We hit the shops!

To celebrate Mother's Day a little early, Sophie had booked a lunchtime table at Casa Nostra, so we were looking forward to going to Market Harborough today.

We managed to get some housework done this morning, and a load of washing, before getting ready to leave at midday. There was a definite hint of Spring today, with sunny skies, a light breeze and mild temperatures. We made it to the restaurant with a couple of minutes to spare and sat at a table near the window. Next to us was a woman and her two young children and I admired her for taking them out on her own as they were quite a handful. At one point, the little girl let out a piercing shriek, which had the whole restaurant covering their ears, before she did it again! Mum was mortified!

We enjoyed garlic bread and crispy chicken strips to start, followed by a chicken pizza, which we shared, served with a bowl of crunchy, delicious chips. The food was as good as ever and the staff were pleasant and efficient. The place had filled up while we were there and it was very popular with people grabbing the last few tables.

We chatted about Lisbon and agreed on a budget and what we wanted to see and do. Both of us wanted a more relaxing break, rather than trying to see everything. Sitting in the sun with a glass of chilled Portuguese wine definitely appeals!

We found room for puds - tiramisu for Sophie, and a chocolate brownie for me, then paid the bill and hit the charity shops. Sophie wanted a pair of black linen trousers, and although she didn't find any, she did manage to buy a new top, a beautiful plum-coloured cardigan and some pleather leggings. She also spotted two beautiful little glasses for £1!

It had clouded over slightly, so we made our way back to the car and drove to Farndon Fields where I bought some treats for my Mum. The place was heaving with a queue waiting to get into the restaurant. Goodies purchased, we popped to Tesco in Kettering so Sophie could buy some things she needed,  and then it was home to relax.

Keith had gone to the football to see Sileby, but he'd left a trail of destruction in his wake... one of his toes was bleeding this morning and he'd left blood spots all the way up the stairs, along the landing and into the bathroom... On the kitchen floor, were bits of tissue that had obviously gone through a wash cycle and had been left as a kind of decoration... we weren't happy, especially as we'd both spent an hour hoovering and sweeping everywhere this morning!

He came home from the football and we watched the rugby - England was playing Ireland and it was a very close game with England eventually winning by one point! It was lovely to relax, and have a Negroni cocktail followed by a bottle of white Rioja. We nibbled on some leftover food from Friday night and then munched some toast later in the evening.

Sophie and I talked about travel (we were watching Michael Portillo in Malaysia) and I said I really wanted to go to Costa Rica one day... Sophie immediately looked up flights and hotels and we spent an indulgent half-hour looking at beautiful places to stay and visit. Maybe next year!