A messy job!

I had a fantastic night's sleep, whether it was because of the gardening or the relaxing music of Mancini and Baccarach, I don't know.

Yesterday, Keith set up my new exercise bike, and Sophie used it for an hour this morning while she watched the Marathon. I tackled the laundry and made a start on cleaning the oven. I had two things I needed to get done urgently this weekend: the back garden and the oven, and one had already been ticked off the list. I wish I could say that cleaning the oven was as enjoyable as tackling the garden, but it was a horrible, messy job, and I managed to get some of the corrosive cleaner on my arm, which burned.

I smeared the cleaner over the oven and used the large plastic bag to clean the grills. I left everything in the conservatory and went to get ready to accompany Sophie to M&S at Rushden Lakes, where she was going to buy breakfast items for a work meeting on Monday.

It was a glorious day with sunshine and a Florida sky. I had worn the wrong clothes and felt hot and uncomfortable in the car as we drove to the retail park. Luckily, M&S was cooler and we headed up to the café first for lunch. I ordered a jacket potato with beans and coleslaw while Sophie chose a breakfast bap with salmon and poached egg.

After we'd eaten, we headed down to the Foodhall and I totted everything up while Sophie chose fruit, yoghurts, juices, granola, biscuits and baked goods. She had £60 to spend for 40 people, and I think we did very well!

Driving back home was hot as Sophie's air conditioning didn't seem to be working. As temperatures are supposed to climb next week, it's something she will need to sort out so she doesn't bake!

Back at home, we sat in the garden with Mooney for a little while and had a drink. It was blissfully quiet! However, the thought of putting the oven back together drove me indoors, and an hour later, everything was back, even the door we'd taken apart to clean! I was so relieved, and the oven shone!

After a great game of Scrabble, Sophie made chicken parmo tonight for dinner, served with potato wedges and salad and the meal was delicious. Keith and I watched an episode of Beyond Paradise after we'd eaten and that rounded off our weekend nicely!