We decided to go to the beach today at La Malvarosa. It is a part of Valencia that has been redeveloped and I have not been there since it was done. It is also where the F1 track is.
We left after breakfast but the sat nav could not find it and I more or less knew where it was so I put a town in that I thought was close by. We went across country and part of the time I had no idea where I was but I did know the general direction we had to go. Jon got very stressed and it was so annoying as I could see the cranes at the port and knew it was near there but trying to get there was a different matter. We had gone the wrong way and I was telling Jon where to go and he was so grumpy I said let's just go home. I hate it when he gets like that. There is no need to stress we are driving a car and we will get there eventually or we just go back - easy as!!! We finally arrived and found a parking space and went onto the beach which was very crowded and not at all like a Kiw beach.
We found a spot and settled down but it was very, very hot and I had to go in the sea to cool down. We did manage to stay a couple of hours and the beach did empty as people went for lunch. It is a lovely clean sandy beach though and the water so warm which you certainly don't get in NZ! We stayed on and then decided it was too hot, we later found out it was 45 c!
Walking off the beach was painful as the sand was so hot and the beach so wide. By the time we had reached the prom my feet were sore and I was sweating.
We went to one of the restaurants on the front and had a nice lunch and a cold beer before driving home which we managed to do very easily!
Once home we showered but it was then just too hot to do anything.
Went to Anne's later to pick up her car, stayed for a chat before driving back. We also borrowed three fans as we were going to need them. Only problem was one turned out to be a heater! I was nervous, not having driven in Spain for many years, and had to follow Jon. Unfortunately, he/sat nav took a wrong turn and we went all over the place. The annoying thing was I just had to follow but could have managed to get us home sooner as I knew all the villages we were driving through but the sat nav kept sending Jon back to the main roads and I was screaming at him but could do nothing about it! It took ages and was nearly dark by the time we got there. I had to see the funny side of it or I would have gone mad at him even though it wasn't his fault. At least it gave me some practice driving and by the time we did get back I was quite used to it. The joys of sat nav!
We had dinner and I thought I had picked up lamb chops but they were turkey but I didn't find that out till later when I looked at the packet more closely, no wonder I didn't like them.
It finally cooled down a little and we went to bed. We have now changed to upstairs ready for Jane and Jason to have the downstairs bedroom room and we have a big, noisy industrial fan to keep us cool!
WEATHER
Very hot 45 degrees at one stage!
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Monday, 25 August 2014
Monday
I ended up sleeping upstairs last night in what will be our room when Jane and Jason arrive. Jon's snoring was just too much and it was really hot.
Upstairs, in our room to be, are single beds and a fan. I tried to get to sleep without it but had to give in and put it on - bliss but noisy!
Another bright and sunny day and hot, not sure how I managed living here for all those years, I don't think I could now!
I had a swim and then we had breakfast on a very sunny, hot terrace.
Sergio, caretaker, said he would come and get the gas bottle to refill it for the BBQ so we waited in for him. He then said he would bring it back later so we were free to go out.
We drove into Moncada but not before the sat nav had sent us round the block, twice! If we had continued to listen to her we would still be driving round the block! We parked under the supermarket again. We went upstairs to the market and had a coffee and a piece of cake which was very nice.
We went for a walk outside and found a shop, a bit like the dollar shop in NZ or Poundland in UK and we found a lot of what we wanted, a new, bigger paella pan, a set of pétanque balls and lots of things to try and rid the bathrooms of the awful drains smell. I know it is a Spanish thing and they haven't had rain for a long time but it really is horrible x three bathrooms!
We took all our things back to the car and then did a supermarket shop, it really is very cheap here.
We had a walk to the market but it was very hot and they were packing up so we just went back to the villa..
I made lunch and we sat outside.
After lunch Jon blew up the inflatable armchair that Heather had bought. I spent the rest of the afternoon floating around the pool and Jon had a snooze in the shade.
Jon watered the grass as it is very brown due to the automatic system failing. Hopefully, we can get it green soon.
We had a cuppa and eventually Sergio brought the new gas bottle. He told me he worked for Ford but was told to finish as there was no work so looking after our house is his only income and he has two children. His wife, who cleaned the house on Saturday, is now down the coast cleaning and cooking for a family who are here on holiday. Must be very difficult for them.
I am pleased with my Spanish as I can remember the vocabulary and grammar but my tongue has a bit of trouble getting round the pronunciation!
Jon cooked a BBQ again and it was very good and we sat out till quite late, still very hot and it is nearly midnight.
WEATHER
Sunny 33c
Sunday, 24 August 2014
Sun
I spent the morning recovering after sleeping in such a hard bed! We slept downstairs where Jane and Jason will be sleeping when they arrive but I don't think they will like the bed!
We had breakfast on the terrace in lovely warm sunshine followed by an hour of sun.
I had a shower and got ready and then set off to Ann and Vicente's house for lunch.
The sat nav could not find the address that we were trying to type in and as is usual these days with Jon he got very cross with it, not sure where his patience has gone. It would have been better had he tried to put it in before we were due to be leaving and maybe he would not have got so hot and bothered.
Eventually, we managed to get the village in and we drove to the there and rang Vicente who came to meet us at the petrol station and we followed him - easy! No need to stress!
Anne had invited six couples that I had known when living in Valencia and we had a lovely afternoon and lunch catching up with old friends. It was very hot on the terrace so we went downstairs to the terrace at the back of the house where it was lovely and cool sitting under the olive tree.
We managed to find our way home but it was late and getting dark. We had a few nibbles on the patio. Our neighbour comes outside to smoke and stands by our fence and the smell comes over and it is really annoying me.
Will try and sleep now but it is very hot, the drains smell, typical Spain, and Jon is snoring! I wonder why people don't wake themselves up with the noise?
WEATHER
Hot and sunny with some cloud 30 degrees
Saturday, 23 August 2014
Sat
Woke to the parrot shouting hola! very funny
I had a shower and washed my hair.
Went down for breakfast and Marcel had made a lovely Spanish omelette for our breakfast as he knows how much I like them. We also had jamon Serrano and then he made me bread with oil and tomato yum yum so spoilt!
It was lovely to see them and sad to say goodbye after a lovely time with some lovely lifelong friends.
We had a good trip down to Valencia but got held up at the toll booth at Valencia, long queues and when I put the €20 note in and tried to pay the €5.95 requested it gave me the twenty euros back in five euro bills and then asked for €25.95 crazy but I had to pay it. Not sure if it was right but with lots of cars backed up and honking horns we had no choice.
We found the villa with no problems. Sergio and his wife, the caretakers were there still cleaning. It took ages for Sergio to go through everything but finally he was finished and left.
We went to find supermarket which we were told was down the road. We missed that and went to the village and found Mercadona. Did a big shop and it all seems very cheap to me especially the wine!
On the drive back home and not familiar with the area the sat nav took us across a children's playground! Just as well there were no children in there.
I unpacked the shopping and then the clothes.
All settled in now. Jon cleaned the BBQ, he just hates dirty bbqs, then we found we had no gas, Sergio had said there was plenty, so had to cook on the hob. Nice dinner, good wine a strong wind had died down so nice and warm.
I had then coffee and then bed.
Weather
Sunny and clear.
I had a shower and washed my hair.
Went down for breakfast and Marcel had made a lovely Spanish omelette for our breakfast as he knows how much I like them. We also had jamon Serrano and then he made me bread with oil and tomato yum yum so spoilt!
It was lovely to see them and sad to say goodbye after a lovely time with some lovely lifelong friends.
We had a good trip down to Valencia but got held up at the toll booth at Valencia, long queues and when I put the €20 note in and tried to pay the €5.95 requested it gave me the twenty euros back in five euro bills and then asked for €25.95 crazy but I had to pay it. Not sure if it was right but with lots of cars backed up and honking horns we had no choice.
We found the villa with no problems. Sergio and his wife, the caretakers were there still cleaning. It took ages for Sergio to go through everything but finally he was finished and left.
We went to find supermarket which we were told was down the road. We missed that and went to the village and found Mercadona. Did a big shop and it all seems very cheap to me especially the wine!
On the drive back home and not familiar with the area the sat nav took us across a children's playground! Just as well there were no children in there.
I unpacked the shopping and then the clothes.
All settled in now. Jon cleaned the BBQ, he just hates dirty bbqs, then we found we had no gas, Sergio had said there was plenty, so had to cook on the hob. Nice dinner, good wine a strong wind had died down so nice and warm.
I had then coffee and then bed.
Weather
Sunny and clear.
Friday, 22 August 2014
Fri
Not a bad breakfast, typically French but that is fine with us. We did have a scary moment when a French man was poking around with his knife in the toaster! I half expected him to go up in a puff of smoke - stupid man! I was very relieved when he took his toast back to his table!
We checked out and in view of the fact that I did not eat my dinner and 'Basil' saw that. I had half expected him to deduct it from the bill but he didn't say a word. A definite bad review on Trip Advisor!
We left the hotel and went for a lovely walk around the town and castle walls. What a pretty town! All the old houses within the walls are being renovated and some are really pretty. Such pretty towns.
We set off and the weather was very warm and sunny but as we got closer to Spain it became black and cloudy near Perpignan and we knew we were in for some rain.
We crossed the border and our first stop was the service area where we had a lovely lunch, such good food in the Spanish service areas. We set off again and it was not long before we were in torrential rain and could hardly see the road in front of us.
We continued in heavy rain pretty much all the way to Barcelona. Once we were a little way south of Barcelona the clouds cleared and it was sunny and warm once more and by the time we reached Salou it was clear blue skies.
We drove to Enid and Marcel's house and it was lovely to see them after nearly twenty years. We had a cuppa and sat chatting.
We had dinner which Marcel made and it was sooo good. Jon and Marcel said good nigh and left Enid and I to chat and catch up on old times. There was a lot of thunder around and it reminded me so much of my time working in Salou and the storms we used to have which were pretty impressive. Then the fireworks from Port Aventura started and they were really loud. When Enid and Marcel built their house it was on the edge of the town and now the town has grown so much they are in the middle of everything and it can get noisy. They have a parrot who is very chatty and very funny.
I went to bed and had a good sleep but it was very hot.
Weather
Sunny then some!
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Thurs. Orleans - Cavalerie
We had a good sleep and the room was very quiet as it was not facing a road.
The breakfast was good buffet breakfast and we were the only two in the dinning room.
We took a walk around Orleans which has a huge cathedral which is really beautiful with the most colourful stained glass windows. There are some lovely old buildings and we walked down to the river through some narrow streets with some lovely houses and all so clean. They appear to have a very good tram service around the town.
There is a lovely square with a statue of Joan of Arc in the middle and lovely coffee bars around and we just had to sit and have a coffee which was particularly good but not very big!
We walked back to the hotel to pick up the car which was parked in the underground car park belonging to the hotel so quite safe with all our belongings. It was very tight to get in and out and looked like a dungeon car park.
It was a good, friendly hotel and I would recommend it highly.
We set off and had no problems, all the roads are so good in France and you don't get the potholes like we have here.
We stopped for lunch and bought baguettes in a service area with a view, very pretty.
Jon had bought the Michael McIntyre audio book which we listened to and was very good and certainly passed the time.
We stopped just before bridge in the sky at Milau and went to the information centre. We bought an ice cream and then walked up hill to viewing area, impressive bridge. The bridge is so high and the views are amazing.
We then carried on and crossed the bridge and to Le Cavalerie, our next hotel which was more basic than last night but they are all very clean.
Jon had read on Trip Advisor that this hotel has a really good restaurant but we did not think dinner was as good as last night's. The manager/head waiter/barman was a bit of a character and was just like Basil Fawlty and rushed around like him. I had a beef brochette which I had asked to be medium but it came out very rare and blood all over my plate and was tough as old boots so not a good dinner. Jon's dinner was just about OK. Bad review on Trip Advisor from me!
We went to bed early for early start. The car had to be left on the street but as it was a small village and we could see it from our window we were not worried.
Weather
Sunny and warm 20 degrees
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Wed. Newmarket - Orleans
Blog typed from notes
We had and early start getting things sorted and ready to leave.
There was so much to pack in the car but Jon managed to fit it all in without getting stressed.
We gave the key to nextdoor so they could come in and see to Totty during the day while Heather is at work.
I popped over to say goodbye to Rene.
We had a clear drive to the tunnel. We did hope to get on an earlier shuttle but they were full. We went into the duty free and I bought some perfume and we had a coffee and bought some sandwiches for lunch then it was time to go to the boarding area. They started to load and then two lanes before us they announced the train was full and we would have to wait for the next one! How do you overbook a Shuttle? It was not too bad and we only had to wait half an hour.
A quick 35 minute trip and we ate lunch while we were on the shuttle to save time once in France.
We headed off in the direction of Rouen then sat nav directed us to Orleans our first stop but it sent us via Paris which we had tried to avoid. It was a good but long drive with long, low tunnels under Paris. We noticed there are lots of wind farms in France, spreading over vast areas.
We finally arrived in Orleans which did not look very nice at all, very industrial. We found our hotel in a good spot, basic but clean and only a four min walk to centre which was very pretty.
We had a lovely dinner at a place recommended by the hotel sitting out in the street, very French. I felt very full and we needed water
Everything on charge now. but the reception was not manned so we had to go thirsty!
Weather
Sunny with some cloud 20 degrees
We had and early start getting things sorted and ready to leave.
There was so much to pack in the car but Jon managed to fit it all in without getting stressed.
We gave the key to nextdoor so they could come in and see to Totty during the day while Heather is at work.
I popped over to say goodbye to Rene.
We had a clear drive to the tunnel. We did hope to get on an earlier shuttle but they were full. We went into the duty free and I bought some perfume and we had a coffee and bought some sandwiches for lunch then it was time to go to the boarding area. They started to load and then two lanes before us they announced the train was full and we would have to wait for the next one! How do you overbook a Shuttle? It was not too bad and we only had to wait half an hour.
A quick 35 minute trip and we ate lunch while we were on the shuttle to save time once in France.
We headed off in the direction of Rouen then sat nav directed us to Orleans our first stop but it sent us via Paris which we had tried to avoid. It was a good but long drive with long, low tunnels under Paris. We noticed there are lots of wind farms in France, spreading over vast areas.
We finally arrived in Orleans which did not look very nice at all, very industrial. We found our hotel in a good spot, basic but clean and only a four min walk to centre which was very pretty.
We had a lovely dinner at a place recommended by the hotel sitting out in the street, very French. I felt very full and we needed water
Everything on charge now. but the reception was not manned so we had to go thirsty!
Weather
Sunny with some cloud 20 degrees
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
Tuesday
This could well be the last posting until we get back on 9 September as I am not sure if we have internet at the house.
I had an extremely busy day today and got all the house clean and tidy and all the bathrooms and hopefully it will be like that when we get back!
I then stated on the packing which is not so hard really. Just a matter of deciding what to take and getting it all from the wardrobe. Jon had put all his things out and I just had to fold all the shirts, not my favourite job.
Jane arrived with Riley but still no passport for her yet!!! Jane brought all the things she wants us to take to Spain in the car. It will be 'interesting' tomorrow morning when Jon comes to pack the car!
Not long after Abi arrived to do my nails. I had mine done first, fingers, toes and eyebrows so that I could get on with the dinner for us all. Kirsty and Heather arrived and then James and Jason.
The men went down to the pub and I cooked an oven paella for us and during a break we all had dinner.
It was a lovely evening and now we are all fit to go.
Riley was very good and he now smiles so much and his whole face lights up, such a cutie.
Abi left just after 9.00 then the men came back and Kirsty and Jane went home.
I finished a few things and now it is bedtime. Really looking forward to our holiday. I just hope we don't forget anything important.
WEATHER
Sunny spells and cooler 19 degrees
I had an extremely busy day today and got all the house clean and tidy and all the bathrooms and hopefully it will be like that when we get back!
I then stated on the packing which is not so hard really. Just a matter of deciding what to take and getting it all from the wardrobe. Jon had put all his things out and I just had to fold all the shirts, not my favourite job.
Jane arrived with Riley but still no passport for her yet!!! Jane brought all the things she wants us to take to Spain in the car. It will be 'interesting' tomorrow morning when Jon comes to pack the car!
Not long after Abi arrived to do my nails. I had mine done first, fingers, toes and eyebrows so that I could get on with the dinner for us all. Kirsty and Heather arrived and then James and Jason.
The men went down to the pub and I cooked an oven paella for us and during a break we all had dinner.
It was a lovely evening and now we are all fit to go.
Riley was very good and he now smiles so much and his whole face lights up, such a cutie.
Abi left just after 9.00 then the men came back and Kirsty and Jane went home.
I finished a few things and now it is bedtime. Really looking forward to our holiday. I just hope we don't forget anything important.
WEATHER
Sunny spells and cooler 19 degrees
Monday, 18 August 2014
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
We woke to a message from Jane to say Jason's granddad, who was in hospital, had taken a bad turn and they might not make it to the wedding. The bad turn turns out to be him falling out of bed and having a bleed on his brain. He didn't last very long after that. Jason went to see him at 4.00am and he died later that morning. It is very sad as they were discussing him coming home. Poor man went in due to lack of appetite and then this happens. There is to be an inquiry at the hospital as to what happened.
In the end Jane and Jason did come as there was nothing they could do here.
We took the dog to kennels and then set off to collect Heather from her office at 12.00.
We set off and the drive was awful and instead of the four hours it should have taken it took seven! The whole M6 motorway was like a giant car park. We were so happy when we arrived.
We dropped Heather off at the hotel she was staying in with Jane and Kirsty and then we went to our which was where the wedding reception was, too. A very nice hotel overlooking the town and surrounded by hills and sheep.
We met some of the family and some friends for dinner in the evening and had a nice night.
Saturday we went into Kendal and met up with the girls. We sat for a long time in Costa as Riley needed a feed and then we had a look around the town but it was overcast and not very warm.
We went back to the hotel and got ready and went to the wedding at 3.00 and then the reception at the hotel.
It was a lovely day and it all went very well. Riley was so good and slept for most of the time only waking for a feed.
We didn't get to bed till gone midnight which is late for us! Lovely to catch up with my sister, nephews and their families and finally meet Matthew who was born three years ago and I have not seen him till now.
Sunday We woke to rain, very heavy. After another good breakfast we packed up, said our goodbyes and left to meet the girls in Kendal. Kirsty and James left early as they had to collect the cats.
We intended to go for a coffee in Costa and feed Riley but it was full. We walked around looking for another place but they were all busy. Jane went back to the car to feed him and when we went into Costa the sofa at the rear was free so we grabbed a seat and rang her and she came back and fed Riley.
We then set off home and went via the M62 which was lovely with some lovely views and not much traffic.
We met up with Jane and Jason at Clumber Park and had lunch there and a walk around before heading home. We finally reached home at 7.15 much better than the ride up.
Monday A busy day today as we had to go and get Totty who was much happier at this kennel so she will go there when we go to Spain, too.
I then went into Newmarket to buy some sun cream and things and by the time I got back it was time to get ready to go to James' nana's funeral.
The funeral was in the small village of Girton near Cambridge and a very pretty church. It was very sad but a short service and then the burial in the churchyard behind the church.
We then went to the community hall and had a bite to eat and a cuppa.
We didn't stay long as we had a lot to do. Once home I changed cars and went off to Tesco to get some shopping that Heather will need and food for the next few days.
I had a message from Jane to say Riely's passport has arrived but she is still waiting to get hers back!
I got back and cooked the dinner in between sorting packing and re making my bed. I had done three loads of washing and just got home in time to bring it in as the rain started.
We had dinner and then I did the ironing.
It is now very late and I am off to bed.
WEATHER
Feeling much cooler now, rain in Kendal on Sunday temp down as low as six at night and 16 daytime. Warmer back home.
In the end Jane and Jason did come as there was nothing they could do here.
We took the dog to kennels and then set off to collect Heather from her office at 12.00.
We set off and the drive was awful and instead of the four hours it should have taken it took seven! The whole M6 motorway was like a giant car park. We were so happy when we arrived.
We dropped Heather off at the hotel she was staying in with Jane and Kirsty and then we went to our which was where the wedding reception was, too. A very nice hotel overlooking the town and surrounded by hills and sheep.
We met some of the family and some friends for dinner in the evening and had a nice night.
Saturday we went into Kendal and met up with the girls. We sat for a long time in Costa as Riley needed a feed and then we had a look around the town but it was overcast and not very warm.
We went back to the hotel and got ready and went to the wedding at 3.00 and then the reception at the hotel.
It was a lovely day and it all went very well. Riley was so good and slept for most of the time only waking for a feed.
We didn't get to bed till gone midnight which is late for us! Lovely to catch up with my sister, nephews and their families and finally meet Matthew who was born three years ago and I have not seen him till now.
Sunday We woke to rain, very heavy. After another good breakfast we packed up, said our goodbyes and left to meet the girls in Kendal. Kirsty and James left early as they had to collect the cats.
We intended to go for a coffee in Costa and feed Riley but it was full. We walked around looking for another place but they were all busy. Jane went back to the car to feed him and when we went into Costa the sofa at the rear was free so we grabbed a seat and rang her and she came back and fed Riley.
We then set off home and went via the M62 which was lovely with some lovely views and not much traffic.
We met up with Jane and Jason at Clumber Park and had lunch there and a walk around before heading home. We finally reached home at 7.15 much better than the ride up.
Monday A busy day today as we had to go and get Totty who was much happier at this kennel so she will go there when we go to Spain, too.
I then went into Newmarket to buy some sun cream and things and by the time I got back it was time to get ready to go to James' nana's funeral.
The funeral was in the small village of Girton near Cambridge and a very pretty church. It was very sad but a short service and then the burial in the churchyard behind the church.
We then went to the community hall and had a bite to eat and a cuppa.
We didn't stay long as we had a lot to do. Once home I changed cars and went off to Tesco to get some shopping that Heather will need and food for the next few days.
I had a message from Jane to say Riely's passport has arrived but she is still waiting to get hers back!
I got back and cooked the dinner in between sorting packing and re making my bed. I had done three loads of washing and just got home in time to bring it in as the rain started.
We had dinner and then I did the ironing.
It is now very late and I am off to bed.
WEATHER
Feeling much cooler now, rain in Kendal on Sunday temp down as low as six at night and 16 daytime. Warmer back home.
Thursday, 14 August 2014
Thursday
I managed to get the kitchen cleaned and finally sorted out. It took a long time removing the tiny spots of paint from the floor - I should have used more dust sheets! It is at last looking like a kitchen.
Jon did office work today and we didn't have time to go out for a coffee as the bed was due between 11.00 and three, it arrived at 2.30! We got it up the stairs and it looks fine.
I spent the rest of the day doing my ironing and watching Neighbours only ten behind now!
I decided to get some pictures down from upstairs and we then had to decide where they were to go and we did manage to get a lot up thanks to a very handy tool my friend, Roger, told me about. I don't know how we managed before we had a Takker! What a brilliant little gadget it is, no drills, no hammers and no swearing!
I cooked dinner and then carried on with my ironing and now it is all finished so I am totally satisfied with my day.
Heather went to Jane's for dinner to help her while she packed for the weekend.
I painted my toe nails this evening once I had removed the white gloss paint from my toes! Not sure how I managed that.
Off to bed now as I am taking Heather to the train station in the morning as we will be picking her up from work at lunchtime to drive to Kendal.
I am so happy my kitchen is finished!
WEATHER
Some sunny spells but heavy rain showers and thunder and lightening 18 degrees
Jon did office work today and we didn't have time to go out for a coffee as the bed was due between 11.00 and three, it arrived at 2.30! We got it up the stairs and it looks fine.
I spent the rest of the day doing my ironing and watching Neighbours only ten behind now!
I decided to get some pictures down from upstairs and we then had to decide where they were to go and we did manage to get a lot up thanks to a very handy tool my friend, Roger, told me about. I don't know how we managed before we had a Takker! What a brilliant little gadget it is, no drills, no hammers and no swearing!
I cooked dinner and then carried on with my ironing and now it is all finished so I am totally satisfied with my day.
Heather went to Jane's for dinner to help her while she packed for the weekend.
I painted my toe nails this evening once I had removed the white gloss paint from my toes! Not sure how I managed that.
Off to bed now as I am taking Heather to the train station in the morning as we will be picking her up from work at lunchtime to drive to Kendal.
I am so happy my kitchen is finished!
WEATHER
Some sunny spells but heavy rain showers and thunder and lightening 18 degrees
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Wednesday
It is certainly feeling colder now due to the wind but still can't complain as it has been a very good summer.
Well, it was more of the same today - painting. I did manage to get all the gloss finished so tonight we have the door into the garage open as I want it to dry so it doesn't stick. We also have no handles on the other doors until they are dry, too. I must say it is the longest paint job I have ever done and I am so glad it is finished. I cannot understand these people who do up house for pleasure!
The lady rang up about the bed again today and has assured us that one will be delivered tomorrow. We had a text this evening to say it will be here between 11.00 and 1.00. Fingers crossed.
Jon didn't get his hearing aids sorted yesterday as one is blocked again and so he told the lady he did not want to continue with this company so she has agreed to get some different ones for him. I thought he was doing well with them but obviously not!
I am feeling really bad as I have not been over to see Rene for nearly two weeks. I can't just pop in for ten minutes and I just haven't had the time but I will go and see her tomorrow.
There will be no more painting now until we get back from Spain so tomorrow I can put everything back in place and get rid of the dust sheets. We might even get some pictures on the walls.
My main job tomorrow is to do the ironing it has mounted up as I haven't done any for ages. I am surprised Jon has not been shouting that he is running out of shorts!
Jane came round when she had finished at the hairdressers. She said Riley was really good while she was there for four hours!!! Glad I don't have long hair!
It was lovely to see the little man again and he is so cute now with his smiles. He was weighed yesterday and now weighs 11lbs 14oz.
Heather came home after a shopping spree and had found a jumper for Riley with foxes on it which will match the material on his new pushchair so she said she just had to buy it!
Jane left and we had dinner and then watched some TV. Early night for me with no dreams of paintbrushes!
WEATHER
Sunny spells with some cloud 21 degrees
Well, it was more of the same today - painting. I did manage to get all the gloss finished so tonight we have the door into the garage open as I want it to dry so it doesn't stick. We also have no handles on the other doors until they are dry, too. I must say it is the longest paint job I have ever done and I am so glad it is finished. I cannot understand these people who do up house for pleasure!
The lady rang up about the bed again today and has assured us that one will be delivered tomorrow. We had a text this evening to say it will be here between 11.00 and 1.00. Fingers crossed.
Jon didn't get his hearing aids sorted yesterday as one is blocked again and so he told the lady he did not want to continue with this company so she has agreed to get some different ones for him. I thought he was doing well with them but obviously not!
I am feeling really bad as I have not been over to see Rene for nearly two weeks. I can't just pop in for ten minutes and I just haven't had the time but I will go and see her tomorrow.
There will be no more painting now until we get back from Spain so tomorrow I can put everything back in place and get rid of the dust sheets. We might even get some pictures on the walls.
My main job tomorrow is to do the ironing it has mounted up as I haven't done any for ages. I am surprised Jon has not been shouting that he is running out of shorts!
Jane came round when she had finished at the hairdressers. She said Riley was really good while she was there for four hours!!! Glad I don't have long hair!
It was lovely to see the little man again and he is so cute now with his smiles. He was weighed yesterday and now weighs 11lbs 14oz.
Heather came home after a shopping spree and had found a jumper for Riley with foxes on it which will match the material on his new pushchair so she said she just had to buy it!
Jane left and we had dinner and then watched some TV. Early night for me with no dreams of paintbrushes!
WEATHER
Sunny spells with some cloud 21 degrees
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
Tuesday
Just another boring day today and more painting. I did manage to finish all the walls by 7.00 this evening so just the gloss to do now. Jon has put the masking tape around the floor for me so I can get on with that in the morning and then the paint brushes are going away for at least a month!
We were expecting a new double bed to be delivered today and had a text last night to say it would be here between 11.00 and 1.00. This morning Jon checked the tracking system which noted the bed was ready to be loaded at midnight last night. The next entry said they couldn't find the bed.
Jon spoke to them and they said it would be delivered tomorrow instead. Jon went off to Ely to have his hearing aids checked and had a phone message to say the bed would be delivered in an hour!
It didn't arrive and after a long conversation with the company when he got back it now appears the bed is lost!!! They say they will call tomorrow with a new date but if not we will buy one from Argos as we need it here for next week as Heather's friend is coming to stay.
Tom, who is the boyfriend of Abi, Heather's friend came to clean the hall, stairs and landing carpet. It now looks very nice and the dog will not be allowed into the hall when we are out as we don't want any more accidents.
I also remembered to go for my eye test this afternoon and have now ordered 12 months of contact lens.
I came back and finished the painting while Jon cooked my dinner again!
WEATHER
Sunny spells with a chill wind 21 degrees.
We were expecting a new double bed to be delivered today and had a text last night to say it would be here between 11.00 and 1.00. This morning Jon checked the tracking system which noted the bed was ready to be loaded at midnight last night. The next entry said they couldn't find the bed.
Jon spoke to them and they said it would be delivered tomorrow instead. Jon went off to Ely to have his hearing aids checked and had a phone message to say the bed would be delivered in an hour!
It didn't arrive and after a long conversation with the company when he got back it now appears the bed is lost!!! They say they will call tomorrow with a new date but if not we will buy one from Argos as we need it here for next week as Heather's friend is coming to stay.
Tom, who is the boyfriend of Abi, Heather's friend came to clean the hall, stairs and landing carpet. It now looks very nice and the dog will not be allowed into the hall when we are out as we don't want any more accidents.
I also remembered to go for my eye test this afternoon and have now ordered 12 months of contact lens.
I came back and finished the painting while Jon cooked my dinner again!
WEATHER
Sunny spells with a chill wind 21 degrees.
Monday, 11 August 2014
Monday
With all this talk of 'super moon' I accidentally managed to see it when I got up at three o'clock to let Totty out. It was very big and very bright and looked like the light was on in the kitchen! I took a photo, as you do at that time in the morning, but it is not very good and Jon said it looks like a street lamp!
Well after that bit of excitement the rest of my day has been pretty boring. I painted and painted and painted. I did three loads of washing and I painted! With all the painting I have done under coving I should be an expert but I still find it very difficult to keep a straight line. With all the beams in this room I only managed to get the breakfast end done and still have the kitchen to do tomorrow before starting the second coat. Jon did say he would paint but I prefer to do it.
Jon booked out hotels for our road trip and I am really looking forward to it.
I started to paint at 9.30 and stopped at 7.00 and then had to clean my roller and brush so I was very tired. My arms, neck and back ache so much and all my fingers are so sore with holding the roller. Never mind nearly there.
We just had a pizza for dinner with salad and Jon cooked it and I enjoyed it as I had not had any lunch.
Heather took Totty out for a walk so that was one less job for me to do.
We watched some TV and now I am going to fall into bed ready to start again tomorrow.
I must remember I have to go to Specsavers tomorrow afternoon. I can't forget the time again!
WEATHER
Sunny spells but windy and a chill wind 21 degrees
Well after that bit of excitement the rest of my day has been pretty boring. I painted and painted and painted. I did three loads of washing and I painted! With all the painting I have done under coving I should be an expert but I still find it very difficult to keep a straight line. With all the beams in this room I only managed to get the breakfast end done and still have the kitchen to do tomorrow before starting the second coat. Jon did say he would paint but I prefer to do it.
Jon booked out hotels for our road trip and I am really looking forward to it.
I started to paint at 9.30 and stopped at 7.00 and then had to clean my roller and brush so I was very tired. My arms, neck and back ache so much and all my fingers are so sore with holding the roller. Never mind nearly there.
We just had a pizza for dinner with salad and Jon cooked it and I enjoyed it as I had not had any lunch.
Heather took Totty out for a walk so that was one less job for me to do.
We watched some TV and now I am going to fall into bed ready to start again tomorrow.
I must remember I have to go to Specsavers tomorrow afternoon. I can't forget the time again!
WEATHER
Sunny spells but windy and a chill wind 21 degrees
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Saturday and Sunday
A busy morning going to Tesco and having a coffee before coming home and getting started on the ceilings in the kitchen/breakfast room which took pretty well all of the day but at least they are now finished.
Heather went to Peterborough with Jane and Jason as they wanted to buy a smaller stroller to take on holiday with them as she doesn't trust Ryan Air with her nice Silver Cross. They rang from Tesco Bar Hill to ask if they could come for dinner and I told them we had bought a meal deal and dad would be cooking as I was still painting. They said they would bring some food but stay and eat it with us.
I finished up painting and washed all my things up and then myself as I was spotted with white paint!
Jon cooked the dinner and Jane, Jason and Heather arrived just as we were starting to eat. They put their dinner on while we ate and Jane fed Riley so that when I had finished I could hold him and wind him while she had dinner.
They had found a really nice stroller and as it was ex display got a really good deal on it helped by Jason's bargaining skills! It has an ipod/phone plug in a pocket in the hood. How times have changed!!
We had a nice evening and Riley settled well once in his PJs. Jane and Jason left to go home and we went to bed after a long day.
Sunday
We had a bit of a lie in this morning but woke to an overcast sky and rain as had been forecast.
Heather had left to pick up her friends and drive to Wembley to watch the X Factor boot camp so we didn't see her.
I made some Ambrosia pudding to take with us to our friends for the bbq which was probably going to be indoors!
We went out for a coffee between showers and then when I came back I didn't do anything - bliss.
We bumped into a very 'hung over' Kirsty in Tesco car park! She was out last night celebrating some friends anniversary and she had to be up for work early this morning. That is two weekends in a row. Next weekend is the wedding then they have another wedding the week after and then Spain. I told her she needs to drink LOTS of water this week. Her poor liver!
We went out to the bbq and it looked much brighter and we only had one shower and all managed to eat outside but had to go indoors for dessert. It was nice to catch up with friends we haven't seen since we left for NZ.
We came home about 7.00 as Jon has a cold and is not feeling very well. It is his first cold for a few years so he shouldn't complain but nobody has a cold like Jon. Still it will get it out of the way before our holiday.
Heather finally came home at 10.30 and had had a good day. She saw the 'girls' section and said it was very tense and Cheryl got booed but she didn't want to spoil it for me when it comes on TV. They did have the chance to stay for the second session which was the 'groups' but they said it would be too late and they all have work tomorrow. And, potentially, it could go on as late as we saw last week which was just too late when you have to go to work the next day.
WEATHER
Saturday. Warm with sunny spells 22 degrees
Sunday. Heavy showers and windy 19 degrees
Heather went to Peterborough with Jane and Jason as they wanted to buy a smaller stroller to take on holiday with them as she doesn't trust Ryan Air with her nice Silver Cross. They rang from Tesco Bar Hill to ask if they could come for dinner and I told them we had bought a meal deal and dad would be cooking as I was still painting. They said they would bring some food but stay and eat it with us.
I finished up painting and washed all my things up and then myself as I was spotted with white paint!
Jon cooked the dinner and Jane, Jason and Heather arrived just as we were starting to eat. They put their dinner on while we ate and Jane fed Riley so that when I had finished I could hold him and wind him while she had dinner.
They had found a really nice stroller and as it was ex display got a really good deal on it helped by Jason's bargaining skills! It has an ipod/phone plug in a pocket in the hood. How times have changed!!
We had a nice evening and Riley settled well once in his PJs. Jane and Jason left to go home and we went to bed after a long day.
Sunday
We had a bit of a lie in this morning but woke to an overcast sky and rain as had been forecast.
Heather had left to pick up her friends and drive to Wembley to watch the X Factor boot camp so we didn't see her.
I made some Ambrosia pudding to take with us to our friends for the bbq which was probably going to be indoors!
We went out for a coffee between showers and then when I came back I didn't do anything - bliss.
We bumped into a very 'hung over' Kirsty in Tesco car park! She was out last night celebrating some friends anniversary and she had to be up for work early this morning. That is two weekends in a row. Next weekend is the wedding then they have another wedding the week after and then Spain. I told her she needs to drink LOTS of water this week. Her poor liver!
We went out to the bbq and it looked much brighter and we only had one shower and all managed to eat outside but had to go indoors for dessert. It was nice to catch up with friends we haven't seen since we left for NZ.
We came home about 7.00 as Jon has a cold and is not feeling very well. It is his first cold for a few years so he shouldn't complain but nobody has a cold like Jon. Still it will get it out of the way before our holiday.
Heather finally came home at 10.30 and had had a good day. She saw the 'girls' section and said it was very tense and Cheryl got booed but she didn't want to spoil it for me when it comes on TV. They did have the chance to stay for the second session which was the 'groups' but they said it would be too late and they all have work tomorrow. And, potentially, it could go on as late as we saw last week which was just too late when you have to go to work the next day.
WEATHER
Saturday. Warm with sunny spells 22 degrees
Sunday. Heavy showers and windy 19 degrees
Friday, 8 August 2014
Friday
I started to do my painting early this morning as Jane asked me to go over and keep an eye on Riley. They have the house on the market and have three people coming this evening and two tomorrow and she wanted to do some housework.
I got the coat of white on the new plaster walls and put an undercoat on the green that is on already. Jon went out to get some cash for the carpet fitter and came back with coffee!! yum!
I left to go to Jane's and as luck would have it Riley was fast asleep in his cot and looking very settled so instead of baby sitting I did housework!
Riley slept all morning and we managed to get some cleaning done before he woke. Jane then fed him and I cuddled him while she had her lunch and then I headed for home.
I stopped at Tesco to buy some fish for dinner and bought some lovely swordfish and very cheap.
Once home I had a bite to eat and then finished the undercoat in the kitchen.
The carpet is now down in the hall and looks very and feels nice as the underlay is much thicker so it is all very springy. We are finally getting there. Jon ha vacuumed and it all looked very nice.
I cooked dinner and it was very yummy.
It was by now raining very heavily and I think Heather might have a very wet night at the races.
We watched a bit of TV and I once again tried to book tickets for Andre Rieu but my card is still blocked so I will have to give them a call and Jon will have to book the tickets on his card for now.
Off to bed now and another day of painting awaits tomorrow!!! So over it!!!
WEATHER
A dry start then some heavy showers then HEAVY rain 22 degrees
I got the coat of white on the new plaster walls and put an undercoat on the green that is on already. Jon went out to get some cash for the carpet fitter and came back with coffee!! yum!
I left to go to Jane's and as luck would have it Riley was fast asleep in his cot and looking very settled so instead of baby sitting I did housework!
Riley slept all morning and we managed to get some cleaning done before he woke. Jane then fed him and I cuddled him while she had her lunch and then I headed for home.
I stopped at Tesco to buy some fish for dinner and bought some lovely swordfish and very cheap.
Once home I had a bite to eat and then finished the undercoat in the kitchen.
The carpet is now down in the hall and looks very and feels nice as the underlay is much thicker so it is all very springy. We are finally getting there. Jon ha vacuumed and it all looked very nice.
I cooked dinner and it was very yummy.
It was by now raining very heavily and I think Heather might have a very wet night at the races.
We watched a bit of TV and I once again tried to book tickets for Andre Rieu but my card is still blocked so I will have to give them a call and Jon will have to book the tickets on his card for now.
Off to bed now and another day of painting awaits tomorrow!!! So over it!!!
WEATHER
A dry start then some heavy showers then HEAVY rain 22 degrees
Thursday, 7 August 2014
Thursday
One day just seems to roll into another at the moment and I have trouble remembering what day of the week it is. I am so over this decorating now and just want it finished.
I spent the morning scraping the skirting boards in the hall this morning and getting it all cleaned up ready for the carpet to be re fitted tomorrow and then we will get them all cleaned. I also spent ages cleaning the front door after all the building it was very dirty both inside and out.
I had wanted to get going with the kitchen but didn't manage to get to that until this afternoon.
Jason rang to say he had managed to get some brushes for Jon to clean the drains so Jon went over to Cambridge to pick them up. He brought me a coffee back and then spent ages trying to unblock the drains which he finally did thank goodness.
Jon put the curtain rail up on the French doors and we finally hung the curtains. I will have to take them down again to iron them but for now, at least, they are up and fit and look nice.
I spent the rest of the afternoon preparing the walls in the kitchen/breakfast room ready for painting. Hopefully, I can make an early start on it tomorrow and get the white wash on the new plaster and the ceiling done ready for the colour on Saturday which will just leave me with the gloss to do. So near but so far!
Jon took the brushes back to Jason in Soham so that he can return them to his friend tomorrow. I cooked dinner and we had scallops with black pudding and mashed potato with spring onions. I had forgotten how much I like black pudding.
My hands and fingers are so sore and stiff with all this painting and I am really looking forward to have three weeks off for our holiday. Jon booked the shuttle and our first hotel stop yesterday.
Off to bed now for a relatively early night!
WEATHER
Sunny and warm 23 degrees
I spent the morning scraping the skirting boards in the hall this morning and getting it all cleaned up ready for the carpet to be re fitted tomorrow and then we will get them all cleaned. I also spent ages cleaning the front door after all the building it was very dirty both inside and out.
I had wanted to get going with the kitchen but didn't manage to get to that until this afternoon.
Jason rang to say he had managed to get some brushes for Jon to clean the drains so Jon went over to Cambridge to pick them up. He brought me a coffee back and then spent ages trying to unblock the drains which he finally did thank goodness.
Jon put the curtain rail up on the French doors and we finally hung the curtains. I will have to take them down again to iron them but for now, at least, they are up and fit and look nice.
I spent the rest of the afternoon preparing the walls in the kitchen/breakfast room ready for painting. Hopefully, I can make an early start on it tomorrow and get the white wash on the new plaster and the ceiling done ready for the colour on Saturday which will just leave me with the gloss to do. So near but so far!
Jon took the brushes back to Jason in Soham so that he can return them to his friend tomorrow. I cooked dinner and we had scallops with black pudding and mashed potato with spring onions. I had forgotten how much I like black pudding.
My hands and fingers are so sore and stiff with all this painting and I am really looking forward to have three weeks off for our holiday. Jon booked the shuttle and our first hotel stop yesterday.
Off to bed now for a relatively early night!
WEATHER
Sunny and warm 23 degrees
Wednesday, 6 August 2014
Wednesday
I was up early this morning, 7.30, but I really don't know where the day went!
The men arrived just after eight to fit the new garage door and after making them a coffee I left them to it but they finished in just under an hour. The new door looks very nice. I think I might put all our magnets on the inside as I have nowhere else to put them.
Jon and I went out for a coffee and then did some shopping in Tesco and then onto Homebase and then the pet shop to buy a new bed for Totty. By the time we got back the morning had gone.
I made a chocolate cake that I had been promising to do for a few weeks and I also made a crem brulee for after dinner tonight.
I then spent the rest of the day doing odd jobs, washing and cleaning the bathrooms. It took ages to scrape off the bits of carpet left on the skirting boards by the decorators and then I had to vacuum it all up.
Jane arrived with Riley just as I was rushing off for my contact lens appointment. I got to Specsavers and they told me I was half an hour late! I had put it down for 16.55 and it was actually 16.15! They made me another appointment for next week!
I got back home and Jane was feeding Riley so I got on with preparing dinner as Jason was coming after he finished work. Jane went in to see Sharon nextdoor who had kindly offered to shorten two skirts for Jane. While she was away I changed my first boy nappy for Riley!!
I had noticed that the drain from the kitchen had been overflowing and so Jon had a look at it and it was totally blocked with grease, solid. He went to buy some heavy duty cleaner and put that down which didn't help and then he went to buy some rods and they didn't work either.
By now Jason had arrived and helped Jon dig up the patio where the manhole is, so glad the builders haven't already put the new patio down as it would have had to be dug up! They still couldn't unblock the drain. Jason is going to borrow some brushes from a friend and come over after work tomorrow and see if they can unblock it if not it is a job for Dynorod!
We had a nice dinner and Riley slept till we had finished and then when he woke I cuddled him while Jane and Jason finished their dinner. Jane said he hasn't slept much today but by the time they were going home he was fast asleep!!
I need to crack on with the painting tomorrow not long to go now before the wedding and then our holiday!!!!!
WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells and the odd spot of rain 22 degrees
The men arrived just after eight to fit the new garage door and after making them a coffee I left them to it but they finished in just under an hour. The new door looks very nice. I think I might put all our magnets on the inside as I have nowhere else to put them.
Jon and I went out for a coffee and then did some shopping in Tesco and then onto Homebase and then the pet shop to buy a new bed for Totty. By the time we got back the morning had gone.
I made a chocolate cake that I had been promising to do for a few weeks and I also made a crem brulee for after dinner tonight.
I then spent the rest of the day doing odd jobs, washing and cleaning the bathrooms. It took ages to scrape off the bits of carpet left on the skirting boards by the decorators and then I had to vacuum it all up.
Jane arrived with Riley just as I was rushing off for my contact lens appointment. I got to Specsavers and they told me I was half an hour late! I had put it down for 16.55 and it was actually 16.15! They made me another appointment for next week!
I got back home and Jane was feeding Riley so I got on with preparing dinner as Jason was coming after he finished work. Jane went in to see Sharon nextdoor who had kindly offered to shorten two skirts for Jane. While she was away I changed my first boy nappy for Riley!!
I had noticed that the drain from the kitchen had been overflowing and so Jon had a look at it and it was totally blocked with grease, solid. He went to buy some heavy duty cleaner and put that down which didn't help and then he went to buy some rods and they didn't work either.
By now Jason had arrived and helped Jon dig up the patio where the manhole is, so glad the builders haven't already put the new patio down as it would have had to be dug up! They still couldn't unblock the drain. Jason is going to borrow some brushes from a friend and come over after work tomorrow and see if they can unblock it if not it is a job for Dynorod!
We had a nice dinner and Riley slept till we had finished and then when he woke I cuddled him while Jane and Jason finished their dinner. Jane said he hasn't slept much today but by the time they were going home he was fast asleep!!
I need to crack on with the painting tomorrow not long to go now before the wedding and then our holiday!!!!!
WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells and the odd spot of rain 22 degrees
Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Tuesday
I had to be up early this morning and leave to get into Cambridge for my long awaited haircut!
I debated getting the park and ride bus or go in and park and decided to go in and park. I ended up paying nearly ten pounds!
The hairdressers salon was not particularly nice but the people were nice. The owner is Australian and Ana, the girls that cut my hair, has just come back from two years travelling in Oz so we enjoyed a good chat..
I had to laugh at the conversation going on in the chair next to me. They lady was talking about child development and the laws and things, all in great detail. I wonder if all Cambridge salons are like that? Usually the talk is about the weather or your holiday!!
I was very pleased with my hair and just hope I will be able to do it half as nice as Ana did.
I left the salon and went to have a coffee as I had an hour to wait for the box office to open at the Corn Exchange so that I could pick up our Dawn French tickets.
I had a look around the shops but didn't buy anything.
I had to text Jon and ask him to text me the booking reference number as I had forgotten to bring it! I even managed to get another ticket next to ours for Heather.
I left the box office and went to get my car and drove across to the other part of Cambridge to have a look in the shops and bought a few bargains which I am very pleased with.
I then drove home feeling very hungry so quickly had some lunch.
I spent the afternoon doing some jobs around the house and caught up with some Neighbours.
Jon had an early dinner as he went to the cinema with Kirsty and James to see Planet of the Apes - not my thing.
Heather came home and we had dinner together and then took Totty out for a walk.
Jane rang and we had a chat. She told me Riley slept from 9.00 last night to 2.00 in the morning and then again until 6.00 what a good boy.
I rang my sister and had a chat and then Jon came home.
I need to get on with some preparation work for decorating the kitchen tomorrow. I have a lot of filling in to do and sanding down where the old units were. We also need to get the other curtain rail up in the living room and I have the huge job of ironing the curtains!
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 22 degrees
I debated getting the park and ride bus or go in and park and decided to go in and park. I ended up paying nearly ten pounds!
The hairdressers salon was not particularly nice but the people were nice. The owner is Australian and Ana, the girls that cut my hair, has just come back from two years travelling in Oz so we enjoyed a good chat..
I had to laugh at the conversation going on in the chair next to me. They lady was talking about child development and the laws and things, all in great detail. I wonder if all Cambridge salons are like that? Usually the talk is about the weather or your holiday!!
I was very pleased with my hair and just hope I will be able to do it half as nice as Ana did.
I left the salon and went to have a coffee as I had an hour to wait for the box office to open at the Corn Exchange so that I could pick up our Dawn French tickets.
I had a look around the shops but didn't buy anything.
I had to text Jon and ask him to text me the booking reference number as I had forgotten to bring it! I even managed to get another ticket next to ours for Heather.
I left the box office and went to get my car and drove across to the other part of Cambridge to have a look in the shops and bought a few bargains which I am very pleased with.
I then drove home feeling very hungry so quickly had some lunch.
I spent the afternoon doing some jobs around the house and caught up with some Neighbours.
Jon had an early dinner as he went to the cinema with Kirsty and James to see Planet of the Apes - not my thing.
Heather came home and we had dinner together and then took Totty out for a walk.
Jane rang and we had a chat. She told me Riley slept from 9.00 last night to 2.00 in the morning and then again until 6.00 what a good boy.
I rang my sister and had a chat and then Jon came home.
I need to get on with some preparation work for decorating the kitchen tomorrow. I have a lot of filling in to do and sanding down where the old units were. We also need to get the other curtain rail up in the living room and I have the huge job of ironing the curtains!
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 22 degrees
Monday, 4 August 2014
Sunday and Monday
Sunday morning I was up bright and early ready for my busy day. I washed my hair and did all my beauty things ready to just get changed later.
Jon was in the shower and Mark, the decorator, turned up. I was not looking forward to the confrontation but I needn't have worried as he was fine. We had a chat and he had to call the people from the website and I had to speak to them and tell them he had given me the money as they would not put him back on the website until I did. He is a nice guy and it was really unfortunate and to be fair I think his father is the cowboy and wants things done quickly and caused most of the problems. At least it does not seem so bad now that we got some money back from him. It is still not a good job though and I will have to do something about it but not just yet with so much other work to do.
We went out for an early coffee and then came back and took the dog out for a walk. It is better taking her out after dinner really as then she does not wake me in the early hours to go out.
Heather and Jon went to Halfords as Heather has decided she now wants to do longer and more frequent bike rides so thought she ought to buy a helmet.
When they got back she got her things together and set off to bike to Soham to see Jane, brave girl.
I got changed and waited to Kirsty and James to pick me up. I was ready but they were late but Kirsty had been working in the morning.
We then went to pick Kirsty's friend Sarah up and we set off. I was glad I took some Sea Legs as I did feel pretty ill in the back of James' car as I find it feels like it rolls a lot and I was very glad when we arrived at Wembley. James had pre booked parking and we got a space very close to the entrance.
In the email Kirsty received it said we could not collect the tickets till 3.30 and it was 3.00 but it was open so we went to get them. It is a first come first served basis. We got the tickets and the girls said to come back for 8.00!!! The email said 6.00 ah well!
We decided to have a big lunch and a snack later so went to TGI Friday which was OK and I enjoyed my lunch. That used up two hours but we still had three to go so we went to the shops. Unfortunately, we didn't have long as it was Sunday opening hours so they all closed at 5.30!
Next stop was a little street café where Sarah and I had a cup of tea and a piece of cake, James had a milkshake and Kirsty had a glass of wine and we sat out in the sun till it was time to go down to the arena.
There were lots of people outside but at least everyone had a ticket so no pushing or shoving. They were doing some interviews with some of the acts outside the venue but we couldn't hear what they were saying. We also saw a few groups of camera people with the acts and their families, all set up to be casually walking along the street!!!
We finally started to move along in a queue, very long, and got inside not much after eight.
Our seats were pretty good, at the side but first tier and on a level with the judges and close to the stage. There were five thousand people there.
A warm up guy came on and he was very entertaining and told us what was expected of us. We had to do a standing ovation and it was filmed with the camera sweeping around. We then did a very big round of applause which was also filmed. He told us that this was to be used on the opening night and they will use the standing ovation and the applause clip over and over so what you see on TV for applause may not be the applause for the act or in his words. 'If you see a shite act on TV and it gets applause this is what it is'!!
Finally it was ready to start and we saw Dermot O'Leary do a link and then we didn't see him again. The judges then came out and everyone was very excited and then Simon comes out on his own.
We were surprised when they said we would see 20 acts and then knew we were in for a late one. It was all good fun but they kept breaking for make up re touch and for Cheryl to have her hair combed and sprayed. The person who had least done to them was Louie.
As it got later and later and people had to leave to catch the tube they kept filling the empty front seats up with people from the back and I suppose about half must have left by the time it finished at 12.30!!!! And these people do this for four days on the trot. I would be brain dead, no wonder they can't remember who they have seen. Simon was very Good and thanked us all for staying for such a late show. He does appear to be very nice.
We saw some good acts and three really rubbish, funny ones who didn't get through. One girl had lost her voice and they told her to come back on Monday but not sure how much difference one day will make. Pretty much all the end ones got through and not sure if that was coincidence or they let them through as they had waited so long!
We left and were soon in the car on the way home. Just as well we had a big lunch as nothing at all was open from 10.30 not even a vending machine. We all fell asleep and poor James was left to do the driving. I remember getting onto the M11 and didn't think I had slept long and when I woke I saw the sign for the Newmarket junction!
We dropped Sarah off and then me and Kirsty came in to use the loo before they headed home. It was 2.25!
MONDAY
I had a nice lie in this morning and was woken by a car alarm going off in the street but it was 8.30!
I had my shower and breakfast and then stripped the bed and put on the washing.
We went out for a coffee and to get some shopping and then came back and I got stuck into my last bit of painting in the living room. I also managed to get a coat of paint on the kitchen windowsills as the builders will be here tomorrow and there will be a lot of dust. I took off all the masking tape from the floor and there were a few places where the paint had seeped under that I had to clean up.
Jon put the curtain rail up and I started to iron the new curtains. I did one and then when I started on the second I saw it had lots of dirty black marks on it like it had been stood on. I did try to sponge them off but it wouldn't and as they are dry clean only I couldn't wash them. I rang the shop and they had another pair so I went down and exchanged them.
Back home I ironed my second pair of curtains and we hung them up. Unfortunately one of them is just one inch shorter than the other which is a real pain and as they just touch the sill it is very noticeable. If I was in NZ I would just take it along to the very nice lady at the dry cleaners and she would have it done in next to no time or my friend Carol! But here! I don't know anyone with a sewing machine so I will need to ask my friend Mary if she can point me in the right direction. Such a pain! I have yet to start ironing the big ones for the French doors!
I cooked spag bol for dinner and both Jon and Heather really enjoyed it as we haven't had it for ages.
I brought my washing in after dinner and ironed the sheets and made the bed again.
We had a call from the builder to say they had backed their van into something and the tow bar is bent so they won't be able to start the work tomorrow. Can't be helped but it is a nuisance as Jon had cleared the patio of all the plants ready for them to start.
The carpet fitter rang to say he will pop in on Wednesday and see how much underlay we need and then come on Friday to re fit the carpet in the hall and landing. I just hope being rolled up for so long it won't look a mess.
Heather had bad tummy pains so went to bed to watch a film and Jon and I took Totty out. It was very noticeable that the nights are drawing in. So sad, it means the summer is coming to an end and I am not looking forward to our first winter back here!
WEATHER
Warm and sunny both days 23 degrees
Jon was in the shower and Mark, the decorator, turned up. I was not looking forward to the confrontation but I needn't have worried as he was fine. We had a chat and he had to call the people from the website and I had to speak to them and tell them he had given me the money as they would not put him back on the website until I did. He is a nice guy and it was really unfortunate and to be fair I think his father is the cowboy and wants things done quickly and caused most of the problems. At least it does not seem so bad now that we got some money back from him. It is still not a good job though and I will have to do something about it but not just yet with so much other work to do.
We went out for an early coffee and then came back and took the dog out for a walk. It is better taking her out after dinner really as then she does not wake me in the early hours to go out.
Heather and Jon went to Halfords as Heather has decided she now wants to do longer and more frequent bike rides so thought she ought to buy a helmet.
When they got back she got her things together and set off to bike to Soham to see Jane, brave girl.
I got changed and waited to Kirsty and James to pick me up. I was ready but they were late but Kirsty had been working in the morning.
We then went to pick Kirsty's friend Sarah up and we set off. I was glad I took some Sea Legs as I did feel pretty ill in the back of James' car as I find it feels like it rolls a lot and I was very glad when we arrived at Wembley. James had pre booked parking and we got a space very close to the entrance.
In the email Kirsty received it said we could not collect the tickets till 3.30 and it was 3.00 but it was open so we went to get them. It is a first come first served basis. We got the tickets and the girls said to come back for 8.00!!! The email said 6.00 ah well!
We decided to have a big lunch and a snack later so went to TGI Friday which was OK and I enjoyed my lunch. That used up two hours but we still had three to go so we went to the shops. Unfortunately, we didn't have long as it was Sunday opening hours so they all closed at 5.30!
Next stop was a little street café where Sarah and I had a cup of tea and a piece of cake, James had a milkshake and Kirsty had a glass of wine and we sat out in the sun till it was time to go down to the arena.
There were lots of people outside but at least everyone had a ticket so no pushing or shoving. They were doing some interviews with some of the acts outside the venue but we couldn't hear what they were saying. We also saw a few groups of camera people with the acts and their families, all set up to be casually walking along the street!!!
We finally started to move along in a queue, very long, and got inside not much after eight.
Our seats were pretty good, at the side but first tier and on a level with the judges and close to the stage. There were five thousand people there.
A warm up guy came on and he was very entertaining and told us what was expected of us. We had to do a standing ovation and it was filmed with the camera sweeping around. We then did a very big round of applause which was also filmed. He told us that this was to be used on the opening night and they will use the standing ovation and the applause clip over and over so what you see on TV for applause may not be the applause for the act or in his words. 'If you see a shite act on TV and it gets applause this is what it is'!!
Finally it was ready to start and we saw Dermot O'Leary do a link and then we didn't see him again. The judges then came out and everyone was very excited and then Simon comes out on his own.
We were surprised when they said we would see 20 acts and then knew we were in for a late one. It was all good fun but they kept breaking for make up re touch and for Cheryl to have her hair combed and sprayed. The person who had least done to them was Louie.
As it got later and later and people had to leave to catch the tube they kept filling the empty front seats up with people from the back and I suppose about half must have left by the time it finished at 12.30!!!! And these people do this for four days on the trot. I would be brain dead, no wonder they can't remember who they have seen. Simon was very Good and thanked us all for staying for such a late show. He does appear to be very nice.
We saw some good acts and three really rubbish, funny ones who didn't get through. One girl had lost her voice and they told her to come back on Monday but not sure how much difference one day will make. Pretty much all the end ones got through and not sure if that was coincidence or they let them through as they had waited so long!
We left and were soon in the car on the way home. Just as well we had a big lunch as nothing at all was open from 10.30 not even a vending machine. We all fell asleep and poor James was left to do the driving. I remember getting onto the M11 and didn't think I had slept long and when I woke I saw the sign for the Newmarket junction!
We dropped Sarah off and then me and Kirsty came in to use the loo before they headed home. It was 2.25!
MONDAY
I had a nice lie in this morning and was woken by a car alarm going off in the street but it was 8.30!
I had my shower and breakfast and then stripped the bed and put on the washing.
We went out for a coffee and to get some shopping and then came back and I got stuck into my last bit of painting in the living room. I also managed to get a coat of paint on the kitchen windowsills as the builders will be here tomorrow and there will be a lot of dust. I took off all the masking tape from the floor and there were a few places where the paint had seeped under that I had to clean up.
Jon put the curtain rail up and I started to iron the new curtains. I did one and then when I started on the second I saw it had lots of dirty black marks on it like it had been stood on. I did try to sponge them off but it wouldn't and as they are dry clean only I couldn't wash them. I rang the shop and they had another pair so I went down and exchanged them.
Back home I ironed my second pair of curtains and we hung them up. Unfortunately one of them is just one inch shorter than the other which is a real pain and as they just touch the sill it is very noticeable. If I was in NZ I would just take it along to the very nice lady at the dry cleaners and she would have it done in next to no time or my friend Carol! But here! I don't know anyone with a sewing machine so I will need to ask my friend Mary if she can point me in the right direction. Such a pain! I have yet to start ironing the big ones for the French doors!
I cooked spag bol for dinner and both Jon and Heather really enjoyed it as we haven't had it for ages.
I brought my washing in after dinner and ironed the sheets and made the bed again.
We had a call from the builder to say they had backed their van into something and the tow bar is bent so they won't be able to start the work tomorrow. Can't be helped but it is a nuisance as Jon had cleared the patio of all the plants ready for them to start.
The carpet fitter rang to say he will pop in on Wednesday and see how much underlay we need and then come on Friday to re fit the carpet in the hall and landing. I just hope being rolled up for so long it won't look a mess.
Heather had bad tummy pains so went to bed to watch a film and Jon and I took Totty out. It was very noticeable that the nights are drawing in. So sad, it means the summer is coming to an end and I am not looking forward to our first winter back here!
WEATHER
Warm and sunny both days 23 degrees
Saturday, 2 August 2014
Saturday
A short blog tonight as it is late and I need to go to bed after a busy day.
Heather left early this morning to meet her friend and then they were going down to Brighton on the train for the day.
I cooked a full English for Jon and I and then felt very full as it was too much for me.
We went out for coffee and I had an iced lemon tea as a coffee would have made me feel very full!
We did our shopping and I found a new dish drainer, washing up bowl and a cutlery tray for two pounds each in Tesco and all in grey to match the kitchen! Bargain!
We got back and I started to prepare the skirting board for painting. I hate the preparation but if you don't do it the finished job is not good. It took a long time and in the middle I stopped to make a sandwich. Jon was out working in the garden - lucky him!
I decided to put masking tape on the floor as it would be easier in the long run but it did take a long time to stick it all on the floor. I then started painting and that was pretty much it until seven o'clock. I did stop for a cuppa which Jon made and then carried on. I finally got it finished. the door will need another coat but at least we can now get the curtains up.
We had bought a Tesco meal deal for dinner and Jon cooked it. Chicken, jacket potato, peas and beans followed by raspberry frangipani tart. Very good and especially as I didn't have to cook it.
Heather came home and had had a good day sitting on the pier in the sun watching the world go by.
I tried to book tickets for Andre Rieu in London and it was difficult to find some. I got through the paying process and then it would not let me continue. How annoying is that? I hope we can manage to find the tickets again tomorrow. I did manage to book for Dawn French in Cambridge in November.
I need to get up early and sort myself out tomorrow and get my nails done etc ready for my trip to the X Factor!
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud and a few showers 22 degrees
Heather left early this morning to meet her friend and then they were going down to Brighton on the train for the day.
I cooked a full English for Jon and I and then felt very full as it was too much for me.
We went out for coffee and I had an iced lemon tea as a coffee would have made me feel very full!
We did our shopping and I found a new dish drainer, washing up bowl and a cutlery tray for two pounds each in Tesco and all in grey to match the kitchen! Bargain!
We got back and I started to prepare the skirting board for painting. I hate the preparation but if you don't do it the finished job is not good. It took a long time and in the middle I stopped to make a sandwich. Jon was out working in the garden - lucky him!
I decided to put masking tape on the floor as it would be easier in the long run but it did take a long time to stick it all on the floor. I then started painting and that was pretty much it until seven o'clock. I did stop for a cuppa which Jon made and then carried on. I finally got it finished. the door will need another coat but at least we can now get the curtains up.
We had bought a Tesco meal deal for dinner and Jon cooked it. Chicken, jacket potato, peas and beans followed by raspberry frangipani tart. Very good and especially as I didn't have to cook it.
Heather came home and had had a good day sitting on the pier in the sun watching the world go by.
I tried to book tickets for Andre Rieu in London and it was difficult to find some. I got through the paying process and then it would not let me continue. How annoying is that? I hope we can manage to find the tickets again tomorrow. I did manage to book for Dawn French in Cambridge in November.
I need to get up early and sort myself out tomorrow and get my nails done etc ready for my trip to the X Factor!
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud and a few showers 22 degrees
Friday, 1 August 2014
Friday
I had my shower and got ready to go to Bury for my gynae appointment. It wasn't until 10.40 but no point in starting any painting.
I was having my breakfast when the doorbell rang and it was the decorator. Jon was in the shower. He came to give us the (this keyboard has no pounds sign on it) 150GBP he agreed to last week and then changed his mind. After Jon speaking to the website people he was told if he did not give us the money as he promised they would not allow him to stay on the website. It was a little awkward as he is a nice guy - he just can't paint!
I then left to go to Bury and arrived five minutes before my appointment but then had to wait more than an hour before I was seen! My time in with the consultant was no more than ten minutes. Thankfully, all is well but I won't be seen again, unless I feel I need to be, for a year as opposed to every six months in NZ. I am happy with that.
I then went into Bury St Edmunds to have a look around the shops for an hour before going home. I did find a very nice pair of black trousers in the sale at Wallis and I did need them!
I had lunch when I got back and didn't do much else. I went into Newmarket to get an ear bar to go in one of Heather's piercings as the one she has in is making her ear sore. It is not a straightforward thing as they are different sizes so I had to leave it.
I then had a wander around the shops and found a nice dress that I can wear on Sunday when I go with James and Kirsty to watch the X Factor auditions at Wembley.
I then went to M&S to buy some fish and then back home for a cuppa.
I did a few jobs around the house and Jon was still busy in the garden. I don't know what he finds to do out there!
We ha dinner and watched some TV.
Heather went to Jane's for dinner and was going to babysit Riley for an hour so they could go to a surprise wedding party for Jason's cousin who got married in Jamaica a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, Riley didn't want to play the game and wanted feeding so they decided not to go.
Riley smiled today and Jane managed to get a photo. I had thought he was about to smile yesterday but you can never tell. So hopefully we will now have lots of smiles.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 22 degrees
I was having my breakfast when the doorbell rang and it was the decorator. Jon was in the shower. He came to give us the (this keyboard has no pounds sign on it) 150GBP he agreed to last week and then changed his mind. After Jon speaking to the website people he was told if he did not give us the money as he promised they would not allow him to stay on the website. It was a little awkward as he is a nice guy - he just can't paint!
I then left to go to Bury and arrived five minutes before my appointment but then had to wait more than an hour before I was seen! My time in with the consultant was no more than ten minutes. Thankfully, all is well but I won't be seen again, unless I feel I need to be, for a year as opposed to every six months in NZ. I am happy with that.
I then went into Bury St Edmunds to have a look around the shops for an hour before going home. I did find a very nice pair of black trousers in the sale at Wallis and I did need them!
I had lunch when I got back and didn't do much else. I went into Newmarket to get an ear bar to go in one of Heather's piercings as the one she has in is making her ear sore. It is not a straightforward thing as they are different sizes so I had to leave it.
I then had a wander around the shops and found a nice dress that I can wear on Sunday when I go with James and Kirsty to watch the X Factor auditions at Wembley.
I then went to M&S to buy some fish and then back home for a cuppa.
I did a few jobs around the house and Jon was still busy in the garden. I don't know what he finds to do out there!
We ha dinner and watched some TV.
Heather went to Jane's for dinner and was going to babysit Riley for an hour so they could go to a surprise wedding party for Jason's cousin who got married in Jamaica a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, Riley didn't want to play the game and wanted feeding so they decided not to go.
Riley smiled today and Jane managed to get a photo. I had thought he was about to smile yesterday but you can never tell. So hopefully we will now have lots of smiles.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 22 degrees
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