Plenty of Sunshine & Lots of R & R

A little birdie tells me that the weather at home has been lovely which pleases me.  The warmer weather and clear skies always cheers me up and somehow gives me more energy and I am sure it’s the same for everyone else.  The weather here in Gran Caneria has been grand; it’s a little cloudy to start with but by mid-morning it’s about 23 which is just about bearable to walk in.  It gets up to about 28 in the afternoon which, after a long lunch with which generally involves wine, is perfect to flake out on a sunbed.  I could live in the Canaries full time.  

In the end we decided against hiring a car or a motorbike for a couple of reasons.  Firstly, bike hire on the island is not cheap, around 80 euros a day, which makes it even more expensive than hiring a car.  But the main reason for not getting transport is that Phil doesn’t want to.  When he told me that for once on holiday, he wanted to relax and work on his book, he wasn’t joking.  So given that he doesn’t get much time to himself, I need to respect his wishes, it’s only fair.  It’s a complete turnaround because normally it’s Phil that wants to explore and I’m the lazy bones that prefers to sit by a pool and read. 

From what little I have seen of Gran Caneria (which is not much) my first impression is that it is fairly manufactured but I can only base that opinion on the southern part of the island.  I am certain if we were to head inland we would quite easily stumble across caveman and traditionally village life.  After breakfast on Friday we caught the free shuttle bus into the centre of Maspalomas.  We headed down to the beach and then turned right and walked along the promenade which was lined with some very upmarket bars, restaurants and shops.  It was a lovely walk and we walked as far as the path would take us which was to a place called Meloneras.  We turned around and headed back to town and in total gave us a good hour and a half walk.  

When we got back to where we started which was at the light house, we decided to explore the shops. We found lots of modern posh shops as I would call them but none that could tempt us in.  Heading back towards the beach but turning left by the Grand Palace Hotel, we accidentally stumbled upon a cobbled street filled with stalls and little bars with outside tables which is where we stopped for lunch.  Phil had spotted a Spanish bar with an oriental buffet so this is where we sat down.  Phil thoroughly enjoyed his Chinese food, he went up several times and it served me as a reminder for the future, that buffets are no good for Phil.  His temptation to over eat cannot be curbed, but I don’t suppose it matters having the odd treat, after all we are on holiday.  The rest of Friday was reading, sunbathing and generally chilling out.

Phil was rather disappointed that we can’t get many English TV channels; we get Sky News & BBC World News and that’s about it, the rest of the channels are predominantly Spanish with a smattering of German channels.  Phil wanted to watch the Malaysian Gran Prix qualifying which was on live at 9am on Saturday morning.  Normally he likes to watch with a cold beer but this wasn’t an option being on so early in the morning.  He had the choice of watching it in Spanish or German, he choose the latter.  We left out our apartment just before 11am and caught a taxi to the Jumbo Shopping Centre in Playa del Ingles.  Phil blew up our hairdryer and we wanted to get a new one, luckily we found one quite easily and made our way to the beach.  On the way down, we stopped to look at a couple of car & bike hire places but decided against for reasons I said above.  To give us some exercise, we decided we’d walk back to Maspalomas staying as close to the beach as possible.  We found a new boulevard running through bars and cafes and then eventually running along the sand dunes.  When this came to an end we had the choice of walking on the sand dunes and along by the sea or turning inland.  I choose the later which did turn out to be the wrong choice.  One hour and a half later we did eventually get back to the centre of Maspalomas.  Phil was sweating and cursing but he did admit when we reached our destination that it had done him some good.

It was lunchtime by this time and we were both hungry.   Our very basic guidebook recommended the buffet at La Foresta restaurant at the Maspalomas Oasis Hotel.  It took us ages to find the main entrance to the Oasis but once we were in and saw how posh the hotel was, we decided it wasn’t for us.  For one thing, the lunch time buffet was expensive and we were way too underdressed.  We decided to head back to the charming street that we found the day before but this time we tried a different café.  We both had the same, a plate of sardines with salad and canarian potatoes.  Sardines are not my favourite fish and the canarian potatoes weren’t as nice as we remembered but never mind a carafe of house red made it all gone down rather nicely.  Our Saturday night was much the same as every other night, shower, snacks, reading and then bedtime which was half eight for me and 9pm for Phil.  Oh yes, I know we are rather sad.  We got to bed just as most other people are going out.

To be honest, my head cold has got me down a bit; yesterday I stopped taking the flu drugs because they were making me feel drowsy.  When I said this to Phil, he laughed out loud and said it was probably the wine!  Cheeky boy, but I’m guessing it’s a combination of both but today (Sunday) I am pleased to say that I am feeling much better.  We are having a really easy day today.  Phil made me breakfast in bed and then settled down to watch the Grand Prix which gave me time to catch up with the blog.  Nothing else very exciting planned for today I’m afraid.  In fact we are not leaving the complex, we are going to the BBQ lunch at our restaurant because we haven’t tried it yet. After lunch Phil plans to write more on his book and I, well I suppose I shall find me a sunbed and have a siesta. Plenty of sunshine, lots of R&R, jugs of Sangria, just what the doctor ordered!!

Buenos Dias Mon Amigo's

Well mother of all fuckers, I knew I would come down with Phils cold and I did with vengeance on Wednesday morning at 4am. If I am honest, I had felt a little bit run down for a few days before, especially on Tuesday when I had to cut my run short and was in a gripey, short tempered mood all the way from lunch time until we arrived at the grot hotel in Birmingham. Its my own fault, I cannot in any way blame Phil, I have been a bit lackadaisicalal in taking my honegar and organic cyder vinegar and also I haven't been great at my 5 a day, so much have I been focussing on Phil's healthy diet that I forget about my own well being. But oh boy, did I feel shit on the flight on Wednesday morning; thank goodness we just about had time to stock up on flu drugs from Boots before boarding the flight to Gran Caneria but even then, in spite of the drugs, I was just the sort of person in flight that I would want to avoid. A sore throat, a bunged up nose and sneezing every 10 seconds, not the sort of person you'd want to be sat next to for 4 hours hey. Certainly not great company for Phil; the flight was boring, the transfer was long and painful but Koala apartments weren't disappointing and are just as the trip advisor reviews, cheap and cheerful. Whilst trekking in India, we have certainly stayed in far worse, so Koala is a real luxury for us even though it does have a kitchen in a cupboard.

 

When we checked in yesterday afternoon, I quickly unpacked, we found a cheap place for lunch and a nearby supermarket for some urgent supplies then it was back to the apartment for a shower and then early to bed. Phil went down to reception this morning (Thursday) to post the blog that he'd penned on arrival but had problems so he aborted his attempt and came back home and we caught the half nine bus down to the Maspalmoas sand dunes. We'd read in the guide book that it was a great walk over the sand dunes down to Playa de San Agustin. I have to say, that to start with, the skies were grey and overcast and I was glad of my M&S cardigan but 3 hours later, we were hot, thirsty as we had no water and in desperate need of a cash machine. In the end we had to turn back and ended up Playa des Ingles, a 12 kilometre walk in all, taking 3 hours and we were desperate for a cold beer and lunch.

 

We ended up in a shopping mall in some over priced, beautiful but somewhat touristy clinical bistro overlooking the sea. We paid over the top for a chateau brianned and a decent bottle of red but it was exquisite and certainly worth the indulgence, after all you only live the once. Both Phil and I were sleepy afterwards, Phil from the wine and me from the Beechams drugs so we hopped into a taxi and got back home for less than five euros. Once back, Phil took to his bed and I went to the sunbeds by the pool where I admit I had 40 or 50 winks. Once again it was a shower and another early night.

I do feel better today, thank goodness, the cotton wool that seems to have stuffed my head seems to have lifted so I can think clearly again. I know I said that we were going to try to do without hiring a car or a bike but I have changed my mind. Whilst the Koala Garden Apartment suites are fine, the location isn't great and I can't bear to be without our independence. We are amongst a touristy, rip off environment mostly catering for the Germans and I for one, need to escape. I need to see the caves and the people that are living in them, I need to eat some genuine Spanish tapas, I yearn for calamaris and I simply must sample those salty potatoes, I think they call then papus arrungadas, crinkled potatoes served with a mojo sauce, yummy.

Yes there is lots I want to do. I know I said this was meant to be a relaxing holiday but I am not a girl that can sit still. I used to be, but not any more. I am really liking our apartment which has proved good value for money but it's miles away from anywhere. We must hire us some wheels so we can really get to see the island.  For now, Adios Mon Amigo. More from me Manana!

Tamaran (Gran Canaria)

The indigenous aboriginal people that were living here when the Spanish invaded in 1403 were called the Guanches.  They couldn’t remember how they got there but it is assumed that they came in boats from the African coast but they also couldn’t remember how to sail anymore either.  They had never seen a wheel, had no knowledge of metals and were living in the Stone Age.  They were normally naked and traversed down steep hillsides on wooden poles like pole vaulters.  They lived in tune with the land and made “gofio” (a type of flour made from toasted barley and wheat).  They also kept pigs, goats and sheep using their milk, skins, bone and meat.  They consisted of two social divisions, the nobles and the peasants who were easily distinguished by their shaved heads.  The Guanche name Tamaran in the title means “Land of the Brave”.

The Spanish were driven away on this first attack but returned in force in 1478 killing most of them and putting the remaining ones that hadn’t committed ritual suicide into slavery.  Christopher Columbus stopped here on route to India in 1492.  Francis Drake launched an unsuccessful attack on Las Palmas, the capital in 1595 after his victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588.  Driven back from Las Palmas, he sailed to the Caribbean where he died of dysentery and was buried at sea.  His defeat at Las Palmas is still commemorated every year on 6 October with a festival.

Today Grand Canaries’ main business (about 80%) is tourism here they receive around 5 million visitors a year, most of which seem to be staying near us.  We had a great flight but our transfer took 90 minutes before we were put off about ½ a mile from our reception.  The bus seemed to drop one person at each of the most remote hotels on the island before stumbling across ours.  Each square meter of sandy beach in the island is worth over £80,000 in tourist turnover; substantially more than the fertile land that they grow their tomatoes in which is their second largest export.  It is thought that the name Canaries originally came from Latin for the large dogs that used to live here with the local aborigines.  The bird canaries that are indigenous here were named after the islands.  They are not as brightly coloured as our canaries which have suffered 400 years of selection.

We had a lovely time staying at the hotel near the airport but still had to get up earlier than I would have liked.  We are also very pleased with our apartment, its amazing for the money.  We seem to have pools all around us and with few people using them I am sure that we will make use of them.  It’s a large apartment but we still couldn’t find the kitchen until Claire looked inside the large wardrobe and found an Ikea micro kitchen.  Still, its adequate for our needs with two hot plates, microwave, kettle, toaster and oven.  We will probably sample the local cuisine most lunch times and eat breakfast and evening snacks at home.  We are taking it easy this first day and found a restaurant a short walk away where we sampled a set 3 course meal for 6.95Euros each.  Not bad, when it included, bread and a beer for the price.  We started with avocado king prawns and then I had the chicken Cordon Blue which was basically chicken schnitzel with cheese and ham inside with chips and salad.  We treated ourselves to a local red wine with our meal after the first beer which was only 8Euros for that.  We bought a few more bottles in the supermarket next door of varying prices and we assume qualities but we have just opened the cheapest one that was 2.30Euros a bottle and we both like it very much.  Talking of exchange rates, I saw that the Australian Dollar is down to 1.55 earlier this week.  It was 1.80 when we went last year and had only just come down from 2 dollars to the pound.  It is actually higher than the American dollar now.

I am doing this first blog entry from sunny Grand Canaria but I think Claire will be doing most of the others this time leaving me time to start back on my book again.  I haven’t added a single word to it this year; however, I have been doing lots of research reading at least 3 books a week.  Anyway, I will tell you more about that upon our return home and also about my new job in Milton Keynes which I have been doing since the day we returned from Goa in the snow.

Last Friday I started a new head cold, which is unusual for me as it normally goes straight for my chest which is my weakest part.  I’m not saying that my head is very strong, but it is stronger than my chest.  Anyway, it reached a climax on Sunday and Monday but has now started to fade.  However, Claire seems to have contracted it now and she can’t stop sneezing and sniffling all day which is driving me mad, especially on the long journey today.  I do feel sorry for her really she is quite poorly but of course, not as poorly as me.  I had a “Man Cold”!

Maspalomas, here we come!

It takes lots of doing before one goes away; I'm sure I'm just like every other girlie in the world in that I like my house in order before I fly away. The house must be cleaned from top to bottom, rubbish sacks need to be cleared and I absolutely can't leave home unless the washing and ironing baskets are completely emptied. You may laugh at me and I'm sure its not the same for men, they couldn't give a toss, but I had to make Phil strip off when he got back from work and get into his dressing gown so I could get a last wash on and the ironing done before we depart. And it goes without saying, I have to have clean bedding so I stripped the bed, washed and had it ironed and back on for our last night. I made Phil do his work out on the bike even though he was still poorly and made him have a shower before climbing into our fresh bed. Of course I do have spare bedding but its not the same as the 100% pure Egyptian stuff that cost a fortune and once you have slept in this, trust me, no other bedding is good enough. I make work for myself, I know, but I can't help it, I am as I am and Phil, used to my standards, probably wouldn’t have it any other way.

Poor Harriet will probably run riot whilst we are away and most probably is looking forward to being without me and my OTT fastidious ways; she is a natural lazy bones sloth and just doesn't get me at all.To be fair the last two times we've been away, I've returned home only to find no fault with the house state,. If I am really honest,  I feel sorry for her having me as a mum but we had a fairly serious offer on the house on Sunday and I feel more under pressure than usual. If I an honest, I don't want to move, 2 new house purchases, Phil undergoing 7 and half weeks of serious radiotherapy plus a major house move, well I can feel the stress even now. BUT, it makes sense, we can release the capital which will give us revenue to do the new places up, also we can pay the credit cards off and Phil won't have to work, which is my biggest concern. My boy needs to relax, relaxing isn't quite the word because the pressure will be full on but he needs the freedom to come and go as he pleases. And me, well I just need a project; maybe not 3 all at once but hey ho. We haven't made it this far, my boy and me, without working hard and having a little bit of pressure. Bring it on.

I pen this blog from the Britannica Coventry Hill Hotel, just 6 miles from Birmingham airport. Phil finished work at 1pm today and we had lunch, he changed into holiday gear,did a bit of maintenance on his PC (won't got there for now) then we got on our way. The hotel is a little tired and a bit weary (just like me really) but its served a purpose. Actually I don't recommend it, its got as much ambience and attiude as a used bandaid, it fairly crap. I am in the bar with smelly carpet by myself penning this blog and all I will say is there is far more places that I'd rather be.  God job I don't mind being in a bar all myself (bar my laptop) because Phil grumpy umty as he is these days has chosen the Chef programme above me. I digress, with a 4am wake up call and a 5am pick-up to the airport for a 7.20am flight this hotel does its job. Phil naturally wakes up at 4am most days so there’s no change there. But the best part is that is only cost me £56 for a nights stay and 8 days parking so that can’t be half bad.

We're doing things a bit differently for this 1 week holiday. Normally, as you will know, Phil takes over the blog whilst we are away and generally manages to post every day. But this holiday, he wants to work on his book, so I'm afraid it will be yours truly that will be posting. I can't promise that I'll keep up to Krausey standard or indeed manage a post every single day but I shall try my best. Normally we would hire a car but seeing as we have a holiday transfer included in the price of our holiday, we are going to try and do without a car, given that it may make us walk further which will only help to Phil's exercise. Saying that, I can't bear to be without freedom wheels and have spotted a rather sexy scooter and quad bike, from a hire company on the net. I have saved this site to My Favourites just in case, as I have always fancied one of these! We'll see; early to bed cas' its nearly 8pm. Maybe more from Maspalomas tomorrow maybe but no promises. For now, just wish us 'Bon Voyage' and a safe and non delayed flight.

Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Eats, Treats & Celebrations

Harriet had the day off work on Friday as she was meeting up with her cousin Jessica who was flying into Gatwick from Jersey for a hospital visit. I dropped Harriet off at the station and her dad collected her and dropped her back at home on Friday evening. Phil left work early and went straight to the doctor's surgery for his blood tests. He did have these done a few weeks back but the nurse rushed his samples and they got lost in the system so they had to be redone. G came for her tea before starting her shift at Zizzi's. It was all a bit of a rush, she was late arriving and just had time to wolf down a plate of salad, lasagne and half a baked spud before driving to work. She'd not long left when I realised she'd left her shoes behind so I had to drive to the city to take them. Not much fun in Friday evening rush hour.

Phil was complaining of coming down with something and sure enough on Saturday morning he woke up with a thick head and a slight snuffle. I think he would have liked a day in front of his laptop to work on his book but there was no chance as we were booked to take Phil's mum and dad for lunch at the Bowls Club to celebrate Mothers Day. I had tried to book on Mothers Day but they were fully booked, hence lunch on Saturday. The motorway was busy and we found that the bridge was closed on the outskirts of Melton Mowbray which meant a huge detour to get to Phil's mum and dads house. The traffic was a nightmare so we were very late arriving. Lunch at the Bowls Club wasn't very exciting but at least it saved Phil's mum from cooking. After lunch we went back for a cup of tea and then left Melton just after 3pm. Getting out of Melton was nearly as bad as getting in, added to which we needed to stop to get petrol and put air in my tyres.

Harriet went clubbing in Birmingham on Saturday night and was staying in a hotel afterwards with some friends which meant that we had the house to ourselves. Not that it made much difference mind you, because all we did was watch series 6 of 24. It was a quiet evening with red wine and a box or orange matchmakers which HH gave me for mothers day. She gave me my card and pressies early as she wouldn't be home and I did quite well. A nice card, matchmakers, a book and some flowers. Phils cold really started to come out on Saturday evening so we decided to call it a day and go to be early.

On Sunday morning Phil was awake early, like before 5am. He put the light on to read his book and then I was in the wide awake club. His cold was worse so I dosed him up with aspirin and after breakfast we went to the health club. Phil wasn't really fit enough for a workout so we just went in the jacuzzi and the steam room which I thought might help clear his head. I had intended to have the lasagne for lunch but Phil suggested we go to the Ship Ashore as a treat and then walk to the centre to catch a movie. This was fine by me and we were at the pub before it was even open. We figured it would be best to get there early figuring the pub would be heaving due to Mothers Day. How wrong we were; there were tables booked but there weren't any others dining when we got in, perhaps maybe because we were so early. Never mind, we had a 2 course lunch, cheesey brie for Phil and pate for me, followed by roast beef and a lovely bottle of Rjoca. I am pleased to say that the normal roast potatoes were back on the menu and lunch was really nice. We decided not to bother with the cinema as the timings weren't right, instead we went back to carry on with watching 24.

All in all our, weekend was rather indulgent but I don't think it hurts to have one of these every now and again. I've packed Phil off to work this morning with his fruit, hankies and aspirin. He is full of cold which I really hope clears before we fly on Wednesday. What's the betting that he passes the damn thing on to me? I hope not, I have too much to do. Only one more sleep before our holiday, well 2 really if you count the hotel in Birmingham tomorrow. I am very excited but right now I need to post this short blog and get on with the packing.

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow

Nothing out of the ordinary this week, but as usual I have managed to keep myself busy. I've done my 2 hour stints in the gym every day this week and Phil has managed his hourly bike ride every night after work. On Monday afternoon I went to Sandy's, and between the 2 of us, Lisa & I got 2 extra coats in the en suite bathroom. It is not a very big room so it was a little bit of a squeeze. My work over the road is now finished, job done. Lisa's bed arrived on Tuesday and her new sofa bed on Wednesday so she's good and ready to go. Phil wasn't happy me offering my services for nothing, I think he thinks that people take advantage of my good will. But that is simply not the case, I think we girls should help each other out and I really don't mind painting, I enjoy it. I am no Saint Claire but I would like to think that others would help me if the need ever arose.

On Tuesday afternoon I went to Christine's retirement presentation at the OU. Actually there were 3 members of staff retiring so you can imagine the speeches went on for a very long time. Christine went first and thankfully her speech was short and sweet. She was a little emotional which is only to be expected, but I think really, she left the OU in her heart a long time ago. It is time for her to move on and find other challenges or otherwise just chill out, walk her dogs and sit in her country garden and drink copious amounts of red wine. She can be a lady that lunches. I always feel a bit weird when I got back to the OU, it seems like another life when I was working there. I saw a few familiar faces and made small talk but I am no longer part of the gang. Damn shame I forgot my camera. Its not good to go back and this is certainly is true in my case. Onwards and Upwards.

The weather wasn't so great on Wednesday which was a shame but who cares, this time next week I shall be sunning myself in Gran Canaria. After my gym session I deliberately didn't apply any make-up and went to Superdrug at the centre to get by eyebrows and upper lip threaded. They weren't too hairy but I've noticed is not so painful if I have it done every month. As time I goes on I seem to get more and more whiskers; its horrible getting old, I hate it. It's bad enough with body but facial hair is just crap. After lunch on Wednesday I popped over to Westcroft to see Jan. Despite her discomfort she was good company and seems to be making progress, okay its slow but each time I visit I can see improvement both physically and mentally.

Steve Buckton came to stay on Wednesday; I can't remember the last time that he came to see Phil. I loose track of his whereabouts so it was good to catch up with all his news. Of course he really came to see Phil but I was allowed to sit in with the boys before they met up with the Wednesday night crew at the pub. Phil has so many friends called 'Steve', I feel bad having to revert to surnames. Judging by Phil's hungover face on Thursday morning at the kitchen table, I gather a good time was had by all lol!

My activity for Thursday afternoon was leg waxing. I was scheduled to have this done next Tuesday but when we were in the cinema last Saturday I threw my leg over Phil's knee and he instinctively went to stroke my leg, only to flinch when he found he was stroking a hedgehog! He laughed but it wasn't funny. A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do and in terms of leg waxing, one has to grew the hair follicles for at least 3 weeks beforehand to make the de fluffing effective. I hadn't seen Denise at D for Beauty for a while (she's situated by Kingston Library BTW and is very good). Since I last saw her, she has found a new man and is a much brighter bunny. Denise hasn't been happy for a while and has for a long while 'been lost at sea'. I am really pleased for her and was delighted afterwards with my smooth bits and pieces. No more prickling and stubble for a while which can only be a good thing.

I think I must be getting better with the cancer diet because the food preparation and cooking doesn't seem so laborious these days. Phil really likes the Quorn veggie chilli and rice so we started the week off with this. Wednesday I did whole wheat noodles and home-made chilli sauce replacing the chicken with courgettes and peppers. It was very good but very hot as I had swapped the birds eye chillies for scotch bonnets. These are so hot that when I chop them up I have had to resort to putting on rubber gloves because they sting my hands so much, no matter how many times I wash them.

For soups this week, I did the usual tomato, followed by a celery soup and to finish the week I am making a spicy sweetcorn soup. Lunch today will be a shared portion of cod and chips accompanied by mushy peas. So same, same but slightly different. To be honest I don't really mind making food from scratch, anything if it helps Phil and at least I know what I am eating. We have virtually cut out all red meat which is not a big deal because having read all the cancer books, I know that it is not very good for you. But I do cheat; mid mornings around 10 or 11am post workout, I get real hungry and need a sugar fix. Last week I had a thing for 50p hot dogs oozing with ketchup from Ikea; this week is has been 99p cheese burgers from MacDonald’s. And my chocolate treat this week has a been a multi bag of mini Mars bars. All very nice but very naughty because I've eaten the whole bag! It's just a shame while I have been stuffing my face with chocolate and downed wine, poor Phil has stuck to the diet with no cheating and not lost a pound. It's doesn't seem fair but then again I suppose life isn't fair.

New Cars & New Neighbours

 It was all action in our cul-de-sac on Friday. Not long after I waved Phil good bye just before 7am a huge removal van pulled up outside of number 13. Now I'd seen the 'Sold' sign outside but didn't realise they would be moving so soon. This sale has gone through really quickly. I didn't seen any sign of the new owners, and it wasn't for the lack of looking; Emma sent me a message to say that she’d heard them talking in the garden on Friday evening and hoped they weren't going to be noisy, lol! I just hope they are nice people and don't have a hoard of screaming kids.

Friday was also the day that Emma & Jason picked up their new car. The sexy Audi has gone and been replaced with a brand new Nissan Quashqui. It looks very classy and I really like the colour. I think that Emma & Jason are pleased with the new car, although they haven' been out in it much and I notice that its been parked in the drive for most of the weekend. But they may have been due to Kai's birthday party at the Community Centre on Saturday. This is a picture of Tegan & Kai in the new car, a picture I swiped from Emma's Facebook wall.

Harriet partied all weekend, starting on Friday night. Phil dropped her off at Rachel's house where she was getting ready with vodka. I had to laugh to myself on Saturday morning when she rolled back in as Phil & I were just getting up! Did I ever do that at her age? I can't remember. These days I struggle to stay awake until 9pm. Very sad.

We followed the same usual Saturday routine this weekend – gym, Asda, home for lunch and then we walked to the cinema. The weather wasn't as warm as it had been in the week but it certainly wasn't cold. We chose to watch 'Limitless' which is the film we tried to see last week. We didn't get very good seats and had to sit right at the front, obviously a very popular film. I can tell you that it was brilliant film, both Phil & I were captivated from start to finish. Its definitely a film worth seeing on the big screen.

Harriet was out clubbing again on Saturday night but didn't come home as she stayed at Rachel's house. She got back to ours at midday and was begging me to go out and buy some white bread so that she could make herself a bacon sandwich. Perfect hangover cure food! Phil left at 10 and picked up G and she drive on the motorway for the first time all the way to Melton Mowbray to see his mum and dad. Phil said she did okay on the motorway which is good because Harriet, even after 4 years of driving, avoids motorway driving at all costs. I had a quiet day on Sunday, a quick session in the gym and a very unhealthy Big Mac and chips for lunch. Back home and domestics for a couple of hours. After my jobs were done, I took myself in to the conservatory with a cup of tea and read all the Sunday newspapers, which was heaven.

Phil was really good with his diet and exercise last week, and I mean very good but his weight loss has reached a plateau and he is struggling to loose each and every ounce. Last week, he did 5 hours on the exercise bike (an hour every night after work) and on Saturday he did an hour in the gym followed by a 2 hour walk there and back to the city centre. He did have beer on the Wednesday boys night out and red wine on Saturday but that wash the only time he was naughty. Naturally he is very disappointed but we will persevere for another week and hope the scales go down. With Phil, getting in the 15's is a phsycological thing, so the sooner it happens, the better.

I am back over the road painting this afternoon. Lisa & I had a good session on Friday, managing to finish off the hallway, the kitchen and even getting a first coat in the bathroom. I wasn't happy with the Dulux mould paint Lisa had chosen because it was sloppy and didn't give good coverage. I am hoping to get the bathroom finished there today but it won't happen if I have to give the walls a 3^rd coat. There is much I need to get going on at home, packing for Phil on holiday and OMG I really get going on those end of year accounts. The more I procrastinate, the more painful it will be.

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.

Bargains, Birthdays & Cup Cakes

Harriet is 22 today so happy birthday to her. I can't believe that just around this time 22 years ago, I had just delivered her after a very painful 36 hour labour. Not to mention 2 failed epidurals and eventually a forceps delivery with many, many stitches which meant I had to sit on a rubber ring for 2 weeks afterwards. It was not a great experience and no wonder I had only had the one! Harriet picks up her very new brand new car this afternoon which she is buying with the help of her dad, her granddad Tom and Phil a little later down the line. I don't think she is out tonight but I do know that she has mega party celebrations planned for Friday night. Happy birthday baby girl!

 

Midweek already and this week is flying by. I am loving the warmer temperatures and the sunnier days and can't wait for the clocks to spring forward on Saturday night. On Monday after my gym session I popped into IKEA spot on the dot of 10 O clock when it opened. I know I haven't got the flat keys in my hand yet but I wanted to do a recky of the showroom for some decorating inspirations. It's good to know what’s current in the DIY trends but actually, you know what, nothing much has changed. Watching hundreds of 'Homes on the Hammer' I think I'm pretty much on the ball but at the end of the day, I guess I have my own ideas. I struck lucky on Monday and picked up some silver feet for my 'S' shaped Dwell side tables. I'd seen some in B&Q but they weren't quite right plus they were bloody expensive so I held off. Unfortunately the fittings are not compatible but Phil says he can get some washers from work and with some super glue and some tweaking on Phil's part they can be fitted. I don't know quite why, but I've got a thing at the moment about feet and getting furniture lifted off the ground.

 

While I was in Ikea I also picked up some removable feet for our old bedroom units. They were really cheap but Phil says they need to be drilled so I need to take these back. We've got no money so my next refurbishment needs to be cheap. I am going to revamp my old bedroom units with feet, some paint and some Fablon. They will great when I'm finished. As I finished in the showroom of IKEA I had a quick look in the pictures and was lucky enough to pick up a print for a bargain price of just 12 quid. Its very similar to my Audrey Hepburn and I love it. I am not sure where its going to be hanged but it will fit somewhere into the OB flat I am sure.

On Monday afternoon Sue called and asked if we could meet for a coffee and a catch up in Kingston. She phoned just at the right time, 3pm which is the time of the day when its too late to start on a project as its just an hour before Phil gets home. It was really good to see her, we email and speak on the phone but you really can't beat a face-to-face. Life is not so great for Sue but she is hanging on in there. As is Alan, he's not that comfortable at the moment, struggling to move and lots of sickness from the medication. There is not a day goes by when I don't think of them both.

Yesterday Sandy popped over and said that Julia had moved out over the weekend. Of course I knew this because Julia had sent me a text. I'd offered to help decorate the little flat and Lisa went out to buy the paint and well, there is no time like the present. Me, Sandy and Lisa and her friend also called Claire, that's Claire with an 'I' and 'e' just like me. We opened the windows and got stuck in and by the end of the afternoon we'd got 3 coats of emulsion on the walls and just about finished the bedroom. I was going to see Jan this afternoon but I completely forgotten she had an appointment with the surgeon at the hospital so after lunch with my friend Jane today I guess I'll be back over the road to start painting in the kitchen. What is it with me and paint??? I guess at the end of the day I'm bored, I'm lonely and in need of a project. Not just that, but I like to make myself useful. Either that or I need a proper job, one that pays me!