I have decided that my blog has run it's course and it is time I stopped, six years is pretty good I think! The idea of the blog was to update family and friends while we were 'downunder' but now we are back in the Northern Hemisphere it is not necessary so this will be the last publication.
New Year's Eve started very cold again and I hoped it would warm up before midnight.
We left to drive to Audley End to catch the train and although very cold it was bright and sunny.
We arrived at Liverpool Street and went to buy Oyster Cards as we seem to be going to London more and more often so they will be useful.
We then caught the tube to Edgware Road which was then a short walk to our hotel in Sussex Place.
Our room was really nice with a bedroom, overlooking the back, and a sitting room, overlooking the front and a bathroom in the middle. A box of my favourite chocolates, NOT, Ferrer Roche! Nice gesture though.
We immediately set off back to the tube to go down to the Embankment to check out where we needed to go for the fireworks and also to get some lunch.
The roads were all being closed off and they really meant business that if you had no ticket you didn't have much chance of seeing the fireworks as they put up big screens.
After a walk around we headed back to our hotel for a rest or we would not make midnight.
A quick nap and a cuppa and a read of our books and it was time to get back down to the Embankment as we had to 'be in our pen' by 9.30.
We queued up along the Strand and it is true what they say about the British and queuing, we do it so well but all the tourists push in along the sides. Bearing in mind it was before 9.00 and the fireworks start at midnight!
Once in we had a walk along to see where we could stand. Unfortunately, all the wall space was taken and the only things we found to 'lean' on were bicycle stands.
With nothing to do midnight looked a long way off.
We stood till 10.00 by which time my back was killing me and Jon did not look too happy so I took the bull by the horns and asked him if he wanted to leave - he did not take much persuading!
We caught the tube back and bought a bottle of wine and a small bottle of fizzy at a wine shop near our hotel and went and enjoyed a cosy time watching TV and when it was midnight we saw the fireworks in the comfort of our hotel room. Not quite the same atmosphere but the thought of not having to battle to get on a tube was more than enough to know we had made the right decision.
New Year's Day
We woke after a good sleep and got up and went down to a very good breakfast. I had a very nice boiled egg - I haven't had a boiled egg for years.
I had a text from Heather to say she had not got home until 3.15 and so she decided not to meet us for the parade today and I think she made the right choice as she would have been very tired.
We then checked out and left our bag at reception and caught the tube to Piccadilly Circus. The crowds outside the station were at least six deep so we walked further down Piccadilly and bought a coffee on the way. We crossed to the other side of the road, which seemed less crowded, and we found a spot at the barriers.
The parade started at 12.00 and reached us at five past and we stood till 2.30 watching till the end. It was very good though I have to say were it not for all the American marching bands from school, colleges and universities the parade would have been much shorter.
The marching bands were so enthusiastic with so many members they must have taken up whole plane loads!
There were horses and donkeys and ponies and beautiful kites with just enough wind to keep them in the air. The Pearly Kings and Queens were lovely and all in all it was well worth the trip to London.
Once the parade finished it was difficult to move and get walking as we were so cold and stiff so we went into a café and had a mocha to warm us up and we watched the council workers clearing the streets of rubbish and barriers and they did such a good job it was all very impressive and they had it cleared in about half an hour. Obviously, a well practised routine.
We then went for the tube, which was not as crowded as I thought it would be, back to our hotel for out bag and a visit to the loo (I refuse to pay 40p at the station for a wee!).
We then walked back, I am sure we did our ten thousand steps today, to the station and got the tube to Liverpool Street for our train home.
I think it must have been Chelsea who were playing this afternoon and we had some fans on our train. I have never heard such terrible language. One man could not string a sentence together without using the 'F' word. It is really no surprise that football gets a bad name when you have to sit and listen to that. Fortunately, they got off at Northumberland Park (I think it was) and we were left in peace for five minutes.
Four young girls got on at the next station, they must have been 14/15. They were talking on a mobile and I got the impression, from the conversation, that they had never met the man they were talking to but it was a very suggestive conversation. One of the girls asked us where Luton was? I replied Bedfordshire, she didn't know that either. Jon told her she would need to go back to London and get another train out. She then spoke to the man and told him to F off she was not going on such a long trip to meet him! Amazing! They got off in Bishops Stortford but they seemed to have little idea where they were going and I wonder if they even had a ticket.
The rest of the journey was boring!!!!
Heather had texted to say she would cook dinner for us but wanted us to pick up some side dishes from the Indian on our way but she had ordered them so were ready when we passed by.
We had a lovely dinner but I think she though she was feeding the five thousand and we had so much left we have enough for another two meals!
I couldn't eat any pudding as I was too full so thought I would get my blog done and posted before the day is over.
Thank you to everyone who has been following my blog. I am so glad I wrote it as we did so many wonderful things 'downunder' that I would not have remembered half of them were it not for the blog. It was also good to keep a record when Jon was diagnosed with cancer and saved me many emails and I know exactly how things progressed.
I wish everyone a very happy 2015.
Best wishes to you all.
WEATHER
NY Eve Very cold start again -3
NY Day Overcast 7 degrees
Thursday, 1 January 2015
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Tuesday, nearly the end of the year!
Another very cold start to the day and I really was glad that I didn't need to go out.
Jon spent the morning working in the office until he had to go out for his medical check up at the doctors - something you get once you are 60!
Heather is still trying to catch up with Eastenders and as it is a programme I don't watch I keep interrupting her to find out what is going on! She will be glad when she is up to date again!
I popped over to see Rene and stayed for a chat but she didn't have much to say but she is fine.
I did a bit of housework and rang my neighbour to ask if she can come in and let Totty out tomorrow night when we are in London so that is all sorted.
Kirsty came round after work to borrow out patio heater as she thinks they might need two on NY Eve. I hope it will be a little warmer.
Heather went out for dinner with Clair tonight and then she is going into Cambridge.
We will drive to Audley End for the train tomorrow unless Heather is home in time to take us to Cambridge.
I am looking forward to seeing the fireworks but not the crowds.
WEATHER
Very cold and frosty till mid afternoon -4 then 2 degrees
Jon spent the morning working in the office until he had to go out for his medical check up at the doctors - something you get once you are 60!
Heather is still trying to catch up with Eastenders and as it is a programme I don't watch I keep interrupting her to find out what is going on! She will be glad when she is up to date again!
I popped over to see Rene and stayed for a chat but she didn't have much to say but she is fine.
I did a bit of housework and rang my neighbour to ask if she can come in and let Totty out tomorrow night when we are in London so that is all sorted.
Kirsty came round after work to borrow out patio heater as she thinks they might need two on NY Eve. I hope it will be a little warmer.
Heather went out for dinner with Clair tonight and then she is going into Cambridge.
We will drive to Audley End for the train tomorrow unless Heather is home in time to take us to Cambridge.
I am looking forward to seeing the fireworks but not the crowds.
WEATHER
Very cold and frosty till mid afternoon -4 then 2 degrees
Monday, 29 December 2014
Sunday and Monday after Christmas
We haven't done much over the last two days as Jon has had some work to do that he needs to get finished. As it was so cold I was more than happy to stay home!
We did pop out yesterday to the garden centre for a coffee and bumped into my friend Jenny and her daughter who it was lovely to see and despite the cold we had a chat.
Heather has been in and out over the last few days, shopping and meeting up with friends and she went for afternoon tea today with Jane and their friend Abi as a Christmas present.
I went over to see Rene and she, too is happy to stay indoors.
It was very, very frosty this morning and I had to de ice the car after lunch so that I could go to Tesco!
When I got back we took Totty for a walk and the street was very dangerous and I was glad when we got back in one piece.
When Heather came home Abi came with her and did my eyebrows for me so I am partially groomed again!
We had dinner and watched TV on both nights.
I really hope the weather is a little warmer on NY Eve or we are going to be very cold!
WEATHER
Cold didn't get above 2 degrees but sunny!
Saturday, 27 December 2014
Saturday after Christmas
We woke to a very wet and miserable day today.
Heather went to meet her friend in Cambridge and Jon went into the office and didn't come out till coffee time so I sat and read my book.
I wasn't hungry but made Jon his lunch and then in-between doing washing loads I read my book and did some ironing.
I popped over to see Rene for a chat and she told me she had not enjoyed the pheasant she had for Christmas Day - well no surprise there then!
I took all the meat off the turkey and used some for dinner tonight with broccoli and a cheese sauce and froze some and put some in the fridge to make ham and turkey pasties for tomorrow. It was a very nice turkey.
We watched the Great Gatsby after dinner but Jon didn't like it much so went to bed to read his book.
A very relaxing day.
WEATHER
Very cold, wet and sleet 3 degrees
Heather went to meet her friend in Cambridge and Jon went into the office and didn't come out till coffee time so I sat and read my book.
I wasn't hungry but made Jon his lunch and then in-between doing washing loads I read my book and did some ironing.
I popped over to see Rene for a chat and she told me she had not enjoyed the pheasant she had for Christmas Day - well no surprise there then!
I took all the meat off the turkey and used some for dinner tonight with broccoli and a cheese sauce and froze some and put some in the fridge to make ham and turkey pasties for tomorrow. It was a very nice turkey.
We watched the Great Gatsby after dinner but Jon didn't like it much so went to bed to read his book.
A very relaxing day.
WEATHER
Very cold, wet and sleet 3 degrees
Friday, 26 December 2014
Christmas Day and Boxing Day
I was up bright and early and showered and then went down and put the turkey into the oven to roast.
After breakfast, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, we, Jon, Heather and I, took Totty out for a walk and she must have know I had a lot to do as she walked all the way with no stopping.
Somewhere along the way Heather opened her stocking presents! So much glitter all over the place!
When I got back I popped over to see Rene and I took a selfie of us both which she thought was very funny. She gave me a present, a nice jar of chutney and a bottle of Harvey's Bristol Cream sherry!!! Hmm! not a fan of this drink so I will have to either make a lot of trifle or give it to a charity for a raffle prize - maybe next quiz night!
Back home and I got things under way and then Jane and Jason arrived with Riley and half of the contents of their house so they could stay overnight. We had coffee and mince pies and Riley was on top form and a very happy smiley boy although the photos don't show it as he would not smile for the camera!
The rest of the day then went over in a blur of activity. Kirsty and James arrived and Riely went up to his cot for a sleep and we opened presents before sitting down to lunch but we did have drinks and nibbles before lunch. We were all very happy with our presents and had even more glitter around the house. I am sure I will still be clearing glitter this time next year!
Riley woke and opened his presents but it was all a bit overwhelming for him but he did like the paper!
We sat down to lunch and all enjoyed it. Riley went straight into the roast dinner with carrots, potato, and turkey. We had lots of funny faces but on the whole we thing potato is the favourite.
After lunch, it was by now dark, we all sat and had a rest and cleared away some of the debris.
Riley had a bath and then was happy to sit in his highchair and we all played board games and had a lot of fun. Riley fell asleep and Jane took him up to his cot and there he stayed for the night, such a good boy.
We really enjoyed the games after that as we could laugh and shout without frightening the life out of Riely. We finally went to bed at 3.00 but somewhere along the way I baked some bread rolls and carved the gammon and we had supper!
We all drank far too much and I was not looking forward to how I would feel on Boxing Day!
Boxing Day
I got up at 8.30 as I needed the loo and I could hear Jane downstairs, she got up at 8.00.
I didn't feel as bad as I thought I would or as bad as I think I deserved to feel!
I cooked sausages and bacon and some bread rolls I could not cook a full sit down breakfast, far too stressful! Everyone was more than happy to have rolls.
Slowly everyone got up and came down but all very subdued. I am so glad we only had the cinema planned for today and we can put it off to anytime.
Jane and Jason packed up all their belongings and all the presents so they had a very full car to go home. Jason's parents are coming round for lunch so she needs to get back to roast the gammon - rather her than me!
Kirsty and James left to go home and see to the cats and then they re off to James' Mum and Dad for the day.
The house was then very quiet and after sitting for a while I got up and did some clearing up and got the cleaner out to try and get rid of some of the glitter. The house looked back to normal and then I sat in the chair and watched TV and fell asleep for a while.
Heather went out for a run and then came home and said she would cook dinner for us tonight. I was more than happy about this.
Dinner was lovely and all the dishes were done, too.
Jon and Heather watched a film but it was not my cup of tea. I would have liked to read but the film was so loud I could hardly hear myself think.
Anyway, it is time for bed now and I am looking forward to it so much.
It is raining very hard but they have snow just north of here so no doubt it will get to us by the morning but hopefully, it won't lie as it is too wet. Not a problem as I am happy to stay indoors again.
WEATHER
Christmas Day Sunny but cold 7 degrees
Boxing Day Overcast, frost, 4 degrees and heavy rain.
After breakfast, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, we, Jon, Heather and I, took Totty out for a walk and she must have know I had a lot to do as she walked all the way with no stopping.
Somewhere along the way Heather opened her stocking presents! So much glitter all over the place!
When I got back I popped over to see Rene and I took a selfie of us both which she thought was very funny. She gave me a present, a nice jar of chutney and a bottle of Harvey's Bristol Cream sherry!!! Hmm! not a fan of this drink so I will have to either make a lot of trifle or give it to a charity for a raffle prize - maybe next quiz night!
Back home and I got things under way and then Jane and Jason arrived with Riley and half of the contents of their house so they could stay overnight. We had coffee and mince pies and Riley was on top form and a very happy smiley boy although the photos don't show it as he would not smile for the camera!
The rest of the day then went over in a blur of activity. Kirsty and James arrived and Riely went up to his cot for a sleep and we opened presents before sitting down to lunch but we did have drinks and nibbles before lunch. We were all very happy with our presents and had even more glitter around the house. I am sure I will still be clearing glitter this time next year!
Riley woke and opened his presents but it was all a bit overwhelming for him but he did like the paper!
We sat down to lunch and all enjoyed it. Riley went straight into the roast dinner with carrots, potato, and turkey. We had lots of funny faces but on the whole we thing potato is the favourite.
After lunch, it was by now dark, we all sat and had a rest and cleared away some of the debris.
Riley had a bath and then was happy to sit in his highchair and we all played board games and had a lot of fun. Riley fell asleep and Jane took him up to his cot and there he stayed for the night, such a good boy.
We really enjoyed the games after that as we could laugh and shout without frightening the life out of Riely. We finally went to bed at 3.00 but somewhere along the way I baked some bread rolls and carved the gammon and we had supper!
We all drank far too much and I was not looking forward to how I would feel on Boxing Day!
Boxing Day
I got up at 8.30 as I needed the loo and I could hear Jane downstairs, she got up at 8.00.
I didn't feel as bad as I thought I would or as bad as I think I deserved to feel!
I cooked sausages and bacon and some bread rolls I could not cook a full sit down breakfast, far too stressful! Everyone was more than happy to have rolls.
Slowly everyone got up and came down but all very subdued. I am so glad we only had the cinema planned for today and we can put it off to anytime.
Jane and Jason packed up all their belongings and all the presents so they had a very full car to go home. Jason's parents are coming round for lunch so she needs to get back to roast the gammon - rather her than me!
Kirsty and James left to go home and see to the cats and then they re off to James' Mum and Dad for the day.
The house was then very quiet and after sitting for a while I got up and did some clearing up and got the cleaner out to try and get rid of some of the glitter. The house looked back to normal and then I sat in the chair and watched TV and fell asleep for a while.
Heather went out for a run and then came home and said she would cook dinner for us tonight. I was more than happy about this.
Dinner was lovely and all the dishes were done, too.
Jon and Heather watched a film but it was not my cup of tea. I would have liked to read but the film was so loud I could hardly hear myself think.
Anyway, it is time for bed now and I am looking forward to it so much.
It is raining very hard but they have snow just north of here so no doubt it will get to us by the morning but hopefully, it won't lie as it is too wet. Not a problem as I am happy to stay indoors again.
WEATHER
Christmas Day Sunny but cold 7 degrees
Boxing Day Overcast, frost, 4 degrees and heavy rain.
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Christmas Eve
I didn't wake as early as I should have so didn't get to call NZ so sent emails instead.
I had a phone call from Heather just after 9.00 to say she had forgotten to take the mirror that I had collected for her colleague from Halfords yesterday! I ended up driving to meet her just outside Cambridge. What would these girls do without a mum!
When I got back Jon and I went into Newmarket to pick up the turkey from the butcher and then went for a coffee. It was surprisingly quiet in Newmarket but the traffic when we were on our way home was very heavy. Glad it is all done now.
I carried on cleaning my bathrooms and sorting out the dressing room so that Kirsty and James have enough space to sleep in there tomorrow night.
Heather came home from work early and went up to her room out of the way of the vacuum cleaner!
I had forgotten that I had to make a cheesecake so started to do that. Jane does not like many puddings but does like cheesecake. I have only ever made an uncooked one but she told me she liked baked cheesecake. It looks ok but not sure if it is right. I had to laugh at Heather as she said Jane has only read it on the side of the Tesco box, she has never actually made one!! I should have gone to Tesco!!
I prepared all the vegetables this afternoon and made the stuffing and then we went down to the local for dinner tonight which was nice as I didn't have to cook a meal.
When I got back, Heather went into Newmarket with her friend, I prepared the red cabbage which is now in the oven and needs another hour but not sure I can stay up that long as I am really tired now so I might just turn the oven off and hope for the best!
All the presents are in the conservatory but I can't put them under the tree as Totty tears the paper off them so I will have to do that in the morning.
WEATHER
Sunny but cold 9 degrees
I had a phone call from Heather just after 9.00 to say she had forgotten to take the mirror that I had collected for her colleague from Halfords yesterday! I ended up driving to meet her just outside Cambridge. What would these girls do without a mum!
When I got back Jon and I went into Newmarket to pick up the turkey from the butcher and then went for a coffee. It was surprisingly quiet in Newmarket but the traffic when we were on our way home was very heavy. Glad it is all done now.
I carried on cleaning my bathrooms and sorting out the dressing room so that Kirsty and James have enough space to sleep in there tomorrow night.
Heather came home from work early and went up to her room out of the way of the vacuum cleaner!
I had forgotten that I had to make a cheesecake so started to do that. Jane does not like many puddings but does like cheesecake. I have only ever made an uncooked one but she told me she liked baked cheesecake. It looks ok but not sure if it is right. I had to laugh at Heather as she said Jane has only read it on the side of the Tesco box, she has never actually made one!! I should have gone to Tesco!!
I prepared all the vegetables this afternoon and made the stuffing and then we went down to the local for dinner tonight which was nice as I didn't have to cook a meal.
When I got back, Heather went into Newmarket with her friend, I prepared the red cabbage which is now in the oven and needs another hour but not sure I can stay up that long as I am really tired now so I might just turn the oven off and hope for the best!
All the presents are in the conservatory but I can't put them under the tree as Totty tears the paper off them so I will have to do that in the morning.
WEATHER
Sunny but cold 9 degrees
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
Two more Sleeps!
I had a busy morning doing things around the house this morning and tidying things away which should have been put away before now. I painted the two bits in the downstairs loo that the men 'forgot' to paint so that is all finished now.
I washed all the dogs beds, much to her disgust as she had nowhere to lie down until I had dried them so she had a lot of exercise today!
I waited for my friend to call around to bring my preserving pan back that she has had on long term loan while I have been in NZ - she uses it to cook her ham every year but I have a ham this year, too.
I made lunch and as my friend had not called I thought I had better go out and do my last minute shopping in Tesco. She arrived just after I had left! Typical!
I popped over to see Rene before I left to ask if she needed anything and she asked me to get a box of chocolates for her to give to one of her neighbours.
Tesco was surprisingly quiet and I did my shopping without any of the crush that I had expected.
I then went to Halfords to collect something for a colleague of Heather's as Heather was not sure if she would be home before they closed.
I got back and unpacked and wrapped the chocolates for Rene and took them over to her with a cream doughnut which I know she loves. She liked the wrapping and said her neighbour would think they were very posh!
I prepared dinner for Jon and I and put it in the oven, sticky pork chops which were very yummy!
I cooked my ham and that is now cooling and smells very nice. I will put the glaze on it tomorrow.
Heather came home late as she had been to a Christmas market in Cambridge.
We have decided to go out for dinner tomorrow night, just down to the local pub. We won't be late as they have a disco and karaoke night which I don't think we will stay for!
We watched some TV and then I rang two friends in NZ and will try and call a few more in the morning so I will have to be up early!
WEATHER
Windy with sunny spells 13 degrees
I washed all the dogs beds, much to her disgust as she had nowhere to lie down until I had dried them so she had a lot of exercise today!
I waited for my friend to call around to bring my preserving pan back that she has had on long term loan while I have been in NZ - she uses it to cook her ham every year but I have a ham this year, too.
I made lunch and as my friend had not called I thought I had better go out and do my last minute shopping in Tesco. She arrived just after I had left! Typical!
I popped over to see Rene before I left to ask if she needed anything and she asked me to get a box of chocolates for her to give to one of her neighbours.
Tesco was surprisingly quiet and I did my shopping without any of the crush that I had expected.
I then went to Halfords to collect something for a colleague of Heather's as Heather was not sure if she would be home before they closed.
I got back and unpacked and wrapped the chocolates for Rene and took them over to her with a cream doughnut which I know she loves. She liked the wrapping and said her neighbour would think they were very posh!
I prepared dinner for Jon and I and put it in the oven, sticky pork chops which were very yummy!
I cooked my ham and that is now cooling and smells very nice. I will put the glaze on it tomorrow.
Heather came home late as she had been to a Christmas market in Cambridge.
We have decided to go out for dinner tomorrow night, just down to the local pub. We won't be late as they have a disco and karaoke night which I don't think we will stay for!
We watched some TV and then I rang two friends in NZ and will try and call a few more in the morning so I will have to be up early!
WEATHER
Windy with sunny spells 13 degrees
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