SLEEPYHEADS

The girls have had a very sleepy day today - with the exception of their little unaccompanied jaunt to the next door neighbours. At one time I would have worried about this, but now I'm beginning to think that they may just be becoming more settled and placid than they were in their frantic, early days.

James has rung a couple of times. The first day of his course has gone well and he's passed all the tests so far. To be honest, I think he's quite enjoying it and I'm pleased for him.

I've been experimenting with some tiny filo fruit tartlets for this buffet in October. Bit of a faff, but I think I know what I'll be doing when it comes to the real thing. One thing's for certain - filling them with fruit and creme patisserie is a last minute job and probably needs to be done at the venue, so I shall need to allow time for that.

In fact, once I've got a final menu decided, I'll work out time sheets for preparing at home AND for setting up as well. I'll probably go for a recce first so that I know exactly what facilities I've got to work with. (Of course, all this is dependent on having my kitchen approved beforehand. AND it would be nice to think that the fridge freezer might actually have been delivered by then.)

I think there will be a trip to Costco at the weekend to stock up on serving stuff and dry goods. We haven't been for ages, but it's always worth a visit and although I haven't got a card of my own since I left Heddon, Charles does have one, so I'll use that until I know whether or not I really am going ahead with this business idea.

Talking of which I'd better go and read some more of my Catering Bible.