A mammoth shop!

This morning, we sat and half-heartedly watched yesterday's Saturday Kitchen Live, but we all had too much to do to enjoy it properly. Sophie and Keith prepared tonight's dinner of chicken casserole, and I mooned about feeling grouchy, for some reason. Maybe it was because I'd slept until later than I wanted! It was the winter solstice today, and I couldn't help but think back to when we were on our way to Spain, and it was the Summer Solstice. It seems an age ago!

We did our packing for Berlin today, to make sure we could get everything in the small cases we're taking. We've been keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for the city, and it looks like it's going to be cold while we're there, with maybe even some sleet or snow. That would be wonderful! We managed to get everything into the cabin cases, so that was one stressful job out of the way and meant we didn't have to splash out on a hold bag. 

Just after midday, we all drove to Tesco at Kettering, and while Keith shopped for the next couple of days, Sophie and I grabbed a large trolley and a scanner and spent £140 on items for the food bank in Kettering, money that Sophie had collected from her colleagues. We concentrated mainly on baby items and toiletries, and bought staples such as pasta, rice, tinned food and treats. For once, the trolley wasn't checked! Perhaps they're getting used to our splurge at Christmas! We're not sure when we'll have time to take it to Kettering, but if it's after Christmas, it may be more useful.

Before going home, we called to see Mum and sat with her for a while. I urged her not to get up when we left and pleaded with her to be careful. The last thing I want at the moment is for her to end up in hospital, especially as there are so many nasty viruses doing the rounds.

Back at home, we decided to leave the food in Sophie's car and pootled about at home. Sophie put her casserole in the oven and made a batch of mini dumplings. We sat and played cards and relaxed. Both of us now have just one more day at work before we finish for Christmas. 

Dinner was delicious, and there was enough left for Sophie to take to work tomorrow. I had bought myself a sandwich in Tesco today, as officially, we're not allowed hot food in the new office. We're having an old kitchen refurbished as our staff restroom, but it hasn't been finished yet.

I have to admit to dreading going back in tomorrow!