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

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 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

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.

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

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

Saturday, Sunday and Monday

I am not doing very well with my blog at the moment. I get to the end of the day and I am just too tired to go into the office and type. I would post in the mornings but Jon is in the office so I can't get on the computer.

I didn't have to go out at all today, or so I thought, and just did jobs in the house all day so nothing much to write about.

I started watching Saturday Kitchen and wasted a lot of time and had a phone call from Jane about 12.00 to ask me why I hadn't been to pick up the baby alarm she had bought from one of the FB selling pages!!! I had completely forgotten so told her to call the lady to say I was on my way. It actually took longer for me to find a spot to park that the drive over! Jane wants to have a monitor here so she does not have to bring theirs over.

Kirsty and James stayed tonight as they were at the Racecourse for the last night of the Christmas parties and it is cheaper to stay here than get a taxi back to Mildenhall and it is nice to have them.

I finally managed to get the mince pies made this afternoon.

I cooked roast chicken for Jon and I and Heather went over for dinner with Jane and Clair and they had a Mexican food night.

Sunday
I heard what I thought was Kirsty and James coming in at 2.00 but I later found out it was James at 2.00 and Kirsty had come home about 1.00. Apparently, a fight had broken out at the racecourse and James, as he was working, had helped to break it up. Kirsty got upset and came home early but James stated to sort things out. Sadly, a few spoiled it for over three hundred people by drinking too much and fighting. The bar was closed early and the disco shut down an hour before it should have, such a shame.

I cooked a full English for everyone and then Jon took K&J to the racecourse to collect their car and they went home.

I iced my Christmas cake but I am not happy with the decoration I bought for the top, very expensive for a sheet of printed icing that is not even a good colour. I will stick to the snow scene in future!

Jane came round in the afternoon to ice her cake. I took Riley over to see Rene but he got a fright when the wind blew in his face and by the time we got to see Rene he was yelling his head off. Such a shame as she loves to see him. He stopped when she sang him a song but then started again and I couldn't stop him so I took him home. As soon as he got in and saw Jane he was all smiles!

Jane did her cake and she had bought six reindeer to decorate the top. Heather commented that they looked like the people from Tonga, or any of the other S. Pacific islands, doing the haka and I have to agree they do! So that is all the cakes finished now and two happy daughters.

After my big breakfast I had not been very hungry all day so we just had some leftover chicken and chips and salad which turned out to be very nice and no work.

Monday
The phone woke us this morning with a fright as it was only 7.40. It was someone for Jon cancelling a meeting he was due to go to in Kent today. Probably a good thing as the roads are very busy and best to stay home unless you really need to go out.

I re made the bed ready for Jane and Jason and we rearranged the furniture so we can fit the cot in when they stay and K & J can sleep in the small back bedroom. Jane will need to get up early so although the back room is small, they won't be woken too early.

I did some washing and drying and then went over to see Rene before I had to go into Newmarket to collect Heather's Christmas present from the post office.

Rene had the bill for her alarm, which she is now wearing. She couldn't find her cheque book so that I could write out a cheque so I took the cash from her and said I would pay it at the bank.

I went into Newmarket and the car park was very full but I was lucky to get a spot just as some people were leaving. I had forgotten and have not missed the busy shops around Christmas here in the UK!

I managed to get all my shopping and then popped in to see a friend on the way back and give her a card. It is the first time I have seen her since we got back.

Rene was waiting for me when I got back and called me over to put her heater on as she can't turn the switch. She had asked me to turn it off when I was there earlier as she was too hot!

I made some lunch and then finished wrapping my presents.

We had freezer dinners tonight as I need to free up some space in the freezer. Heather was supposed to be out to dinner but it was cancelled.

I did some ironing and we watched TV.



WEATHER
A mixture of weather, sunny spells, very windy but not too cold 10-13 degrees

Thursday and Friday

I had a lot to do today so I was up early and was ready and left the house by 9.30.

I had bought a board game from a FB page, boxed and sealed, for Jon for Christmas and needed to drive over to Ely to collect it and then I was coming back and meeting Jane at the garden centre for coffee.

I got to the last stretch of road before going into Ely and the traffic was backed up due to a very low bridge as you go into Ely. The lorries have to go over the railway line and if the barriers are down, and they can be down a long time as Ely is busy, the lorries are all backed up on the road and so the cars cannot get through to go under the bridge. It is and always has been a nightmare but with more and more lorries it is getting worse. So, I had to be patient and eventually the traffic started to move and I got to the bridge just as another train was about to come through but there were no lorries backed up on my side. It is very easy to miss a train from Ely due to the traffic. A bypass is planned but it has been planned for years.

I then realised I only had a twenty pound note and the game was ten and I thought the seller might not have change so I popped into Aldi and bought some of their recommended Irish Cream which the critics say is better than Baileys, we will see.

I then drove out to the estate where I was to collect the game and what a maze but I did and I am not sure how I did but I managed to get to the house without too much bother. I would not like to live out there, all houses and nothing else.

I then headed back to Soham to meet Jane and no hold ups at the bridge/crossing.

I arrived at the garden centre at the same time as Jane and Riley and we went in. Jon had called Jane and she told him we were meeting so he came over, too. He had told me he had a lot of work to do and was staying in!!!

We had a nice coffee and Riley was, once again, a good little boy and enjoyed watching all the people and the Christmas tree lights. He has lots of scratches on his forehead and head as his skin is dry and he rubs his hands over his head when he is going to sleep. Jane puts cream on and has cut his nails but he looks like he has been in a fight.

Jon left to go back home and Jane and I had a wander around the garden centre and looked at the pets, Riley seems to like the birds best.

I left then and Jane went home and I went to Tesco for a few things and then home as the lady was coming to put the covers on Rene's chair.

When I got in Jon told me he had seen the lady at Rene's when he got back from coffee. That woman is a nightmare last time she was hours late and this time she was due 'early afternoon' and came hours early!

I went over to see Rene once I had put my shopping away. I had bought a mackerel for Rene and took that over and I needed to ask her for the money for the keys once I had tested them.

Rene is very happy with her chair and says she likes it which is good and a relief. She was also happy with the fish but there was very little in her fridge when I put the fish in but she had eaten the chicken pie I took her the other day. I tried the keys and they work and she paid me the money and we had a chat.

I went back home to make Jon's lunch and he was just finishing the Christmas lights outside.

Gareth had called to say Ben and his dad would be coming to sort out the scratched panel on the oven housing unit so I could not make my mince pies. They arrived just after two and it was a much more difficult job than they thought and it took them a long time but they were very patient and finally got it out and put the new one in and it is now fine.

I had to take Totty to the vet while they were here so left them to it. The vet was very interested in our life in NZ as her partner is out there with his brother at the moment and they intend to move down there when they retire so she wanted to know all about it so my appointment went on for longer than it should. She told me Totty was very healthy, strong heart and no murmurs and really good teeth so hopefully we will have her for a few more years yet.

Ben was still doing the kitchen when I got back so it was cup of tea time again. I use so much tea and sugar when they are here, one of them has three sugars!!!! We don't even have a sugar bowl as we don't use it!

Well it is all done now and they break for Christmas and are not working again till 5January. Really good guys they are though and so pleased we went with them.

It was just as well I had made a lasagne yesterday as Kirsty and James came over for dinner and I just had to heat it but I would have been in a muddle and rushing around if it was not ready.

We had a nice dinner and then Jon and James walked down to the pub, Heather went upstairs to sort out her clothes to take to work for her office party tomorrow and Kirsty and I decorated her cake.

We had a lot of fun, helped by the Prosecco, and she did a really good job with her cake and it looks lovely and she was very happy with it.

Once they had left we went to bed and I didn't get my blog done as the Prosecco stopped my fingers working!!!!

Friday
Another early start today, I am so looking forward to a lie in tomorrow, Jason came to get my car at 7.20. The engine light is on and he was going to take it to the body shop repair garage where Jane worked to get another quote but as it happened he didn't have time to do that today but will do it when he takes my car back again to fit the part it needs.

So, I had no car today and I had a hair appointment at 10.00 so Jon dropped me off in town.

I had my hair done and then I walked down to Savers and bought some cream for Riley which I will give to Jason when he brings my car back. I then went for a coffee to Café Nero and met Rene's old neighbours in there and I sat and had a chat with them. They are a lovely couple in their mid seventies but still travel a lot. She, too, gets very frustrated with Rene but we both agreed there is nothing to be done with her.

I then went down to the post office to send a parcel and then to a few other shops. I was meeting Sonia, one of the secretaries I worked with, for lunch but had lots of time to kill.

I was in the shopping centre and met a lady who I knew from when the girls went to first school and her daughter was there. She is a nurse and so I also know her from the hospital but haven't seen her for years. We stopped and had a long chat and she wanted to know about NZ as she did not know we had been over there. By the time we had finished it was time to meet Sonia but I was outside the café anyway.

I waited for her to arrive and she was late so I rang her mobile and she told me she was 'inside' the café! Not sure how we missed each other!

We had a nice lunch and we talked about Linda, one of the admin ladies at the medical centre, who died on Wednesday. She had stomach cancer and was only diagnosed three and a half months ago. It is very sad as she was only 60. She had really wanted to retire but couldn't afford to and she was going to do so much when she finally could retire. Sadly, her husband is having treatment for prostate cancer. Just really sad for them both and they had no children. You never know what is round the corner.

Sonia only gets an hour so we talk non stop and still manage to eat our lunch. So once finished she went back to work and I did a bit more shopping before setting off to walk home.

I don't mind walking but when you have shopping it kills your arms and I think mine are now six inches longer.

I didn't do much this afternoon and this evening I cooked some sea bass for our dinner and then we watched TV. I am finding it more and more difficult to watch TV with Jon as he has to have it very loud. Well, he probably doesn't realise just how loud it is but it gives me such a cracking head. I turn it down a few notches when he goes to the loo so he probably doesn't need it as loud as he has it. Sometime he has it up to 44 and that is loud!!! We still haven't heard anything about his appointment. I think I will have to chase it up next week. We joke about it but it is very wearing for me, Heather goes up to her room to escape the noise. I don't have that luxury. I wish hew would get the plug changed on his headphones as they were really good when he used them in NZ.

Off to bed now but it is gone midnight so no early night as I had planned :-( I am sure Kirsty and Heather's Christmas parties will be in full swing by now!

WEATHER
Thursday Sunny with some sunny spells 13 degrees
Friday Sunny 8 degrees

Wednesday

There is one big drawback with not having a job - I never know what day it is!

Jon was feeling much better this morning but still not right so I told him to keep up with the Lemsip. totty is now back to her normal self. Heather was not well so I assume she has what Jon has but she went to work but did finish early.

I had another busy day and in a moment of madness decided to make my own puff pastry!! It is a bit of a pain but I found all that rolling and folding quite therapeutic and hopefully, once I make the mince pies, you will be able to tell the difference. I also put the marzipan on my cake.

I even managed to get the primer, undercoat and topcoat on the windowsill today so another little job ticked on my list.

I went out about 12.00 to take some things to the charity shop and I then went to the vet to check when Totty was due for her vaccinations as her record is a bit complicated due to the extra vaccination when she came back to the UK. she is due so I have booked her in for tomorrow.

I then went to Homebase to buy some cable nails for Jon to finish putting the lights up outside.

A quick trip to Tesco to buy some fondant icing for Kirsty's cake as she does not like marzipan so I think we will put the icing on first and then she can put some royal icing on top of that if she wants a snow scene.

I needed to get some keys cut for Rene's house so that I can keep them here should she use her alarm. I was horrified at the price twenty one pounds for three keys. I think I will have to ask her to pay for them.

I then went to the body shop repair people to have my car looked at. He will send a quote but he things it will be just over five hundred pounds. My excess is five hundred so we will probably pay for it ourselves. That's next year's birthday present I think!

When I got home I thought I had better take Totty out before it got dark so off we went and delivered a few cards on our way.

I wrapped up the Christmas table presents so that is a few more done with more glitter around.

Heather came home early and went and had a sleep for an hour or so before dinner. I think she just has a cold as she was able to eat dinner.

I made a nice dinner tonight using up cubes of stale bread which was toasted. You then add some cooked, cut up sausages and then beat eggs, paprika, milk, parsley and cheese and pour it over the top adding more cheese on top. It bakes like a quiche and was very yummy with a salad.

I also baked a lasagne for tomorrow which is just as well as Kirsty and James are now coming over, Kirsty to ice her cake and James to go for a drink with Jon.

Off to bed now after my busy day as I am very tired.

WEATHER
Overcast with some sun 13 degrees

Monday and Tuesday

Monday

First thing we did was go to the kennels to collect Totty. She was pleased to see us and ran very fast to the car. The guy said she is a champion paper shredder and by the looks of her kennel I could see what he meant! She was very happy to be back home.

A very busy day and I got lots done, washing, housework and best of all my menus and shopping list till the beginning of January and then went to Tesco in the afternoon and bought pretty much everything on my list!

Jon wasn't very well today, he didn't know what was wrong but he had started to put up the lights outside and then came in and just sat down. I asked him what was wrong and he said he felt tired and his legs ached.

I made lunch but he was not particularly hungry and when I next looked he was asleep.

I made him a Lemsip before I went to Tesco which he drank and when I got back it looked like he had slept for the whole time I was away. I had bought some stuffing balls in Tesco and the young girl at the checkout asked me if I had ever tried making them myself!!!!! I told her I had all the family for Christmas dinner this year so I was making things easy for myself. I could have said I have made more stuffing balls than she has had hot dinners but it is Christmas!!! The stuffing balls are 'Tesco Finest' I would like to add.

Heather had picked out a chicken, potato topped pie from one of my magazines so I set about making that for dinner. It was a lovely recipe with a puff pastry bottom and filled with fried leeks, celery, carrot and chicken in a white sauce. The pie is topped with potato and sweet potato mash. A bit of a fiddle but well worth it.

Unfortunately, Jon was no better and didn't want any dinner but Heather and I enjoyed it. I had enough left for Heather to take to work tomorrow, a portion for Rene and enough for Jon and I tomorrow if he is well.

He was sat on the chair just sighing and puffing so I told him to go to bed and I made him another Lemsip. I think he may have flu or a virus and hopefully he will feel better tomorrow.

I sat watching TV and had my chair reclined and Totty was on my lap. She stood up and then threw up on the bottom of the chair, the bit that goes down. Trying to get up and out of the chair without letting anything slide off was very difficult but I did manage and then had to clean it all up.

That sorted Totty then decided it was her bedtime and I caught up with my weekend blog before going up to bed, too.

Jon usually leaves my bedside lamp on but as I got up the stairs it was off and pitch dark. I groped around to put the light on and then realise the bulb was broken but managed to undress and get into bed using the light from my iPad. I didn't want to wake Jon by putting the big light on.

I had been in bed for half an hour when I heard Totty up and she was sick again! Oh boy what a night. Using my iPad I managed to miss the vomit and put the bathroom light on. I then had to clean the carpet which of course did wake Jon.

I then went downstairs to get a torch just in case it was needed and it was one more time. Poor Totty not sure what is upsetting her but it isn't anything a Lemsip can sort.

Tuesday
I was up early again as I had a lot to do and first thing was to put the colour on my hair as it was looking rather grey at the roots.

Jon got up and said he felt a bit better but he still did not look good but did eat some breakfast. Totty stayed in her bed until quite late and I didn't give her any breakfast and she didn't seem bothered.

Jane had a dentist appointment and so I was going into Newmarket with her to look after Riley.

The lady from the upholsterer rang to say Rene's chair cover is ready and she is coming on Thursday to fit it so I went over to see Rene to tell her and take her the pie for her lunch. I was happy to see she is wearing the alarm pendent but I didn't mention anything about it.

When I got back Jane was there and so we went into town. I pushed Riley round to the doctor's surgery and went in to see my old colleagues and Riely was a good boy and smiled. I arranged with Sonia to have lunch on Friday.

I then popped in to see my friend Elaine at the travel agents as she has not seen Riley and we had a chat.

By the time I came out Riley was overdue for his bottle but was quite happy and Jane was just coming along from the dentist so we went into Costa for a coffee and to feed Riely. He is so nosey and just wanted to be up on his feet and looking around.

We then went and did our shopping. I have bought pretty much everything from Amazon this year but needed some stocking fillers for Heather. Before we knew it was two o'clock and we were very hungry.

We got back and I made lunch and Jon had some soup and said he felt better.

Jane had come over to put the marzipan on her cake something she has never done before so I thought it was about time I taught her so that she will be able to do it on her own and also make the cake next time. She did very well and so it is all ready for icing. Kirsty is coming over on Thursday to do hers. She doesn't like marzipan so it will just be icing for her.

Jane left as she had Heather going over for dinner tonight.

I wasn't going to feed Totty but she was pestering for food so I did. So far she has been OK.

I wrapped the stocking fillers up for Heather. I must remember not to buy wrapping paper with glitter on in the future as it is everywhere. I will finish the rest tomorrow.

I heated up the chicken pie and Jon ate some of that and then we watched TV. He had another Lemsip and then went to bed. Hopefully, he will feel much better tomorrow. And so will the dog.

WEATHER
Monday sunny spells with some cloud 8 degrees
Tuesday sunny spells with less cloud 6 degrees

A weekend in Leeds

We were all up and ready and left the house at 8.50 to drive to Ely for the train.

Heather, Jon and I all got the same train but Jon and I got off in Peterborough and Heather continued to Nottingham to meet up with her friend before they went on to Stoke to stay with Sami.

We had a twenty minute wait for our next train and then spent a very relaxing time up to Leeds. It was a lovely, clear sunny day but very cold. the views across the Fens were lovely but I am glad I don't live there.

We arrived on time and then walked to our hotel which took about 15 minutes.

Our room wasn't ready so we went into TGI Friday for lunch and, for us, we ate a lot and I felt full for the rest of the day so much so we didn't eat anything else till breakfast on Sunday!

We spent the afternoon in our room and read and watched TV as it had started to rain and wasn't very pleasant to be walking around.

We left to go to the Arena and decided to get a taxi as the rain was very heavy.

The arena is quite new and very big and we were very happy with our seats but we were there far too early. We had intended to get something to eat but were still full from lunch.

The show was amazing and passed very quickly and ended with a Christmas sing song, balloons and snow. I have to say though, I have never seen so many walking sticks and wheelchairs at a concert!!!!

We got outside and it had stopped raining which was just as well as the streets were packed with cars and people, total gridlock. I managed to find our way back to the hotel without getting lost something that Jon would not have been able to do.

We had an early night for us on a Saturday and not a drop of alcohol!

Sunday
We both slept really well and woke at 8.00 in order to make out 9.00 booking for breakfast. Our train was not till 5.45 so we had a lot of time to kill.

As luck would have it breakfast, which was served in TGI Friday, was very efficient and we didn't have to wait like we did in Nottingham, just when we could do with slowing things down.

We didn't need to check out till 12.00 so we went back to the room and watched a bit of TV before checking out at 11.00.

We walked to the station to leave our bags in left luggage at a cost of sixteen pound!

We then set off to see the Christmas market but first we went for a coffee.

We saw the Leeds Museum near the market and so went in and had a look at the history of Leeds and various other displays and that passed quite a time.

When we came out it was raining so not very pleasant to walk around the market but we did. The stalls were pretty much the same as Nottingham and London with only Haslemere being different and probably the best.

From there we went into one of the many shopping arcades and we saw a Christmas cinema had been set up and was showing films  and you could just walk in and watch. Jack Frost was just about to start so we went in. They had sofas and bean bags around and we found a sofa and sat down and really enjoyed the film. I cried of course!

Back outside we then walked around the shops and Jon bought a cap. The arcades are really lovely and they have re developed old buildings and made them into lovely places to shop. You walk across the street and into the next one, very nice indeed.

It was nearly four o'clock so we stopped for lunch at Giraffe which was very good but we were careful not to eat too much.

We then walked to the station and collected our luggage and walked to the notice boards to check our train, so relaxing going by train.

Jon had upgraded us to First Class for the return as it was only five pounds more. On our way to the platform I saw the First Class lounge so we asked if we could use it (as we hadn't paid full price I was not sure if we could). The lady said yes and we went in. Comfy seats, TV, toilets and a coffee/tea/chocolate machine to help yourself. A very nice surprise.

The lounge was closing and the lady said we should head over for our train as it was leaving from Platform 11 and it would take us time to get there. We panicked then by the sound of her voice and set off at a very fast walk. We needn't have worried as it wasn't that far.

Our train came in and we boarded and left on time. Drinks were brought round and then a choice of sandwiches, crisps, and muffins were given out. I took a sandwich to take home for my tea as I wouldn't need more having just had lunch.

The journey was good and we changed in Peterborough and arrived in Ely at 8.15. We had to wait for Heather who was due in at 8.30.

Heather arrived and had ordered a pizza so we drove to Newmarket to pick it up and then home.

I made Jon an omelette and I ate the sandwich and we watched X Factor. I really wanted Fleur to win but I like Ben, too so all good.

Went to bed very tired and sore legs from all the walking. We really liked Leeds, such friendly people.

WEATHER
Very cold on Saturday warmer and wet on Sunday

Friday

Just a very quick blog tonight as I am so tired and need to be up early in the morning as we are off to Leeds o see Andre Rieu and need to leave for Ely by 8.50 to catch the train.

I had a good morning and got all my housework done, it makes such a difference when Jon is out, not sure why as he is in the office but I do get on better. I caught up with all my housework and washing which I also got dried and put away and all my ironing done. I haven't been so up to date for ages.

After lunch we had to take Totty over to the kennels. I hate taking her and would love to have someone come and look after her here when we are all away. Heather is going to Stoke to see her friend so a bit of bad planning really. She went off quite happily. I just hope she will be warm enough.

I did intend to do my nails etc. but didn't actually get them done till about ten o'clock this evening.

However, we are all packed now and just need to shower and hair wash in the morning. Not much to pack as it is just overnight.

I am really looking forward to the concert and also the train ride. I have so many books on my eReader and it will be nice to just sit and read.

Miss our little dog at bedtime though. She is usually sitting here in the office with me when I do my blog, bless her.


WEATHER
Cloudy with some sunny spells 7 degrees

Thursday

Heather was off very early this morning for her gym session before work, she is very good to do this three times a week.

I got up and did a few things around the house and then Jon and I headed over to Jane's to help her unpack. We took coffee and doughnuts!

When we arrived Riley was asleep on his play mat and Jane was in the middle of boxes trying to clear her kitchen which we did by the end of the day but still so much to do.

Jon set up the Jumperoo which Jane and Jason bought Riley for Christmas but he needs it now as she is so busy. He really liked it for a while but late this afternoon he had a major meltdown. He hadn't had much sleep and woke sooner than he should when Jon had a coughing fit so he was tired but he won't give in and he is teething as his cheeks are all red. Bonjela didn't work and Calpol didn't work so she tried a bottle and he did eventually take it and calm down but he does hold his breath which is quite alarming, for me anyway! He finally fell asleep with his little hippo cloth over his face which he seems to like.

We had done as much as we could and it was getting late so we left but at least the kitchen is reasonable now. Hopefully she will get her washing machine sorted this evening when Jason comes home and then the tumble dryer and dishwasher are being delivered on Sunday. Sky will be in on Saturday and hopefully Internet next Tuesday so all in all pretty good and it is a lovely house and she is very happy there but will be shattered by the weekend.

We got home to a disaster courtesy of Totty! She had pulled over my vase of flowers which were on the hearth, so water and chewed flowers everywhere. She had pulled off some of the paper I used to cover the box the tree is on AND she had done a poo in the kitchen. I was not happy with her.

After clearing all that up I was ready for the cuppa Jon made for me.

Heather called to say she had seen the consultant about her hand and he is pleased with it but told her it will take time for the pins and needles to go away as he had 'had to move a nerve'. He said if she does not get more strength back she can go for hand therapy. I think now feels happier that he had seen it and said it is fine.

I had cooked lamb shanks in the slow cooker this morning so our dinner was more or less done and only mashed potato and cabbage to cook. Heather went to see her goddaughter after work as it is her birthday on Sunday but she came in later for dinner.

We watched some TV later and I managed to get a load of washing done and dried during the evening.

We have to take Totty to kennels after lunch tomorrow as we are leaving early on Saturday morning. However, the rest of the day, apart from the ironing is for me to get myself ready for the weekend. My nails have taken a real beating this week so need some urgent attention.

I feel bad as I have not been able to get across to see Rene either so I need to do that tomorrow, too. always so much to do!


WEATHER
Sunny spells with some cloud 7 degrees

Wednesday

We all had an early start today Heather to work, Jon to a meeting and me to help Jane and Jason with the move!

At least it was a sunny day but it was very cold.

I arrived and the removal men, two Polish and one German, were already well on with loading the van.

Jason and his friend, Phil, were loading up the hire van with tools and things from the garage and the rabbits and hutches.

The three cats were going crazy in the conservatory, not happy at being locked in one room.

Riley, bless his heart, was in his pushchair in the corner supposed to be going to sleep but managed a lovely big smile when I went in, he did fall asleep despite all the noise!

I started on the kitchen packing the final things and clearing up once the washing machine was moved.

Riley woke and Jane made him a bottle of some ready milk she had bought as it was easier. No way was he going to take it and he kept spitting it out so she made him a proper bottle which he drank very well and was very happy. For the rest of the morning he was moved from his chair to the car seat to the floor while I vacuumed which he seemed to be very interested in.

Eventually, at 12.30, all the house was clear and clean but Jane had still not had the call to say the money was transferred and the new owner was due to be at the house by 1.30 as his money was through by 11.30.

We carried on with a few last minute things and at 1.20 Jane called her solicitor who then rang the bank who said it was done so she called Jane back and we were set to go. It was then a mad panic to get the cats into their boxes and leave the house. All very stressful I must say. We have never been in that situation as when we bought this house our other house had not been sold and we had a bridge loan from ICI so all pretty stress free. I can't say I enjoyed it.

We arrived at the new house to find that the carpet fitter had not cleared the fluff and bits from the carpet. To be fair he was still there doing the bathrooms so it was all a rush for him, too.

First thing out of the car was the vacuum cleaner so that I could clean the lounge ready for the furniture.

Riley sat in his chair and played on his mat and was such a good boy. The removal man, very young German sais he was a star and they all thought he was so sweet with his smiles and gurgles.

We managed to grab a ham roll that I had brought but we were so thirsty but could not get near the kettle!

The men unloaded everything and Jane put the cats in the back bedroom where they seemed to settle better.

Once the men left I vacuumed the hall stairs and landing and the main bedroom so at least the floors were looking better. The house is lovely and I am sure once they are unpacked they will love living there it is all so clean and new.

Jason's parents came over to help and unloaded the hire van so that Jason could get it back to Cambridge and then they helped unload mine and Jane's car. So much stuff!

By this time it was nearly four o'clock and I had to go as I don't like the drive home in the dark so I left. Riley had fallen asleep in his chair, such a good baby.

I popped in to buy some bread on my way back and got home just in time for a much needed cuppa that Jon was making.

After a bit of a sit down I started to unload the washing machine and dry the clothes I had put in this morning.

Jon had put the fairy lights in the tree on the patio and they look lovely. He had also bought batteries for all the Christmas toys so we are all go now!

So glad I made the dinner last night as I certainly wouldn't have felt like cooking - I must be getting old.

Heather had messaged me to say she had managed to buy the tickets for the fireworks in London on New Year's Eve so Jon booked a hotel, very expensive but not much we can do about it. We want to stay in London so that we can see the London New Year Parade on 1 January. I have never been to London for New Year so I a looking forward to it.

My back is killing me tonight, too much hard work today. I still have this horrible throat virus and my lips are so dry which is all part of it I think as Jane is the same and Jon is still coughing. Give me NZ weather any day!

Off to bed for a rest ready for more unpacking tomorrow!


WEATHER
Sunny but cold 7 degrees

Tuesday

It was a very white morning this morning and Jon defrosted my car for me which was very kind of him.

Jon still has this annoying cough so I made him a jug of honey and lemon to drink through the day.

I went over to Jane's as she needed to go into the estate agents in Ely and it is easier if she goes on her own so I had the pleasure of looking after Riley.

When she left Riley and I had a little play and then he was rubbing his eyes and after a little cuddle he fell asleep in my arms. I was going to put him down in his cot but he was on my wrong arm and while I was deciding what to do the doorbell rang and I had to go downstairs to take a delivery of a parcel and sign the machine thing. Still asleep I thought I would lie him on the sofa then changed my mind and thought I would just put him in his swinging bear chair. That was a mistake and I should have left him in my arms as he woke and screamed and then I couldn't get him back to sleep so he only had about 15 minutes.

We had another little play and then it was time for a feed as he was getting grumpy. Making bottles is so easy with this machine Jane has. It is made and just the right temperature and in about a minute!

He enjoyed his bottle but was obviously tired so I put him back in his chair and turned it and the white noise on and he fell asleep holding my finger. He is so cute.

Jane came back and we went out into the garden to sort out the plants that she wanted to take with her. She is just about ready now but is so stressed about it all. I told her to calm down as she is over thinking everything. And is worried about how she is going to get the cats down to the new house and Riley and all his bits. I told her it is only down the road and if we have to go back to pick up some things it is not the end of the world. I hope she manages to sleep tonight or she will be a wreck tomorrow.

I left as she had to go to her baby weaning class. She had had no lunch and so went off walking down the street with a sausage roll in her hand!

I set off back to Newmarket and went to Tesco on my way and bought a lot of things I will need for Christmas so that I don't have much to buy apart from vegetables as I am really not looking forward to the shops.

By the time I got back it was nearly three o'clock and by the time I put the shopping away nearly four o'clock before I had my lunch. I hate doing that as I get terrible indigestion that is with me for the rest of the night.

I half put the Christmas tree up yesterday so I finished that off this afternoon and replaced the batteries in all the Christmas toys that need them.

I cooked some meatballs and tomato sauce for our dinner tomorrow just in case I am so tired when I get back from Jane's that I don't feel like cooking.

We had sausages and baked potato for dinner. Heather went to her friend's to have her hair done so she was home very late.

We watched some TV and listened to the rain and wind outside. It sounds like a rough night.


WEATHER
Very cold again -1 then 7 degrees

Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Saturday

We all had an early start this morning and Gareth was here to finish the doors at 8.00 and he worked really hard and finished about 11.00.

Heather said she was going to the gym but work up with a cold so just stayed home but was in a better mood.

We finally managed to get off to drive to W. Sussex about 12.00 and Heather was going to go over to help Jane and Jason.

The drive down the M11 was very stop start from Stansted to the M25 and then it was a clear run. We stopped near Guildford for some lunch and then continued and arrived at Malcolm's at 3.30 and it was still very cold and lots of frost still around.

We had a cuppa and a chat for the rest of the afternoon before getting ready to go over to Liphook to visit some friends we knew in Spain and who lived near us when we were living in Haslemere.

It was lovely to meet up with Geoff and Dorothy and we chatted all night and had a lovely dinner but the time went over far too fast and before we knew it the taxi was waiting outside and it was nearly midnight!

We got back to Northchapel about 12.30 and the temperature had risen a lot and it was not so cold as it was this morning.

WEATHER
Sunny spells then some cloud, very cold start 5 degrees

Sunday

We slept really well and were up just after eight and Malcolm made us a good cooked breakfast.

We then went into Haslemere to the Christmas market. We parked our car in the driveway of some of Malcolm's friends who live just off the High Street which was very convenient as the whole town was very packed. They have a beautiful house and lovely views with a lovely garden and swimming pool.

The Christmas market was very 'upmarket' but then you would expect it to be so in Haslemere. They had some lovely food stalls and gift stalls. We stopped in a bar and had a coffee before continuing round the market which was very big. We bought some turkey sausages and Malcolm bought his Christmas turkey which he will now freeze.

Once we had left the market we drove across to pick up Malcolm's car from Liphook where we had left it last night.

We had a nice drive back, I had forgotten how pretty it all is around there. We cross from W. Sussex to Surrey to Hampshire but it is all lovely and I remember the lovely walks we used to have when we lived there.

Back to the house and then we took a walk up the road to the pub and sat in front of a roaring fire and had a drink before returning home to put the lamb in the oven to roast.

We spent the afternoon reading the papers and dozing, all very relaxing.

Dinner was very good with far too much wine and then we played Rummikub a very good game I knew of but had never played and we had a really good laugh.

WEATHER
Sunny day and not so cold 10 degrees

Monday

Another good sleep and up for yet another cooked breakfast. I will have to watch my weight after all this food.

We packed our bags and left to drive home. We drove up to Oak Tree Lane which is where we used to live. The house looks pretty much the same as it was when we lived there but the street looks a bit scruffy now but it could be due to all the leaves on the floor. It is still the best house, location wise, that we have lived in. I wouldn't mind living down there again but we could never afford it all very, very expensive,

We then drove up to Hindhead and a National Trust beauty spot, The Devils Punchbowl, and they just happen to have a very nice coffee shop. This area has changed a lot since we lived there as it was on the main A3, London/Portsmouth road but a tunnel was built a few years ago and they have closed the old road and made it all back to National Trust land with walks and parks and lovely views.

We then set off driving back to Newmarket and had such a good drive as the roads were all clear and we were home about 1.30.

After unpacking and putting some washing on I heated some soup for lunch.

I rang Jane and we had a quick chat and I will go over tomorrow and help her and also look after Riley as she needs to pop in to Ely.

I then did some cleaning before getting the Christmas decorations down and Jon put the tree up. It looked very big when we had it in NZ but it looks very small here!

Heather was out for dinner tonight so it was just Jon and I and we had pasta and chicken.

It is very cold again tonight and they say it will be -2 so another frost in the morning!

WEATHER
A lovely clear day 7 degrees

Friday

We were both up early as Gareth was coming early and as he was going to be replacing bedroom doors we had to be up and ready. just the morning I could have turned over!

I had a busy morning as I had to go and make sure Rene had completed her form, her nephew was there so I had to make sure she has asked him for her sister's address and she had also remembered Edna's surname so it was ready to post.

I then went to take the baby clothes and Moses basket to Mary so that she could return them to her daughter and daughter in law, more stuff from Jane's house.

I then went over to Jane's house and started to clean windows while she got on with more packing. Riley was again playing and had a sleep and then a feed but is missing his mum's attention.

I left at 2.30 as I wanted to go to the post office and also to Tesco to buy some meals for Heather this weekend as we are going away and she is still restricted with what she can do so ready meals are the best option.

As I was about to go into the post office I was stopped by a camera crew and had a microphone pushed under my nose by a Japanese man, well I think he was Japanese but could have been Korean but that area of the world. He spoke to me in Japanese and I looked vague and then the guy behind did the interpreting. I was not sure which one to look at.

They were asking about the murders of Holly and Jessica which must be about 12 years ago now. I told them I wasn't from Soham but that it was very tragic for all concerned. A few more questions and that was it. Quite a strange thing to happen.

I then went into the post office and posted my cards before going to Tesco.

A quick trip around the shop and then home for a cuppa.

Gareth was still at home and had had to take off all the door jams as they are not square. The man that built this house has a lot to answer for. It was his first build and a lot of mistakes were made. Gareth was not able to finish and will need to come back in the morning.

I cooked the dinner and Heather came home we sat down to eat but she was in such a bad mood about having to get up early in the morning that dinner was very strained and she didn't eat much. Patience! It is times like this that I will be glad when she moves out.

We were just watching TV and the phone rang and it was a friend from NZ which was a lovely surprise and we had a lovely chat.

I then watched I'm a Celebrity but Jon went to bed.

Another early start in the morning. We intended to leave about 11.00 but not sure how long Gareth will be here. Heather is now going out to the gym in the morning but I suppose we can leave him to lock up if he hasn't finished when we are ready.

Probably no blog now till Monday night.


WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 9 degrees

Thursday

Gareth turned up bright and early this morning just as I was getting dressed and Jon was getting into the shower so it was a bit of a dash to get dressed and let him in.

He started on the kitchen and put the shelf up for the microwave so now we need the electrician to come and finish connecting it. It is not quite how I would have liked but at least it frees us worktop and looks fine. He cut a piece off the plinth to fit it back in the utility and sanded the windowsill where I had put two plant pots before it was painted and it had made the wood swell. And then, surprise, surprise he went and bought all the doors for the upstairs and started to fit them. Three doors already fitted and he will come again tomorrow to finish the others.

He tried to rub out the scratches made by the electrician on the panel by the oven but they are still there. To fit a new panel he will need to remove the oven and take off all the cornice from the tops and it is such a big job. I decided that I did not want the upheaval right now and said I could live with it but he said no, he was not happy with it and he would like to fix it so I suppose I will have to put up with the upheaval. I just hope he does it before we get into Christmas week when I will need my oven a lot!

I haven't done much today apart from paint the seal on the newly sanded windowsill and finish off my Christmas cards. The car was blocked in and after yesterday I decided I didn't want to try any manoeuvres to get it out.

I had a call from Jane to say they have finally exchanged and completion will be on Wednesday - phew! So pleased for them as it has been such a rollercoaster. I will go over tomorrow and help her with more packing and I think my main job will be cleaning windows. Hopefully, with the help of some friends at the weekend to help clear the garage and shed they should be pretty much done until Wednesday.

Kirsty came round after work and I had asked if they wanted dinner but she said James was so tired he just wanted to go home so she just stayed for a little while and then left.

Heather is having problems with her hand as it is very sore, bruised and appears to be more swollen than it was. I told her to call the consultant's secretary and ask to make an appointment. She did this and was told they would get a message to him and get back to her so far she has not heard anything. She says she things he has stitched it too tightly which is making her finger curl! I hope that is not the case.

We had a very nice dinner tonight. It was the Iceland five bird roast and was really yummy.

Jon has been busy in the office again today and has been making contact with people he worked with here and everything is looking very positive.

I booked us a holiday for next year. We are going on a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords in June. We leave from Tilbury, so no flying anywhere, and we are away for seven days. We have both wanted to visit the Fjords for a long time so it is something to look forward to. It will feel very strange having nearly 24 hours of daylight though!

Early night tonight as I have to be up again to let Gareth in at 7.30.


WEATHER
Overcast and dull 10 degrees

Wednesday

I didn't have too long to wait for Heather last night as she came home about 12.30.

Jon was up and down a lot with Berite again, just don't know what is upsetting him at the moment. He was also up as he had an annoying cough so got up and came downstairs until it had stopped.

I had my shower and got ready. Heather didn't get up till later as she was not due in to work until 10.00.

I popped over to see Rene and tell her that she will get a bill for her alarm once it is installed. She had forgotten to ask Edna her name and could not remember what she had to ask her nephew! I have now written it down on the envelope. No problem with her long term memory just the short term.

As I came back, to get in my car and go to Jane's to help her with packing and cleaning, the window cleaner was just arriving and parked opposite. I had a bit of trouble trying to get out of our drive as Jon's car was parked next to mine and I didn't have much space to get the angle right. I thought I had and checked in my wing mirror then looked at the window cleaners car and was so busy looking at that and trying to miss it that I hit the wall with the back side of my car scratching it from the petrol cap, which came off, right down the door!

I thought it was just a scratch and so carried on to Tesco to buy some bread. I was very surprised to see it was a big, deep scratch and no petrol cap. I was so mad with myself.

I got to Jane's and she came out to see me as Jon had phoned her to tell her. How embarrassing! The window cleaner had picked up my petrol cap and given it to Jon and said they heard the crunch!! I had the radio on full belt and all the blowers to clear the windows so it did not sound so loud to me.

I went inside and rang Jon who was not too mad! But he hadn't seen it. I wiped off all the brick dust and it didn't look as bad but it is going to need a bit of work!

I spent the rest of the day cleaning out Jane's kitchen cupboards. She had already packed a lot of stuff and she is now left with just two of everything. We stopped for a lunch break, Jane's friend Abi was there helping, too. I fed Riley a bottle and he had a couple of naps through the day but for most of the time he sat and watched or played on his mat. Just before I was going he got very upset as Jane was making up some boxes and the noise of the tape really frightens him.

It was by now four o'clock and getting dark and I hate driving in the dark so I left. Not many days before the days start to get longer!!!!

I got home and Jon was just making a cup of tea. I think it took all his will power not to go straight out and look at the car but he didn't until after his cup of tea. He was quite calm about it!

I cooked our dinner and Heather came home and we ate and then watched TV.

Hopefully, Gareth is coming to finish the kitchen off tomorrow!!!!


WEATHER
Overcast with a little bit of sun 12 degrees

Tuesday

I was up very early this morning, 7.00! Heather needed a lift to the station as Jason was taking her car in for the recall work and she was getting the train. Kirsty and Heather are going to see Kasabian in Brixton. Kirsty will drive and then drop Heather off at 1.00 a.m. It is more than I would do on a work night, good luck to them.

Jon and I went over to pick Jane up and go into Ely shopping. As it was so wet we just went to Sainsbury's nice coffee shop and had a coffee. We then did some shopping there, such a lovely spacious shop to walk around and they have some lovely clothes.

We then went across to Aldi as they sell some really good NZ wine, one of the few places you can get it. Well, that is not strictly true if you like Sauvignon Blanc there is no end of it in all the shops but I only like Chardonnay or Pinot Gris and NZ seems to keep all of that for themselves!

As we left there Jane had a call from her solicitor to say that the purchaser of her house now wanted to move on 10 December and they had everything arranged for 12 December so she was a little miffed about it all as she was thinking they could not manage to do it. After speaking to Jason and the removal people it is now all arranged for 10 December. Poor things they have had such a stressful time of it and I will be happy for them once they are in and she can get her Christmas tree up!

And all through this the little man just sits and smiles in his pushchair, falls asleep, wakes and smiles some more. Such a little treasure.

We got back to her house and then we drove home to have lunch.

I had bought a tiny poinsettia for Rene as she did not like her big one and I took it over to her with two ice cream cones which she said she fancied.

She told me she had a job for me to do and gave me the application form for the emergency pendent alarm that we requested months ago. Amazing how it has just turned up and she doesn't know where it has been, crafty old woman. The postmark on the envelope was 7 October! Not sure why she has now decided she wants to go ahead with it. she told me her friend up the road had one and her daughter had filled the form in for her. She said "I don't have a daughter but I nearly have one across the road and she will fill mine in". Hence I got the job. At least that is a good move. I filled it in but she can't remember her sister's address and she is next of kin so we will have to wait until her nephew comes on Friday to ask him other than that it is ready to go.

I came back home and it was by now too dark to start my painting so I settled down to write my Christmas cards and got on very well with them so not many left to do now.

I cooked spaghetti bolognaise for dinner which we haven't had for a long time and we both enjoyed it.

We watched some TV and now I am off to bed but I don't expect I shall sleep till I hear Heather come in.


WEATHER
Wet all day 12 degrees

Sunday and Monday

I had to crack on with my decorating again today but before I start there is always so many little jobs to do which is why it is much easier if the man of the house decorates, they don't see all the little jobs beforehand!

I spent the morning painting the en suite and although it is the smallest room in the house it took a long time as it was so fiddly and so many nooks and crannies but eventually, after a break for lunch, I had it finished. Just the gloss to do now which won't take long. I am getting there.

It was now nearly 4.00 o'clock and I thought I ought to get myself cleaned up and ready to go out to Cambridge.

Heather said she would drive which was good as she knows her way around Cambridge and Jon doesn't and hates it.

We parked and then went to Jaime Oliver's Italian which is just across the road from the Corn Exchange so nice and handy. It was very busy in the restaurant but they are very efficient and they had soon brought us our drinks and taken our order. I think most of the people in there were going to see Dawn French.

Our dinner arrived and Jon had cod which was very good. Heather had a sausage/pasta dish which was good and I had penne carbonara which was not good. the past was very overcooked and the 'chunks' of pancetta were little more than thin strips. The creamy sauce was not existent. We also ordered some cauliflower fritti which was deep fried cauliflower with parmesan and a pot of sauce on the side and it was very, very good and my salvation!

Now I am not one to make a fuss in a restaurant and I didn't say anything but nor did I eat my dinner! Sometimes actions speak louder than words. When our lovely Irish waiter came back he asked me what was wrong and so I told him it was not good. He asked if I wanted another dish but I declined as we would not have had time for a start and secondly I was full of cauliflower!!!

He went straight over to the manager and told her and then came back and said they would discount it from the bill. All handled very well and it will not put me off going back.

Desert was yummy I had chocolate and coffee arctic roll which was so good. Heather had brownie and ice cream with caramel popcorn which was also very god and Jon had cheesecake so no issues there.

We finished our meal and walked across the road to the theatre and were in our seats by 8.50. I had booked the tickets late but we did pretty well as we were on the front row of the little balcony and had a good, clear view and not far from the door as Bertie decided he would be a pain tonight!

The show was very good but not as funny as I thought it would be but there were moments. It was basically her life story and the second half was a bit heavy when it got to the divorce and her massive weight loss a few years ago but on the whole a good night.

She was not very well and came on using a walking stick as she was suffering from labyrinthitis (?) and was also losing her voice so she really did well to talk for over two hours.

The show over and Heather shot out of the theatre to get to the car park to pay at the ticket machine - she has done this before. Jon and I strolled to the car park at our leisure and Heather was just getting to the front of the queue. Heather had also parked on the ground level so we were able to get out pretty fast and were home by 10.45.

We quickly watched the recording of X Factor to see who went out and then we went to bed me with a very sore throat which I hope will not develop into anything more.

Monday
Jon has got a bit of a cough and he snored a lot last night, even Heather said she could hear him. I really hope he does not get as bad as his dad used to be or I can see me sleeping in the spare room!

It is Totty's birthday today and she is 14 and I am glad to say she is still doing well. Sadly, I forgot to buy her a birthday treat so she got one of her teeth cleaning sticks which she likes.

After breakfast I went out to my aqua aerobics class. I really didn't feel like it as it was a cold and miserable day and my throat was bad. I had read a thing on FB last week about a 91 year old who said 'just get out and do it and don't think about it too much' so if it has got her to 91 I should follow her example.

I was very happy to see it was the teacher I like and inside the pool area it was really warm and cosy so I was glad I had made the effort and the class was very good and as my tummy is now telling me I must have worked hard!

Once back home I made a coffee and dried my hair and then did my housework. I always have great intentions to do my housework in the morning and then I can do my knitting, crochet or whatever in the afternoon but it never seems to work like that and I am on my feet 'doing' the whole day.

Jane sent a lovely little clip of Riley giggling and another of him rolling over. I love that little man so much.

Jon is really stuck into writing the fumigation manual now so is in the office nearly all day only coming out to be fed and watered - such discipline.

I made lunch and then went and sorted out my dressing room and tidied the Christmas presents up that seem to be taking over from my shoes and it was getting me down.

I have finally managed to take down the hem of the curtains in the living room and ironed the bottoms today and now I just need to do the hems.

A big job today was sorting out and putting our magnet collection up on the fridge and freezer. I have been thinking were we could put them and this really is the only place and the collection fills both of the doors.

Heather was going out for dinner with her friend tonight so it was just Jon and I. I cooked sausages and baked potatoes and beans. Bertie can't be any worse than he was last night and Jon didn't eat anything out of the ordinary so eating beans at least he will know why if he misbehaves! I have been fancying this for ages but beans are not often on our menu.

We watched some TV after dinner and up to now Bertie has been good and Jon has gone to bed. There is no rhyme or reason to it!


WEATHER
Sunday Cold but dry 10 degrees
Monday Cold but dry 11 degrees