 August - A beautifully sunny day spent enjoying the sights and sounds of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Tuesday 24 September - Keith's birthday, a day off for me, and an evening spent watching a huge hot air balloon glide over the gorgeous countryside. The day was rounded off by a meal in the pub!
Sunday 6 October - A lovely day spent in Kent, visiting villages where my ancestors once lived and soaking up the beautiful Autumnal sunshine. We even sat outside and had lunch in a pub garden!
Thursday 21 November - Just a lovely day...Mum and I went to Ikea and then on the way back to work I had my new plates fitted on my car. Plus some wine was delivered for us...always a bonus!
Wednesday 25 December - A truly lovely, relaxing day. Perfect Christmas!
Sunday 13 January - A lovely day when we drove over to Fawsley to take photos of the gorgeous winter landscape.
Sunday 17 February - Beautiful Spring-like weather and a visit to Coton Manor gardens.
Sunday 24 March - A lovely snowy day. We went to Milton Keynes and had lunch and then had a wonderful walk in the afternoon with Keith and Mikey jumping in the snow-drifts...and of course, our holiday to Florida was only days away!
Monday 8 April - A magical day when we drove to Anna Maria Island, had lunch at Yoder's in Sarasota and then spent a wonderful evening by the pool having lots to drink! This may well even count as the happiest day of my life so far!
Monday 6 May - A glorious trip to Portmeirion in Wales with fantastic weather and a play on the beach in the afternoon. Perfect!
Saturday 29 June - A lovely day spent in Newcastle (we were away for the weekend) and a night spent in a great hotel near Durham.
Saturday 27 July - The start of our road trip to Berlin. An afternoon spent wandering around in Dover doing some shopping and then some lovely pubs in the evening.
Saturday 31 August - A beautifully sunny day spent enjoying the sights and sounds of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Tuesday 24 September - Keith's birthday, a day off for me, and an evening spent watching a huge hot air balloon glide over the gorgeous countryside. The day was rounded off by a meal in the pub!
Sunday 6 October - A lovely day spent in Kent, visiting villages where my ancestors once lived and soaking up the beautiful Autumnal sunshine. We even sat outside and had lunch in a pub garden!
Thursday 21 November - Just a lovely day...Mum and I went to Ikea and then on the way back to work I had my new plates fitted on my car. Plus some wine was delivered for us...always a bonus!
Wednesday 25 December - A truly lovely, relaxing day. Perfect Christmas!
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Ticking off the list!
Yesterday I crossed off another item on my Bucket List! I've had a lot of fun trying to do everything this year and I'm starting to think about another list for 2014!
So there were just four things I didn't do although I suppose I did visit a French Christmas market! And the story will have to be written next year, when I come up with some inspiration!
Visit Saltaire near Bradford - a Victorian model village built by Sir Titus Salt for his mill workers.Drive to Berlin (maybe a bit dodgy this one but I'm going to persevere).- Visit a UK Christmas Market.
Walk through Dovedale in the Peak District.Make a Christmas cake.- Write a short story - it's about time I got back into my writing.
Visit Coton Manor Gardens.- Climb at least one of the highest mountains in the UK - either Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis or Snowdon (hmmm...got to get that treadmill at the gym on a higher incline...)
Visit Portmeirion in Wales.- Ride one of the scarier roller coasters when we visit Florida, but NOT the Hulk!
Visit the National Gallery.Read Wuthering Heights.Grow a Sunflower from seed.
So there were just four things I didn't do although I suppose I did visit a French Christmas market! And the story will have to be written next year, when I come up with some inspiration!
Saturday, 28 December 2013
A stroll in Dovedale.
As the forecast for today was so good (and it was really the only day we could get away) Keith and I drove the 70 odd miles up to the Derbyshire Peak District to take a walk in Dovedale.
We left a bit later than we intended and after putting some diesel in my car, we had a quick breakfast at a Little Chef on the A14. This set us up for the day and we had a fairly good run, slowing down only in the lovely town of Ashbourne, where we were caught up in the Saturday shopping traffic.
There's a large, very muddy, car park at the start of the walk so we changed into our walking boots and set off along the river Dove. The whole area is beautiful - the gurgling, rushing river and the surrounding hills are gorgeous and there were loads of people out walking, most of them with their dogs.
The walk starts off on the level and the river was so full it was spilling out onto the path. After a few minutes we came to the famous stepping stones which have to be negotiated very carefully!
There were lots of people out walking and near the stepping stones a few ducks were hanging out, on the look out for crumbs. They were joined by a trio of crows who were also eyeing our pockets in case we had any grub...not this time!
After a while we came to a flight of wide stone steps that took us away from the fast-flowing river. It was quite a climb!
Once at the top of the steps we spotted a path leading up the side of one of the hills. We decided to set off and see where it led to, but after about twenty minutes we decided to turn back as it just kept going up and up and we weren't really prepared for such a steep climb!
We turned back and walked the way we'd come. By now we could tell that the light was beginning to fade and the valley is so sheltered there was no sun at all. We didn't fancy the stepping stones in the dark! On the way back we played "pooh sticks" which made us both laugh as the little sticks stayed with us for quite a long way along the river, only coming to grief in one of the fast weirs.
A lot of people were heading back to the start of the walk and we watched a trio of huge Newfoundland dogs playing in the shallow parts and retrieving sticks for their owner. They were drenched and I can only imagine what the owner's car looked like after they finished their walk!
Back at the car park I enjoyed a hot chocolate and then we changed out of our muddy boots to drive home. We skirted Derby this time and had a very good journey home where the children were pleased to see us. I think they missed our company today!
As we'd been out all day we decided to have a Chinese takeway from the van in the village but they weren't there this evening! Typical! We ordered one to be delivered from Brixworth and went to The Royal Oak for a drink anyway. It was packed with people eating and drinking and made for a very relaxing end to an enjoyable day!
We left a bit later than we intended and after putting some diesel in my car, we had a quick breakfast at a Little Chef on the A14. This set us up for the day and we had a fairly good run, slowing down only in the lovely town of Ashbourne, where we were caught up in the Saturday shopping traffic.
There's a large, very muddy, car park at the start of the walk so we changed into our walking boots and set off along the river Dove. The whole area is beautiful - the gurgling, rushing river and the surrounding hills are gorgeous and there were loads of people out walking, most of them with their dogs.
The walk starts off on the level and the river was so full it was spilling out onto the path. After a few minutes we came to the famous stepping stones which have to be negotiated very carefully!
 |
| Some people carried their pooches over the stepping stones! |
There were lots of people out walking and near the stepping stones a few ducks were hanging out, on the look out for crumbs. They were joined by a trio of crows who were also eyeing our pockets in case we had any grub...not this time!
After a while we came to a flight of wide stone steps that took us away from the fast-flowing river. It was quite a climb!
Once at the top of the steps we spotted a path leading up the side of one of the hills. We decided to set off and see where it led to, but after about twenty minutes we decided to turn back as it just kept going up and up and we weren't really prepared for such a steep climb!
 |
| The muddy, stony path. Quite slippery in places! |
We turned back and walked the way we'd come. By now we could tell that the light was beginning to fade and the valley is so sheltered there was no sun at all. We didn't fancy the stepping stones in the dark! On the way back we played "pooh sticks" which made us both laugh as the little sticks stayed with us for quite a long way along the river, only coming to grief in one of the fast weirs.
A lot of people were heading back to the start of the walk and we watched a trio of huge Newfoundland dogs playing in the shallow parts and retrieving sticks for their owner. They were drenched and I can only imagine what the owner's car looked like after they finished their walk!
Back at the car park I enjoyed a hot chocolate and then we changed out of our muddy boots to drive home. We skirted Derby this time and had a very good journey home where the children were pleased to see us. I think they missed our company today!
As we'd been out all day we decided to have a Chinese takeway from the van in the village but they weren't there this evening! Typical! We ordered one to be delivered from Brixworth and went to The Royal Oak for a drink anyway. It was packed with people eating and drinking and made for a very relaxing end to an enjoyable day!
Friday, 27 December 2013
Winding down...
So, Christmas is over for another year, but it was very enjoyable!
Today Sophie and I drove over to Meerkat Harborough as she is going to a school Winter Ball next week and she needed to get a dress to wear. We had lunch in Costa Coffee first and then had a good search through the sales in New Look. I bought a case for my new Kindle and when I re-joined my daughter she had an armful of clothes! It doesn't take her long!
We didn't stay in the town long as it was starting to get busy and when we got home I popped around to see Sue and to take her plates back (she'd given us some cheese from her drinks party last Saturday). Her dog Bailey was a bit unsure of me at first but I was soon stroking his tummy and he showed me all the toys he'd received at Christmas...he had more than Sue and Paul! We do have some pampered pooches around here!
We had a cup of tea and a good chat and then I returned home, collected Sophie and we went off to the gym for a much-needed swim. It felt like ages since we'd been and it was much quieter than normal. Luckily we had the Slow Lane to ourselves so we swam for half an hour and then relaxed in the spa! Bliss!
Today Sophie and I drove over to Meerkat Harborough as she is going to a school Winter Ball next week and she needed to get a dress to wear. We had lunch in Costa Coffee first and then had a good search through the sales in New Look. I bought a case for my new Kindle and when I re-joined my daughter she had an armful of clothes! It doesn't take her long!
We didn't stay in the town long as it was starting to get busy and when we got home I popped around to see Sue and to take her plates back (she'd given us some cheese from her drinks party last Saturday). Her dog Bailey was a bit unsure of me at first but I was soon stroking his tummy and he showed me all the toys he'd received at Christmas...he had more than Sue and Paul! We do have some pampered pooches around here!
We had a cup of tea and a good chat and then I returned home, collected Sophie and we went off to the gym for a much-needed swim. It felt like ages since we'd been and it was much quieter than normal. Luckily we had the Slow Lane to ourselves so we swam for half an hour and then relaxed in the spa! Bliss!
Thursday, 26 December 2013
Christmas celebrations!
Christmas Day:
We had a lovely Christmas Day - one of the most relaxed for years. The children were up at just after 8am and by 9am all the presents had been opened! All that shopping!
While chaos reigned in the living room I tidied up the kitchen and made a cooked breakfast as we weren't going to be eating dinner until later that afternoon. By the time we'd eaten chipolatas, bacon, scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast it was almost 11am and I just had time to play with the Kindle that Keith had bought for me (along with a Tassimo coffee machine) and download two books. I will still read paper books, but I have to say it's a lot easier to buy a new book via the Kindle!
At lunchtime we popped to the pub for an hour to wish Happy Christmas to Keith's mates Dave and John, and to say hello to Ian who was rushed off his feet. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day, just how it should be!
The afternoon was very relaxed and we played two games of Mikey's "Cards Against Humanity" which was actually really horrible and in some cases, in very bad taste! It was hilarious though, and Sophie and I had to re-do our eye make-up as we were laughing so much! Not a game to play with friends who are very politically correct!
At 4pm we loaded the car up with Mum and Dad's presents and then drove to their house. We had planned to leave the car with them overnight and then walk back, something we needed after a heavy meal and lots of wine!
We had a fantastic evening and Mum and Dad worked really hard to make it special for all of us. They had lit a fire in the living room and we sipped Mulled wine as we opened our presents. The children were really pleased with what they received and Mum and Dad were over the moon with the hamper I'd made up for them, which was a relief! I received a lovely nightie and dressing gown set in a gorgeous silky material plus Keith and I were treated to another voucher for a night away, this time in a character hotel! Yippee!
Once the presents were opened we sat down for our starters - prawn cocktail for the adults and pate and toast for the wee ones. I'd bought Dad a bottle of Chablis which we drank with the starter and even the children had half a glass and enjoyed it! My Dad then served a mango sorbet and after letting that refresh our palates we went back to the living room while Mum and Dad beavered away putting the finishing touches to the main course.
I felt a little bit guilty, I have to say, sitting doing nothing in the living room, but all my offers of help were refused so I had no choice but to sink back down into the cushions and relax. My parents' house is very cosy indeed and with the twinkling lights and the fire it felt lovely to sit and look forward to our turkey dinner.
Mum and Dad had made a lovely meal and we had loads of vegetables, turkey, gammon and enough roast potatoes and pigs in blankets to feed an army! By the end we were all well and truly stuffed! Again, we were told to go and relax while Mum and Dad cleared away and then we watched The Pink Panther film which was silly but enjoyable!
Maureen, our cook at work, had very kindly made dessert for us - it was a bit like an ice-cream bomb with spiced fruits which dad had covered with melted chocolate. It was delicious but I still like my Christmas pudding with brandy cream!
By 9.30pm Mum and Dad were flagging and the kids wanted to go home and get back to their gadgets so we said our goodbyes and walked home. It felt very frosty underfoot but it was great to get out in the fresh air and have a little bit of exercise!
Boxing Day:
I was up early this morning and I caught up with a couple of programmes I'd recorded on Christmas Day, one of which was a ghost story called The Tractate Middoth - a bit strange but certainly not as scary as the reviews described!
Keith and I dressed and walked up to collect the car before the children woke up and the frost had given way to grey, murky fog. Not very pleasant! We had a quick cup of coffee with Mum and Dad then drove home to prepare dinner (beef casserole) before we went into work to feed the birds. I just had a couple of things I needed to do in the office and then it was home to do some household chores which I couldn't leave any longer!
Keith spent all afternoon ironing while I cleaned my filthy car inside and out, hoovered the house and changed our bed. By 4pm I was ready for a long soak in the bath and a loll about on the sofa. We had talked about going to the pub but Keith had a quick drive up to the village and said it was closed. That was all the excuse we needed to don our comfiest clothes (I'd bought Keith a very snuggly onesie!) and do very little before dinner!
We had a lovely Christmas Day - one of the most relaxed for years. The children were up at just after 8am and by 9am all the presents had been opened! All that shopping!
While chaos reigned in the living room I tidied up the kitchen and made a cooked breakfast as we weren't going to be eating dinner until later that afternoon. By the time we'd eaten chipolatas, bacon, scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast it was almost 11am and I just had time to play with the Kindle that Keith had bought for me (along with a Tassimo coffee machine) and download two books. I will still read paper books, but I have to say it's a lot easier to buy a new book via the Kindle!
At lunchtime we popped to the pub for an hour to wish Happy Christmas to Keith's mates Dave and John, and to say hello to Ian who was rushed off his feet. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day, just how it should be!
The afternoon was very relaxed and we played two games of Mikey's "Cards Against Humanity" which was actually really horrible and in some cases, in very bad taste! It was hilarious though, and Sophie and I had to re-do our eye make-up as we were laughing so much! Not a game to play with friends who are very politically correct!
At 4pm we loaded the car up with Mum and Dad's presents and then drove to their house. We had planned to leave the car with them overnight and then walk back, something we needed after a heavy meal and lots of wine!
We had a fantastic evening and Mum and Dad worked really hard to make it special for all of us. They had lit a fire in the living room and we sipped Mulled wine as we opened our presents. The children were really pleased with what they received and Mum and Dad were over the moon with the hamper I'd made up for them, which was a relief! I received a lovely nightie and dressing gown set in a gorgeous silky material plus Keith and I were treated to another voucher for a night away, this time in a character hotel! Yippee!
Once the presents were opened we sat down for our starters - prawn cocktail for the adults and pate and toast for the wee ones. I'd bought Dad a bottle of Chablis which we drank with the starter and even the children had half a glass and enjoyed it! My Dad then served a mango sorbet and after letting that refresh our palates we went back to the living room while Mum and Dad beavered away putting the finishing touches to the main course.
I felt a little bit guilty, I have to say, sitting doing nothing in the living room, but all my offers of help were refused so I had no choice but to sink back down into the cushions and relax. My parents' house is very cosy indeed and with the twinkling lights and the fire it felt lovely to sit and look forward to our turkey dinner.
Mum and Dad had made a lovely meal and we had loads of vegetables, turkey, gammon and enough roast potatoes and pigs in blankets to feed an army! By the end we were all well and truly stuffed! Again, we were told to go and relax while Mum and Dad cleared away and then we watched The Pink Panther film which was silly but enjoyable!
Maureen, our cook at work, had very kindly made dessert for us - it was a bit like an ice-cream bomb with spiced fruits which dad had covered with melted chocolate. It was delicious but I still like my Christmas pudding with brandy cream!
By 9.30pm Mum and Dad were flagging and the kids wanted to go home and get back to their gadgets so we said our goodbyes and walked home. It felt very frosty underfoot but it was great to get out in the fresh air and have a little bit of exercise!
Boxing Day:
I was up early this morning and I caught up with a couple of programmes I'd recorded on Christmas Day, one of which was a ghost story called The Tractate Middoth - a bit strange but certainly not as scary as the reviews described!
Keith and I dressed and walked up to collect the car before the children woke up and the frost had given way to grey, murky fog. Not very pleasant! We had a quick cup of coffee with Mum and Dad then drove home to prepare dinner (beef casserole) before we went into work to feed the birds. I just had a couple of things I needed to do in the office and then it was home to do some household chores which I couldn't leave any longer!
Keith spent all afternoon ironing while I cleaned my filthy car inside and out, hoovered the house and changed our bed. By 4pm I was ready for a long soak in the bath and a loll about on the sofa. We had talked about going to the pub but Keith had a quick drive up to the village and said it was closed. That was all the excuse we needed to don our comfiest clothes (I'd bought Keith a very snuggly onesie!) and do very little before dinner!
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
Happy Christmas!
I'd like to wish everyone who reads this blog a very Merry Christmas and I hope that 2014 will be the best year ever for you all!
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
Perfect Christmas Eve
Today has been lovely and the weather has improved no end, with lots of sunshine which has been a bonus!
Keith was very brave and ventured over to Tesco first thing as we realised that this year we can't rely on leftovers for our Boxing Day meal! I thought he was mad, but he called me from the store to say that the place was empty...amazing!
We had booked a table at the Royal Oak for lunch so we had a drink in the bar before going to our table and I soaked up the lovely atmosphere that's always part of the pub's appeal. We had a great meal - starters of very garlicky bread, followed by a whale of a fish for Keith and I, a burger for Sophie and a Club Sandwich for Mikey - and Sophie even managed a delicious panna cotta for dessert.
As soon as we got home Sophie and I went out again to Beckworth as I was still on the hunt for a flower arrangement for Mum. I bought a beautiful turkey and stuffing (pork) pie and as they were desperate to get rid of them, we had another added for free, along with two mini pork pies! I'll take the bigger one over to Mum and Dad's tomorrow as there's no way we can get through two!
I also bought some satsumas and a little tray of dates but couldn't find any flowers or plants for mum so I bought her a box of chocolates instead. With some little dunking chocolate sticks for the children (to make hot chocolate) our purchases were complete and we headed home.
The rest of the day was spent doing very little, just how Christmas Eve should be!
Keith was very brave and ventured over to Tesco first thing as we realised that this year we can't rely on leftovers for our Boxing Day meal! I thought he was mad, but he called me from the store to say that the place was empty...amazing!
We had booked a table at the Royal Oak for lunch so we had a drink in the bar before going to our table and I soaked up the lovely atmosphere that's always part of the pub's appeal. We had a great meal - starters of very garlicky bread, followed by a whale of a fish for Keith and I, a burger for Sophie and a Club Sandwich for Mikey - and Sophie even managed a delicious panna cotta for dessert.
As soon as we got home Sophie and I went out again to Beckworth as I was still on the hunt for a flower arrangement for Mum. I bought a beautiful turkey and stuffing (pork) pie and as they were desperate to get rid of them, we had another added for free, along with two mini pork pies! I'll take the bigger one over to Mum and Dad's tomorrow as there's no way we can get through two!
I also bought some satsumas and a little tray of dates but couldn't find any flowers or plants for mum so I bought her a box of chocolates instead. With some little dunking chocolate sticks for the children (to make hot chocolate) our purchases were complete and we headed home.
The rest of the day was spent doing very little, just how Christmas Eve should be!
Monday, 23 December 2013
Christmas storms
I was awake early this morning and the news was full of the very windy and wet weather set to batter the British Isles. We even had a weather warning in our area for high winds and rain, not the best of days to venture out to finish the Christmas shopping!
But Keith and I did go out as Sophie had some of her friends around today and wanted them to sit in the living room, eat pizza and watch DVDs! We went off to Meerkat Harborough at midday and braved the foul weather for a couple of hours. We called in to see Duncan and his merry band to get some wine to take around to Mum and Dad's house on Christmas Day. The shop was packed with people looking for wine to match the turkey and Nick picked out an Italian red and a Chablis for me.
I bought Mikey two little stocking fillers and then we ventured home but on the way I remembered I wanted to buy my Mum an arrangement of flowers so we headed off to the garden centre by Harlestone Firs. It was quieter than I expected but I couldn't find anything I liked so we just had a mooch about and chuckled at all the sales prices tagged onto the trees and lights. They'll probably be even cheaper tomorrow! Finally we decided to head home and watched TV in our bedroom, marvelling at the sound of the wind and rain outside. It was a really violent night!
It really wasn't the sort of night to venture out into town to see the Pantomime! We picked Mum and Dad up at 6pm (Keith was more than happy to stay home and watch the football) and headed off to the Derngate theatre to see Sleeping Beauty starring Linda Lusardi and her husband Sam Kane. I can honestly say it was the best Panto I've ever seen and had something for everyone. The highlight for all of us were the 3D effects which really were like being at a high-tech show in Universal. Lots of scary creatures (spiders, snakes, horrible insects) loomed out of the stage at us making everyone scream and squirm in their seats! It was truly brilliant! As well as that, the comic scenes were very funny and the King performed some great magic tricks so the whole show, with the fantastic costumes and dancers, was very entertaining and they've certainly brought the traditional pantomime into the 21st century!
When it was time to go home the rain had started again and back home our string of lights almost came down. It was certainly a wild and woolly start to Christmas!
But Keith and I did go out as Sophie had some of her friends around today and wanted them to sit in the living room, eat pizza and watch DVDs! We went off to Meerkat Harborough at midday and braved the foul weather for a couple of hours. We called in to see Duncan and his merry band to get some wine to take around to Mum and Dad's house on Christmas Day. The shop was packed with people looking for wine to match the turkey and Nick picked out an Italian red and a Chablis for me.
I bought Mikey two little stocking fillers and then we ventured home but on the way I remembered I wanted to buy my Mum an arrangement of flowers so we headed off to the garden centre by Harlestone Firs. It was quieter than I expected but I couldn't find anything I liked so we just had a mooch about and chuckled at all the sales prices tagged onto the trees and lights. They'll probably be even cheaper tomorrow! Finally we decided to head home and watched TV in our bedroom, marvelling at the sound of the wind and rain outside. It was a really violent night!
It really wasn't the sort of night to venture out into town to see the Pantomime! We picked Mum and Dad up at 6pm (Keith was more than happy to stay home and watch the football) and headed off to the Derngate theatre to see Sleeping Beauty starring Linda Lusardi and her husband Sam Kane. I can honestly say it was the best Panto I've ever seen and had something for everyone. The highlight for all of us were the 3D effects which really were like being at a high-tech show in Universal. Lots of scary creatures (spiders, snakes, horrible insects) loomed out of the stage at us making everyone scream and squirm in their seats! It was truly brilliant! As well as that, the comic scenes were very funny and the King performed some great magic tricks so the whole show, with the fantastic costumes and dancers, was very entertaining and they've certainly brought the traditional pantomime into the 21st century!
When it was time to go home the rain had started again and back home our string of lights almost came down. It was certainly a wild and woolly start to Christmas!
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Dog sitting!
I awoke this morning feeling a little fragile (again!) and feeling glad that the only thing I had planned was looking after Max the dog for Sarah and Liam. Sarah brought him around at 11am and I spent a lovely afternoon rubbing his tummy and having lots of cuddles. I wasn't the only one...
The cats weren't happy at being chucked out of the house, though! Half way through the afternoon I took him for a short walk down to the village and decided to turn back as he's getting on a bit now...I doubt very much he would be able to do the 16 mile Holcot Hobble that we both did together many years ago!
I'm glad I turned back as the beautiful blue sky was gradually turning a very nasty shade of dark grey and within five minutes of being back at home we had a very violent hailstorm that turned the roads and gardens white - it looked like it had snowed!
Sophie called me to ask me to pick her up at 4pm which I was only too glad to do. On the way to pick her up the sky had reverted back to pinky-blue but the hailstones still lay on the grass verges!
By the way, here is a photo of my Christmas cake and I suppose I can cross another item off my Bucket List for 2013!
I'm glad I turned back as the beautiful blue sky was gradually turning a very nasty shade of dark grey and within five minutes of being back at home we had a very violent hailstorm that turned the roads and gardens white - it looked like it had snowed!
Sophie called me to ask me to pick her up at 4pm which I was only too glad to do. On the way to pick her up the sky had reverted back to pinky-blue but the hailstones still lay on the grass verges!
By the way, here is a photo of my Christmas cake and I suppose I can cross another item off my Bucket List for 2013!
Visit Saltaire near Bradford - a Victorian model village built by Sir Titus Salt for his mill workers.Drive to Berlin (maybe a bit dodgy this one but I'm going to persevere).- Visit a UK Christmas Market.
- Walk through Dovedale in the Peak District.
Make a Christmas cake.- Write a short story - it's about time I got back into my writing.
Visit Coton Manor Gardens.- Climb at least one of the highest mountains in the UK - either Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis or Snowdon (hmmm...got to get that treadmill at the gym on a higher incline...)
Visit Portmeirion in Wales.- Ride one of the scarier roller coasters when we visit Florida, but NOT the Hulk!
Visit the National Gallery.Read Wuthering Heights.Grow a sunflower from seed.
Saturday, 21 December 2013
Another late night!
I felt a little fragile and tired this morning so I was really glad I hadn't planned much for today! Keith drove Sophie to work as I was worried I'd still be over the limit and we went and put more diesel in the car on the way home. I'm hoping that's it now until after Christmas!
Despite not having much planned I still managed to fill my day by wrapping the presents I bought on Thursday and finishing off my cake. I glazed the top with warmed apricot jam and then covered it with almonds before wrapping a red ribbon around the sides. It felt very moist - so it should be with the amount of port and brandy I'd poured over it! - and I'm looking forward to trying some!
Before going to pick Sophie up from work I had a lovely hot bath as tonight we are out at Sue and Paul's house for Christmas drinks and nibbles. I'm just glad it wasn't me having to prepare lots more food!
Sophie very kindly did my hair and make-up and at just after 7pm Keith and I braved the high winds and rain to walk the very short distance to Sue and Paul's house. Their living room looked beautiful and it was great to sink into their sofa and relax! Within a couple of minutes Liam and Sarah arrived, swiftly followed by Graham and Nancy who live a few doors down and have a gorgeous dog called Dennis. I'd never really spoken to Nancy before but we got on really well and it was great to chat to her.
Gill and Tim arrived last and the noise of chatter increased as we all sipped our drinks and nibbled on snacks. Sue and Paul always put a huge spread on and tonight was no exception! There was enough food to feed an army!
We had a great night and were the last to leave (first to arrive as well!) so it was almost 1am when we got home to find both children still up. I think that we'll be taking things quietly now for the next few days!
Despite not having much planned I still managed to fill my day by wrapping the presents I bought on Thursday and finishing off my cake. I glazed the top with warmed apricot jam and then covered it with almonds before wrapping a red ribbon around the sides. It felt very moist - so it should be with the amount of port and brandy I'd poured over it! - and I'm looking forward to trying some!
Before going to pick Sophie up from work I had a lovely hot bath as tonight we are out at Sue and Paul's house for Christmas drinks and nibbles. I'm just glad it wasn't me having to prepare lots more food!
Sophie very kindly did my hair and make-up and at just after 7pm Keith and I braved the high winds and rain to walk the very short distance to Sue and Paul's house. Their living room looked beautiful and it was great to sink into their sofa and relax! Within a couple of minutes Liam and Sarah arrived, swiftly followed by Graham and Nancy who live a few doors down and have a gorgeous dog called Dennis. I'd never really spoken to Nancy before but we got on really well and it was great to chat to her.
Gill and Tim arrived last and the noise of chatter increased as we all sipped our drinks and nibbled on snacks. Sue and Paul always put a huge spread on and tonight was no exception! There was enough food to feed an army!
We had a great night and were the last to leave (first to arrive as well!) so it was almost 1am when we got home to find both children still up. I think that we'll be taking things quietly now for the next few days!
Friday, 20 December 2013
Come Dine With Me!
I was very pleased that I'd decided to take the whole day off work today as I had so much to do to prepare for the Come Dine With Me evening. Originally I was just going to have the afternoon off!
My first task of the day was to take the kids to school and then it was back home to prepare the beef stroganoff. I was still a bit worried about this dish as I hadn't got the flavour completely right the last time I'd made it. Keith cut the rump steak into strips for me, I fried the onions in butter and then browned the meat. After cooking the mushrooms I made a beef stock and then let the whole dish marinate in the fridge, to be cooked later.
After a very quick breakfast I cleaned the conservatory and set the table and I was really pleased with the finished result. Keith sprayed stars onto the windows and put up some fake icicles while I sorted all the crockery and cutlery out. We moved a table into the conservatory as I wanted us to have our pre-dinner drinks in there rather than the chaotic living room!
My first task of the day was to take the kids to school and then it was back home to prepare the beef stroganoff. I was still a bit worried about this dish as I hadn't got the flavour completely right the last time I'd made it. Keith cut the rump steak into strips for me, I fried the onions in butter and then browned the meat. After cooking the mushrooms I made a beef stock and then let the whole dish marinate in the fridge, to be cooked later.
After a very quick breakfast I cleaned the conservatory and set the table and I was really pleased with the finished result. Keith sprayed stars onto the windows and put up some fake icicles while I sorted all the crockery and cutlery out. We moved a table into the conservatory as I wanted us to have our pre-dinner drinks in there rather than the chaotic living room!
The rest of the day was spent cooking and cleaning and at 2pm I had to go and pick Sophie up from school as she was finishing early today. From the school we popped over to Tesco's where I bought some fresh fruit and nibbles and then it was home to make my Blinis. My meringue for my Pavlova hadn't turned out very well so I threw it away and started all over again. This time I made sure the egg whites were really well whipped!
The Blinis turned out fine so I set them aside and put the beef Stroganoff into the oven to cook slowly. By the time I concentrated on myself I was shattered! The girls arrived at 7.30pm and by now the weather had turned really stormy. They thought the conservatory looked beautiful (it did) so we had a couple of cocktails -a choice of either a Moscow Mule or a Black Russian - and then it was down to the meal. I was really pleased with how everything had turned out, especially as I do get very nervous cooking for friends! The beef Stroganoff had a lot more flavour (I added French mustard) and my Pavlova was a huge success. I'm definitely making that again!
It was a very late evening and the girls didn't go until 1am as they had to wait an hour for a taxi so I was dead on my feet when I eventually made it to bed!
Thursday, 19 December 2013
The last of the Christmas shopping...I hope!
After work this evening Sophie and I drove off to Milton Keynes to do the last of our Christmas shopping. It was busier than the last time we went but I still managed to park quite easily and we were soon in the vast shopping centre.
Sustenance was needed first so we made for Marks and Spencer and we each had a coffee and a bite to eat (a warmed mince pie for me!). I then went and bought Keith some clothes, a bottle of English whisky for my Dad and a Port and cheese set for Lynda.
Sophie wanted to go to River Island to get some gifts for her friends so I headed for Boots and bought the children a few stocking fillers. We met up outside the store and then walked over to Waterstones on the way back to the car. I bought Mum a Sharon Osbourne autobiography and two football books for Keith, who is notoriously difficult to buy for!
We were both a wee bit weary by now and we were laden down with heavy bags so we decided to call it a day and headed back to the car. It seemed that everyone else had had the same idea as getting out of the multi storey car park was very difficult. It took us almost half an hour from getting back to the car to making it onto the surrounding roads so that was something I hadn't bargained for!
We had a good journey home and then it was baked potatoes for dinner. Perfect for a cold and rainy winter's evening!
Sustenance was needed first so we made for Marks and Spencer and we each had a coffee and a bite to eat (a warmed mince pie for me!). I then went and bought Keith some clothes, a bottle of English whisky for my Dad and a Port and cheese set for Lynda.
Sophie wanted to go to River Island to get some gifts for her friends so I headed for Boots and bought the children a few stocking fillers. We met up outside the store and then walked over to Waterstones on the way back to the car. I bought Mum a Sharon Osbourne autobiography and two football books for Keith, who is notoriously difficult to buy for!
We were both a wee bit weary by now and we were laden down with heavy bags so we decided to call it a day and headed back to the car. It seemed that everyone else had had the same idea as getting out of the multi storey car park was very difficult. It took us almost half an hour from getting back to the car to making it onto the surrounding roads so that was something I hadn't bargained for!
We had a good journey home and then it was baked potatoes for dinner. Perfect for a cold and rainy winter's evening!
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Such busy days!
Yesterday and today have been very busy indeed. On Tuesday we carried on with sorting things out with regards to the burglary and trying to find out more from the CCTV pictures. Sophie worked in the evening but rather than stay at work I went home and made loads of lists to prepare for my dinner party on Friday night.
Even though Mikey had taken today off with an upset tum, he still managed to make it to his Army Cadet night. I think that the thought of a small Christmas party may have helped as it was the last evening before they finished for the holidays!
Wednesday was spent literally rushing about like a mad thing! We had to stay at work until 1pm and I'd planned on buying all the food but I just ran out of time and all I ended up getting was the beef and the salmon. Keith has promised he will buy the veggies for me on Friday so that was a bit of a bonus!
Sophie and I were due to go to the gym after work but we were both shattered and I just couldn't face the thought of an hour's exercise. Even a session in the spa didn't appeal so we went home and relaxed - tomorrow we're off to Milton Keynes to do the last of our shopping so maybe one night without doing anything was a good idea!
Even though Mikey had taken today off with an upset tum, he still managed to make it to his Army Cadet night. I think that the thought of a small Christmas party may have helped as it was the last evening before they finished for the holidays!
Wednesday was spent literally rushing about like a mad thing! We had to stay at work until 1pm and I'd planned on buying all the food but I just ran out of time and all I ended up getting was the beef and the salmon. Keith has promised he will buy the veggies for me on Friday so that was a bit of a bonus!
Sophie and I were due to go to the gym after work but we were both shattered and I just couldn't face the thought of an hour's exercise. Even a session in the spa didn't appeal so we went home and relaxed - tomorrow we're off to Milton Keynes to do the last of our shopping so maybe one night without doing anything was a good idea!
Monday, 16 December 2013
A bit of a shock...
I had a feeling that today wouldn't be a good day on the way to work this morning when the traffic ground to a halt in one of the villages, for no apparent reason. It turned out to be because someone had been hurt badly - either he'd been run over or had collapsed - as when I drove past, the man was lying on the ground covered by blankets.
It was pretty sobering, especially as the accident had happened opposite a bus stop used by local children. I drove into work and was surprised to get a call from Sophie saying that my Dad had called to say that the alarm was going off at work. Thinking it was the Nursery girls arriving, I wasn't too worried until I got into work to discover that it was very serious indeed.
The alarm had gone off at 8am which was very surprising seeing as we normally have staff in at that time and for one minute we were a bit alarmed thinking that the burglars were still in the building. The safe had been unlocked and all the weekend takings had been stolen...
Whoever it was knew exactly where we kept the key which was very worrying. Other things bothered me as well, because two doors hadn't been secured properly and our security light was still on. The police came out and I looked at the CCTV to see if I could spot anyone in the building at 8am, but there was nothing.
We later discovered that the alarm had gone off at just before 3am and we were able to see two men running through the play area en route to our office. The alarm goes through to a central station who then ring our security company who are supposed to come out to investigate but we don't know what happened as nothing had been reported to us at that early hour, only the 8am alarm which still remains a mystery.
To make matters worse, our cleaner had taken today off, so after sorting out everything, we had all the cleaning to do! I'd already decided to give the gym a miss tonight so Sophie and I went off home and she suggested that Keith and I go out for a drink to try and relax after the stressful day. We walked up to the pub in the village only to remember half way there that it closes on a Monday! Typical! Retracing our steps we got into the car and drove over to The Hare at Loddington where we had a very pleasant couple of drinks and ended up chatting to a man at the bar who had just moved into the village. At least the end of the day was a lot better than the start!
It was pretty sobering, especially as the accident had happened opposite a bus stop used by local children. I drove into work and was surprised to get a call from Sophie saying that my Dad had called to say that the alarm was going off at work. Thinking it was the Nursery girls arriving, I wasn't too worried until I got into work to discover that it was very serious indeed.
The alarm had gone off at 8am which was very surprising seeing as we normally have staff in at that time and for one minute we were a bit alarmed thinking that the burglars were still in the building. The safe had been unlocked and all the weekend takings had been stolen...
Whoever it was knew exactly where we kept the key which was very worrying. Other things bothered me as well, because two doors hadn't been secured properly and our security light was still on. The police came out and I looked at the CCTV to see if I could spot anyone in the building at 8am, but there was nothing.
We later discovered that the alarm had gone off at just before 3am and we were able to see two men running through the play area en route to our office. The alarm goes through to a central station who then ring our security company who are supposed to come out to investigate but we don't know what happened as nothing had been reported to us at that early hour, only the 8am alarm which still remains a mystery.
To make matters worse, our cleaner had taken today off, so after sorting out everything, we had all the cleaning to do! I'd already decided to give the gym a miss tonight so Sophie and I went off home and she suggested that Keith and I go out for a drink to try and relax after the stressful day. We walked up to the pub in the village only to remember half way there that it closes on a Monday! Typical! Retracing our steps we got into the car and drove over to The Hare at Loddington where we had a very pleasant couple of drinks and ended up chatting to a man at the bar who had just moved into the village. At least the end of the day was a lot better than the start!
Sunday, 15 December 2013
No rest for the wicked!
If I thought I was going to have a relaxing day after my hectic trip, I was wrong! I had loads of things planned and I did manage to achieve most of them!
Keith and I took Sophie to work this morning and luckily the Tesco delivery man was waiting up the road for 11am so he could come along and give me all the goodies I'd ordered for Mum and Dad's hamper. That meant I didn't have to hang around at work for an hour, which was a bonus!
On the way home I put some more diesel in the car, gave it a good wash and treated myself to a Costa Coffee Latte. I had a feeling I needed the caffeine! Back at home I helped Keith prepare the veggies for dinner and then I had to put on hold the plans I had to hoover the car out as it started to rain heavily. So much for my car wash! Instead I started on my Blinis by mixing my two flours (Buckwheat and strong white plain flour) adding yeast and two egg yolks. I left them to rise for an hour and then added two whisked egg whites to the bubbly mixture and waited another hour for it to rise some more.
Keith was hanging about wanting me to cook the Blinis for lunch so I duly obliged, adding the batter to hot melted butter and cooking them like pancakes. We both agreed they tasted good, but it's the topping that really counts so I've decided on soft cheese with smoked salmon on the top.
After I made the Blinis I made another loaf of bread - white this week - as I had loads of flour left from the Blinis. I was really pleased with the results and I'll take the loaf into work tomorrow to make sandwiches for us all.
Before I left to pick Sophie up from work I put a colour on my hair (badger, be gone!) and then spent the rest of the evening eating Keith's lovely roast and watching a bit more of Dr Zhivago...I think I'm just about ready for my Come Dine With Me evening!
Keith and I took Sophie to work this morning and luckily the Tesco delivery man was waiting up the road for 11am so he could come along and give me all the goodies I'd ordered for Mum and Dad's hamper. That meant I didn't have to hang around at work for an hour, which was a bonus!
On the way home I put some more diesel in the car, gave it a good wash and treated myself to a Costa Coffee Latte. I had a feeling I needed the caffeine! Back at home I helped Keith prepare the veggies for dinner and then I had to put on hold the plans I had to hoover the car out as it started to rain heavily. So much for my car wash! Instead I started on my Blinis by mixing my two flours (Buckwheat and strong white plain flour) adding yeast and two egg yolks. I left them to rise for an hour and then added two whisked egg whites to the bubbly mixture and waited another hour for it to rise some more.
Keith was hanging about wanting me to cook the Blinis for lunch so I duly obliged, adding the batter to hot melted butter and cooking them like pancakes. We both agreed they tasted good, but it's the topping that really counts so I've decided on soft cheese with smoked salmon on the top.
After I made the Blinis I made another loaf of bread - white this week - as I had loads of flour left from the Blinis. I was really pleased with the results and I'll take the loaf into work tomorrow to make sandwiches for us all.
Before I left to pick Sophie up from work I put a colour on my hair (badger, be gone!) and then spent the rest of the evening eating Keith's lovely roast and watching a bit more of Dr Zhivago...I think I'm just about ready for my Come Dine With Me evening!
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Arras Christmas Market
After a so-so night's sleep (I never sleep well in a strange bed, although the Premier Inn beds are wonderful) we were up at 6am and getting ready. Our ferry was leaving at 8.25am so we had to be in the port 45 minutes beforehand. I managed to set the smoke alarm off in our room when I was blow-drying my hair as I caught some hairs in the motor inside and they sizzled a bit! Ouch! Mum and Dad heard the noise from their room a bit further along the hall and wondered what on earth was going on!
It was looking to be a gorgeous day and we made it to the port within five minutes. However, we were selected for an extra security check so I had to drive into a huge shed and open the bonnet and boot while an official quizzed me about where I was going and had anyone given me anything to take abroad? That completed we checked in and within a very short time we were boarding the P&O Pride of Canterbury for the 90 minute crossing.
It wasn't the most pleasant of journeys I've had! The boat was very busy indeed (Duty Free was rammed!) and we found it difficult to find a place to sit once we'd left the restaurant where we'd had breakfast. There was also a strange smell pervading the ship (unwashed bodies, I'm afraid) that was really off-putting! For once, I wished I'd decided to take the Shuttle!
However, we docked at Calais and the sun was shining, so that was great. I'd dreaded the weather being wet and horrible! It took us an hour to make the very easy trip down to Arras on the A26. The autoroute was almost empty - just a handful of cars and lorries using the road - so it was a very pleasant trip. The countryside along the way was very rural with occasional small villages dotted about, lots of woods and, in the distance, slag heaps, as this area of Northern France used to be an important area for mining.
We arrived in Arras at midday and followed signs for "Le Village de Noel" parking, which was free. It meant we had a short walk to the main marketplace but seeing all the cars streaming towards the centre made me realise we'd done the right thing!
The Christmas Market was taking place in the main square but radiating out from it was the busy Saturday market which finishes at 2pm. We grabbed a quick, very creamy and sweet, hot chocolate before having a look around the market stalls.
It was looking to be a gorgeous day and we made it to the port within five minutes. However, we were selected for an extra security check so I had to drive into a huge shed and open the bonnet and boot while an official quizzed me about where I was going and had anyone given me anything to take abroad? That completed we checked in and within a very short time we were boarding the P&O Pride of Canterbury for the 90 minute crossing.
It wasn't the most pleasant of journeys I've had! The boat was very busy indeed (Duty Free was rammed!) and we found it difficult to find a place to sit once we'd left the restaurant where we'd had breakfast. There was also a strange smell pervading the ship (unwashed bodies, I'm afraid) that was really off-putting! For once, I wished I'd decided to take the Shuttle!
However, we docked at Calais and the sun was shining, so that was great. I'd dreaded the weather being wet and horrible! It took us an hour to make the very easy trip down to Arras on the A26. The autoroute was almost empty - just a handful of cars and lorries using the road - so it was a very pleasant trip. The countryside along the way was very rural with occasional small villages dotted about, lots of woods and, in the distance, slag heaps, as this area of Northern France used to be an important area for mining.
We arrived in Arras at midday and followed signs for "Le Village de Noel" parking, which was free. It meant we had a short walk to the main marketplace but seeing all the cars streaming towards the centre made me realise we'd done the right thing!
The Christmas Market was taking place in the main square but radiating out from it was the busy Saturday market which finishes at 2pm. We grabbed a quick, very creamy and sweet, hot chocolate before having a look around the market stalls.
There seemed to be many more cabins here than the last time we visited a few years back. There was even a carousel and a big wheel! It wasn't too busy so we were able to walk around and have a good look at the cabins and all the goodies on offer, which included local produce, hot wine, beer and cider, jewellery, leather goods and Christmas decorations.
Mum bought some baubles for her tree while I bought a little soft Father Christmas to sit on the table in the living room along with two others I have.
As expected Sophie bought some jewellery and Dad treated himself to a glass of hot red wine with spices. While Sophie was buying some earrings, she managed to drop the lens cap of her camera, that she'd borrowed from school, and lose it under one of the cabins. We tried to retrieve it but it had completely disappeared so she was a bit upset as she feared her teacher would be angry with her. Luckily, while we were waiting for our table to be ready at Le Petit Rat Porteur restaurant, we found a photographic shop and I bought a replacement for 8 euros!
Before lunch at 2pm we walked around the other market square in Arras. The market was being packed up and street cleaners were whizzing around washing the cobblestones.
I'd booked a table at Le Petit Rat Porteur by email so they were ready for us and I'm glad we did because the restaurant was packed with people eating. We were seated in the cellar part of the restaurant which was lovely.
The waiters were very friendly even though it was busy and appreciated the few words of French I spoke! Sophie and I had Flemish beef stewed in beer while Mum went for the house special of Beef Bourgignon. Dad chose different types of fish served in a creamy sauce with boiled potatoes. The food was lovely and very plentiful! Us girls made room for dessert - creme brulee for Sophie and I while Mum couldn't resist Fondant au Chocolat! Delicious!
By the time we'd finished our meal the place had emptied out completely and they'd finished cooking. We paid the bill (93 euros) and left to wander around the Christmas market again. This time the place was completely packed with people who must have arrived while we were eating lunch! Mum and Dad took a slow walk back to the car while Sophie and I bought a few more bits and I chose four beers for Keith as I wasn't sure we would have time to get to Cite Europe as planned.
By now it was almost 4pm French time so we headed back to the car (the traffic was horrendous) and managed to get out of the town very easily. However, we somehow missed the turn for the A26 so we had a trip along country roads to the nearby town of Lens! Luckily, from there we were able to pick up the autoroute for Calais and I stopped at one of the very handy "aires" to affix the headlight convertors as it was now getting dark (one of them fell off en route to Calais!).
We arrived in Calais at 5pm and it was really too late to try and find Cite Europe as we had to be back at the port by 6pm to get our ferry. We were able to get an earlier ferry, The Pride of Burgundy (the same one we came back from Berlin on) and by 5.30pm we were boarding. We found some comfortable seats straight away and I did some shopping in Duty Free - whisky and vodka for me, chocs for Mikey - and then had a much needed coffee to keep me awake for the long journey home. In my absence a trio of drunks had taken up residence nearby and were steadily working their way through a case of St Omer beer. I just hoped they weren't taking charge of a vehicle after the voyage!
We had a fast and uneventful journey home and it was heaven to jump in the shower, put my dressing gown on and relax before bed!
Friday, 13 December 2013
Overnight in Dover
We had a great journey down to Dartford, stopping at South Mimms on the way for a much needed coffee and to buy some flowers from Waitrose. It had been a fair time since I'd driven on the M25 and I was amazed to see the roadworks were still there! When will they be finished?
Once at Dartford we drove to the crematorium and found the areas in the Garden of Remembrance where both Nans were buried. There were lots of other flowers (and even Christmas and Birthday cards) from people who were remembering loved ones and I suppose it's comforting to go along and leave little mementos for family members who've passed on. On the way back to the M25 we drove to the road where Mum and Dad used to live, to show Sophie, but she wasn't really interested! She's no fan of Dartford, I'm afraid!
Once past Rochester we stopped again for tea and sandwiches at Medway Services on the M2. By now it was getting dark and a bit murky so we pushed on and arrived in Dover just after it was properly dark. I'd booked two rooms at a different Premier Inn to the one we normally use so I had a bit of difficulty finding the entrance! We ended up going past a beautifully lit Dover Castle and almost into the town before I turned around and found the way into the car park! The hotel itself is on the main dual carriageway into the port and is separated from its pub and restaurant by a footpath, but it looked as if it had recently been refurbished and the windows were double glazed so the traffic noise wasn't too bad.
We checked in and then spent a very relaxing couple of hours staying in our rooms. I had a lovely hot bath and then snuggled down to watch Neighbours! At 7pm we all met in Reception and walked the short distance to the pub. The footpath was well-lit but I wouldn't have wanted to walk along it if I was on my own as one side was a thick forest and a bit creepy!
The pub was very busy with early diners but we had a relaxing drink in the bar as we'd booked a table for 8pm. Originally I'd planned on going to one of the nearby villages for a drink at one of the pubs, as we'd done in the summer, but it was really foggy outside and it seemed silly to venture out in the murk when we had a perfectly good pub on our doorstep!
We had a great meal (prawn cocktail and fish and chips for me!) and another round of drinks, but by 9pm we were all ready to head back to our rooms and get an early night. We turned the TV on and discovered that the film Trading Places was on and I couldn't resist watching it until almost 11pm as I find it so funny!
Once at Dartford we drove to the crematorium and found the areas in the Garden of Remembrance where both Nans were buried. There were lots of other flowers (and even Christmas and Birthday cards) from people who were remembering loved ones and I suppose it's comforting to go along and leave little mementos for family members who've passed on. On the way back to the M25 we drove to the road where Mum and Dad used to live, to show Sophie, but she wasn't really interested! She's no fan of Dartford, I'm afraid!
Once past Rochester we stopped again for tea and sandwiches at Medway Services on the M2. By now it was getting dark and a bit murky so we pushed on and arrived in Dover just after it was properly dark. I'd booked two rooms at a different Premier Inn to the one we normally use so I had a bit of difficulty finding the entrance! We ended up going past a beautifully lit Dover Castle and almost into the town before I turned around and found the way into the car park! The hotel itself is on the main dual carriageway into the port and is separated from its pub and restaurant by a footpath, but it looked as if it had recently been refurbished and the windows were double glazed so the traffic noise wasn't too bad.
We checked in and then spent a very relaxing couple of hours staying in our rooms. I had a lovely hot bath and then snuggled down to watch Neighbours! At 7pm we all met in Reception and walked the short distance to the pub. The footpath was well-lit but I wouldn't have wanted to walk along it if I was on my own as one side was a thick forest and a bit creepy!
The pub was very busy with early diners but we had a relaxing drink in the bar as we'd booked a table for 8pm. Originally I'd planned on going to one of the nearby villages for a drink at one of the pubs, as we'd done in the summer, but it was really foggy outside and it seemed silly to venture out in the murk when we had a perfectly good pub on our doorstep!
We had a great meal (prawn cocktail and fish and chips for me!) and another round of drinks, but by 9pm we were all ready to head back to our rooms and get an early night. We turned the TV on and discovered that the film Trading Places was on and I couldn't resist watching it until almost 11pm as I find it so funny!
Away for a while...
Mum, Dad, Sophie and I are off to Kent today as it would have been Nan's 94th Birthday and we are going to put some flowers on the ground where her ashes were scattered. We're then off down to Dover to stay overnight before taking an early ferry tomorrow to France where we're planning to drive to Arras and have lunch there. There's a Christmas market taking place in the town so we're looking forward to doing some shopping and having lunch.
I'm hoping the weather will stay dry and that it's not too windy, although I have heard it might be stormy tomorrow night!
I'm hoping the weather will stay dry and that it's not too windy, although I have heard it might be stormy tomorrow night!
Thursday, 12 December 2013
More painting!
I spent all of today finishing off the party room as we are off to Kent tomorrow and then over to France for the day on Saturday. It was hard work as I'm never very keen on balancing at the top of ladders (and the wall was very high!) but I was so pleased with how it looked when I eventually finished.
After work Sophie and I went off to the nail salon and then it was a fairly early finish to the day to get home and start packing for our couple of days away. While dinner was cooking I managed to watch about an hour of Dr Zhivago and I enjoyed it very much. It's such a lovely film and Julie Christie is so beautiful in it. A new top arrived in the post for me today that may well do for my evening with the girls - it's a very pretty ivory top with black embroidery in the middle and looks vaguely Russian!
After work Sophie and I went off to the nail salon and then it was a fairly early finish to the day to get home and start packing for our couple of days away. While dinner was cooking I managed to watch about an hour of Dr Zhivago and I enjoyed it very much. It's such a lovely film and Julie Christie is so beautiful in it. A new top arrived in the post for me today that may well do for my evening with the girls - it's a very pretty ivory top with black embroidery in the middle and looks vaguely Russian!
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Getting ready!
Keith came into work work with me today and we managed to get a lot done, on the Christmas front anyway! I finally decided to buy Mum and Dad a hamper, but didn't like any of the ones on offer from the likes of John Lewis or M&S so I logged onto Tesco and ordered loads of goodies from their Finest range to be delivered on Sunday at work! I managed to buy so much more food with the budget I had and Polly has very kindly offered to give me one of her baskets and make it up for me.
In the afternoon we nipped to Jones's and I bought a tablecloth and lots of bits for my Come Dine With me evening which I was pleased with. I'm hoping it'll be a great success and the DVD of Dr Zhivago is winging its way to me at the moment so I can watch it and glean more inspiration!
After work Sophie and I went off to the gym and I certainly made up for my sloth on Monday! I worked hard and finished my session wallowing in the warm waters of the jacuzzi. Just what was needed on a cold, foggy evening!
In the afternoon we nipped to Jones's and I bought a tablecloth and lots of bits for my Come Dine With me evening which I was pleased with. I'm hoping it'll be a great success and the DVD of Dr Zhivago is winging its way to me at the moment so I can watch it and glean more inspiration!
After work Sophie and I went off to the gym and I certainly made up for my sloth on Monday! I worked hard and finished my session wallowing in the warm waters of the jacuzzi. Just what was needed on a cold, foggy evening!
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
More busy-ness!
If I thought yesterday was hectic, today has been even more so! Two weeks and it will be Christmas Eve! Help!
I managed to get lots done at work today and at midday Keith drove in to drop off his car so I could take him to The Britannia pub in Northampton as he was meeting his ex-workmates for his annual knees-up. I left him, there and drove back to work to do yet more jobs before it was time to pick up the kids from school. I just had a feeling that Mikey would forget...and he did. Sophie had to go all the way back to school to find him and when they arrived back at the car both of them were in a foul mood, with Mikey particularly upset.
Back at work I fed them both and at 5.30pm we battled our way through the traffic (again!) to go back and pick Keith up. It would have been great to have stayed for a drink, especially as one of the wives had brought her gorgeous dog in with her! He was only 10 months old but was really lively and friendly and I could easily have taken him home with me! He reminded me of a young Max.
I managed to prise Keith away from the pub and we set off again, with the traffic even worse than ever. By the time we got home, Mikey had just half an hour to get changed into his Army uniform and then we were back out to Brixworth! My poor car is certainly clocking up the miles this week!
Luckily I had a window of calm before it was time to pick him up again and with Keith watching the football upstairs, Sophie and I were able to indulge in a few of our favourite recorded programmes and relax for a while!
I managed to get lots done at work today and at midday Keith drove in to drop off his car so I could take him to The Britannia pub in Northampton as he was meeting his ex-workmates for his annual knees-up. I left him, there and drove back to work to do yet more jobs before it was time to pick up the kids from school. I just had a feeling that Mikey would forget...and he did. Sophie had to go all the way back to school to find him and when they arrived back at the car both of them were in a foul mood, with Mikey particularly upset.
Back at work I fed them both and at 5.30pm we battled our way through the traffic (again!) to go back and pick Keith up. It would have been great to have stayed for a drink, especially as one of the wives had brought her gorgeous dog in with her! He was only 10 months old but was really lively and friendly and I could easily have taken him home with me! He reminded me of a young Max.
I managed to prise Keith away from the pub and we set off again, with the traffic even worse than ever. By the time we got home, Mikey had just half an hour to get changed into his Army uniform and then we were back out to Brixworth! My poor car is certainly clocking up the miles this week!
Luckily I had a window of calm before it was time to pick him up again and with Keith watching the football upstairs, Sophie and I were able to indulge in a few of our favourite recorded programmes and relax for a while!
Monday, 9 December 2013
Wimping out!
Today has been very busy, and I finally got around to painting one of the party rooms. It's not until I start painting that I realise how much I hate doing it!
So I was up and down a ladder all afternoon and when it came time to go to the gym, the energy levels were falling rapidly! When we got up to the changing rooms I suggested to Sophie that we just go down to the spa to relax...so we did! How lazy!
We had a lovely time soaking up the warmth of the steam room, the sauna and the jacuzzi then it was a battle through the rush-hour traffic to get home. On the way I called into the car-wash and gave the car a good clean as I was fed up with being covered in dirt every time I opened the boot!
Eventually, when we got home (I've never seen the traffic so bad) I sat with Keith in the conservatory and we had a couple of games of cards (he thrashed me so I refused to play any more) with a glass of wine! An indulgent end to a hectic day!
So I was up and down a ladder all afternoon and when it came time to go to the gym, the energy levels were falling rapidly! When we got up to the changing rooms I suggested to Sophie that we just go down to the spa to relax...so we did! How lazy!
We had a lovely time soaking up the warmth of the steam room, the sauna and the jacuzzi then it was a battle through the rush-hour traffic to get home. On the way I called into the car-wash and gave the car a good clean as I was fed up with being covered in dirt every time I opened the boot!
Eventually, when we got home (I've never seen the traffic so bad) I sat with Keith in the conservatory and we had a couple of games of cards (he thrashed me so I refused to play any more) with a glass of wine! An indulgent end to a hectic day!
Sunday, 8 December 2013
Sunny Sunday
This morning, after calling in to see Mum and Dad on the way back from getting the Sunday papers, we put up the icicle lights along the front of the house. I think our decorations are done now as anything else would be overkill!
I had a quick shower and then Sophie and I went off to Beckworth Emporium to have a look for...wait for it...buckwheat flour! But they didn't have any! The place was very busy indeed as the ice skating is in full swing and I had to park in a part of the car park I'd never been in before!
The food part was heaving with people and the restaurant was exceptionally busy but we decided to have a bite to eat and we were seated straight away. I enjoyed some absolutely delicious stuffed mushrooms served with salad while Sophie just had a cake as she was going home to leftover Chinese takeway. The waitresses kept bringing out plates laden with roast beef and enormous Yorkshire puddings so a lot of people were indulging in Sunday lunch. I don't blame them!
We had to get back home for 2pm as we had arranged to go and help Mum and Dad put the caravan to bed for the winter where it's parked just outside the village of Sibbertoft. Mikey came with us as he's now taller than all of us and I thought he would come in useful with hoisting the heavy cover over the top of the caravan. It was a beautiful winter afternoon with bluey/grey skies and a weak winter sun bathing everything in its cold light.
After a couple of failed attempts we had the cover on and secured and we took a different route home from Sibbertoft, driving through Kelmarsh to make quite sure there wasn't a pub there and then finding ourselves in Harrington.
Back home I decided to make some bread using the flour and yeast I'd bought at Beckworth ages ago. When I finished (ten minutes of kneading is a long time!) I sat in the conservatory and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. With the twinkling tree lights reflected in the glass it was truly gorgeous!
I had a quick shower and then Sophie and I went off to Beckworth Emporium to have a look for...wait for it...buckwheat flour! But they didn't have any! The place was very busy indeed as the ice skating is in full swing and I had to park in a part of the car park I'd never been in before!
The food part was heaving with people and the restaurant was exceptionally busy but we decided to have a bite to eat and we were seated straight away. I enjoyed some absolutely delicious stuffed mushrooms served with salad while Sophie just had a cake as she was going home to leftover Chinese takeway. The waitresses kept bringing out plates laden with roast beef and enormous Yorkshire puddings so a lot of people were indulging in Sunday lunch. I don't blame them!
We had to get back home for 2pm as we had arranged to go and help Mum and Dad put the caravan to bed for the winter where it's parked just outside the village of Sibbertoft. Mikey came with us as he's now taller than all of us and I thought he would come in useful with hoisting the heavy cover over the top of the caravan. It was a beautiful winter afternoon with bluey/grey skies and a weak winter sun bathing everything in its cold light.
After a couple of failed attempts we had the cover on and secured and we took a different route home from Sibbertoft, driving through Kelmarsh to make quite sure there wasn't a pub there and then finding ourselves in Harrington.
Back home I decided to make some bread using the flour and yeast I'd bought at Beckworth ages ago. When I finished (ten minutes of kneading is a long time!) I sat in the conservatory and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. With the twinkling tree lights reflected in the glass it was truly gorgeous!
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