Good news at last!

Sophie and I went for breakfast at the Courtyard Brasserie in Olney this morning, and both of us were ravenous! We noticed the Farmers' Market was taking place, so we parked on the main road and walked in.

People were seated outside, but the weather was looking a bit dodgy, and we took a table inside, just to be safe! Minutes after sitting down, the heavens opened! We ordered breakfasts - the full English for me and Eggs Royale for Sophie. I really fancied a good fry-up, and I wasn't disappointed with my plate of egg, bacon, sausage, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash brown and toast. All washed down with a big pot of tea! Delicious! Sophie also enjoyed her poached eggs and smoked salmon. What a lovely treat! We love this simple, unpretentious restaurant, and the food is always good.

After we'd eaten, we had another cup of tea and a mocha and chatted while others ordered and enjoyed their breakfasts. After paying the bill, we waddled off to look around the market and bought three slices of cake at an Austrian stall. The woman running it was from Vienna, so we had a great chat about Eurovision and the possibility of the contest coming from the city again. We also bought a wedge of cheese, picalilli and cheese biscuits.

Sophie found a gorgeous dress and a pair of trousers in the Willen Hospice shop, and another couple of dresses in the charity shop on the High Street. I received a phone call to say that my Mum was back at the care home, which was great news. 

Today has been muggy and I was astonished to see some people wearing thick jumpers and padded coats... madness! I felt hot just looking at them! We made our way over to Kettering to see Mum and stayed for half an hour. Mum looked relieved to be home, but still seemed confused. I just hope that being back in familiar surroundings will aid her recovery.

Back at home, Sophie prepared tonight's meal, a chicken, leek and pasta soup. I hoovered and tidied up, and when we were finished with our chores, we sat with Keith and enjoyed our slices of cake with a glass of Austrian white wine. Our cake, a vanilla and walnut combination, was delicious, and Keith enjoyed his apple one with cream.

I felt shattered after eating the cake and managed a lovely nap. It will make up for the terrible nights I've been having with my painful back! I then played Scrabble with Sophie and beat her by fifty points. Yippeee! It doesn't happen often!

Sophie's soup was gorgeous and very comforting. They say that chicken soup is good for the soul, and I can heartily endorse that!