Unfortunately we had no choice but to go shopping today, so after dropping Mike at Brixworth, Keith, Sophie and I went to Kettering to get the essentials and dinner for the rest of the week. On the way home we called to see Mum and Dad and I gave them a bottle of wine and some chocolates for looking after Monty and the house for us while we were away. We had a good chat with them and then it was home for some lunch and another lazy afternoon.
The weather has been a bit disappointing today with a lot of cloud and much cooler temperatures. We barbecued in the evening and although Sophie and I sat with Keith while he cooked, it certainly wasn't a balmy evening!
We sat and watched Everest after dinner, but half-way through the recording just stopped so we had to download the film all over again! It had just got to the good bit as well!
Sunday, 31 July 2016
Saturday, 30 July 2016
Homeward bound
We were all up early this morning and while I cleaned the house (or the rooms we used) Keith and the children stripped the beds and loaded the car. We were driving away at just after 9am which I thought was really good going. Keith called into the Adnams shop in the town to buy John a bottle of Gin and came out with a glass and bottle of tonic as well!
We stopped for breakfast just before we reached the A12 and very good it was too! We all had the full English with toast and drinks. Just what we needed to keep us going on the journey home.
We made good time and we were home at 1pm. After unpacking and re-making our beds we spent the afternoon doing very little. It's been a mixed day of weather today with lots of cloud and the occasional glimpse of sunshine.
In the evening we ordered a take-away from the van in the village and went to the pub for a drink while it was being cooked. We spent a very pleasant hour chatting about the break we'd had and spoke to one of the regulars who visits Southwold and Aldeburgh on a regular basis. He, too, said how expensive the east coast was becoming.
After a delicious Chinese Keith disappeared upstairs to watch the golf while Sophie and I caught up with some of our recorded programmes. Perfect!
We stopped for breakfast just before we reached the A12 and very good it was too! We all had the full English with toast and drinks. Just what we needed to keep us going on the journey home.
We made good time and we were home at 1pm. After unpacking and re-making our beds we spent the afternoon doing very little. It's been a mixed day of weather today with lots of cloud and the occasional glimpse of sunshine.
In the evening we ordered a take-away from the van in the village and went to the pub for a drink while it was being cooked. We spent a very pleasant hour chatting about the break we'd had and spoke to one of the regulars who visits Southwold and Aldeburgh on a regular basis. He, too, said how expensive the east coast was becoming.
After a delicious Chinese Keith disappeared upstairs to watch the golf while Sophie and I caught up with some of our recorded programmes. Perfect!
Friday, 29 July 2016
Failed pub crawl...
This morning dawned beautifully sunny and we decided to explore Aldeburgh a little more. Mike wasn't quite ready so we left him at home and made our way down onto the promenade. In the distance we could see a wind farm and several large boats.
We met Mike by the Moot House and by now it was really sunny and quite warm. Perfect weather for an ice-cream! The first parlour we came to was expensive - £4.50 for a medium cone so we pushed on and chose Ives Ices which had seats inside and out. I chose two scoops of vanilla and strawberry and the ice-cream was delicious and very filling! The kids had theirs in tubs with a wafer and we sat for a while in the cool parlour enjoying a break from the walking and the busy High Street.
After our stroll around the town we drove to Snape Maltings, a collection of shops, cafe and pub near the village of Snape. It was like Weedon on steroids! Keith and Mike didn't fancy walking around the beautiful home and garden shop so they retreated to The Plough and Sail pub for a drink while Sophie and I hunted for a new heart for the conservatory.
We hunted high and low but couldn't find anything we liked so we joined the boys and had a drink and a sandwich (well, Sophie had a sandwich, I feasted on her rocket salad with a delicious dressing) with them. The pub was lovely and was staffed by identical slim, blonde waitresses which went down well with my son!
After our refreshments we headed to the coastal village of Orford but there wasn't that much going on there, just a few people fishing for crabs off the Quay.
There were boat trips advertised but I didn't dare suggest going on one! We hung around for a while and watched two men hose down the slipway into the sea but we all fancied going back to the house and relaxing for a while. It was a good thing we did as the heavens opened shortly after we arrived back!
The plan for tonight was to head towards the tiny village of Eastbridge for a drink at The Eel's Foot Inn and then drive backwards to Aldeburgh calling in at maybe Aldringham and Thorpeness for a drink. Firstly, we got lost in Leiston and ended up under the shadow of the Sizewell B nuclear power station, which was a bit scary! We found the way eventually and cautiously made our way down the narrow single track road to the pub.
Predictably it was busy and we grabbed a table in the garden from where we had a great view into the busy kitchen. The food going out looked good, but again, the portions were on the small side. We stayed for just one drink and then forsaking Aldringham and the Parrot and Punchbowl, we drove to Thorpeness and the posh-looking Dolphin pub. However, there were no clear signs for parking at the pub and outside was bustling with cars so we decided to abandon the idea and head back to Aldeburgh. We left the car outside the house (luckily...the town was beginning to fill up with weekend visitors) and walked to the White Hart which was absolutely packed with people. The queue for the fish and chip takeaway was immense!
Sophie and I stood in the queue while Keith and Mike went to get some drinks from The White Hart. People were queuing up and drinking their tipples from the pub and there was a great atmosphere! Although we had to wait about half an hour, the operation was very slick and the staff working behind the counter certainly knew what they were doing! I chatted to the woman serving and she said that in the depths of winter it's not quite the same!
Our fish and chips were delicious - tasty, crispy batter with chunks of white cod and lovely chips. What could be better? We ate at the table in the house and then played a couple of games of cards before bed. We had an early start on Saturday as we had to be up, packed and the house cleaned. Ah well! ALl good things come to an end!
We met Mike by the Moot House and by now it was really sunny and quite warm. Perfect weather for an ice-cream! The first parlour we came to was expensive - £4.50 for a medium cone so we pushed on and chose Ives Ices which had seats inside and out. I chose two scoops of vanilla and strawberry and the ice-cream was delicious and very filling! The kids had theirs in tubs with a wafer and we sat for a while in the cool parlour enjoying a break from the walking and the busy High Street.
After our stroll around the town we drove to Snape Maltings, a collection of shops, cafe and pub near the village of Snape. It was like Weedon on steroids! Keith and Mike didn't fancy walking around the beautiful home and garden shop so they retreated to The Plough and Sail pub for a drink while Sophie and I hunted for a new heart for the conservatory.
We hunted high and low but couldn't find anything we liked so we joined the boys and had a drink and a sandwich (well, Sophie had a sandwich, I feasted on her rocket salad with a delicious dressing) with them. The pub was lovely and was staffed by identical slim, blonde waitresses which went down well with my son!
After our refreshments we headed to the coastal village of Orford but there wasn't that much going on there, just a few people fishing for crabs off the Quay.
There were boat trips advertised but I didn't dare suggest going on one! We hung around for a while and watched two men hose down the slipway into the sea but we all fancied going back to the house and relaxing for a while. It was a good thing we did as the heavens opened shortly after we arrived back!
The plan for tonight was to head towards the tiny village of Eastbridge for a drink at The Eel's Foot Inn and then drive backwards to Aldeburgh calling in at maybe Aldringham and Thorpeness for a drink. Firstly, we got lost in Leiston and ended up under the shadow of the Sizewell B nuclear power station, which was a bit scary! We found the way eventually and cautiously made our way down the narrow single track road to the pub.
Predictably it was busy and we grabbed a table in the garden from where we had a great view into the busy kitchen. The food going out looked good, but again, the portions were on the small side. We stayed for just one drink and then forsaking Aldringham and the Parrot and Punchbowl, we drove to Thorpeness and the posh-looking Dolphin pub. However, there were no clear signs for parking at the pub and outside was bustling with cars so we decided to abandon the idea and head back to Aldeburgh. We left the car outside the house (luckily...the town was beginning to fill up with weekend visitors) and walked to the White Hart which was absolutely packed with people. The queue for the fish and chip takeaway was immense!
Sophie and I stood in the queue while Keith and Mike went to get some drinks from The White Hart. People were queuing up and drinking their tipples from the pub and there was a great atmosphere! Although we had to wait about half an hour, the operation was very slick and the staff working behind the counter certainly knew what they were doing! I chatted to the woman serving and she said that in the depths of winter it's not quite the same!
Our fish and chips were delicious - tasty, crispy batter with chunks of white cod and lovely chips. What could be better? We ate at the table in the house and then played a couple of games of cards before bed. We had an early start on Saturday as we had to be up, packed and the house cleaned. Ah well! ALl good things come to an end!
Thursday, 28 July 2016
Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside!
We were up by 8am though and after cooking breakfast and having showers we managed to get out for about 11am which wasn't bad! Keith suggested another fact-finding trip for pubs so we headed off into the countryside, passing through the very pretty villages of Thorpeness and Aldringham. Ahead of us we could see Sizewell B, one of the UK's nuclear power stations and it did look quite menacing as we got closer!
We meandered through some more villages and then turned onto the busy A12 to head for Southwold. We'd been to this lovely little seaside town many times before and parked where we always leave the car, right by the beach. The place was quite busy as the weather was lovely and quite warm, about 23-24c. We walked past the beach huts towards the pier and I looked out for the ones I'd photographed a few years ago and which grace the header on this blog.
After buying a tube of sun-cream and some sun-glasses (Sophie had left hers at the house!) we went out onto the pier and made straight for the quirky amusement arcade that has some very different games to play. Sophie walked an imaginary dog while Mike had a go at a shooting range. Sophie and I also went to a little photo booth where various pics were taken of us, all making for hilarious viewing!
We strolled towards the end of the pier and I treated myself to a new scarf which matched the tee-shirt I was wearing. At the very end is a stone pillar on which you can throw coins - we all had a go and most of them ended up in the sea!
Keith treated the three of us to an ice-cream and it was delicious - really creamy and soft. After we'd enjoyed our treat we walked into the town via the promenade and collected some stones to add to our seaside heap in the garden. It's tradition! A lot of people were enjoying the sunshine on the beach and sitting outside the beautiful beach huts that line the promenade. I would love to own one!
In the town we decided to visit The Lord Nelson pub for a pint of Adnams. It's something we've never done before and Adnams virtually runs the whole town so we really should drink the beer that's made in the town! The pub was quiet and we sat inside in the cool for a little while before heading back to the pier.
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| I took this photo and managed to get in the way of a man in his car...he was not amused! |
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| Southwold street scene |
Sophie was a bit hungry and fancied some hot chips so we ordered them from the fish and chip restaurant at the start of the pier and sat outside to eat them.
By now it was almost 3pm so we decided to head back to Aldeburgh and rather than take the busy A12 again we drove through some beautiful countryside and admired some gorgeous villages including Westleton. Before heading to the house we decided to go and have a look at the "Scallop", which is situated on the beach near to the town and was created in stainless steel by artist Maggi Hambling in honour of Benjamin Britten who lived in Aldeburgh.
People are encouraged to climb on it and sit on it whilst gazing out to see and it has its fans and critics!
By now the sky was looking ominous again so we headed back to the house for showers and a couple of hours of relaxing before going out in the evening. We'd decided to head straight for The Mill Inn and have a drink and a meal there. It was lovely to be able to walk and not worry about driving and on the way we took some photos of the town.
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| High Street |
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| A sweet little house I'd like to rent! |
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| A young seagull (we think) who was mewling like a kitten |
It was popular, though, with lots of people eating and drinking but we don't think Aldeburgh is renowned for its pubs, which was a bit of a shame.
When we emerged after our meal, the sky had turned a beautiful blue and the beach was looking lovely.
We strolled slowly home and Keith bought Mike a pizza as he was still hungry! He's a growing lad!
Wednesday, 27 July 2016
A trip to the East Coast
Keith and I were up fairly early and preparing for a few days in
Aldeburgh. Keith's good friend John had very kindly said we could use his house
in the seaside town for a few days and although we'd like to have gone earlier
in the summer, and avoided the school holidays, this was our last chance before
the house was booked until September.
We packed all our bedding, our large suitcase and several other
bags into the back of the car and just about managed to squeeze it all in! We
left at around 11am and made really good time to the coast after stopping for
twenty minutes or so to have a picnic lunch. Keith directed me off the A14
through some really pretty countryside and very soon, at just after 1.30pm we
arrived.
It was a bit of a hassle unloading the car, taking off the bedding that was already on the beds in the house and making them up with our own sheets and duvets, but within an hour we had put everything away and unpacked. The children argued over which bedroom to have with Mike finally winning and getting the double for a change!
We had taken our own bedding to make it easier for John and his wife and I would have taken my own pillows anyway! The house was very well-equipped with a cosy living room, study, kitchen/diner, three bedrooms and a bathroom and downstairs shower room. John's wife is obviously a great cook as the cupboards were stuffed with ingredients of all kinds and there was no shortage of utensils and crockery.
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| Our home from home for a few days. |
When we were all finished we had a very welcome cup of tea and then it was off to explore the town. The High Street was a mere two minute walk away and we wanted to check out some pubs for the evening. The sky looked a bit ominous but we pushed on until we reached the pebbly beach and Sophie ran down to the waterline for a paddle. I sent Mike down with her and he came back with her on his shoulders!
As the children arrived back onto the promenade it began to rain so we took shelter under an overhanging porch on one of the nearby houses. The downpour didn't last long but with more grey clouds massing above us we decided to call into the Brudenell Hotel for a quick drink.
The hotel was lovely with a large airy bar overlooking the sea. Keith had a pint of Adnams Broadside while Sophie and I had half a lager. Poor Mike had to be content with a lemonade as we weren't eating. The menu looked good but was a bit limited so after our drinks we continued on our way into the town via the promenade.
It was a shame that the beach in Aldeburgh is really pebbly but that didn't stop several families setting up camp and playing. Further along we came to a couple of cafes and restaurants and as we walked into the town, a fair few shops and ice-cream parlours.
We returned to the house and Keith and Mike went back out to check the pubs. There were three within walking distance - The White Hart which only served pizzas, The Cross Keys and further out, The Mill Inn which Keith said was temporarily closed because of an electrical fault. This had looked to be the most promising so we hoped that by the time we'd showered and changed, it would be open again.
Unfortunately, when we ventured out again it was still closed so we called into The Cross Keys for a drink and we weren't that impressed. John had hinted in an email to us that it wasn't his favourite and now we know why! It smelt faintly of dog and the ceilings were low, giving the pub a dingy atmosphere. To begin with, we were the only ones in there but it did fill up a bit, probably because The Mill Inn was still closed!
We now had a bit of dilemma as to where to eat...none of us fancied a meal at The Cross Keys so we decided to take a chance on Prezzo nearby. However, the Italian restaurant was packed and there was a wait of an hour and a half! We carried on and spotted an eaterie called The East Coast Cafe and StoreThe East Coast Cafe and Store which had a good menu.
It was very quiet, with only two other couples eating, but we took a seat and perused the short menu. I chose the burger along with Mike while Keith and Sophie opted for the Chicken Milanese served with mashed potatoes and spinach. I also ordered a bottle of Spanish wine to share with Keith and Sophie while Mike enjoyed a lager.
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| Father and son |
On the way home I bought a bottle of Argentinian Malbec which turned out to be delicious as we watched an old episode of Death in Paradise!
Tuesday, 26 July 2016
Putting things right!
I felt a bit despondent this morning as everywhere looked a total mess. The garden is terrible - it's covered with leaves and the plants look a bit sorry for themselves! I hate the rubbish that's been piled up outside our house from the en-suite renovations and the driveway was covered with rubbish and dead leaves.
After breakfast I tackled the garden and tidied everything up, which included pruning a couple of plants and moving some pots about. I didn't really mow the lawn, I hoovered it but when I finished I was very pleased with the results. I also swept the driveway and the front of the house and Keith and I moved the cardboard box that had contained the shower doors into the garage. At the weekend we'll take it to the tip ourselves.
Darren finished the en-suite at midday but said he would be coming back next week to sort out the extractor fan/light and to replace the panel. I also want the men, if possible, to put a line of white sealant along the bottom of the tiles as the clear stuff they have used makes it look like there's a gap. We've put up with a scruffy horrible en-suite for so long I want this one to be perfect.
Sophie very kindly hoovered the whole house for me so when I went in after my gardening everywhere looked a lot better. I had a shower and then Soph and I went to the garden centre as my car was also in a bad way! There is a hand car wash service there so I dropped off the keys with a very friendly man and we went to have a coffee in Costa...well, we are supposed to be on holiday!
I didn't realise how hungry I was and I enjoyed a sandwich and a cornflake crunch cake. Delicious! We had a mooch about but we also wanted to visit Homesense so we returned to find the car gleaming with a team of men working on it. They did a far better job than I ever could! At least it was lovely and clean, inside and out!
Before we went to Homesense we popped into the poor beleaguered BHS but the bargains weren't that astonishing, to be honest. I was looking for bathroom stuff but nothing I saw caught my eye. We went into Homesense where I did see some nice bits but I think they'll have to wait until after we get back from Suffolk!
After breakfast I tackled the garden and tidied everything up, which included pruning a couple of plants and moving some pots about. I didn't really mow the lawn, I hoovered it but when I finished I was very pleased with the results. I also swept the driveway and the front of the house and Keith and I moved the cardboard box that had contained the shower doors into the garage. At the weekend we'll take it to the tip ourselves.
Darren finished the en-suite at midday but said he would be coming back next week to sort out the extractor fan/light and to replace the panel. I also want the men, if possible, to put a line of white sealant along the bottom of the tiles as the clear stuff they have used makes it look like there's a gap. We've put up with a scruffy horrible en-suite for so long I want this one to be perfect.
Sophie very kindly hoovered the whole house for me so when I went in after my gardening everywhere looked a lot better. I had a shower and then Soph and I went to the garden centre as my car was also in a bad way! There is a hand car wash service there so I dropped off the keys with a very friendly man and we went to have a coffee in Costa...well, we are supposed to be on holiday!
I didn't realise how hungry I was and I enjoyed a sandwich and a cornflake crunch cake. Delicious! We had a mooch about but we also wanted to visit Homesense so we returned to find the car gleaming with a team of men working on it. They did a far better job than I ever could! At least it was lovely and clean, inside and out!
Before we went to Homesense we popped into the poor beleaguered BHS but the bargains weren't that astonishing, to be honest. I was looking for bathroom stuff but nothing I saw caught my eye. We went into Homesense where I did see some nice bits but I think they'll have to wait until after we get back from Suffolk!
Monday, 25 July 2016
Little niggles...
Work restarted on the en-suite bathroom today but the workmen said it would go on until at least tomorrow. Because of this we have delayed our trip away to Aldeburgh so we're now going Wednesday to Saturday instead.
It's a bit of a pain, to be honest as really the work should have finished last Friday. But I suppose these things happen and there's no point getting stressed about it! It's been a bright and beautiful day today but the weather forecast is due to change mid-week...typical!
Mike wanted to go to Heather's house at lunchtime so Sophie and I took him and then went to Homebase as I needed to get some paint. Keith very sensibly pointed out that we had to paint the wall behind the heated towel rail before it was installed so after daubing the tester we'd chosen on the wall we went off to Homebase where I bought a slightly lighter colour. The colour we'd chosen on Saturday was a bit dark with grey tints so we've gone for an almost off-white colour that should brighten the room a lot.
We also went to Boots where we asked the pharmacist for something for Sophie's finger. She advised us to get a Magnesium Sulphate paste to cover the infection and then to bandage it. Hopefully this would draw the infection out.
Back home I managed to colour my hair without the workmen seeing me and just after I'd finished my parents arrived with my Uncle Terry who is visiting from Cyprus. I can't believe it's two years since we said goodbye to him on that beautifully sunny, and very hot, day in Herne Bay! He was looking very well indeed and sported an amazing tan! They'd all been shopping in Milton Keynes so were in very good spirits and enjoyed a cup of tea and a muffin with us.
While Mum, Dad and Uncle Terry were here the workmen called us upstairs as there was a slight problem with the shower panel. As they were drilling the final screw in to secure the shower doors, they cracked the panel at the bottom. As this was unacceptable for us to put up with they had ordered a new panel but it would obviously take time to be delivered so we would have to wait until next week for it to be fitted. It was a pain but there was nothing we could do about it. We also noticed that the inside seal on the shower door was kinked and it looked like water would leak out. As we had had a leaking shower for years this was also something that had to be put right!
I was pleased with how it looked so far, though...
One of the workmen is coming back tomorrow to do the finishing touches and put the towel rail up so as soon as he went I painted a section of wall in readiness. Keith went off to the pub while Sophie and I drove via Brixworth to get Mike. Once home I started dinner and it began to rain, completely out of the blue! At least the garden needs it!
It's a bit of a pain, to be honest as really the work should have finished last Friday. But I suppose these things happen and there's no point getting stressed about it! It's been a bright and beautiful day today but the weather forecast is due to change mid-week...typical!
Mike wanted to go to Heather's house at lunchtime so Sophie and I took him and then went to Homebase as I needed to get some paint. Keith very sensibly pointed out that we had to paint the wall behind the heated towel rail before it was installed so after daubing the tester we'd chosen on the wall we went off to Homebase where I bought a slightly lighter colour. The colour we'd chosen on Saturday was a bit dark with grey tints so we've gone for an almost off-white colour that should brighten the room a lot.
We also went to Boots where we asked the pharmacist for something for Sophie's finger. She advised us to get a Magnesium Sulphate paste to cover the infection and then to bandage it. Hopefully this would draw the infection out.
Back home I managed to colour my hair without the workmen seeing me and just after I'd finished my parents arrived with my Uncle Terry who is visiting from Cyprus. I can't believe it's two years since we said goodbye to him on that beautifully sunny, and very hot, day in Herne Bay! He was looking very well indeed and sported an amazing tan! They'd all been shopping in Milton Keynes so were in very good spirits and enjoyed a cup of tea and a muffin with us.
While Mum, Dad and Uncle Terry were here the workmen called us upstairs as there was a slight problem with the shower panel. As they were drilling the final screw in to secure the shower doors, they cracked the panel at the bottom. As this was unacceptable for us to put up with they had ordered a new panel but it would obviously take time to be delivered so we would have to wait until next week for it to be fitted. It was a pain but there was nothing we could do about it. We also noticed that the inside seal on the shower door was kinked and it looked like water would leak out. As we had had a leaking shower for years this was also something that had to be put right!
I was pleased with how it looked so far, though...
One of the workmen is coming back tomorrow to do the finishing touches and put the towel rail up so as soon as he went I painted a section of wall in readiness. Keith went off to the pub while Sophie and I drove via Brixworth to get Mike. Once home I started dinner and it began to rain, completely out of the blue! At least the garden needs it!
Sunday, 24 July 2016
Soporific Sunday!
It's been a warm, but overcast day today with lots of cloud about and a real sultry feel. Not great when I had to do some housework!
We took Sophie to work and Mike to Brixworth and after popping into the Co-op returned home. Sue was out gardening so we had a chat with her and then it was into the house to do some chores. After the work on our en-suite last week there were bits all over the carpet so I wanted to hoover them up before work starts again tomorrow.
My car badly needs washing but I didn't feel like doing it in the heat so the rest of the day was very lazy. At lunchtime I noticed a pigeon sitting in the conservatory guttering and we realised it was a homing pigeon who was probably exhausted and having a rest! He looked very friendly and wasn't at all scared of us until Keith tried to feed him when he flew away! There was obviously nothing wrong with him and as he'd been with us for about three hours he was probably feeling a lot better!
We went to collect Sophie and Mike at 6pm and then it was home for a glass of wine and beef pie for dinner. The cloud and humid feel has stayed with us all day but at about 9pm the skies started to clear so Sophie and I walked Monty around the estate. On our first lap he didn't appear until we were almost home and then he came running from the direction of the road. We both hope he doesn't go over to the fields like Archie did...
We did two more laps and Monty behaved like he was a young kitten, running about and being very frisky. As we neared home on the third lap, though, he looked a little tired and was panting, bless him! I think sometimes he forgets he's 10 years old!
We took Sophie to work and Mike to Brixworth and after popping into the Co-op returned home. Sue was out gardening so we had a chat with her and then it was into the house to do some chores. After the work on our en-suite last week there were bits all over the carpet so I wanted to hoover them up before work starts again tomorrow.
My car badly needs washing but I didn't feel like doing it in the heat so the rest of the day was very lazy. At lunchtime I noticed a pigeon sitting in the conservatory guttering and we realised it was a homing pigeon who was probably exhausted and having a rest! He looked very friendly and wasn't at all scared of us until Keith tried to feed him when he flew away! There was obviously nothing wrong with him and as he'd been with us for about three hours he was probably feeling a lot better!
We went to collect Sophie and Mike at 6pm and then it was home for a glass of wine and beef pie for dinner. The cloud and humid feel has stayed with us all day but at about 9pm the skies started to clear so Sophie and I walked Monty around the estate. On our first lap he didn't appear until we were almost home and then he came running from the direction of the road. We both hope he doesn't go over to the fields like Archie did...
We did two more laps and Monty behaved like he was a young kitten, running about and being very frisky. As we neared home on the third lap, though, he looked a little tired and was panting, bless him! I think sometimes he forgets he's 10 years old!
Saturday, 23 July 2016
Hot and busy!
We didn't have much of a relaxed start today as we Mike was off to see Heather at 10am and Sophie and I had an appointment to have our eyebrows shaped at 11am. We took Mike to Moulton and then headed off to Riverside as I needed to go to Boots and Homebase before we went to Virgin.
Sophie has an extremely sore finger at the moment, following her nail appointment last Monday, and the side of her ring finger on her right hand is swollen and horrible looking. We've been treating it with salt water and antiseptic cream and Keith even made her a bread poultice yesterday in an effort to relieve the swelling!
This morning it looked slightly better so we decided to keep on bathing it in salt water although I did look at creams in Boots. I suggested to her that she leave off the gel nails for a while to give them a bit of a breather and thankfully she's agreed.
In Homebase we had one of the assistants make up some paint in a tester pot for the bathroom walls and then we drove to Virgin for our appointment. We still miss the gym very much and it was a busy, bustling place this morning with lots of people taking their children to the creche before their workout. Hopefully, one day we'll be back!
We were in and out very quickly for our eyebrows and although they were a bit red we were pleased with the results. We drove into town and I chose to park in the Mayorhold car park, the one I'm supposed to use when I volunteer at the CAB. However, I've never liked it in there for some reason and we had difficulty finding the way out! It was very, very busy and the town itself was packed with people.
We were a bit naughty and after Sophie had sorted her finances out at the bank in the Drapery, we called into McDonald's for a McFlurry...we had decided to go to Costa but it was far too hot for a coffee so an ice-cream was the perfect treat! We sat in the window and watched the world go by and I've decided, yet again, that I really don't like Northampton town which is a real shame as it's been my home town for the last 43 years. There's an air of shabbiness and neglect about and we saw quite a few very dodgy people wandering about!
From McDonald's we walked to River Island via the Guildhall and along St Giles street which is a much nicer part of the town. I wanted to show Sophie where I work on a Wednesday and she approved! In River Island, Sophie took back two tops she'd ordered online and then we made our way back to the car park. By now it was very warm - about 27c - so the heat hasn't gone yet!
On the way home we called into Aldi and I bought some of the New Zealand Pinot Gris that we both enjoy. The supermarket was packed with people and two women in front of us created a bit of chaos when the woman declared she only had so much to spend on her shopping and the rest had to be put into baskets for when she came back later in the day! Her children were little monsters who were screaming and crying and being generally badly behaved so the experience wasn't a pleasant one! It was utter bliss to get home and sit out in the garden with Monty and listen to the silence!
In the evening we barbecued again and Mike found his way home on the bus which was great - he really ought to use the service more as it stops right outside our estate! We spent a very pleasant couple of hours playing cards and sitting in the cool garden while Keith bustled about with the food, bless him!
Sophie has an extremely sore finger at the moment, following her nail appointment last Monday, and the side of her ring finger on her right hand is swollen and horrible looking. We've been treating it with salt water and antiseptic cream and Keith even made her a bread poultice yesterday in an effort to relieve the swelling!
This morning it looked slightly better so we decided to keep on bathing it in salt water although I did look at creams in Boots. I suggested to her that she leave off the gel nails for a while to give them a bit of a breather and thankfully she's agreed.
In Homebase we had one of the assistants make up some paint in a tester pot for the bathroom walls and then we drove to Virgin for our appointment. We still miss the gym very much and it was a busy, bustling place this morning with lots of people taking their children to the creche before their workout. Hopefully, one day we'll be back!
We were in and out very quickly for our eyebrows and although they were a bit red we were pleased with the results. We drove into town and I chose to park in the Mayorhold car park, the one I'm supposed to use when I volunteer at the CAB. However, I've never liked it in there for some reason and we had difficulty finding the way out! It was very, very busy and the town itself was packed with people.
We were a bit naughty and after Sophie had sorted her finances out at the bank in the Drapery, we called into McDonald's for a McFlurry...we had decided to go to Costa but it was far too hot for a coffee so an ice-cream was the perfect treat! We sat in the window and watched the world go by and I've decided, yet again, that I really don't like Northampton town which is a real shame as it's been my home town for the last 43 years. There's an air of shabbiness and neglect about and we saw quite a few very dodgy people wandering about!
From McDonald's we walked to River Island via the Guildhall and along St Giles street which is a much nicer part of the town. I wanted to show Sophie where I work on a Wednesday and she approved! In River Island, Sophie took back two tops she'd ordered online and then we made our way back to the car park. By now it was very warm - about 27c - so the heat hasn't gone yet!
On the way home we called into Aldi and I bought some of the New Zealand Pinot Gris that we both enjoy. The supermarket was packed with people and two women in front of us created a bit of chaos when the woman declared she only had so much to spend on her shopping and the rest had to be put into baskets for when she came back later in the day! Her children were little monsters who were screaming and crying and being generally badly behaved so the experience wasn't a pleasant one! It was utter bliss to get home and sit out in the garden with Monty and listen to the silence!
In the evening we barbecued again and Mike found his way home on the bus which was great - he really ought to use the service more as it stops right outside our estate! We spent a very pleasant couple of hours playing cards and sitting in the cool garden while Keith bustled about with the food, bless him!
Friday, 22 July 2016
Getting there...
Our en-suite is coming along nicely - a lot of the tiles have been put on the wall and floor:
It's been a warm day today with not a great deal happening!
It's been a warm day today with not a great deal happening!
Thursday, 21 July 2016
Summer bliss?
I sometimes do wonder if I actually like the summer as it can be very annoying! The heat we've had over the last couple of days has been horrible and we are not geared up for it at all in this country. It's fine if you're on holiday and have a lovely pool to swim in and an air-conditioned house but our homes, with their thick carpets and soft furnishings seem to soak up the heat and make the house sweltering!
As we've had the windows and doors open over the last couple of days, and yesterday was quite breezy in the evening, the outside has come inside. This morning I let Keith go and do the shopping as the house was in a complete mess and I had to do a big clean-up! The conservatory was full of tiny brown leaves which come from a nearby tree and they were everywhere! All over the sofas, the cushions, the books and the floor. Flies had become stuck in cobwebs along the top of the conservatory and other ones were buzzing constantly when they had found their way indoors.
Our back lawn is covered in leaves and bark from the Eucalyptus tree and it looks a complete mess! Argh! I know I shouldn't be such a moaning minny as I would be the first to complain if the weather was cool and rainy, but there is a price to pay for hot and sunny weather!
Anyway, enough complaining...at least it's been a bit cooler today so I was able to clean the downstairs of the house while Keith shopped. There was no point doing upstairs as the workmen were up and down and in and out so I did what I could and was pleased that when I finished the house looked a bit more acceptable!
The en-suite is coming along nicely...I'm very relieved the tiles and the shower panels match!
Sophie was at work as usual and Mike went off to Brixworth so Keith and I managed to get a fair bit done, including changing the beds and ironing. I'm just glad it was a bit cooler! When it was time to collect Sophie from work I called into the Co-op at Moulton and bought Maureen some flowers to thank her for baking Mum and Dad's cake, which went down very well with her. We had a lovely hug and I know she still misses us working there.
The schools seem to have broken up now for the summer break but as Mike's been off since early June there was none of that "end of term" feeling that I normally get! I just hope that he is able to stay on into the Sixth form!
Keith and I went to the pub in the evening for just a couple of drinks and sat in our usual spot in the window. The village was very busy with cars coming and going and it was very pleasant indeed to sit there and watch the world go by!
As we've had the windows and doors open over the last couple of days, and yesterday was quite breezy in the evening, the outside has come inside. This morning I let Keith go and do the shopping as the house was in a complete mess and I had to do a big clean-up! The conservatory was full of tiny brown leaves which come from a nearby tree and they were everywhere! All over the sofas, the cushions, the books and the floor. Flies had become stuck in cobwebs along the top of the conservatory and other ones were buzzing constantly when they had found their way indoors.
Our back lawn is covered in leaves and bark from the Eucalyptus tree and it looks a complete mess! Argh! I know I shouldn't be such a moaning minny as I would be the first to complain if the weather was cool and rainy, but there is a price to pay for hot and sunny weather!
Anyway, enough complaining...at least it's been a bit cooler today so I was able to clean the downstairs of the house while Keith shopped. There was no point doing upstairs as the workmen were up and down and in and out so I did what I could and was pleased that when I finished the house looked a bit more acceptable!
The en-suite is coming along nicely...I'm very relieved the tiles and the shower panels match!
Sophie was at work as usual and Mike went off to Brixworth so Keith and I managed to get a fair bit done, including changing the beds and ironing. I'm just glad it was a bit cooler! When it was time to collect Sophie from work I called into the Co-op at Moulton and bought Maureen some flowers to thank her for baking Mum and Dad's cake, which went down very well with her. We had a lovely hug and I know she still misses us working there.
The schools seem to have broken up now for the summer break but as Mike's been off since early June there was none of that "end of term" feeling that I normally get! I just hope that he is able to stay on into the Sixth form!
Keith and I went to the pub in the evening for just a couple of drinks and sat in our usual spot in the window. The village was very busy with cars coming and going and it was very pleasant indeed to sit there and watch the world go by!
Wednesday, 20 July 2016
Things go a bit awry...
I was back at the Citizen's Advice Bureau today and had agreed to meet Frank, the other Reception member of staff at 9am so he could show me how to unlock the offices and set them up.
I left home at 8am and the traffic was very light so I was parking at 8.30am. I bought myself some lunch in a little convenience shop and walked up to the Guildhall in the morning sunshine. It's due to be another hot day today with temperatures hovering around 30c again. The good news is it's due to be a bit cooler for the next few days but still nice and sunny.
I sat in the courtyard and texted Sophie and then saw Frank arrive. I followed him in and he went to the main Reception to get the keys but they weren't there. It turned out that someone had taken them to the other offices last night so a member of the CAB had to bring them over. Of course, this meant we were a bit late and people were already queuing up to see us, including one quite rude man!
It was one of those days today as the computers kept stopping, the fan we had wouldn't work (and the office was hot) and we had some difficult clients in, including one poor homeless young man who kept hanging about and did worry me a bit towards the end of the day when he was still sitting outside our office.
We had a steady stream of people in until midday when I managed to get over to the other CAB office to take some paperwork. I then sat and munched my lunch in the hot courtyard before going back. When I was in the other CAB office an elderly couple came in and had a very heated argument about making appointments. The man stalked off in the end but not before being very rude to the poor volunteer on Reception! Perhaps the heat was making us all a bit cranky!
It was great to get off at 3pm and drive to pick up Sophie from work. I went to see Maureen to thank her for the lovely cake and Sophie had a bite to eat before we went home. Work had started in the en-suite bathroom and it was now completely stripped of everything!
I was annoyed with myself because Mike was at Heather's house and I had forgotten to call him to arrange to pick him up on the way home from getting Sophie. This meant we had to go out again at 5.30pm to get him and the sky had turned very cloudy with thunder in the distance. I was yearning for a really good thunderstorm to clear the air! However, although the towering white clouds were very impressive it didn't rain at all, which was a disappointment.
It came over stormy again before we went to bed but nothing happened. It did feel a bit cooler than last night though!
I left home at 8am and the traffic was very light so I was parking at 8.30am. I bought myself some lunch in a little convenience shop and walked up to the Guildhall in the morning sunshine. It's due to be another hot day today with temperatures hovering around 30c again. The good news is it's due to be a bit cooler for the next few days but still nice and sunny.
I sat in the courtyard and texted Sophie and then saw Frank arrive. I followed him in and he went to the main Reception to get the keys but they weren't there. It turned out that someone had taken them to the other offices last night so a member of the CAB had to bring them over. Of course, this meant we were a bit late and people were already queuing up to see us, including one quite rude man!
It was one of those days today as the computers kept stopping, the fan we had wouldn't work (and the office was hot) and we had some difficult clients in, including one poor homeless young man who kept hanging about and did worry me a bit towards the end of the day when he was still sitting outside our office.
We had a steady stream of people in until midday when I managed to get over to the other CAB office to take some paperwork. I then sat and munched my lunch in the hot courtyard before going back. When I was in the other CAB office an elderly couple came in and had a very heated argument about making appointments. The man stalked off in the end but not before being very rude to the poor volunteer on Reception! Perhaps the heat was making us all a bit cranky!
It was great to get off at 3pm and drive to pick up Sophie from work. I went to see Maureen to thank her for the lovely cake and Sophie had a bite to eat before we went home. Work had started in the en-suite bathroom and it was now completely stripped of everything!
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| The floorboards have been completely removed! |
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| Shower unit all gone! |
It came over stormy again before we went to bed but nothing happened. It did feel a bit cooler than last night though!
Tuesday, 19 July 2016
Sweltering!
When I got back from taking Sophie to work this morning I was a bit annoyed as we still hadn't heard from the workmen about our en-suite. Luckily, while I'd been gone the man in charge had been to the house and had apologised for the delay. It was a good thing he came today as he wasn't aware of how bad our floor was so at least he's prepared now!
Mike wanted to go out of course, so we took him to Brixworth to see his mates and then drove to the supermarket as we had changed our plans for tomorrow's dinner. Somehow I don't think that a steak pie is a good idea in this heat! Keith went off to get his hair cut while I shopped for salad, summer vegetables and pizzas for dinner for tomorrow. Aldi's chiller cabinets were completely empty and had apparently broken down in the heat! It was 31c when I went to meet Keith in Tesco and just like being abroad!
We called to see Mum and Dad on the way home and sat in the garden with a cool drink. Mum cut me some cake and we took it home to share with the children. It looked delicious! Keith suggested a drink at the pub so we took the opportunity and went. The pub was virtually empty and we sat in the beautifully quiet and shady garden and enjoyed a couple of drinks. Perfect!
At the back of the pub garden they now have an area fenced off for chickens which were really sweet and spent their time pecking about in the undergrowth. Overhead we saw the Red Kite a couple of times which was a bonus. Back home it was swelteringly hot so a great excuse to laze about and do very little!
We had a very late dinner in the evening as after we'd collected Sophie from work we sat in the garden and Keith barbecued some gammon and pork chops. The barbecue seemed to cook the meat a lot slower than Sunday so we didn't actually sit down to eat until after 8.30pm! It cooled down a little in the garden and the breeze at the front of the house was wonderful but I think sleeping may be a problem tonight!
Mike wanted to go out of course, so we took him to Brixworth to see his mates and then drove to the supermarket as we had changed our plans for tomorrow's dinner. Somehow I don't think that a steak pie is a good idea in this heat! Keith went off to get his hair cut while I shopped for salad, summer vegetables and pizzas for dinner for tomorrow. Aldi's chiller cabinets were completely empty and had apparently broken down in the heat! It was 31c when I went to meet Keith in Tesco and just like being abroad!
We called to see Mum and Dad on the way home and sat in the garden with a cool drink. Mum cut me some cake and we took it home to share with the children. It looked delicious! Keith suggested a drink at the pub so we took the opportunity and went. The pub was virtually empty and we sat in the beautifully quiet and shady garden and enjoyed a couple of drinks. Perfect!
At the back of the pub garden they now have an area fenced off for chickens which were really sweet and spent their time pecking about in the undergrowth. Overhead we saw the Red Kite a couple of times which was a bonus. Back home it was swelteringly hot so a great excuse to laze about and do very little!
We had a very late dinner in the evening as after we'd collected Sophie from work we sat in the garden and Keith barbecued some gammon and pork chops. The barbecue seemed to cook the meat a lot slower than Sunday so we didn't actually sit down to eat until after 8.30pm! It cooled down a little in the garden and the breeze at the front of the house was wonderful but I think sleeping may be a problem tonight!
Monday, 18 July 2016
The heat is on!
We were all up early this morning as we were expecting the men to arrive to start work on our en-suite bathroom. However, by 9.30am it was obvious they weren't going to arrive so we relaxed a bit! I then got a call on my mobile saying they were still at a job they'd been doing last week and the more likely arrival time would be tomorrow morning.
Sophie had a meeting with Georgie at Costa Coffee at Weston Favell at 11am and we all agreed that it would be best for Keith to accompany her. I went and sorted some chores at the bank and the post office and did some shopping for tonight's dinner. By the time I'd finished and packed the stuff away into the car they were almost finished and Sophie was a little happier. She's been having problems with another member of staff lately and her wages have been mucked about with so she was really unhappy yesterday. I just hope it's now all sorted.
From the Weston Favell centre we made a fruitless trip to B&Q to look at floor panels (I have no idea why Keith wanted to look at them but we couldn't see any) and then made our way home as Mike was waiting to go to Brixworth for some Pokemon hunting! Sophie and I took him while Keith made toasted sandwiches for lunch and we ate them sitting in the garden.
Sophie had an appointment at the nail salon at 4pm but before we went we drove to Boots to see if Sophie could get a replacement nasal spray as the one the doctor had prescribed has all gone and she's back to sniffing and sneezing! On the way to the salon the temperature hit 31c very briefly and I wasn't looking forward to sitting in a hot car to wait for Sophie! Luckily the salon was quiet so I was able to sit next to her and watch the process, which was a relief!
Back home we arrived just in time to get a phone call from Mike to ask us to pick him so it was off out again. I didn't mind as the air conditioning in the car is heavenly! We got back just in time to say goodbye to Keith who walked to the pub. He called me on the way to say that the planter box outside our estate was looking very dry and neglected so Sophie and I walked down with two full watering cans to give the plants a bit of a drink! It was very hot and needless to say Monty declined to accompany us!
Sophie had a meeting with Georgie at Costa Coffee at Weston Favell at 11am and we all agreed that it would be best for Keith to accompany her. I went and sorted some chores at the bank and the post office and did some shopping for tonight's dinner. By the time I'd finished and packed the stuff away into the car they were almost finished and Sophie was a little happier. She's been having problems with another member of staff lately and her wages have been mucked about with so she was really unhappy yesterday. I just hope it's now all sorted.
From the Weston Favell centre we made a fruitless trip to B&Q to look at floor panels (I have no idea why Keith wanted to look at them but we couldn't see any) and then made our way home as Mike was waiting to go to Brixworth for some Pokemon hunting! Sophie and I took him while Keith made toasted sandwiches for lunch and we ate them sitting in the garden.
Sophie had an appointment at the nail salon at 4pm but before we went we drove to Boots to see if Sophie could get a replacement nasal spray as the one the doctor had prescribed has all gone and she's back to sniffing and sneezing! On the way to the salon the temperature hit 31c very briefly and I wasn't looking forward to sitting in a hot car to wait for Sophie! Luckily the salon was quiet so I was able to sit next to her and watch the process, which was a relief!
Back home we arrived just in time to get a phone call from Mike to ask us to pick him so it was off out again. I didn't mind as the air conditioning in the car is heavenly! We got back just in time to say goodbye to Keith who walked to the pub. He called me on the way to say that the planter box outside our estate was looking very dry and neglected so Sophie and I walked down with two full watering cans to give the plants a bit of a drink! It was very hot and needless to say Monty declined to accompany us!
Sunday, 17 July 2016
It's getting hotter!
As Sophie wasn't in at work until 11am this morning we could all have a bit of a lie-in. Keith and I had a busy day ahead of us as we needed to get our en-suite bathroom cleared and cleaned in readiness for tomorrow. It was typical that today and the next few days were forecast to be hot!
Before we took Sophie to work we'd cleared the shower room so when we got back I cleaned the basin and the loo and washed the walls. Keith took up the vinyl flooring and we were horrified to see how far the damp had spread. The flooring had broken up in one place, right by the sink, which is what we'd suspected. I'm just amazed we didn't fall through into the kitchen below!
As well as cleaning the en-suite and upstairs I changed our bedding and it was a perfect drying day as it was warm and breezy. Temperatures got up to 27c in the afternoon but that didn't stop me hoovering (mowing) the lawn as we were going to barbecue in the evening and there was no way I could sit out and enjoy the garden with the state it was in!
After picking up a very hot and upset Sophie from work (she'd had a problem with her wages which can't be resolved until next month) we sat out in the garden with a chilled glass of wine and relaxed while Keith sorted out the barbecue. Tomorrow it's supposed to be even hotter...phew!
Before we took Sophie to work we'd cleared the shower room so when we got back I cleaned the basin and the loo and washed the walls. Keith took up the vinyl flooring and we were horrified to see how far the damp had spread. The flooring had broken up in one place, right by the sink, which is what we'd suspected. I'm just amazed we didn't fall through into the kitchen below!
After picking up a very hot and upset Sophie from work (she'd had a problem with her wages which can't be resolved until next month) we sat out in the garden with a chilled glass of wine and relaxed while Keith sorted out the barbecue. Tomorrow it's supposed to be even hotter...phew!
Saturday, 16 July 2016
Anniversary celebrations!
After a very lazy start to the day Sophie and I went over to Beckworth Emporium in the afternoon to get Mum and Dad a present from the children. I also wanted to get some olives to go with our sparking wine later in the day.
Beckworth was predictably busy with a lot of people queuing up for afternoon tea. As I'd made some raspberry and chocolate muffins I steered Sophie away from the cafe and we concentrated on finding something for my parents. As the present was from Sophie and Mikey, my daughter chose the gift and we settled on a beautiful, wooden, heart-shaped mirror for their garden.
The food at Beckworth was a bit on the pricey side so after choosing a Hydrangea to fill an empty garden pot we drove to the Co-op in Moulton and I bought some olives and a couple of snacks for lunch. We went home and all four of us sat in the garden as it was a warm, yet overcast day. I was hoping the sun would make an appearance but although we saw occasional glimpses of blue sky, the sun remained hidden behind the thick cloud. It was very humid and I wasn't looking forward to getting ready in the evening!
Sophie and I drove over to pick my parents up at 6pm and before bringing them home for glasses of bubbly and nibbles we admired their new tree standing proudly in the middle of their lawn. The sky was looking very ominous by now and I was surprised we didn't have a storm.
The taxi arrived at just after 7pm and we trundled off to Northampton accompanied by some oldies on the radio! A great choice for a 50th Wedding Anniversary! My parents had booked a table at Sophia's restaurant for 8pm and the place was already bustling with diners. Our table had been decorated with balloons and streamers which was a lovely touch.
We sat and perused the menu and I chose the chicken liver pate to start followed by Sophie's recommendation of the escalope with spaghetti. I also chose to have some vegetables as well, which were extra. Various other meals included pizza, lamb cutlets, garlic bread, and Sea Bass which my Dad enjoyed very much. We had a couple of bottles of Italian wine to accompany the meal and all of us except Dad had dessert.
As it was a warm evening it was also very warm in the restaurant as the place was packed and it's not a large seating area to start with. After we'd had our main courses the waiter came over and, to the delight of my parents, produced a beautiful cake that Maureen had made. She had mentioned a couple of weeks ago and I was thrilled that she had visited the restaurant earlier to deliver it!
We had a lovely evening with excellent service and hospitality and it was great to be driven home by a taxi. He had more old songs playing and this time everyone sang along so it was a much rowdier ride home than on the way there!
Back home it was heaven to get changed into our lounge-about clothes and sit in the garden for a little while. We lit a garden torch and admired the stars...bliss!
Beckworth was predictably busy with a lot of people queuing up for afternoon tea. As I'd made some raspberry and chocolate muffins I steered Sophie away from the cafe and we concentrated on finding something for my parents. As the present was from Sophie and Mikey, my daughter chose the gift and we settled on a beautiful, wooden, heart-shaped mirror for their garden.
The food at Beckworth was a bit on the pricey side so after choosing a Hydrangea to fill an empty garden pot we drove to the Co-op in Moulton and I bought some olives and a couple of snacks for lunch. We went home and all four of us sat in the garden as it was a warm, yet overcast day. I was hoping the sun would make an appearance but although we saw occasional glimpses of blue sky, the sun remained hidden behind the thick cloud. It was very humid and I wasn't looking forward to getting ready in the evening!
Sophie and I drove over to pick my parents up at 6pm and before bringing them home for glasses of bubbly and nibbles we admired their new tree standing proudly in the middle of their lawn. The sky was looking very ominous by now and I was surprised we didn't have a storm.
The taxi arrived at just after 7pm and we trundled off to Northampton accompanied by some oldies on the radio! A great choice for a 50th Wedding Anniversary! My parents had booked a table at Sophia's restaurant for 8pm and the place was already bustling with diners. Our table had been decorated with balloons and streamers which was a lovely touch.
We sat and perused the menu and I chose the chicken liver pate to start followed by Sophie's recommendation of the escalope with spaghetti. I also chose to have some vegetables as well, which were extra. Various other meals included pizza, lamb cutlets, garlic bread, and Sea Bass which my Dad enjoyed very much. We had a couple of bottles of Italian wine to accompany the meal and all of us except Dad had dessert.
As it was a warm evening it was also very warm in the restaurant as the place was packed and it's not a large seating area to start with. After we'd had our main courses the waiter came over and, to the delight of my parents, produced a beautiful cake that Maureen had made. She had mentioned a couple of weeks ago and I was thrilled that she had visited the restaurant earlier to deliver it!
We had a lovely evening with excellent service and hospitality and it was great to be driven home by a taxi. He had more old songs playing and this time everyone sang along so it was a much rowdier ride home than on the way there!
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| 50 years together!! |
Back home it was heaven to get changed into our lounge-about clothes and sit in the garden for a little while. We lit a garden torch and admired the stars...bliss!
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