I love Halloween and this time of year in particular. Normally we buy a pumpkin, carve it into a scary face and buy lots of sweets to give out to the children on the estate who come trick or treating. This year however, we're giving it a miss, mainly because we're off out to the pub tonight and we just haven't had the time to do some pumpkin carving. I will make up for it next year, though and I plan to have a display of beautiful squashes and pumpkins that I saw at Beckworth Emporium a few weeks back. I'm sure they'll have them in again next year. Michael is a bit miffed as he goes out with his sister trick or treating but we've bought him a small bag of sweets as consolation and he is looking forward to having dinner at the pub tonight!
We did yet more cleaning today, changing beds and washing everything that didn't move. It's been typical Halloween weather today - damp, grey and chilly, but the trees do look gorgeous at the moment in their Autumnal oranges, yellows and reds.
So, we are off out tonight and then we have a very early start in the morning. I won't be online again until Wednesday evening so have a great Halloween and see you soon!
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Saturday 30 October
Saturday was a gorgeous day with lots of sunshine but we didn't go out and make the most of it as Keith and I were busy giving the house a good clean ready for our trip to Berlin. Mum and Dad are coming to stay so the house needs to be spotless otherwise they'll think I'm a slut...! I'm sure they won't really but at least I can go away and not worry that the place is a tip! We made a start with the bathrooms and the kitchen and I sorted out the cupboards, horrified at the tins and packets lurking at the back which were way out of date!
After dinner (Sophie's favourite fajitas...) Keith and I had an evening of history lessons. First up was a programme on Channel 4 about the Second World War which was very interesting. My knowledge of recent history is woefully bad as I didn't study the subject at school because I hated the History teacher who was a real nut. It's such a shame as I'd loved to have studied it, as Sophie is doing now, and it's shocking to think that a teacher could have that much influence on my future, but there you go.
After the programme on the Second World War we tuned into The Pillars of the Earth, a very enjoyable drama set in the 12th century, another age I find fascinating, mainly because of the standard of living which must have been filthy to say the least! After this we turned over to More4 and watched a very harrowing and disturbing programme about a film the Nazis made in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942. We stuck it out until about 11.30pm when Keith confessed he was finding it very boring. Yes, there wasn't a lot happening, but the scenes were shocking and left me feeling very uncomfortable. I have to admit though that it wasn't the ideal type of Saturday night viewing!
The best thing about the evening was putting the clocks back though and gaining a whole hour of extra time! Yipppeee!!!
After dinner (Sophie's favourite fajitas...) Keith and I had an evening of history lessons. First up was a programme on Channel 4 about the Second World War which was very interesting. My knowledge of recent history is woefully bad as I didn't study the subject at school because I hated the History teacher who was a real nut. It's such a shame as I'd loved to have studied it, as Sophie is doing now, and it's shocking to think that a teacher could have that much influence on my future, but there you go.
After the programme on the Second World War we tuned into The Pillars of the Earth, a very enjoyable drama set in the 12th century, another age I find fascinating, mainly because of the standard of living which must have been filthy to say the least! After this we turned over to More4 and watched a very harrowing and disturbing programme about a film the Nazis made in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942. We stuck it out until about 11.30pm when Keith confessed he was finding it very boring. Yes, there wasn't a lot happening, but the scenes were shocking and left me feeling very uncomfortable. I have to admit though that it wasn't the ideal type of Saturday night viewing!
The best thing about the evening was putting the clocks back though and gaining a whole hour of extra time! Yipppeee!!!
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Something scary this way comes...
At work, Polly and Angie dressed up to celebrate Halloween. They looked fabulous! Angie was dressed as a devil with a red painted face, a black hat and black clothes. How she cooked like that all day, I'll never know! Polly changed into a clown's outfit and looked hilarious with baggy trousers, a checked shirt and rainbow coloured, curly hair! In the past we've put on a big party for Halloween and Bonfire Night but this year we've scaled it down as Bonfire Night is next Friday and there'll be loads going on elsewhere in the town. We've bought a big pack of fireworks in the past and it's always a worry setting them off when there's so many children about - it's the stuff of nightmares if one of the fireworks falls over and goes into the crowd. Some of the fireworks are huge and very dangerous so that's one less worry this week!
So, it was my last day at work before a few days off and Keith and I are really looking forward to our trip to Berlin on Monday. It can't come soon enough!
So, it was my last day at work before a few days off and Keith and I are really looking forward to our trip to Berlin on Monday. It can't come soon enough!
Thursday, 28 October 2010
A brief respite...
Today has been a lot quieter at work - I have no idea why, as the weather has been no different to yesterday (a bit cloudier, maybe) but there you are. I will never understand the public or why they do what they do. Maybe they all read this blog...
Mum and I managed to escape this afternoon for some lunch and a spot of shopping as my thoughts have now turned to my forthcoming trip to Berlin. I needed some warm tights and some long laces for my boots (we walk so much in Berlin my feet have to comfortable). I went into Boots to get my tights and ended up with a whole load of other things that seemed essential, such as a mask for my hair, a leave-in conditioner and make-up. Still, I consoled myself with the thought that I hadn't had to buy a pair of new boots so I didn't feel too guilty! As I was wandering up and down the aisles I suddenly remembered that we had arranged an interview for 2.30pm at work and it was now 2.20pm! Dashing madly back to the car we kept giggling about our stupid forgetfulness!
Back at work, Sophie and Susie had finished selling all their trinkets and painting faces. As part of Sophie's business studies course, she had to make a profit from £5, something she managed quite ably! They had spent the day at work doing nails, making up faces and selling bracelets and had made a tidy proft, all of which will go to Great Ormond Street hospital.
Mum and I did a bit of tidying up at work (more nappies left abandoned) and then it was home, a drink in the conservatory and a game of cards, at which I was well and truly thrashed!
Mum and I managed to escape this afternoon for some lunch and a spot of shopping as my thoughts have now turned to my forthcoming trip to Berlin. I needed some warm tights and some long laces for my boots (we walk so much in Berlin my feet have to comfortable). I went into Boots to get my tights and ended up with a whole load of other things that seemed essential, such as a mask for my hair, a leave-in conditioner and make-up. Still, I consoled myself with the thought that I hadn't had to buy a pair of new boots so I didn't feel too guilty! As I was wandering up and down the aisles I suddenly remembered that we had arranged an interview for 2.30pm at work and it was now 2.20pm! Dashing madly back to the car we kept giggling about our stupid forgetfulness!
Back at work, Sophie and Susie had finished selling all their trinkets and painting faces. As part of Sophie's business studies course, she had to make a profit from £5, something she managed quite ably! They had spent the day at work doing nails, making up faces and selling bracelets and had made a tidy proft, all of which will go to Great Ormond Street hospital.
Mum and I did a bit of tidying up at work (more nappies left abandoned) and then it was home, a drink in the conservatory and a game of cards, at which I was well and truly thrashed!
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Manicosity!!!
That's a new word I invented for today as it has been very manic! And, bizarrely, a beautiful day here with lots of sunshine and very mild temperatures...why have people come to us when they could be out enjoying the fresh air? I wish I was! I did mention to Keith this morning about a walk if I got home early enough, but I am a wee bit tired having probably walked a few miles already!
Basically, all we have been doing today is shovelling up other people's mess. What these people's homes are like, I shudder to think...yesterday we had a dirty nappy left under one of the tables... As we have three nappy bins in the toilets (mens' as well, I hasten to add, so there's no excuse) and plenty of normal rubbish bins, we were somewhat disgusted. This was in addition to the two sopping wet nappies that were left lying by a car in the car park the other evening. People spill drinks all over the floor and never think to let us know and today we had the squashed raisin brigade in. A high-chair was left surrounded by a squadron of squashed raisins and the odd flattened grape, lethal if you happen to step on one!
What gets me is that if we're a nano second late in clearing up the mess we get moans and groans, as if it's our fault! Oh well! I'm not complaining that we're busy, it's just the general public and the mess they make! I would be very worried indeed if we weren't busy at this half-term, but I do appreciate those customers (and there are a few despite my gripes) who take a minute to bring their laden tray back to us and let us know if they've spilt something so we can mop it up. It takes all sorts, I suppose!
Anyway, I'm sincerely looking forward to going home, enjoying the last couple of glasses of my Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc and relaxing with Keith in the conservatory in (I hope) peace and quiet. We have a delicious home-made tomato soup to look forward to and I can't wait!
Basically, all we have been doing today is shovelling up other people's mess. What these people's homes are like, I shudder to think...yesterday we had a dirty nappy left under one of the tables... As we have three nappy bins in the toilets (mens' as well, I hasten to add, so there's no excuse) and plenty of normal rubbish bins, we were somewhat disgusted. This was in addition to the two sopping wet nappies that were left lying by a car in the car park the other evening. People spill drinks all over the floor and never think to let us know and today we had the squashed raisin brigade in. A high-chair was left surrounded by a squadron of squashed raisins and the odd flattened grape, lethal if you happen to step on one!
What gets me is that if we're a nano second late in clearing up the mess we get moans and groans, as if it's our fault! Oh well! I'm not complaining that we're busy, it's just the general public and the mess they make! I would be very worried indeed if we weren't busy at this half-term, but I do appreciate those customers (and there are a few despite my gripes) who take a minute to bring their laden tray back to us and let us know if they've spilt something so we can mop it up. It takes all sorts, I suppose!
Anyway, I'm sincerely looking forward to going home, enjoying the last couple of glasses of my Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc and relaxing with Keith in the conservatory in (I hope) peace and quiet. We have a delicious home-made tomato soup to look forward to and I can't wait!
Tuesday 26 October
The noise level at work yesterday was tremendous...normally I can handle it but yesterday it just seemed to get to me in a big way! As the weather was so horrible (wet, windy and miserable) we were busy. It was wonderful to get home in the evening and enjoy the (relative) peace and quiet!
Sue came around for a drink - we compared New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs - and we had a good natter!
Sue came around for a drink - we compared New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs - and we had a good natter!
Monday, 25 October 2010
Half-term ahead...
We have a busy week ahead of us as it's half-term and with the weather being unpredictable, we could end up being a bit manic!
However, Mondays are always quiet as we are normally closed so today was just nice. Sophie went off to the cinema with a friend in the afternoon and I made sure I was home at a reasonable time. Keith treated us to a meal at the pub in the evening and it was very quiet, but still lovely and cosy. When we came out there was a gorgeous aroma of coal fires and a starry sky with frost already silvering the grass and windscreens of the cars. I just love the smell of winter nights so much - that wonderful mixture of cold air and, sometimes, a blend of woodsmoke and coal which makes me want to wrap up warm and take a walk under the gorgeous velvety black sky!
However, Mondays are always quiet as we are normally closed so today was just nice. Sophie went off to the cinema with a friend in the afternoon and I made sure I was home at a reasonable time. Keith treated us to a meal at the pub in the evening and it was very quiet, but still lovely and cosy. When we came out there was a gorgeous aroma of coal fires and a starry sky with frost already silvering the grass and windscreens of the cars. I just love the smell of winter nights so much - that wonderful mixture of cold air and, sometimes, a blend of woodsmoke and coal which makes me want to wrap up warm and take a walk under the gorgeous velvety black sky!
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