The Christmas spirit?

We were out and about this morning as Sophie had an appointment at the beauty salon, Keith wanted to look for a pair of trousers, and we needed to drop off the shopping at the Kettering Food Bank. It was a beautiful day, but very cold, with blue skies and sunshine. 

We sat and waited for Sophie in the small car park of the beauty salon, and when she was finished, we headed to the huge garden centre at Wootton. The nearby Waitrose was busy, but the garden centre was quiet. We popped into a separate Cotton Traders outlet first to look for trousers. Keith had ordered a pair from an internet retailer and they hadn't bothered to let him know that they were out of stock! It was only when I phoned and spoke to a gormless man that we learnt they were never going to arrive!

Keith didn't like any of the trousers in Cotton Traders, so we ventured into the garden centre itself. The place was stuffed full of homeware, gifts, books, indoor plants, Christmas decorations of every colour you could think of, plus two outlets selling clothes and shoes. Again, Keith wasn't keen on the trousers, so we gave up and left, managing to avoid the tempting displays of items on offer! If anyone had left their Christmas shopping to the last minute, they could have bought it all here, there was so much choice!

We headed to Kettering and Sophie called ahead to make sure they were open and still accepting donations of food. We became embroiled in a traffic jam on the outskirts of Kettering but made it in time to the Food Bank and received a warm welcome from the staff who gave us a thank you card and a chocolate. 

After lunch, we headed to the care home to see Mum, and I gave her the gifts I'd bought. We sat and watched ET with her, which was lovely as it had been ages since I'd seen the film and it brought back wonderful memories of the ride at Universal. My Mum seemed very quiet today so it was a dispiriting visit, and it didn't make me feel any better about our trip to Berlin tomorrow. I knew she would be well looked after at the care home, but I still felt guilty.

Back home we relaxed for an hour, freshened up and went to The Royal Oak for an early dinner. We were a little disappointed to learn that our table was in the back room, which was empty and devoid of any atmosphere. Sophie and I shared a bottle of French Sauvignon Blanch and we chose halloumi bites and chicken to start, both served with honey sauces. Keith chose Scampi for his main course, I had a Thai green curry and Sophie chose salmon. It was a lovely meal, and the food was very good, but we all felt a little glum for some reason! The back room gradually filled up but it would have been lovely to have been seated in the main room of the pub next to one of the fires!

We headed home and caught the last half hour of the hymns from Kings College Chapel in Cambridge, before watching Mastermind and Christmas University Challenge. It was then time for an early bed as we had a 6am start tomorrow!

An Italian lunch

I was awake in the night and sitting downstairs with the cats at midnight. I've learned that this is the best way to deal with sleeplessness, as I make myself a mug of hot milk and watch whatever is on television. It didn't help that I'd fallen asleep in the middle of the Christmas special of Beyond Paradise, so I caught up with what I'd missed!

Sophie and I left home at 8.45am to drive to Market Harborough. We dropped off Dad's clothes at the Age UK shop, parked (Sophie flirted with a handsome stranger in the car park!) and made our way back to Just So Italian, our new favourite place to go for a coffee.

We ordered coffees and almond croissants again and sat and chatted as people arrived and left, some to sit and have breakfast, while others downed a double espresso and left. The panettone that was on display on Saturday had all gone!

From Just So Italian, we popped into Boots and then Sophie went to Toni & Guy for a haircut. I sat and relaxed while Sophie was pampered, and she looked fabulous when she was finished. The cut was fantastic and highlighted her new colour!

We meandered around the shops, and Sophie bought some clothes and a new throw for Mooney in a charity shop. He sometimes sits behind one of our armchairs, and Sophie wanted to put a soft throw down for him. We have very pampered pets! I picked out a beautiful scarf for my Mum for Christmas, in one of the pretty home and giftware shops on the High Street.

After some debate, we decided to go back to Just So Italian for lunch and chose the sharing platter of sausage rolls, arancini, pizza and mozzarella and tomato salad. Sophie ordered an Aperol Spritz, while I had a glass of white wine from Sicily.

The food was delicious, and I found room for a frangipane tart afterwards. Scrumptious! Sophie bought a portion of lasagne to take home and a tub of Tiramisu. We had planned chicken soup and garlic bread for supper, and I think she much preferred to have the Italian dishes!

After a quick visit to Duncan's to buy some Vermouth and a bottle of red German wine, we headed to the care home to see Mum. She was looking a bit bruised and battered from her fall yesterday, but seemed in good spirits.

Back home, I wrote Sara a formal email asking to work from home two days a week. I'd visited the ACAS site earlier in the day and knew I needed to make a proper request. As two other staff members are already working from home (one of whom is  Sara's daughter), I'm hoping there won't be any obstacles put in my way.

Sophie and I relaxed in the kitchen this evening, while Keith caught up with sport, and we then had our light dinner. I was glad because the platter we'd shared had been, in my opinion anyway, quite filling!

More stress...

I left home at about 7.15am this morning and arrived at the hospital car park about 35 minutes later. I was able to park easily, and this time found a space next to Sara. She was the only person in the office, and it felt strange that it was so quiet. In our old office, we'd have numerous people popping in and out all the time, which meant it was quite sociable at times!

We chatted about the new office, and I brought up the subject of working from home with her. I also asked about the carpet we were supposed to have, but she said that our MD had delayed the decision until we had worked in the office for a while. I was shocked, as the carpet would have absorbed some of the noise!

Luckily, the day passed swiftly, and I made great progress with the moan report, almost finishing it before I left at 4pm. The care home had called me twice today, and as soon as I returned to the car, I called them. My Mum, ignoring my pleading yesterday, had fallen over again, cutting her eye. I spoke to a paramedic who said that her blood pressure was low. I asked that they not take her into hospital, and the paramedic asked if I had Power of Attorney... everyone keeps asking this! It's not going to happen any time soon!

The traffic tonight was bad, and I was forced to go a different way as the queue to leave the hospital grounds wasn't moving. It was dark and foggy, and I felt totally miserable! I arrived home at 4.45pm again, so an extra half an hour on my old commute!

However, moaning aside, it was lovely to look forward to ten days off and a trip to Berlin! My Mum called me, sounding completely normal, and I scolded her gently about her fall. Sophie arrived home at about 5.30pm, and we relaxed with a drink and a chat in the office about our days. I sorted out my Dad's clothes, ready to take to an Age UK shop tomorrow.

Dinner was simple, and Keith and I watched the Christmas special of University Challenge. We were able to answer a few of the questions!

R.I.P. Chris Rea - you will be sadly missed. 💔

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!

An indulgent Saturday

Sophie had a hair appointment this morning in Market Harborough, so we set off at about 11am, intending to have a coffee first. My daughter felt a little frail after her office party yesterday, so a cup of strong coffee was much needed! We parked easily and decided to visit an Italian delicatessen/café opposite Duncan's shop on Adam and Eve Street.

We managed to grab a table as the previous occupant was leaving, and I recognised the woman from our village. We had a chat while she waited for her partner to return, our local silver fox who has an eye for the ladies!

I settled at the table while Sophie ordered the coffees and two almond croissants. There was a lovely atmosphere in the café, and it felt like we'd been transported to Italy! The coffee and pastries were delicious, and we vowed to return soon.

Stacks of panettone waiting to be sold!

While Sophie's hair was coloured, I sat and read, which was wonderfully relaxing. She looked fabulous when she was finished, and the colour had beautiful gold tints. We did some shopping and had a good look in Waterstones, where I bought a book on British folklore. 

We decided to have lunch today at Louisa's Place, and we both chose a filling breakfast dish of waffles, bacon, shredded chicken and maple syrup. It sounded good, but we both regretted choosing it as it was a little too sweet! We accompanied the food with a large pot of tea, as we were planning to visit a new wine bar later in the afternoon for a treat.

After lunch, we visited Duncan and his merry men (and woman!) and had a good chat with them, buying some wine and a bottle of Irish whiskey for Keith as a little Christmas gift (and for putting up with me...!). We then ambled around the corner to The Wine Shed, which was looking beautifully festive. There was no room inside, so we decided to sit outside in the small courtyard, and one of the staff lit the patio burner for us. I ordered a glass of Vouvray while Sophie chose a Dark and Stormy cocktail.

It was lovely sitting outside in the crisp, fresh air and chatting. Gradually, more people arrived and were turned away from sitting inside. Some stayed and sat outside, while others wandered off elsewhere. A couple arrived with a lovely black dog who was very friendly; he was like a dog version of Mooney!

As the sun went down and it grew chillier, we buttoned up our coats and decided to have one more before leaving. I chose a white Rioja, while Sophie enjoyed a Vesper, which she had to admit was better than the ones she makes at home!

I asked Sophie to settle the bill for me this afternoon, and again, this will be somewhere we'll return to, as it was so lovely. Next time, perhaps, we'll get to sit inside and have some nibbles.

We trundled home in the gloom, taking the scenic route. On one section of the single-track road, I pulled over to let an approaching car pass, and realised they had done the same for me! Back home, we relaxed, and I gave Keith his whiskey, which he loved. I had also bought Sophie a book on Tarot cards in Waterstones, so we did a spread each and interpreted the cards.

Dinner tonight was a simple pizza accompanied by roasted vegetables. I looked at the television programmes over Christmas and recorded some favourites, old and new!

An early start...

I was awake at 4am this morning, fretting about yesterday, and after half an hour of trying to get back to sleep, I gave in and went downstairs. The cats were a bit bemused about me being up so early, but were ready to go out, nonetheless.

I made myself a coffee and wrote some of the blog. It was lovely and cosy in the kitchen, and I just turned on the tree lights, which never fail to cheer me up. Sophie was astonished to see me when she woke up at 5.30am, and she made me another coffee.

I showered and dressed and left at 7.20am, taking Sophie's car. I took my old route, passing by the building where I used to work and then picked the Wellingborough Road to get into town. I was glad to see it was a beautiful day with clear skies.

I turned into the hospital car park, but on the advice of Sara yesterday, found a space in a small area a short walk away from our building. I was parked behind Sheila, so I knew she was in already! I found my way to the entrance and was able to walk straight in and up the stairs to the office. There is a barrier as you go in, which should be accessible by card only, but it was open. We should all have barrier cards to get in for security reasons. Previously, our office was locked, and there should really be some kind of restriction in place to stop people wandering in!

I chatted with Sheila, and although she would never admit it, I knew she wasn't happy either. Her old desk had built-in drawers, and she also had another filing cabinet, but now all of her work belongings were in bags and boxes. It was definitely not ideal. She gave me another tour, and I noticed the large boardroom standing empty. This would have been a more suitable space for us all, with perhaps a partition for Nicola.

Kathy came in at 9am and said she'd found a space nearby, and Nicola came in looking stressed. Our MD will now be in the same building as us, and is temporarily in an office next door, so that stressed Nicola out even more! She didn't look very happy today, even though she was finishing for Christmas at 12pm.

Even more worrying, when Sharon arrived for her 10am start, she looked furious as she hadn't been able to find a space at all in the hospital car parks and had been forced to find somewhere on a nearby road, meaning she had a fair walk to get to the office. Not nice when the weather's horrible. I hate to say it, but I can see several of my colleagues leaving if they can't find somewhere to park! I am going to ask if I can work from home a couple of days a week, as two of my colleagues already do, and one is leaving after Christmas.

The phones were very quiet today, and because we don't have carpet (it's fun to whizz about on our wheeled chairs!), the normal noises seemed amplified. I was acutely aware of the typing on keyboards, the sound of Sheila's mouse moving over the desk and the voices of Kathy and Sharon when they were on the phone. I never normally hear Kathy as she is very quietly spoken, but I heard every word of her conversations today!

We left at 4pm, and Kathy and I went down to pay for the parking. It's only 60p, but we have to make a mental note to remember! Keith had found some change for me, which I'll use for the time being. We said goodbye and wished each other Merry Christmas, as the next time we'd be working together would be on the 2nd of January. It took me a while to actually get out of the car park, and then I was stuck in traffic on the hectically busy A45. I arrived home at 4.45pm, so about twenty minutes later than normal.

Sophie was enjoying her Christmas office celebrations and was finishing lunch at The Lamplighter in town. As I had had such an early start, I dozed on the sofa, and Keith and I watched an episode of series 8 of Shetland before we had an easy supper of roast chicken, salad and crusty bread.

We watched another episode of Shetland, and Sophie texted me to ask us to pick her up at 10pm in Abington Square. We left home at 9.30pm, and she was waiting outside for us with her work colleagues, Becky and Grace. She told us all about her day on the way home, saying that the present "fight" she'd organised with the wrapped gifts had been hilarious as her colleagues were fighting over kitchen cloths and washing up liquid, thinking they were good presents, and had been fooled by the items disguised in cat food boxes!

Before bed, we watched half an hour of Graham Norton, but all of us were a little weary so we didn't make it to the end of the show. Thank goodness it's the weekend!

Beware... moaning Minny post coming up!

So, the day I'd been dreading arrived, and Keith and I set off in the gloom at about 7.15am, which, on reflection, was way too early. I decided to go via Brixworth, and this was a mistake. It was pitch black, and the journey was horrible! 

My journey was a bit convoluted, mainly because we were so early, and we drove into the main hospital car park to see how many spaces were available. I was glad to see a few, thank goodness! We then drove around to the small car park attached to our building, and we sat in the car for a few minutes until Sara said she'd come and meet me. This car park is really for customers only, and very difficult to park in, so not an option for us to use it. I still think it would have been a good idea for all of us to visit before we moved in, to acquaint ourselves with the layout of the building and to see where everything was. I learned that we no longer had a printer or a shredding machine in our office, and that they were situated in an office near reception, which was a fair walk away and down two flights of stairs.

Sara and I had a quick tour, and although the building itself had been refurbished and redecorated, it was the surroundings that I felt were depressing. We're situated in the hospital grounds, and I hate hospitals! Our new office was a complete mess, with boxes waiting to be unpacked and my desk was covered in dust. However, what I hated most were the strong overhead lights, which made me feel like I was working under a spotlight! In our old office, I didn't have the lights on overhead, and it was lovely and dark!

Our desks were arranged in two rows, like a classroom, and I had Sara behind me, Nicola behind me and to the right, and Sheila next to me. There were three windows to my right with a charming view of some of the hospital buildings. I suddenly felt very miserable... the views we had before were of trees, and we regularly saw wildlife in the small area of land behind us.

The corner of my desk

Back of Sheila's desk with her bag "files"

My new desk

Nicola came in with her daughter, Macy, at about 9am, and was as loud as she normally is. Now, though, there was no private office for her, and she had no door to shut when she was having a confidential conversation. She spent my whole shift barking at me about Bob, who was going rogue again! I was trying hard to concentrate on emails, and all I heard was "Jane!" multiple times. I was not amused! Macy and I went down to the reception area before the phone lines opened, and I bought a cup of nasty coffee for £2.95! It barely came halfway up the cup! I thought longingly of the lovely coffee (£1) where I used to work and the cosy chats I had with the reception staff...

I skipped lunch as Sophie, and I were going to go to Wagamama's, and outside, the rain began to fall heavily. I couldn't wait for it to be 2pm, and I retraced my steps from this morning to meet Sophie in our tiny customer car park. I was drenched!

We sloshed our way to Sixfields and parked outside the restaurant before running in. The place was very quiet, and we were seated in a booth and given menus to peruse. Both of us were hungry, so we chose edamame beans, prawn crackers and bang bang cauliflower to start. We decided on the chicken katsu curry for a main course, and enjoyed a glass of wine. This was far better than being at work!

The food was delicious and definitely on a par with Akasaka in town. I regaled Sophie with my experience in the new office, and she knew how miserable I was feeling. I had never realised until now how important my surroundings were, and also never realised how much I enjoyed working in the old building. I had been there for eight years and had taken the easy commute and plentiful free parking for granted. There were also the other staff members, whom I liked and got along with, and I would miss them a lot.

Sophie and I found room for pudding, and I chose coconut ice cream while Sophie indulged in cheesecake. After paying the bill, we drove the short distance to M&S nearby and managed to park in the busy car park. It was still pouring with rain, and it was bedlam! We ran over to the store, collected a trolley and started shopping for breakfast items. I totted up all the items on my phone as Sophie had £90 to spend in M&S vouchers.

We bought everything she needed and made our way back to the car in the pouring rain. Sophie had asked if we could take it all back to her office, but we decided to go straight home instead. The thought of navigating the busy roundabout near her office, or taking a long detour to avoid it, definitely did not appeal!

Back home, we put the refrigerated foods in our fridge, transferred the rest of the shopping to the VW (Keith was giving her a lift tomorrow) and then tried to relax, but we were both wound up. Sophie had a headache, and I just felt dispirited and sad. 

We spent the evening lolling about, and Sophie fell asleep on the sofa, but her headache never really went away. I just hoped that tomorrow would be a better day!