All in all, a good week

Harriet had a good 22^nd birthday, or at least I think she did. One never knows with HH just what’s quite going through her mind. I went out the day before and got chocolate muffins and cup cakes x 24 for her to take to work because I wasn't quite sure how many she was catering for. Phil and I gave her 50 quid cash plus 30 quid Next vouchers and I got her a couple of vest tops and summer pyjamas and some chocolate. Oh and some pink and white French nicks. Was it enough, did it her make her happy, I dunno. Harriet has such a high expectation of birthdays and I always seem to let her down. Aside from our small token pressies, she also got 25 quid from the girls at work pus 30 quid from Phil's mum and dad. She received some nice BD cards and lots of happy birthday messages on her FB wall page.

Harriet went to work in the morning for a half day then she picked up her dear dad and they both went to collect her 'Fox' VW from the Volkswagen garage. Dear, very generous dad paid 2 grand towards the car, granddad Tom loaned her a grand, so Harriet gets a brand new car with only have to fork out £2.4k. It is a lovely car mind you and a big improvement on her last car. I am not sure whether she realises it, but she is one lucky girlie. Emma from next door came out to view Harriet's new wheels and to say HB and offer congratulations which was very sweet. Emma & Jason get their new car today so I shall try and return the compliment. Mind you, I will miss their super sexy Auldi, it looks so cool on their driveway next to ours.

I had a very self indulgent day on Wednesday when I met up with my friend Jane at the Wavendon Arms. I am not always so keen on this restaurant, I think the prices are high and the service slow but actually all was fine this week. Jane & I both opted for the pasta 'light' specials and got a table out at the back of the restaurant overlooking the garden. The sun was shining, the food was good and the service was spot on. Jane and her hubbie Ian spent a month in Australia in January and this was the first time since she's returned that I have been able to hear all about her trip. Turns out she had a great time and it surprised me that the floods had no impact on their holiday.

I don't see Jane that often, she runs the business and is very busy but every time we do meet up, which is probably only twice a year, we pledge that we must do it more often. And me must, our lives are very different but we go back a long long time. It was a long lunch because we had so much to talk about. I didn't get home until 3pm, which I have to say, did make me feel rather guilty. Still, the sun was still out to to make amends for my time out, I cut the grass and then washed all the windows inside and out. Phil went out with the Wednesday night boys, Harriet was to Rachels and I was left home alone which is a real pleasure. TV remote to myself, house to myself, wine and no one to moan at me. Joy.

Yesterday I went to the gym and had a really good workout, weights, rowing, cross trainer, swim, steam and jacuzzi, all in that order. I am cutting down on my gym work outs these days and trying different exercises. Sometimes it all gets rather boring and I just can't be arsed. I have given up with the class exercises, although they were free, they just weren't for me. Now the weather is better I am thinking I might try running around Willen Lake. It seems a little sad when the sun is shining to spend hours on the treadmill. I shall give it a go next week and see how I get on.

After a Wednesday night out with the boys, Thursday is never a good day for Phil. He always drinks too much beer then when he comes back in from the pub he watches TV and stays up late. His mood the next day, is far worse than normal. So yesterday I decided to bring our Fish and Chip treat forward. Normally we'd have this on a Friday. We had our usual one portion of fish and chips with a tin of mushy peas and a slice of soya and linseed bread for Phil. This seemed to the trick and make him very happy. Not sure it did much for the diet though as he also had half a slice of one of Harriet's BD cupcakes. My fault, I kept them out of sight in the garage for the last couple of days but had brought the last plate in the kitchen as a reminder to take them to work.

As promised, yesterday afternoon I went back over the road to carry on with the painting at Sandy s. I finished off the last bits on the bedroom and then painted a beige paint in the kitchen-cum-lounge and also in the hall. I can't say its my best ever paint job because I'm rushing and there was not time to prep, but it is looking better. I'm forgoing the gym this morning to go back over the road to finish. I should easily get the kitchen, lounge and hall finished and maybe have time to start in the bathroom, we'll see. (photo's to follow)

It maybe doesn't sound like it but I have had a good week. The weather has been wonderful. There has been wine (much of) girlfriends and wonderful weather. Its simply amazing how sunshine can soothe the soul. It makes all the difference. I'm not sure what planned for the weekend; Phil is off to his mum and dads on Sunday and its the start of the Grand Prix so I don't hold out much hope. Still, hopefully the weather will hold and we can fit in a walk along the canal to the cinema tomorrow. Must remember to put the clocks forward.