The Top 12 of 2018!

So, how has 2018 been? We've had another year of some health worries, but on the plus side, it was fantastic for Sophie to achieve a First in her Business degree and although it was hot and uncomfortable at times, it was a lovely day when she graduated in July. It's also wonderful that she is doing a job she really enjoys! We just need to get Mike sorted now!

2018 has been a year of a lot of highs and a few lows - perhaps a typical year for us all! Let's hope 2019 brings less health worries (especially for my parents) and job success for Mike!


Sunday 14th January - My Birthday and a lovely trip to London

Tuesday 13th February - Breakfast at Beckworth and a spa day!

Wednesday 21 March - An early start but a great day in London!

Thursday 5th April - Sophie's birthday and another trip to the capital - fantastic weather!

Wednesday 30 May - A trip to France and the beautiful Opal Coast!

Saturday 23 June - A mooch around our wonderful countryside and some lovely pubs!

Tuesday 24 July - Graduation Day and I was a very proud parent!

Sunday 5 August - Sophie and I make pork ribs and beans and enjoy the heat of the summer!

Sunday 2 September - A lovely day mooching about and cooking Japanese in the evening!

Saturday 13 October - An afternoon in Henley-on-Thames, a delicious meal and a talk by one of my favourite authors!

Wednesday 4 November - Not an exceptional day, but it was nice to have a mooch about in the shops!

Tuesday 25 December - A lovely Christmas Day this year with some wonderful presents, good company and a delicious dinner cooked by Keith, Sophie and Mike!

Here's to 2019 and I hope it brings everything you all want. Cheers!

A bit of a pamper!

Sophie went to the gym this morning and we gave her a lift as we needed to go to Tesco and buy food for New Year's Eve.

The weather this morning has been very pleasant and we saw the sun! It's also quite mild and feels more like early October than December! We went back to collect Sophie and as we were a bit early for her we sat in the car and read the Sunday papers. Lovely!

Back home we made scrambled eggs on toast for brunch and then it was time to relax and have a pamper! I put on a fruity face mask that was red and my eye masks, while Sophie applied the hair colour to my roots. She said I looked like Donald Trump! I will post a pic when she sends it to me!

Afterwards I had a lovely hot shower and did look a bit more plumped! Back downstairs, Sophie made me a Margarita and that went down very well! I researched pubs for New Year's Day (I have to get out of the house!) and also looked at my Birthday trip down to London when we want to visit the Olympic Park.

Keith made a delicious roast beef for dinner and we opened a bottle of wine that had been included in the hamper my parents gave us. It was gorgeous with the beef. After dinner Sophie wanted to watch a film called Bird Box that was on Netflix. It was a bit scary (and at times, gruesome) but we enjoyed it nonetheless!

Disappointing meals...

Sophie and I decided to venture out to Rushden Lakes this morning as we had some clothes to take back and both of us wanted to get out and do something, anything, other than sit at home!

I expected it to be really busy but we managed to get into the retail park easily and found a parking space with no problem at all. We went to River Island first where Sophie took back a couple of tops she'd ordered and tried on another, as she is going out tonight with her friends Laura and Daisy. We noticed that the changing rooms were filthy in the shop...dust bunnies in the corners and spilt food on the floors. Yuk! I did find a 5p piece though!

We then headed off to M&S where I exchanged a bra and then Boots where I bought some more hair colourant as I noticed some rogue grey hairs along my hairline yesterday...not good! I also bought some eye masks as I'm looking a little washed out and tired at the moment! I'm putting it down to the weather! Those wonderful summer days seem an age ago!

We decided to have lunch at Wagamama and arrived just before it started to fill up with people. We were seated where I had a view of the lake but it was a grey and miserable day. The sun is definitely in short supply at the moment!

We ordered a main course and a drink each but I chose the wrong dish...when we've been to Akasaka, Mike has always chosen the Ramen Noodle soup and it's delicious, so I went for it at Wagamama. Sophie stuck to her favourite, the Chicken Katsu curry. Unfortunately, even though I'd ordered it "rich" the soup was virtually tasteless and I kept adding soy sauce to it to give it some bite! I won't be ordering that again and it may be a while before we venture back!

On the way home we popped into Tesco and bought some Champagne for New Year's Eve and then we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Sophie went to get ready for her night out and we took her into town at 7pm. Keith and I had decided to order a Chinese for our evening meal and we went to the one in Boothville that Sophie and I used some time ago. I chose the Sweet and Sour chicken, Hong Kong style. while Mike and Keith both ordered ribs.

It must have been my choices today as my meal from here was tasteless as well...it was just like an orange gloop with one bit of pepper and a slice of tomato! Oh dear!

After dinner Keith and I caught up with three episodes of the Belgian drama, Code 37: Sex Crimes and then left to pick Sophie up at 11pm. We were unable to park outside Rev's where Sophie was enjoying cocktails, so we parked by the large church in the middle of town and for ten minutes watched the Saturday night revellers wander past. We saw some sights, I can tell you!

By midnight we were all back home and we spent half an hour relaxing before bed!

A sunset walk.

Things were slightly quieter at work today and Fran came in at 10am to work with me. I was glad to get out at 2pm and Sophie picked me up as she had dropped me off again this morning. She has been very good and has been to the gym, so I was determined to get out this afternoon.

We walked a little way down to the village and stopped to see if the horses were about but they were nowhere to be seen. Monty refused to come with us and stayed sitting on the drive. He's getting lazy!

We carried on and leaned on a gate overlooking the fields and it was bliss to see the changing colours in the sky and the start of a gorgeous sunset.

I always feel that the hour around sunset, when the sky is like this, has a kind of magic and tonight the clouds and the trees looked beautiful.

We wandered back to the estate and managed to encourage Monty to walk around with us for one lap. He gambolled about but was very glad to get home and have his "grubs" which he pesters us for every afternoon, from about 3pm onwards. How he knows what the time is, I'll never know!

Today hasn't felt like Friday at all - I kept thinking it was Tuesday as I'd been at work for two days. Keith walked down to the pub and Sophie and I used his new air fryer for the first time. He'd cooked some chips this afternoon but they were a bit burnt so we cut up some potatoes, sprayed them with a fine mist of oil and cooked them for about 20 minutes. Some were done, some weren't so we're going to have to experiment with the machine until we get it right! We bought the air fryer as Keith loves home-made chips made from real potatoes so we need it to be a success!

Back to normality!

Sophie took me to work this morning as she was off to the gym and Keith needed the car to go shopping (again).

I discovered I was alone in answering the phones, although Sara did step in when the calls mounted up, but it was a busy shift and I had to do the cinema box office returns as well, as Stella was on holiday. Subsequently, the time flew by!

Keith and Sophie came to pick me up at 3pm and we went to collect Mike from Gemma's house. The weather has been disappointing again today, with grey skies and a damp feeling to the air.

After we got home I did very little, and felt guilty about it, so tomorrow I've suggested to Sophie we go out for a short walk, just to get some fresh air!

Dinner tonight was Keith's turkey curry! It has all gone now, which is a shame, as it was a delicious joint and he bought beef for Sunday. I feel like I have eaten and drunk way too much this Christmas!

And...relax!

I spent the morning clearing up from our Christmas dinner yesterday and trying to find homes for all the new presents!

Keith went to Tesco as they were open today (surprisingly...I thought they were closed) and bought some stuff that we needed, namely tonic for me! We spent the day relaxing and doing very little which is what Boxing Day is all about!

Unfortunately, the weather was damp, grey and foggy, so not the best of days to venture out. It was lovely to stay in and get warm and cosy!

In the evening we did our traditional bubble and squeak with all the leftover vegetables, chipolata sausages and Yorkshire puddings. We then ate this with some more mashed potatoes and slices of cold turkey. I have been particularly impressed with our turkey this year - it's been very moist and juicy with a lovely taste.

It's back to work for me tomorrow and it will be good to get out of the house for a few hours and get back to normal!

It's Christmas!

I was awake early this morning, as usual, but we had to wait until about 9am to wake up Sophie and Mikey. How times have changed!

Before I woke them up I put all the little gifts I'd bought them into their stockings and prepared a bottle of Champagne and some chocolate Florentines that I'd bought in Lidl a fair while ago. I put a programme on the TV about the reindeer in Lapland and we were all set to go!

We had a great time opening presents and Mike was really pleased with his new turntable. Phew! That was a relief!

A lot of our presents seemed to be either alcoholic or foodie! I was thrilled to receive some Gordon's Sloe Gin and a bottle of wine, as well as a fantastic spice rack (our spice cupboard is now overflowing!) and a Champagne Brunch Cruise around San Francisco Bay to look forward to! As well as some nightwear, dollars and my usual £50 note I was delighted! Sophie also bought me a very posh bottle of olive oil and a copy of The Hairy Bikers' British Classics recipe book. I can't wait to try them out with her on a Sunday evening! Everyone seemed really happy with their gifts and the living room was awash with wrapping paper and boxes!

Once we had cleared everything up it was time for showers as Keith and Mike were off to the pub for a quick pint and  Sophie and I were going to go and fetch my Mum and Dad as we were a bit worried about my Dad driving home later in the day. It meant he could have a few glasses of wine and Sophie had very kindly offered to drive them home this evening.

Luckily I took my car to get them, as they had two huge crates of presents and I just about managed to get them in the boot! They were in high spirits and looking forward to the second round of gift opening and a turkey dinner!

The weather had improved slightly since first thing this morning and I think the sun was attempting to peek through the clouds. We arrived home, got Mum and Dad settled with a drink and I went back out to get Keith and Mike from the pub which was busy with pre-Christmas lunch drinkers.

Back home we opened all of our presents and my Mum became very emotional when we gave her the photo of the children on Sophie's graduation day. She was also thrilled with her Mason's china urn, so that was good! I had also bought them tickets to go and see Abigail's Party at Derngate in March and they were really pleased with that!

The children were showered with gifts such as underwear, nightwear and smellies and Keith and I also received a beautiful hamper stuffed with delicious foods. We have done really well this year!

As soon as the presents had been opened, Keith, Sophie and Mike disappeared into the kitchen to start preparing dinner. Our turkey had been cooking since 10am this morning and smelled delicious. Sophie had taken the bacon off the top and had chopped it up to add to the stuffing.

I relaxed in the living room (as planned) with a glass of Sherry and watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers along with my parents. I didn't hear any swearing coming from the kitchen, no arguments and nobody stormed off in a strop, so it was all going very well!

We had planned to eat at 2.30pm and dinner was served on time! As our table is a bit small, we got Mum and Dad seated and I dished up their lunch in the kitchen, which was a lot easier. Keith, Sophie and Mike had done a fantastic job with dinner and the meal was probably the best we'd ever had. The turkey was moist and juicy and we enjoyed stuffing balls, chipolatas wrapped in bacon, roast parsnips, roast potatoes, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and green beans as well as sprouts which had been pan-fried in butter and served with bacon. The gravy was lovely and I was very proud of the three of them for making such a good job of the meal. We agreed that Keith trying to do it on his own was too much, so maybe this is the way forward in the future?

We left a decent interval before dessert and ate my chocolate bread and butter pudding or Christmas pudding at about 5.30pm while watching the Strictly Christmas show. The desserts were lovely enjoyed with a small bottle of white Port I'd bought in Aldi.

By now we were all as stuffed as could be and Keith, Mum and Dad fell asleep! By 6.30pm my parents were ready to go home so I went with Sophie to take them back. It was a bit misty and damp outside and the roads were surprisingly busy!

Back home I changed into my new pyjamas and curled up on the sofa to watch a great programme about Tommy Cooper. Mike went out to see some friends in the village but was soon back and I think he fell asleep...it's no wonder with the amount of beer he drank today!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

Cheers!

Here's to a great time and let's all look forward to 2019!

Janie xxxxxxxxxx

Out to lunch...again!

Sophie went to the gym this morning and while she was gone, Keith and I managed to get a lot of chores completed. I changed our bed and did a mound of washing while Keith ironed. I also cleaned downstairs and set the table for tomorrow! Outside the weather was lovely and sunny with blue skies - what a change from yesterday!

At 1pm we all went to the pub for lunch and we had a lovely time as it wasn't packed, but peaceful and quiet with a great atmosphere. We enjoyed starters and a main course and my choice was particularly good - I had a delicious combination of mushrooms and chorizo in a garlic butter sauce, followed by roasted herby cod with potatoes and vegetables. Keith surprised us all by having pork belly rather than fish, which is what Sophie had! Mike stuck to his favourite of steak and ale pie.

After lunch it was time to relax for a while and I prepared a chocolate bread and butter pudding as an alternative dessert for tomorrow. Mike asked me to take him into town at about 5pm as he wanted to see some friends and it was growing a bit foggy and damp outside with temperatures hovering about 3c. Brr! Luckily, he was getting a lift home!

Back home we lolled in front of the television and watched Mary Poppins with a drink and then we saw Click and Collect which wasn't that funny at all, I have to say. Mike arrived home mid-way through the evening, which was a relief, and we had a light supper at about 9pm.

I cannot believe that it's Christmas Day tomorrow! How the time has flown!

A shock awakening...

We had just planned on going to get the newspaper this morning but Keith said he and Mike needed some more beer so we ended up in Tesco, which was not what I'd had planned! While we were there we decided to buy our veg for Christmas Day even though the plan was to go to Farndon Fields this afternoon with Sophie and buy it there.

We got to the store in the nick of time as it was already shaping up to be very busy! We bought our vegetables as well as a few other things we needed and escaped. The car park was almost full and I was just so glad we'd got everything we needed!

On the way home we called to see Mum and Dad who looked really well. We had a coffee with them and then went home where I had a quick shower. Sophie and I left to go to Market Harborough again at midday and took Sophie's car as it's smaller and more easier to park!

Unfortunately, the weather has been truly horrible today with drizzle, mist and grey skies. Nasty! We ran inside and were delighted to find the cafe wasn't that busy - everyone was manically buying their sprouts for the Big Day!

We enjoyed lunch (sandwich and a jacket potato) and then had a look around as Sophie wanted to get some presents for my Dad and Keith. She picked out some beers and a Christmas cake for Keith and some items to make up a little hamper for my Dad.

We then called into the Co-op at Brixworth as we needed some tissue paper but they didn't have any, so it was back home where we found some anyway!

After Sophie had wrapped her presents we made a start on a meringue as we had six egg whites left over from yesterday. I followed the Hairy Bikers' recipe which didn't call for white wine vinegar or cornflour which is what I usually add to the eggs when they have been whipped. We added sugar and put the meringue into the oven to cook before prepping all the ingredients for tonight's Nutty Chicken. That took a fair while and we used our new chopper to make a paste from chillies and tomato puree. After a bit of difficulty at first, it did the job very well!

We then had time to relax but when I took my meringue out of the oven it hadn't turned out as well as I had expected. I'd bought some chopped nuts and chocolate chips to make a Pavlova but it wouldn't come away from the greaseproof paper and it looked like it wasn't cooked through...

I put it back in the oven on a low heat for another hour, but when I took it out again it still wasn't right so I decided to make the dessert into a kind of Eton Mess, but with chocolate and nuts instead of fruit! The egg recipes weren't working out this weekend!

However, our Nutty Chicken was delicious and we cooked Jasmine rice again which really added to the flavour of the dish. This recipe would work equally well with leftover turkey! Gemma arrived after we'd eaten and I made up the dessert with the broken bits of meringue, whipped cream and the chocolate and nuts. It was still lovely!

We went to bed at the usual time but at 11.30pm we were awoken by Sophie coming into our room to say that my Mum was on the phone as my Dad had fallen over again. He had hurt his head and she said there was a lot of blood. Sophie told her to call an ambulance immediately and we dressed and drove over to the house. We found my Dad sitting up in the living room and looking OK, despite a gash to the back of his head. On the way over I'd been imagining all sorts and I was desperately hoping he wouldn't have to be in hospital over Christmas. After five minutes the ambulance arrived and we left them to look at the wound which, despite all the blood, wasn't that bad, thank goodness.

They asked if he wanted to go to hospital but he said no, and after they left he was up and walking about so that was a relief. It was a huge scare for all of us and it could have been a lot worse so we were very relieved to drive home knowing he was OK!

Disappointing results...

We awoke to a beautiful day today and I was determined to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Keith and I went to get the newspaper and managed to come across numerous cyclists, horse-riders and a huge tractor on the route! The weather had obviously encouraged everyone to venture out after the horrible day we had yesterday!

Back home I decided to wash both the cars as they were filthy (especially Sophie's as we'd taken a narrow, very muddy road on the way home to avoid sitting behind the tractor!) and it was lovely to get some fresh air.

When I finished Sophie and I prepared Banana Creme Brulee from the Hairy Bikers' book and we were a bit nervous as they warned us about the custard splitting... We cut up the bananas and fried them in sugar and then warmed up some brandy and set light to it, before pouring it over the fruit with it still alight!

We then made the custard by heating up some double cream and adding a vanilla pod. We let it infuse for ten minutes and added six egg yolks and more sugar. We then had to heat it until it thickened up but with the warning not to stop stirring. We did everything we should have done, but unfortunately, the custard still split, which was a shame. We whisked like mad, but the eggs looked like they had curdled. We still poured the custard over the bananas in the ramekins and left them to set but I was very disappointed.

I went to have a bath and while I was languishing in the hot water, Sue called and asked us to go around as she had some clothes to show Sophie before she sold them. I dressed hurriedly and we went over to have a look at some lovely dresses and tops that Sophie could wear to work.

We had a chat with her and then did a round of the estate with Monty who was not at all interested in going for a walk with us and ducked out half way through!

It was bliss to get home and curl up on the sofa in the warm while Keith cooked dinner. I indulged in The Good Life Christmas special and enjoyed a drink or two!

Grumpy, moody people!

Keith and I decided to go to Market Harborough today as I still had to get Mikey another present and I knew of a charity shop selling vinyl records. The weather today has been bleak and grey with occasional blustery showers, so not really ideal for going to the town, but needs must!

I think everyone was in a grumpy mood this morning as I was overtaken on the road just outside Maidwell but an impatient man in a van who was obviously annoyed with me for sticking to the speed limit in the village! I do not want to get a £100 fine just before Christmas and know that speed cameras are often there!

We parked easily in Market Harborough and walked up to the shop where I saw, with a bit of disappointment, that there weren't that many records to choose from. Keith spotted some old 45s which we attempted to have a look at, despite a man standing in the way. He was another rude person who said, "Excuse me!" curtly when he went to put some records back. It's good to know the season of goodwill is alive and well!

We left and went to get the newspaper, but went back again as Keith had spotted some records that he thought Mike might like. Unfortunately, Mr Grumpy was still hanging about but we picked out three that looked like they would fit the bill, paid and left!

Keith didn't feel that well today so he wasn't really keen on doing a lot of browsing, so after I'd bought some presents in Boots and had a look in Waterstones, we decided to call in at Farndon Fields farm shop on the way home to get a pork pie. As I had suspected, the place was heaving and there were very few parking spaces. I think I got hooted at because I had to reverse (very slightly) to allow another car to pass, so by now I was really fed up. We managed to squeeze into a space and joined the throng of people who were buying their Christmas foods. We located a pork pie and fled home to the peace and quiet of our house!

I spent the afternoon pottering about and wrapping the last of my presents and Sophie arrived home at just after 3pm as it was her last day working! Yippee!

I took Keith to the pub (he still felt a bit dizzy) and Sophie and I relaxed for a while before preparing dinner of chicken fajitas, which were delicious!

Get Him To The (Fenu)Greek...

Keith and I went shopping at 9am this morning as we wanted to go and get it out of the way. It was already busy, which was slightly worrying! We spent over £100 in Aldi and bought some treats and then went into Tesco to do the rest of our shopping.

On Sunday we are planning on cooking the Hairy Bikers' Nutty Chicken and it called for Fenugreek, so I sent Keith on a mission to get some... There wasn't any in the fresh herbs section so he went off to the dried herbs aisle and came back triumphantly brandishing a small jar! I have no idea what it tastes like but we will use it in the recipe on Sunday and find out!

We didn't buy half as much in Tesco but the bill came to £71! I suppose the hard-to-find ingredients didn't help, but Keith also bought a fair amount of beer!

Both supermarkets were very busy and the queues were building up at the checkouts, something I haven't seen for a while. There was a faint air of panic in the store although I have no idea why, as there was plenty of food and drink available!

We left Tesco and called into Majestic as I'd ordered some wine using a voucher I had. I wanted to buy some Champagne for our new next-door neighbours, Vince and Sue, as they had done us a huge favour with our council rates band and we had had a small windfall, which was a lovely surprise! We have also invited them around for wine and nibbles in March along with Sue and Paul and Richard and Michelle, with a view to them joining in with our regular wine tastings.

I made lunch using leftover veggies from last night's meal (coated in breadcrumbs and fried) along with bacon and some mushrooms and then Keith and Mike went out to do some Christmas shopping, I hoovered and tidied up downstairs and then did a mound of ironing before relaxing on the sofa and watching some Christmas food programmes.

Sophie arrived home at 5.30pm and we decided to go to the Christmas shopping event at Castle Ashby. I wish we hadn't...it poured with rain on the way over and when we arrived there were some tents outside selling food and drink. We went to a clothes shop first (I have no idea why) and then browsed in the gift shops but neither of us were really feeling it and we didn't have any cash on us so we weren't sure whether we could use cards at the outdoor tents. Sophie was hungry but didn't want a big hot dog or hog roast so we decided to go home and relax with a drink instead!

We watched an episode of Top of The Pops (from about 1987, I think) and then Sophie and I cooked dinner. I'd found a recipe for Pork stir-fry with noodles and Keith and I had already prepped everything so all Sophie and I had to do was cook the mince, the noodles and the vegetables and coat it all in soy sauce and a sweet chilli sauce. It was delicious!

A wee bit fragile!

Both Keith and I felt a bit hungover this morning! He had had six pints of strong beer and I'd gone onto whisky after having a couple of half pints so we both felt a bit fragile!

I had a parcel I needed to pick up from the Waitrose branch in Kingsthorpe and my Mum wanted to go to Jones's so we called for her at 10am and drove into town. Before we did anything we had breakfast in the cafe - a bacon sandwich for Keith and a sausage one for me. I soon felt human again after enjoying that with a cup of coffee!

Mum did a bit of shopping while Keith and I looked at the wines and spirits and I went to wait for her while she packed her shopping into bags. It was then that she asked if I'd picked up Sophie's present? Duh! What an idiot I was! I'd forgotten all about it...the one reason we'd gone into Waitrose in the first place!

I went and collected it and we had a short wait so I felt like a twit! However, we were soon out and driving to Jones's in the sunshine. What a difference to yesterday! At Jones's I bought some more fairy lights for the study as well as some stocking fillers and more wrapping paper and tags. I think I am almost finished but no doubt there will be the last-minute purchases at the weekend!

After Jones's we collected Mike from his girlfriend's house and took Mum home. I planned on doing very little in the afternoon and just relaxing - maybe a nap was a good idea!

In the evening we watched Gino D'Campo's Adriatic Escape and we jotted down a lovely recipe for Panettone. It was bliss to watch him in the Italian sunshine and I think I'm developing a bit of a crush on him! Haha!

Out with old friends!

Keith and Mike went to have their hair cut this morning and I dropped them off at the barber's before popping to Tesco. I bought a present for Keith in there as well as a book for my Dad. I was queuing up at the checkout when I saw Keith come along so I had to head him off!

We returned home for half an hour and then went to our local pub for lunch. Sophie was having her office Christmas meal today at The Britannia and Keith and I were out this evening for a drink, so it seemed the perfect time to go out to eat at midday.

The pub was lovely and quiet and we took a seat by the fire and looked at the lunch menu. I chose a burger while Keith went for his usual fish and chips and Mike picked out the steak and ale pie. We had a chat (about jobs) and had a very pleasant meal.

The afternoon was spent pottering about, wrapping presents and just doing little jobs. Sophie arrived home from work early and was laden down with cards, a bottle of wine and her Secret Santa gift - socks and a mini bottle of Prosecco. Once again, a lot of gifts this year are all about Gin and Prosecco!

The weather today has been very disappointing with heavy rain and a blustery wind. Liam and Sarah picked us up at 7.30pm and we drove into town to The Princess Alexandra pub. I was worried it would be crowded, but the place was empty and we were able to sit at a table near the pot-bellied stove. It was lovely! We didn't move from the pub (we were going to go to The Malt Shovel at well) but it was great to catch up with all our news and not worry about dashing through the rain-sodden streets!

We were the last to leave and had a friendly chat with the barmaid before we emerged out into the cold night! We got home at about 11.30pm and I think Keith was a bit squiffy! Good thing we had nowhere to go in the morning!

Getting ready!

I was up at 6am this morning and waved Sophie off to the gym. The day was promising to be a lovely one, with clear skies and a beautiful sunrise.

Keith and I had a busy morning as we took some bits to the tip, including Mike's old wardrobe. As soon as we returned home I put a colour on my hair as it was long overdue! At 12.30pm we went down to get Sophie from work and had a quick lunch in Costa. The traffic was really heavy today - maybe everyone was doing a spot of Christmas shopping in their lunch hour?

After Costa we went to Boots and then I made a quick trip to Wilko's to get some bird food. The poor things haven't had any fat snax for a couple of days and have had to make do with food scraps!

We dropped Sophie back at work and made the journey over to Kettering to do some shopping. Tonight we planned on using up the leftover vegetables and Yorkshire puddings from yesterday's roast to make bubble and squeak and we bought some sausages to go with it. I treated myself to a bottle of sherry and a bottle of ginger wine in Aldi as Christmas isn't Christmas without a glass of sherry before lunch on the big day! I also love a Whisky Mac at this time of the year - it's so warming! I also put an Italian Panettone in the trolley to try it!

In Tesco I chose a present for my Dad from Sophie, so we're getting there, as well as a couple of boxes of chocolate biscuits. Everything has to be bought and wrapped before the weekend, hopefully!

Back home it was time to relax, have a cup of tea and some shortbread and wait for Sophie to come home. She called from her car to say the traffic was horrendous and she arrived home at 6pm. I was having a soak in the bath as it was so cold outside but the weather is set to change later in the week and become mild. No snow on the horizon at all!

We had a lovely evening watching Escape to the Chateau and Gino D'Campo's latest foodie tour around the Adriatic coast of Italy. We then finished the evening with Mary Berry's show in which various celebrities cooked with her. Huw Edwards was the funniest...he just about managed to wrap some sausages in bacon and the banter between them was very suggestive at times!

A spot of Christmas shopping!

Sophie and I left home at 9am this morning and drove to Milton Keynes to do some shopping. I had thought the shops opened at 10am so I was very surprised to find the multi-storey car park virtually empty...

We realised, when we went into the centre itself, that the shops opened at 10.30am for browsing so no wonder it was quiet! We had a coffee in Costa and sat down just before crowds of people arrived! We sat by the window and looked out over blue skies - what a difference to yesterday!

As we still had some time to kill we ambled off to John Lewis and looked at the Christmas display in the huge area opposite. As always, it was gorgeous!

There were some lovely moving bears, a train ride and a helter skelter as well as a beautiful carousel. The children were having a wonderful time!

We had a quick look in Flying Tiger (full of tat) and then we were able to go into John Lewis where we had a good look around. We bought presents for Keith and looked at jewellery for my Mum before heading off to Accessorize as Sophie needed to get a Secret Santa present for work. We also had a look in HMV for Mike's present and Sophie bought an Elvis Presley Christmas CD to play in the car!

By now the centre had filled up considerably so we headed to M&S, stopping at House of Fraser on the way to look at their jewellery. Sophie spotted a lovely bracelet in there which was perfect and half price!

In M&S Sophie had a bra fitting and discovered she'd gone down a size across her back, which was good news. The woman fitting the bra was very chatty and when she saw the CD she told us she'd been to Gracelands last year on holiday.

By now we were flagging a bit so we decided to call it a day and drive to The Hub where we were going to have lunch in Las Iguanas. Luckily there was plenty of parking and we walked the short distance to the restaurant which was only a quarter full.

We chose nachos with chicken to start followed by a chicken burger for Sophe and mini chorizo hot dogs served with salad for me. The food was delicious and our waiter was great, and from Brazil!

We finished with Brazilian Brigadeiro which was ice-cream, chocolate ganache and malted nuts. It was delicious!

Unfortunately the weather had changed while we'd been shopping and it was cloudy and dull. We drove home and then did very little - I managed a nap on the sofa! At about 6.30pm, the phone rang and it was Mike asking if we could pick him up from Gemma's house in East Hunsbury. The weather outside was dreadful with heavy rain but Sophie and I went to get him and the driving was very difficult. It was great to get home and have a drink and relax!

Last day of working!

Keith took me into work today for my last day before I finished for Christmas. We had bad weather forecast for today, and a warning for snow, but we were more likely to get a lot of rain.

I was working with Bette and the day passed very pleasantly indeed, as it was quiet and nobody else was in the office! Outside the weather was horrible, but we just had rain and wind, and it was very cold.

Sophie had been to the gym in the afternoon so she picked me up at 4pm and we went joyfully home! On the way we bought some snacks as we had planned on playing cards in the conservatory for a change. It's been ages since we did that!

We played cards and Sophie cooked a delicious curry. We had planned on going to France tomorrow for the day but I was very glad we'd changed our minds as I was a wee bit weary from work and it would have meant a very early morning!

New house?

It seemed very festive at work today and I received a card and some shortbread from Sara as well as a large bar of chocolate from Emma as a thank you for the training I'd done with her. I was delighted!

The shift passed quickly as I had lots to do and I bid Happy Christmas to my colleagues because today will be the last time I see them as I am off from tomorrow! Yippee!

At 3pm I picked up my Mum and we drove over to Mawsley to look at the house she had fallen in love with. As we went in I could see why! It was immaculate and it was like looking at a showhome on a new development! One of the owners was there (with his two lovely cats) and explained why they were selling - he and his wife had wanted a house nearby some time ago but it had fallen through, so now they had a second chance they'd put their house on the market in the hope they could sell it and move on.

The house truly was lovely and the garage was amazing - they had carpeted the floor as they had a nice car in there and the whole garden area and driveway was beautiful. I had a great chat with the owner so my mind was definitely put at rest!

I took Mum home and battled my way back through heavy traffic. To be honest, it would be a lot easier for us if my parents lived at Mawsley as I hate having to cross the busy A43 every time we go and see them!

Traffic troubles!

It was a very cold and frosty morning when we all awoke at 6am and I have to admit to being a bit worried about Sophie driving to the gym so early. When I ventured out at 7.30am the road between Walgrave and Holcot was white so it was obvious the gritters hadn't been out last night!

On the A43 I came across a traffic jam so I took an alternative route and the roads became busier and busier. I'm amazed I got to work on time, but Sadie, who I was working with today, was 45 minutes late! She drives the same route as I do but had made the mistake of getting back onto the A43 where there had been two accidents. I'm just glad that Sophie left early as she would never have made it to her work on time!

It was a quiet morning but I was kept busy with admin jobs so the time flew. Back at home, Mum and Dad popped around for a cup of tea and mentioned, almost in passing, that they had been to see a house in Mawsley and it was beautiful. I was a bit worried as to why it had been put up for sale so close to Christmas but I agreed to go and see it with them tomorrow. My Mum seemed smitten!

Christmas shopping spree!

I was in at work covering a shift for a colleague and I had another busy day. The time flew by! Emma answered phone calls today and did really well but I was still there to help her. We were lucky that it wasn't too busy so I could get on with some admin work in between helping her out.

When the shift finished I drove home, collected Keith and we went to Aldi and Tesco to do our shopping. We had some Clubcard vouchers to spend so we bought some treats for Christmas, including a Christmas pudding and some Brandy cream. We also splashed out on some whisky, vodka and gin and a bottle of Champagne for Christmas morning. Now, we don't have to do too much before the big day!

We arrived home at about 4.30pm, feeling very weary and laden down with bags. I was annoyed to find dirty dishes in the sink, so had a word with Mike. There is still no sign of him getting a job and we are growing increasingly worried about his finances, especially as he has a phone contract.

I said I would give him a list of chores to do the next day. That'll keep him busy!

An afternoon of paperwork...

I drove myself into work this morning and discovered that Stella, who does all the cinema admin, has shingles which will keep her off until at least next week. Sheila asked me to do the Box Office returns and I was only too happy to oblige. I did feel sorry for Stella, though, poor thing.

I was kept busy all morning and carried on training Emma who seems to enjoy working with us. She has picked things up really quickly and is lovely to work with.

At 2pm I sped off home and spent a busy afternoon sorting out paperwork and renewing our home insurance. I'd bought a gift for my Mum on ebay - a Mason's china urn in the pattern that she loves so I carefully inspected it and wrapped it up for her. She will be very surprised to see it, especially as we haven't been to any antique fairs lately!

The gifts under the tree are growing, so that's good news. I do hate to see the tree bare of any presents!

In the evening Sophie and I made breaded pork escalopes for dinner and very good they were, too!

The start of a long week!

Keith took me to work this morning as we were planning to go and get Sophie's car sorted out when I finished at 2pm.

Work passed very pleasantly and as soon as Keith picked me up we headed down to get Sophie's car and take it into town. The head man came out, had a look at the rear wing and said it would cost £160.00 to fix, but he couldn't do it until January, which we were expecting.

We drove back, dropped the car off and went to Riverside as I had a parcel I needed to collect. Boots was busy with shoppers and I sprayed a couple of aftershaves onto myself to test them as I was looking for inspiration for Keith and Mike! The Chanel Allure for men was gorgeous!

After shopping we popped into Costa for a Flat White and a snack - a sausage roll for Keith and a warmed mince pie for me. Delicious!

Back home we mooched about until Sophie came home and then relaxed while Keith made chicken in a black bean sauce for dinner. The house looks lovely and festive at the moment and it's very cosy and warm. The weather outside is frightful!

A little bump!

I had a lovely, really lazy start to today and Sophie made us a delicious breakfast of French toast using brioche burger buns and chopped nuts, served with cream. Another indulgent meal!

I spent the morning pottering about and doing more chores, such as preparing the veg for dinner, hoovering and putting up some lights. We had a rope of fairy lights left over so I put them along the fireplace and intertwined them with our gonks and little Father Christmases. They looked lovely!

Just as I was putting the finishing touches to the room, I heard a knock on the door and found out it was Vince and Sue's daughter from next door who is staying with them. She had driven onto their drive, in their car, and had scraped the back of Sophie's car, in exactly the same place as the last time it was damaged. She hinted that it was Gemma's (Mike's girlfriend) fault as her car was parked opposite, but it was clear she hadn't really taken any care driving in and must have been going a bit fast!

Vince was very apologetic and said they would pay for it (obviously!) and we said we'd take the car down to Brockhall tomorrow to get a quote. Sophie went ballistic and I could understand her anger as this is the second time the car has been damaged and she hadn't been driving on either occasion! In fact, the car had been stationary!

Keith and Mike went to the pub at lunchtime and I dropped them off before going to have a shower. Today, amazingly, I also managed to buy some Christmas gifts online! I'm getting there!

After picking the boys up from the pub, Sophie and I went to get my Mum and we went over to Kettering to visit The Yards. Before we ventured in we had lunch at Kino Lounge which was a really quirky, different place. Sophie loves Zapato Lounge, their sister restaurant in Northampton, so she knew the menu and we decided to share three Tapas plates, with a side of French fries. Mum settled for a chocolate cheesecake and a coffee.

I was very impressed with the restaurant! The food was delicious, even though they got our order wrong! We enjoyed patatas bravas, buttermilk fried chicken and halloumi served with peppers and courgettes. With some crunchy chips and ciabatta, we were stuffed!

After eating we waddled off to The Yards even though they were due to close in an hour's time. I bought some Christmas decorations in a lovely little shop and a Gonk in the main shopping area! Sadly, the vintage clothes area was no more and neither were the American sweets so that put a bit of a dampener on our choices for Mike as we were going to get some presents for him there.

My Mum loved it all and said she was going to head back during the week with my Dad. One last stop before we left to go home was a beer shop where we bought Mike three bottles of very strong ale!

Back home we posted some Christmas cards and had a walk around the estate with Monty. We were much later than normal and it was dark so we were able to see all the Christmas lights on display.

Keith cooked roast beef in the evening and we enjoyed it with a bottle of Californian red. It was a lovely end to a great weekend!

Catching up!

It was bliss to wake up this morning and have no plans whatsoever for the day! It meant I could catch up with all the niggling little jobs I'd left all week and do some tidying up!

Keith and I went to get the papers and I made a delicious porridge for breakfast, using a Gordon Ramsey recipe. It included nuts, raisins and cream so it was utterly delicious!

The weather today was a lot better than expected but it was windy and cold, so perfect for staying inside and pottering about. I wrote out some more Christmas cards, sorted out the Playstation Plus subscription for Mike (part of his present) and looked at our Home Insurance price which I was able to reduce!

I also (very early on) marinated some chicken thighs in Riesling for tonight's dinner. Sophie and I are cooking tonight rather than tomorrow as we've let Keith have a Sunday roast!

I managed a short nap and then had a soak in the bath before starting on the dinner. It smelt delicious as it was cooking and we used mushrooms, lardons, onions and garlic in the recipe. The aroma even brought Mike downstairs who declared that he was ravenous!

Dinner was indeed lovely and it was the Coq au Riesling recipe from the Hairy Bikers' cookbook. At the end we whisked up an egg yolk into some cream and added it to make it lovely and rich. After dinner we wanted to watch Rocky as Sophie and Mike had never seen the film but we were able to set it to record on Monday morning...a strange time for it to be shown, but never mind! Instead we watched The 15:17 to Paris which was a bit weird and very slow. The "actors" were the actual characters who had foiled an attempted terrorist attack on a train heading for Paris. It was a long-drawn out film directed by Clint Eastwood, but in my opinion it wasn't one of his best!

Out with the girls!

I was very pleased it was Friday today, and I was looking forward to the weekend and trying to catch up with things I'd left all week! Every afternoon has been so busy!

Sophie didn't go into work this morning as she still felt rough with a sore throat and blocked nose. I drove my car to work and spent the shift training Emma, who was great at taking phone calls, especially cinema bookings which can be really complicated!

At 2pm I drove home and Keith and I went and did the shopping for the weekend at Tesco. He really didn't want to do any more than that. His eyes are still sore and itchy and the nurse gave him some eye drops, so hopefully they will clear the problem up!

We were back home for 4pm and putting everything away, so we weren't that late. I had visions of us being out until 5pm! I took Keith and Mike to the pub at 6pm and went home to have a lovely soak in the bath as I was out in the evening to The Telegraph pub with Lynda, Fiona and Andrea for a Christmas meal.

I went back out at 7.30pm to pick the boys up and then dressed and put some make-up on. Sophie did my hair and I received a call from Lynda to say they were already in the pub and sitting at the table! I took Sophie's car as I wasn't sure about how big the car park was but I found a space right by the door, so that was good! I couldn't have asked Keith or Sophie to drive me as they were feeling so rough!

The pub was packed and extremely noisy, I was dismayed to find. There were two tables of men eating and the noise they were making was horrendous! I now find it quite difficult to hear people when there's a lot of background noise so it was hard to chat with the girls and catch up with all that was going on.

I have to say the food was lovely, though and my chicken liver pate served with crusty bread was delicious. We exchanged "Secret Santa" presents and I received some beautiful hand creams from Lynda! Just what I needed and a lot better than last week's!

For the main course I had chosen the slow cooked pork belly with a black pudding potato cake served with brussels sprouts, red cabbage and carrots and, again, the flavours were lovely. Towards the end of the evening, the table of men immediately next to us left so we could talk a bit more comfortably, thank goodness!

I stuck to sparkling water all evening and didn't mind not drinking at all. For dessert I enjoyed a chocolate truffle with sea salted caramel ice-cream. Yum!

We were all finished by 10.30pm and the girls took a taxi home while I pootled off home in Sophie's car. Bring on the weekend!

A marathon journey!

Mike had gone out again last night and hadn't come home so I suspected he was staying at his girlfriend's house. It's Student Night in Northampton and it's like a magnet for him every week!

We had another early start as Sophie was going to Newmarket today and had to be in Thrapston for 6.30am. Thankfully, not as early as yesterday! We dropped her off and returned home where I jumped in the shower and then got ready for work.

Keith wasn't feeling up to doing our weekly shop so he went and bought jacket potatoes for tonight and more soup as Sophie was feeling really poorly. There were huge problems on the O2 network today and she was finding it very difficult to send texts or get any 4G coverage. Her texts went through but I received multiple ones!

Mike also texted me at work - eight times - to let me know he was still alive (always appreciated!) and the problems were affecting millions of people on the network.

I was working with Emma again today and I left at 3pm and sped home. Mike hadn't asked me to collect him but as soon as I arrived Sophie texted me to say they were forty minutes from Thrapston. As I needed to get some diesel for my car it was an ideal time to leave.

We called into Tesco and then heard on the radio that there'd been a problem on the A14 near to the Thrapston exit. However it was beyond the junction and just as we were turning off the phone rang and it was Sophie to say they were stuck in traffic near Cambridge! We were not very happy so we said we'd go for a drink at a pub nearby, just before you get to the small town.

The Woolpack pub had always looked lovely from the outside, but it was full of men drinking who had obviously been to work and had finished early. It was OK, but not quite what I was expecting! There was a very friendly dog in there though, who kept coming over and sitting on my foot!

Sophie eventually arrived at almost 5pm and while we'd been sitting in the pub Mike had called to ask us to pick him up...from East Hunsbury again, a journey of about 25 miles! In rush hour traffic! He couldn't have picked a worse time for us to pick him up if he'd tried!

We set off and went back onto the A14 in the direction of Huntingdon for one exit and then turned off onto the A45 which took us almost to the door of Mike's girlfriend. It was definitely the best route to follow (thank you Google Maps!) but the traffic was very heavy, especially around Rushden Lakes.

We arrived home (after going through the town and avoiding the A45 and A43) at 6pm and Keith bunged the potatoes into the oven to bake. It was then time to have a sit down and a well-earned G&T!

An early start...

I woke up at 4.30am this morning as Keith and I were taking Sophie to Thrapston. It was a horrible morning with a constant drizzle that made driving very difficult, especially on the busy A14. We dropped her off and drove home and I have to admit to feeling really low. She was off down to Maidstone and the Isle of Sheppey and I knew exactly what the journey would be like in the dark and the rain. It's a route we've followed many times before and Sophie and her manager were going down the M11, a road I really don't like. What with that and worrying about my Mum and Dad, I felt horrible!

I was toying with the idea of going back to bed for an hour but I knew deep down I wouldn't so I used the time to catch up with writing this blog and making my lunch. Keith went straight back to bed, but then he did have an excuse!

I drove myself to work today as I was covering an extra shift. Work passed very pleasantly as I was training a new lady called Emma and we got on really well. Sue also had a new woman training with her and her native language was Romanian, I think. One of our customers was delighted when she started conversing in the same language as him! I think she was very brave to try out for the job!

At 2pm Mike called me to ask me to pick him up from East Hunsbury so I went off to get him and became slightly lost as I'd only been to Gemma's house once before! I collected him and we drove home in the gloom, which was really horrible!

I spent the rest of the afternoon mooching about and waiting for Sophie to text me to say they were half an hour away from Thrapston. By 7pm they were back and we returned home to have soup and trifle for dinner. Sophie has now got Keith's cold and sore throat so our choice of dinner was perfect!

Health worries.

This morning it was frosty and cold and I was a wee bit worried about Sophie going to the gym at 6.30am as the back of her car was covered in ice! Anyway, she went, but five minutes later she was banging on the door to say she'd forgotten her work top!

I drove myself to work this morning and received a slight shock when Keith texted me to say that my Mum had called to say my Dad wasn't well. I asked Keith to call her back and to tell her we would go around after I'd finished at 2pm.

We called to see them and Dad seemed very listless and depressed. I think it has something to do with his model aeroplane club as he stood down from the committee as Chairman earlier this year and the weather has meant he can't get out and fly his planes as often as he used to.

I suggested they go on holiday in January to Spain or somewhere warm as they haven't had a proper break for quite a while. It just brought it home to me how much they need Keith and I at the moment and I don't know how I'd cope if I had a full-time job.

After we left them we drove to Brixworth as I had Christmas cards to send out and Keith needed some eye drops as he has sore and itchy eyes at the moment. He still has a terrible cough and cold and it's showing no signs of getting better... The post office was busy and one of the staff was sat behind the counter slowly counting cash while the queue grew and grew. What is it about post office staff and rudeness?

When we got home Sophie was already there, which was a bonus, but tomorrow she has to be at her manager's house for 5.30am. Yawn!

Festive purchases!

Keith took me to work this morning and the shift passed pleasantly enough. At 2pm, when Keith picked me up we decided to head straight for Jones's as I needed some more Christmas cards and we also wanted to buy some batteries. I somehow managed to spend over £60 in there as I bought a little lit tree for outside as well as some gifts for the children! The place was busy with lots of people buying Christmas stuff and I spotted some crackers for the big day as well.

Back home we set everything up and the little tree looked lovely outside our front door! The street is starting to look festive now as more people put up decorations. I can't believe that Christmas is just around the corner!

I tried in vain to buy a subscription for Mike's Playstation but I think there was a problem with adding my credit card and in the end I called the company to find out what was wrong. They said the problem wasn't with them so I just know I'll have to call Sony in the end to get it sorted!

Delicious dinner!

I felt a wee bit tired this morning, but certainly not hungover! I was amazed I managed to resist the alcohol last night!

Keith and I went to get the Sunday papers and called to see Mum and Dad for a coffee. We then returned home and I made breakfast of smoked sausages (from Ikea) and scrambled eggs. The weather has been better than anticipated today so I decided to give my filthy car a good wash and polish!

It was lovely out in the fresh air and my car looked a lot better when I'd finished. I just wish I'd had the time to do Sophie's car as well.

In the afternoon I took my daughter to the gym and called into Tesco to get the ingredients for tonight's dinner - Hainanese Chicken from the Hairy Bikers' Chicken and Egg cookbook. To be honest I was a bit wary about it as it looked a little watery but we'd decided on it, so that was that!

I bought chicken breasts, ginger, spring onions, a lime, chillies and Jasmine rice before going back to the gym and collecting Sophie who'd been for a run and a swim. As soon as we got home we went out to post some Christmas cards to neighbours and friends and took Monty with us. However, there were loads of dogs about this afternoon so the cat was a bit reluctant to come with us, poor thing. We went from the sublime to the ridiculous when we met Sam and her huge Newfoundland dog and then saw Brian who's a little tiny poodly thing! He was on the run and completely ignored his owner who kept shouting for him to come back!

We delivered all the cards and went home for a mug of hot chocolate laced with Brandy. The alcohol free period has come to an end! I then had a little nap before helping Sophie with the dinner. The recipe was pretty simple but it tasted fabulous! We poached chicken breasts in stock flavoured with star anise, spring onions and garlic then kept them warm before cooking the lovely rice in the same stock. We'd melted some butter and added more garlic to the saucepan and it was lovely and sticky and very delicious! At the end we combined everything and served the meal with soy sauce and a chilli sauce that we'd made. We do need a small chopper to help with cooking so if we go to Jones's next week it'll be worth investing in one!

Tonight's dinner was proper comfort food and one we will definitely be making again. Mike was out with friends but when he came home we told him he'd missed a good one!

Deck the halls!

We awoke to grey skies and rain this morning. Not a great start to the month!

Keith and I went to get the newspaper first thing and then it was home to have breakfast of bacon and egg sandwiches. Keith had already taken the trees down from the garage rafters so we lugged them inside and after Sophie had showered, we made a start in the conservatory.

As always, we put our little Scandi tree in the corner and took out all our decorations - we now have so many and some of them are beautiful. I especially love the ones from Florida and Berlin. I put the lights on while Sophie decorated and afterwards we sat down to sort out the Christmas cards from last year. I keep them so I get people's names right (!) and then Sophie cuts them up to make gift tags.

Keith went to the football in the afternoon, despite his cough and cold. Once he had gone we moved into the living room and re-arranged the furniture so we could put the tree in the corner. We had a bit of an ordeal setting the stand up but as soon as it was assembled and we'd "fluffed" the tree up, Sophie dressed it while I tidied everything away.

We were very pleased with the results when we'd finished and we sat down to watch a Christmas film until Keith got home from the football. I went upstairs to have a bath in readiness for my night out with the estate women (about fifteen of us were going to the local pub) and Sophie had a well-earned nap.

She did my hair for me and I wore my festive red top with black trousers. I have another Christmas meal to go to next Friday but I've chosen Pork Belly this time! I didn't want to have too many turkey dinners before the big day!

Sue called for me at 7.30pm and we picked up another lady, whose children I used to look after at After-School club. When we got to the pub it was packed and very hot! Now, the decision time was upon me...would I drink alcohol or not? I'd never given up the demon drink for a month so I wasn't really sure how I would be after a couple of glasses, so I decided to stick to soft drinks tonight and then have a G&T tomorrow at home. I didn't want to get drunk!

Paul had given us ladies a lift up but some of the women had walked so as soon as they'd arrived we went upstairs to our table and took our places. There were quite a few women there who I didn't know and the way the table was laid out made it difficult to chat to them so they still remain strangers! I sat with Sue and a lady I'd never met before and as she didn't know anyone else, we took her under our wing.

We had to wait ages for our food and those women who hadn't ordered a starter were famished by the time the mains arrived! I chose crab and lobster tail in a sweet creamy mayonnaise sauce served with crusty bread, followed by turkey and all the trimmings. When they put the veggies on our table Sue and I fell upon them like starving rats!

The food was good but there was a strange mix of flavours on my plate...I think it was the cranberry sauce. I enjoyed my dessert though, which was an orange and chocolate cheesecake. As it was someone's birthday Sue had made a beautiful cake so we all had a slice of that as well. Phew!

By 11.30pm the party was breaking up but the woman opposite us seemed determined to drink on so I texted Sophie and asked if Keith could come and pick us up. That was definitely the right decision as it was pouring with rain by now! We left the others to their full glasses of wine and headed home where I went straight to bed. No headache for me in the morning!

The month is over!

Sophie went off to the gym this morning and downstairs in the kitchen, we discovered a strange pair of shoes in the kitchen cupboard - it looked like Mike's new girlfriend Gemma, had stayed the night...

Keith took me into work again and the time flew past as I was training a new lady called Emma. She was really lovely and we all tried not to overwhelm her with the amount of information we have to know. I received a couple of random phone calls that just demonstrated what we have to deal with!

At 2pm Keith picked me up and we headed home. I realised I hadn't had my lunch or even visited the loo all morning, I'd been so busy!

In the afternoon I tackled the leaves on the driveway and hoovered some up that were on the lawn. It's been a sunny day today but it's turned a lot colder. The weekend is forecast to be horrible, which is a shame!

This evening was the last of our non-alcoholic wine nights...I made it! Keith is very proud of me (as I am of him) and I proved Sophie wrong as well! It goes without saying that the alcohol free drinks helped a lot!

Hanging about!

It was a wild and woolly morning as we have been feeling the after effects of Storm Diana in the UK. Keith took me into work and then went to do the shopping, even though I had suggested we both go when I finished at 3pm. He has a cold and a cough at the moment, given to him by Mike.

I had a pleasant session at work and once Keith had picked me up we returned home where I mooched about and hoovered downstairs again! The leaves were gathering around the back door, but at least I have a weapon to deal with them now!

Dinner tonight was a minced beef stew served in giant Yorkshire puddings. We watched Gino's Italian Adriatic  Escape and it was blissful seeing the scenes filmed in Italy while outside it was cold and dark.

At about 8.30pm Sophie and I took Mike to Brixworth as he was having an interview in one of the pubs there with a local builder. It would be ideal if he got the job as the builder lives on our estate and could give him lifts!

We returned home and I just hoped that Mike wouldn't be too late as I didn't want to be hanging around all evening for him! When it got to 10pm we texted him to say we were coming over, but half way there he told us to go home as he hadn't even been seen yet! He would find his own way home!

Drinks and nibbles.

Keith and I spent all morning cleaning the downstairs of the house and re-arranging the furniture in the conservatory, both in readiness for putting the decorations up this weekend and also because Sue and Michelle were coming around for a drink and nibbles in the evening.

It's been very mild today so I was able to open the windows and let some air in, but everything felt a bit damp. It was great to get the conservatory cleared out and tidied up and it looked lovely when I'd finished and set the table.

After having a shower, we went to get Sophie from work and went to Riverside. After having a quick lunch in Costa, Sophie and I went into Next while Keith went to Wilco's to get some batteries and light bulbs. I still didn't see anything I liked in the store so we met up with Keith and took Sophie back to work.

We went to buy all the nibbles at Aldi and Tesco in Kettering and I bought some delicious buffet foods. Before popping to Tesco we went into Next again and I spotted a silver table runner with six tablemats that would look lovely in the conservatory, so I bought them along with a star-shaped Christmas candle with my gift voucher. At last!

We spent more money in Tesco and I really think I bought too much food! However, the buffet was going to feed all six of us and I didn't want anyone to go hungry!

Back home my Mum called to ask if they could pop in on the way home and when they arrived I made them a cup of tea and tried to sort out a money problem for them. Before I knew it, Sophie was home from work and I started making preparations for the nibbles.

I had bought two bottles of sparkling non-alcoholic wine in Tesco - the usual Freixenet Cava and one from Australia - Rawson's Retreat. We only have three more nights to go! Yippee!

Sue and Michelle arrived and we had a great evening with a lot of laughing and gossip. The food went down very well and both of them loved the Cava (they each had some but had bought their own wine). We weren't so keen on the Rawson's Retreat, to be honest. It tasted like it was corked to me!

By 11pm we were all washed up and back to normal and I was more than ready for my bed!

Running on empty!

I was back at work today and it was a horrible, foggy morning. I had taken Sophie's car this morning as she was going out with friends in the evening and the plan was to pick her up from work and take her into town, to Alice's flat.

Her car was low on petrol but I had to rush home when I finished work and go to the doctor's surgery with Keith as he was having a Doppler test on his legs to measure the blood flow. We were there for ages and didn't get out until 4.30pm. At least it gave me a chance to have a good read of all the home and garden magazines and drool over some of the houses in Country Life! The good thing was that the test was good and there's no problem with his veins, which was great news!

We left the surgery and headed into town despite a queue up ahead in the roadworks. I really didn't fancy turning around and going back to Moulton, but I wish I had now as the traffic held us up and we were still in town at 5.15pm, later than when Sophie finished work. It was then that I noticed the fuel gauge had gone from showing 30 miles to empty to zero, so panicking slightly, I decided to go to a nearby Morrison's and get some petrol. Every time we stopped at a set of traffic lights I turned the engine off as I was dreading running out of fuel!

We finally made it and I filled the car up and we set off onto the gridlocked roads once again. It was as if someone had said a meteor was going to hit Northampton and there was a mass exodus taking place! Was this really normal rush hour traffic?

We finally got to Sophie for 5.45pm and sped off into town, depositing her at just after 6pm. It was then time to go home, grab a quick bite to eat (well, Keith did) and then I took him to the football ground as Sileby were playing. We thought it was better for me to pick him up after the game finished and head back into town to pick Sophie up.

I returned home, had a non-alcoholic lager (tonight I did really want a G&T) and made myself some toast before sitting down to watch a programme about a couple running a hill farm in Yorkshire with nine children and loads of sheep!

I went back out at 9.30pm, picked Keith up and we headed to sleazy Bridge Street where Sophie was enjoying cocktails at a bar with Alice. We waited a little while for her and I was mesmerised by the seedy looking people hanging about. Not the sort of place I would want to visit!

Sophie was a bit merry when she emerged with Alice and kept us entertained for the whole journey home. I wonder what her head will feel like in the morning!

Monday off!

I had today off, which was a lovely feeling! Sophie went to the gym and after getting up with her, I went back to bed! Mike had an interview at an employment agency in town at 10am so we went with him and waited in the car park. He was gone ages but then came back and said he had to go back tomorrow with his ID documents! Why couldn't they have told him that when they asked him in for his interview?

We had planned on going to Ikea as Mike's wardrobe fell apart yesterday but he said he just wanted a clothes rail, which was a bit strange! We asked him to come with us but he said he'd rather stay at home so we dropped him off and drove over to Milton Keynes.

The weather today has been a mixture of sunshine and showers, with dramatic skies. It's set to get stormy and mild over the next few days, so no snow on the agenda just yet! We were surprised to see Ikea so busy but we managed to park under cover and decided to have lunch first. Keith liked the look of the fish and chips and I went for my usual choice of meatballs with mashed potatoes. I won't need to eat tonight now!

We had a good look around and found a clothes rail for Mike. In fact, we bought two as well as some drawers for him to keep his underwear in. If I had my way (and the money) I'd love to get him fitted wardrobes in his room...maybe one day!

We bought lots of little things, including two new pans, glasses, pillows for Mike's bed and some candles. After we'd paid we visited the food section and I bought frozen meatballs, smoked sausages and Elk sausages for Mike as well as some scrummy biscuits!

We drove home and immediately Keith started putting everything together while I sorted out the mess in the kitchen. We could tell Mike had been at home alone! It took me an hour to clear up!

Mike had dismantled his old wardrobe and had thrown all the clothes he didn't want onto a chair in the living room... the house was a complete mess and I despaired of it ever looking OK again! I took all the packaging out to our recycling bin and tried to tidy up before Sophie came home!

Luckily, by about 6pm peace had been restored and Mike had even hoovered his room! Wonders will never cease!

Meeting old friends.

Sophie, Mike and I had appointments to give blood this morning but only Sophie actually donated. Mike said he felt too ill to go (he's coming down with a cold) and when I arrived and told one of the staff about my stomach pains they told me to skip this time. I was really annoyed with myself and felt a bit of a fraud, to be honest! I was also really angry with Mike as there wasn't that much wrong with him.

The hall at Moulton was packed, though, so there was no shortage of donors today, which was good. I sat with Sophie while she donated her pint and then we had a lovely chat with one of the staff afterwards who is a really lovely lady and always chats to us and makes us feel at ease.

Sophie and I had to go to Tesco afterwards as we had decided to make Paella for dinner (well, Sophie was going to cook it!) but before we went we had a sneaky McDonalds as we were both hungry! The whole area around the Weston Favell Centre was busy with Sunday shoppers and I do sometimes think back to when I was growing up and Sundays were lovely and quiet as all the shops were closed!

We met Liam in the supermarket and had a lovely chat as I hadn't seen him for well over a year! He suggested the four of us going out for a drink before Christmas, which would be great.

Back home we mooched about for a while and then took Monty for a walk to see the horses. We took some carrots but only the white horse came over to see us so she had the lot. When the others came over we were empty handed!

We carried on around the estate and met some of the children I knew from the after-school club. It was great to see them playing out and enjoying the fresh air. Today the weather has been lovely with blue skies and sunshine, a bit different to what was forecast, so that was a bonus!

We packaged up our last eBay item as we're giving it a rest now in the run-up to Christmas. It will be a bit of a relief not to have to dash to the post office every Monday! We might even do a car boot sale, though, but we'll see. A month today is Christmas Day!

Out for breakfast!

Keith suggested we go out for breakfast this morning and who was I to argue? Mike was still in London (although it looked like he was actually heading home) so it was just the three of us who went over to Beckworth.

We arrived at about 10.30am and already the place was packed! We hoped it was for the ice-skating and not for people eating! We were seated quite quickly and I chose the hearty porridge served with berries and seeds. I don't think my stomach could have coped with a full English! Keith had poached eggs on toast while Sophie opted for a sausage sandwich accompanied by hash browns.

I think Beckworth were a bit overwhelmed by how busy they were this morning as the usual service we receive was a bit lacking! Sophie was not at all impressed with her sandwich and said it was greasy. My porridge was lovely but the table behind us complained about one of their dishes and we just had a feeling that the servers were more harried than usual!

After we'd eaten we mooched about looking at the decorations but we couldn't find any gonks. I bought some peppermint teabags and some chocolate stirrers for Soph and Mike to make hot chocolate with and then we returned home.

The rest of the day was spent doing very little as my stomach is still not right. Mike had arrived home while we were out and had gone straight to bed (we later found out he hadn't slept on Friday night at all!). Sophie went to the gym in the afternoon and I lounged about on the sofa feeling a bit sorry for myself and annoyed that I didn't have the energy to do what I wanted to do!

So glad it's Friday!

Never have I been so glad to see Friday arrive, but unfortunately I felt horrible again, with crampy stomach pains that were, thankfully, kept in check by Nurofen. Keith drove me to work as he was taking Mike into town to visit an employment agency this morning. He went over to Tesco, bought me the painkillers and dropped them off at Reception so I could take them with my 9am cup of coffee.

The reception staff were lovely and caring and gave me a coffee for free, and Sara said I was welcome to go home if I still felt unwell, but the tablets worked and I felt a bit better. Luckily the time went past quickly and Keith met me at 2pm, saying that Mike had an interview at the agency and that they were confident they could get him a job within the week! Let's hope so!

Back home we did very little (I fell asleep) and Sue came around for a chat, which was good. Sophie arrived home earlier than usual and after I'd had a lovely hot bath we sat on the sofa and sipped non-alcoholic Cava while watching 90 Day Fiance. It was great that Keith drove himself to the pub as, like me, he is having a dry November! Not long to go now!

Dinner in the evening was curry, but just the three of us ate it as Mike is down in London celebrating a friend's birthday. After we'd eaten it was time to curl up on the sofa again, but I really hope I feel better after this weekend otherwise it'll have to be a visit to the doctor on Monday!

Traffic troubles!

We woke up to a very frosty morning and I was glad that Sophie wasn't going to the gym. Keith cleared ET of ice for me and I gingerly set off to work. My stomach still hurt a bit but the Nurofen seemed to help a lot. I have a feeling it's trapped wind..not very sexy, but there you are!

I decided to head straight down the A43 this morning but before I'd reached the Round Spinney roundabout, a police car came screaming past. On the dual carriageway, an ambulance hurtled past us and I could see that the traffic in the distance was at a standstill. Luckily I was able to turn off a short while later but I was later at work than I normally am. It was actually nice to walk in and have everything turned on and ready, for a change!

I warned Keith and Sophie about the accident up ahead and they told me later that it involved two cars, one of which had been crossing the busy dual carriageway at the time. When the road was first built about 40 years ago, the traffic was much lighter, but now it's horrendous and I think the crossings are dangerous! I so wish we had intersections with traffic lights like they have in the US!

I was kept busy at work and the time passed very quickly. At 3pm I sped home and managed to do a few chores rather than collapsing on the sofa. I haven't done much at all this week and feel very guilty, especially as I have been very late in keeping up with this blog!

Keith and I went back down to get Sophie in the evening and it was a really filthy night, with drizzly rain and terrible traffic. On the way we saw three police cars and an ambulance go screaming past us so heaven knows what was happening!

Car troubles!

Thankfully, I wasn't at work today but after waving Sophie off at 8am and making myself a hot chocolate, she called ten minutes later to say that a warning light had appeared on the dashboard of her car. We managed to identify it as the tyre pressure warning light, so we told her to pull into the garage at Moulton and we would come straight out to her. We were both very worried that she would break down on the busy A45 which doesn't have a hard shoulder.

We both threw some clothes on (I can only guess at what I looked like with wild hair, a pale face and my glasses on!) and sped down to sort her out. To our dismay, the air machine wasn't working so we had no choice but to leave little ET on the road outside the garage and take her to work. We made it with two minutes to spare!

We then went back to the garage and I drove ET to the Tesco garage at the Weston Favell Centre. While Keith sorted the tyres out I put some diesel in my car and then we headed home. As soon as we got home I had a lovely hot shower and then helped Keith by driving ET up and down our driveway so he could try and see if one of the tyres had a puncture. He couldn't see anything but we decided that it would  be a good idea to go and get a tyre inflator, so we had one at home.

We'd said to Sophie we would take her out for lunch and on the way we called into Screwfix and bought a little inflator. We will both keep an eye on ET's tyre pressure in case there is a slow puncture going on!

We went to Riverside and the Costa there, and I had a bowl of porridge with honey. It was delicious and just what I fancied! Keith went into Sports Direct afterwards to get himself some thermal leggings to wear to football, but I sat in the car with Sophie as it hurt to walk about.

After dropping her off, it was straight home to sit on the sofa and snooze all afternoon. Very lazy, but it was all I wanted to do! I was really pleased to discover that the Hairy Bikers had an afternoon cookery show on - Comfort Food!

In the evening Keith and I drove ET down to get Sophie and everything seemed fine with the tyres, thank goodness!

Told off!

I felt slightly better today but it was still an enormous relief to leave at 2pm. Keith had driven me to work this morning and before going home we went to the post office at the Weston Favell Centre to post out a little manicure set. It was a difficult thing to wrap as it was so small, but a bit bulky. We'd put it down as a large letter and encased it in an envelope, but the bossy lady behind the counter said it was too wide for the large letter category and I would have to pay £2.95 extra, on top of what I'd already paid to send it!

I declined as the item was only worth about £2 so, muttering swear words under my breath, we went and did some shopping for tonight's dinner. Keith was going to watch Sileby play and normally I would cook Jerk Chicken Pasta or meatballs but I really didn't fancy doing that, so we bought two Tesco Finest Chicken Kievs and some ready made mashed potato...naughty! We also bought Mike a ready meal and then thankfully returned home!

Back at home I did very little and my gorgeous daughter prepared dinner for me. Keith went off to see the football but we didn't really have a very happy meal. I didn't fancy it at all and Mike was not very impressed with what we'd chosen for him to eat, saying it was too small... oh dear!

Sophie washed up while I sat on the sofa huddled up in my throw, my pyjamas and dressing gown, but I still felt cold! After the washing up we watched a very enjoyable Christmas film - Saving Christmas - with Ben Affleck. It was very cosy on the sofa and Monty had the time of his life curled up between us and snoring!

Feeling yukky!

Sophie woke me up this morning as she was going to the gym and although my stomach still felt sore, my headache was gone, at least!

However, as the morning wore on I felt worse and I dreaded the drive home on my own. I hadn't bought a coat with me and for the first time ever, I was cold in our office, so we turned the radiator up! I managed to get through my shift and went home to sort out the parcels we had to post out. Sophie had wrapped them all yesterday so all I had to do was stick the labels on and post them in Brixworth.

Keith drove and when that was all done it was bliss to get home and curl up on the sofa. Even though I wrapped myself up in my new throw I just couldn't get warm!

I ate some of dinner, which was a lovely cottage pie, and then it was a dose of Nurofen and an early night!

It's feeling very Christmassy!

I was up at about 6am and had a lovely lazy morning until it was time to go and fetch the Sunday newspapers. We called to see Mum and Dad and thanked them for a lovely evening last night.

Back home, Mike wanted to go to East Hunsbury, on the other side of Northampton, to see his latest girlfriend so Sophie and I gave him a lift there and came back to relax before deciding to go for a walk.

It's been a gorgeous day today with clear blue skies and lots of sunshine. We walked down to the bridge, just before you come to the village, and tried to play pooh sticks but the stream was too slow-moving and the sticks just stayed in the water!

We walked slowly back as I didn't feel that well, to be honest. My stomach hurt again and I really hoped it wasn't a repeat of what I had last year! We did manage a circuit of the estate with Monty, though, so that was good. He really seems to love going out for a walk with us!

Keith cooked a delicious roast turkey in the evening with all the trimmings but I felt I didn't do justice to it. It was a lot of hard work for him but he seemed to enjoy it!

After dinner we watched the start of "I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!" as I wanted to see the Christmas adverts. However, I was in bed before the John Lewis advert came on!

Dinner with the family!

I actually managed a lie-in until 7.50am this morning and it was lovely to have a lazy start to the day. I used my new leaf vacuum machine at the front of the house and it dealt with the leaves effortlessly! It's brilliant. It mulched them all up so all I had to do was empty the bag and put them into the compost bin.

I was out in the garden for a good while as the weather, although a bit cold, was lovely and sunny. It was fab to see the blue skies and sunshine after yesterday's murk!

At midday Sophie and I went to Jones's to get Christmas cards, wrapping paper and chocolates for Mum tonight - we're all off to their house for a meal. We also bought a couple of decorations to add to the trees. It won't be long now before we'll be getting them down from the garage rafters!

After Jones's we drove to Wyevale where we had a coffee and some lunch, and had a look at their decorations, which were a bit disappointing to be honest. In years past, they have arranged them by colour but they weren't that good this year at all! The place was actually quite disorganised, I thought, with a lot of tat crammed in all over the place!

We then walked over to Waitrose and I managed to spend £23 on two bottles of non-alcoholic wine (one for tonight, one for tomorrow) and a bottle of Rioja for my Dad. Oh, and I also bought some chipolatas wrapped in bacon for tomorrow night's turkey dinner! Waitrose have lovely food but it is so expensive!

We returned home in the beautiful dusk and had a nap before getting ready to go out to Mum's house in the evening. The house was beautiful and welcoming and we sat in the living room while my parents put the finishing touches to their dinner. We enjoyed prawns and scallops lightly fried in a garlic butter served with salad followed by tender pulled pork, mashed potatoes and vegetables. As usual the children kept us all entertained, especially as Mike did his usual trick of recording us all!

Dessert was cheesecake and we had to say no to the cheeseboard as we were all too full. Sophie, Keith and I drank non-alcoholic beverages while Mike, lucky thing, had a couple of beers. Mum and Dad had a DVD of Boz Scaggs playing in the background which was lovely and the music brought back lots of good memories. Cheers!