CORRECTED MY...

... spelling mistakes now!!

Don't know what I was doing earlier. Clearly not concentrating at all.

And you know how I said I was knackered? Well, now I'm buzzing and don't feel in the least bit tired, more wired really. I think it's a combination of the relief of getting the Croftway cake order completed on time along with the momentary panic about the last-minute cake and now the urge to get on with it. If I didn't think I'd disturb the girls I'd go and do some more now!!

Never mind, I'll just have to go and read. Current book: 'The Blasphemer' Nigel Farndall.

KNACKERED!!!

Well - it's been a pretty hectic day really - and in the midst of all the frantic cake-related activity, the girls have just slept or observed my coming and goings from their little room without making any fuss whatsoever. They really are fab little things and, in response to dannymatt's comment, I can't imagine our lives without them. They bring us so much joy and amusement!

One of their favourite times of the day is the evening, when we finally settle down to watch telly. Rose rounds me up and guides me to the settee - always the same one, we're never allowed to change seating arrangements! Lily immediately plonks herself down with Charles where she nestles in the crook of his arm, while Rose lies down next to me, draping her back legs over my legs. It's the same every evening and I wouldn't swap it for anything.

As for the last minute birthday cake: well, it's coming together although it'll take most of tomorrow to get it properly sorted. I've gone with a Lake District theme and it's going to feature hills, streams, waterfalls, lakes and a recumbent hiker, enjoying a quiet read after his climb. Well, that's the plan anyway. We'll see how it develops tomorrow!!

JUST TURNED DOWN...

... a telephone order for 30 small, decorated cakes.

Why?

Because they were wanted for Saturday!

Why don't people realise that I need at least a weeks notice for something like that?

BEFORE I GET TO THE DOGS, DANNYMATT...

... I have to mention that I have JUST finished all 25 cakes for tomorrow. Feeling very pleased with myself, I planned a little rest with a cuppa, only for Charles to ring and say that he's got an order for a birthday cake for a man who enjoys reading and the outdoor life...

... FOR MONDAY!

Yes, that would be Monday coming.

How on earth does he expect me to rustle up that sort of cake in three days?

Looks like I won't be going to Newcastle on Saturday, so won't even see half of the match, and probably will have to spend Mother's Day working as well. Don't get me wrong - I'm glad of the order, but these cakes don't just happen overnight. I need at least a fortnight to do a decent job.

Okay, no rest for me then. What am I going to do?

JUST REALISED...

... that now dannymatt is back on the blog I'M the one who has a problem with replying to his comments!

I still can't post comments from this laptop and the PC is now officially dead - bereft of life it lives in peace, it's an ex-PC.

Mind you I could try using Charles's laptop when he's not around, to see if that makes a difference.

CHARLES IS...

... home early following a hospital appointment and is currently having a major coughing fit, the unpleasant remnant of the cold he's been suffering from all week.

(Oh good - he's taking the girls out - the fresh air will do him good too I think!)
I'd almost lost the will to blog without him!

Jim's coming over this evening, after football. We need to talk about Saturday's arrangements. I've said that he and his dad should go to the match as we seem to win more often when those two go and it IS an absolutely crucial game. So I'll go into town with them, we'll have lunch together and then they'll go off to the game while I go off to the shops!

That's the arrangements sorted then!

13.40...

... and I'm sitting down to breakfast!!

Haven't had time till now, but have managed to get all the plantpots made ready for topping them with pansies and foliage tomorrow

So, just catching up on toast and marmalade and then going out with the girls.

YOU'RE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dannymatt.

THE CAKE FACTORY

That's what my kitchen will be tomorrow!

25 plantpot cakes to make. This will be no easy task!

I've coloured all the sugarpaste for the pots and made the buttercream so everything's ready for a prompt start in the morning.

I reckon, if I really go for it, I should manage 4 an hour. Then I need to let them dry out overnight, before adding all the flowers and leaves on Thursday. These then need to firm up before each one is wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon ready for delivery on Friday. Just hope I've got the logistics of this operation right.

Oh - and just to make matters worse - the boiler's being serviced in the morning. I need that like a hole in the head!

CAN'T HONESTLY SAY...

... what I've been doing this morning, but I know I've never stopped!

Nothing really exciting that's for sure!!

I HAVE made a tiny little Easter cake to display in the village shop and I suppose it took a while to try things out before I was happy with the end result, but apart from that I suppose I've just faffed about a bit!

QUICK CATCH UP!!

Sitting down! Yay!!

Right - today's tasks include small fruit cake to top the skiing cake - done. Mother's Day cake for order - done. Fruitcake iced and decorated for MY Mum, who just happens to have a birthday three days after Mother's Day so it's a kind of dual purpose cake - done!

Need to start thinking about Easter cakes and once I've decided on a simple design (I've learned my lesson from the pansy plantpots!) I'll take one down to David's shop where he will display it for me.

The girls have had a couple of lovely walks today. It makes such a difference when the suns out and there's a bit of warmth.

Charles will be back late tonight after the governors meeting - so I've still got time to start planning these easter goodies. (Want to start making some tomorrow!!)

7AM

Yeah!!!!

Charles got up and the girls were still asleep!!

He had to wake them!

That'll teach them!

IN FAIRNESS...

... it has to be said that Charles took himself off to buy a new spade AND did some shopping for me, then returned and cut the grass (only at the front because it's still too wet at the back) and put my plants in.

Meanwhile, I made all the sugarpaste decorations for a Mother's Day cake and finished a single plantpot that is needed for Tuesday. A bit of weeding in the beds at the front of the house followed the kitchen activity and now I'm starting to run out of steam.

I was hoping to watch Ace of Cakes (my guilty pleasure at the moment) but unfortunately Charles has the Brazil/Scotland game on, so THAT little plan isn't going to work!

Thought I'd have heard from James today after their dinner party last night. Would love to know how it went!!

SPRING FORWARD, FALL BACK...

... I could never work out which way the clocks went until I heard this!

Did the hour's change make any difference to our girls? Not a bit! Admittedly they technically woke up at 6.45, but it was really still 5.45 wasn't it?

I've been busy with two dozen white chocolate sponges this morning and have a Madeira cake to go before I've finished with the baking. I've cut out loads of trees for the skiing cake, which I will drape in royal icing to give a snow effect once they're dry.

Charles is already out in the garden - without me even mentioning it! - and is re-potting the tree fern which is looking very sad minus it's fronds which have come off after the winter.

(Oh - he's just yelled that he can't find the good spade and fork and has now broken the not-so-good spade. This could bring about an early end to any g)arden activity methinks!

NOT THE BEST OF DAYS...

... to be honest.

A bit stressful really. I had my agenda and clearly Charles had his and they weren't particularly compatible.

Mind you, we did get most of the hard work done in the garden and got the block paving cleaned. We managed a trip to Heighley Gate for a very large container to re-pot the tree fern, masses of compost, a fab deep purple magnolia and a forsythia and still got back in time for Charles to watch the England/Wales game, although in truth he slept through it.

Oxford won the boat race so that was good!

Bit tense round here though.

THINK CHARLES MISUNDERSTOOD...

... that when I said we needed to spend the day in the garden I DID mean considerably longer than half a flaming hour!

AND JUST AS WE'RE GETTING READY...

... to get out into the garden...

... IT STARTS RAINING!

WHY TODAY? IT HASN'T RAINED FOR DAYS!

THIS WASN'T PART OF MY PLAN!

A LIE IN AT LAST!!

Rose didn't wake up till 6.30 this morning. Wahay!!

Feel positively refreshed!!!

Actually it's good to be up because we've got a major gardening day planned for today. I can't wait to get everything tidied up and the grass cut. Charles is going to help with cutting back all the dead stuff and then he's going on the rampage with the power washer, cleaning up all the block paving - his suggestion actually.

Had a lovely time with James and Claire last night. They weren't here long, but managed to go through a load of old family photos, conjuring up lots of good memories in the process.

MAY HAVE BEEN...

... just a bit to cocky earlier!

Not the best of days in the kitchen today.

I've managed to spill thousands of tiny white nonpareils (sugar balls) all over my newly vacuumed and mopped floor, dropped a tray of cupcakes onto the carrot cake, resulting in a quick patch up job on the frosting and started a cookie recipe, knowing that James is coming this evening, only to find that the dough has to be frozen for hours before slicing and baking, so had to find another recipe that didn't require the freezing bit.

Oh and I started gluing the skiers together, only to find that the arms of one of them keeps falling off.

Very messy and frustrating.

FRIDAY MORNING

Bet all those of you who are at work are feeling very happy today. There's nothing quite like that Friday Feeling. (Unless you're retired and then you have that feeling every day!)

We were up at 5.45 AGAIN! As a result the house has been cleaned, beds changed and ironing done, a huge pot of Cranks vegetable soup is simmering away and a batch of white chocolate cupcakes are cooling on the rack.

Going to make a carrot cake later - once the nice man from Tesco has delivered some of the ingredients!!

HERE I AM!!

Been busy with my skiing family this morning! What a faff. Just about done for today, everything's drying, some bits still need to be attached, but most of the hard work is done. Just worried about the youngest girl, who looks a bit dwarf-like to me, probably because I stood her up before the sugarpaste was firm enough to take her weight. May cut her legs off and start them again, but will wait till James has a look tomorrow. He'll give me an honest opinion!

Gorgeous day again, although typically the forecast is for it to get colder by the weekend. So long as it stays dry I don't care, we can still get the garden done even if it's a bit chilly. (Bet Charles can't wait!)

FINALLY...

... I've received some decent photos of the skiing family, certainly enough to get me started on the figures tomorrow. Once I've got these made I'll feel happier.

Going to have an early night I think. Must be all the fresh air today - I feel knackered!

BACK FROM...

... our second long walk today, just taking in the rays and enjoying meeting people who are out and about in this glorious weather.

Had a little tidy up in the garden earlier, but soon realised that it's going to need two of us working together to do it properly, so hopefully I'll get Charles to give a hand on Saturday.

Not much else happening. I made a batch of shortbread biscuits this morning and then practised my piping and flooding! but apart from that rather a lazy day really.

OKAY...

... filled the day in the end by making some tiny Easter Bonnet cakes - at least I think that's what they'll be when I finish them off tomorrow.

Three fab new books arrived today giving me loads of inspiration for future cakes. I tend to use the ideas and then make them my own, but certainly the books are great for someone like me who still has lots to learn about techniques and these ones have some great recipes as well as ideas for decoration.

Had a lovely walk with the girls today. It was really warm and sunny. Maybe Spring really IS on the way.

Apparently I should receive some better photos for the skiing cake tomorrow. Good!

STUCK NOW!!

Hmmm. Feeling just a little bit frustrated this morning.

Was hoping to get on with the figures for the ski cake - but although I received some photos yesterday they are as good as useless, showing tiny little figures in the distance and giving me absolutely no idea about facial features or other details. I'm supposed to be making a family of four, but from the photos, because they just show individuals, it's impossible to tell who's who. So effectively I'm having to wait for either better photos or some notes to help me with features.

I keep checking my email to see if anything s come through - and it never has, so apart from making the skis and poles, there's little I can do today. (And I've done that)

I'm not good at waiting around. Charles reckons I'm really impatient, but I think it's more about using time efficiently!

Can't even get the girls out for a walk as I'm expecting a delivery.

Grrrrrr!!!

5.45 AM - AGAIN!!!

Like a little alarm clock, that's our Rose.

What IS waking her so early?

Getting a bit fed up now.

UNABLE TO POST?

Charles has had a thorough look at the blog and has found no reason for this problem, Dannymatt.

However, on reading through the forum it would appear to be an issue from time to time for a number of people - on other blogs of course.

Just keep trying and failing that, we'll have to keep in touch via facebook.

WHAT ON EARTH...

... is waking Rose up so early these days?

We've been up since 5.45 again today AND IT'S NOT FUNNY.

Poor Lily, she would quite happily sleep until we decided it was time to get up, and even then she'd be reluctant to leave the comfort of her bed, but Rose is up and raring to go at the crack of dawn and barely stops to draw breath until she finally gives in to exhaustion in the evening.

I suspect it's the dawn chorus that's waking her and this is a little worrying as it's going to get earlier and earlier as we move towards summer. Maybe we'll get a slight reprieve when the clocks change!!

GOD, I'D FORGOTTEN...

... how exhausting three year olds are!

We had a lovely visit from Leigh, Phil and their gorgeous little boy Will this afternoon. Will is absolutely adorable - but he never stops! Then again, I suppose they are all like that at that age and we've just got out of the way of it!

he managed to have us all playing games, making stuff with his duplo and he even tried getting Lily and Rose to fetch a stick when we were out for a walk. Admittedly this last one didn't work a) because they haven't got any inclination to chase a stick, ever and b) they were firmly attached to their leads at the time, consequently Will found them a little frustrating!

HAVE JUST BEEN...

... for a walk around the garden, and have returned inside feeling quite deflated. There is SO much work to do out there!

I thought I'd given it a good tidy up a few weeks go, but was hugely over-optimistic if I thought I'd done the job properly.

I think the plan this week - weather permitting - is to get my skiers done for the 40th birthday cake and then get outside to try and do something with the mess that is supposed to be a garden.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DAN SMITH!

On getting to the final six in the shortlist for the Dolman Prize for Best First Novel.

Well deserved!

Am dead chuffed for you!

Now - just got to win the thing!!

AT LAST!!

Charles got up with the girls - and I got to have a lie in!!

Okay - I still got up at 6.45 - but that was a great improvement on yesterday. Have made a batch of scones and these are cooling on the rack now.

Having a relatively quiet morning before our visitors come this afternoon.

Charles has just been watching our game on MOTD - I don't know how he could bear it!

NOT GOOD!

We're three nil down with forty minutes to play!

Mind you, we could still come back. Stranger things have happened!!

Had a good day so far (apart from the footy) - breakfast was extremely pleasant and Newcastle was fairly quiet this morning so we enjoyed having a look around. The girls have had a good run around the park this afternoon and I've been making shortbread biscuits ready for Leigh, Phil and Will who are coming to see us tomorrow afternoon.

Don't need to worry about dinner this evening - picked up a Waitrose Indian, so it's all taken care of really.

GOING TO...

... Jesmond for breakfast this morning. Meeting James and Christina at The Kitchen, then heading into town for a mooch.

I'm quite sure the girls will sleep all the way through our absence!

Not feeling too hopeful abut our match this afternoon - but hope I'm wrong of course. It seems ages since we had a game. No football-related stress for a fortnight!

5.30...AM!

This is quite simply far too early to get up ANY day of the week BUT ESPECIALLY SO ON A SATURDAY.

Thank you Rose.

And how annoying is it, that now that we're all up and sorted for the day, you two girls are now having a little snooze?

HE'S A WILY OLD FOX...

... that Colonel Gaddafi. No sooner had the UN declared the no-fly zone, than he sends his foreign minister to announce that they had decided on an immediate ceasefire. Presumably, this gives him time to hide away his tanks and planes.

Unfortunately, this was followed a few minutes later by reports of heavy shelling and 25 deaths.

Although I am horrified by the events in Libya I have nevertheless had a little chuckle.

Years ago the headteacher at King Edward V! in Morpeth was Michael Duffy and he bore a remarkable similarity to Gaddafi. He had a habit of interrupting lessons to make pronouncements over the tannoy and was nick-named by the students of the time as...

... wait for it...

...GADUFFI!!

MAKING...

... teddy bears this morning, but would rather be out in this fab weather. In fact may just leave the teddies and take the girls out.

Excuse me...

NO GOOD NEWS TONIGHT THEN

As if the situation in Japan wasn't bad enough, now there's the very real threat of what will amount to war with Libya now that the no-fly zone has been approved.

DONE IT!

Finished the Swan Cake that is!!

Admittedly it's taken all day, but it IS three tiers, so I reckon that's not too bad.

Quite pleased with end result.

Right - what's next?

HAVE JUST REALISED...

... that I'm no longer addicted to the NUFC blogs.

I used to be on them all the time and now the most I manage is a cursory glance at the end of the day.

I'm sure this is just because of time constraints. It certainly can't be anything to do with a lessening of my love for the Toon.

FEELING ABSOLUTELY...

.. KNACKERED TONIGHT!

Thought this retirement lark was supposed to be a bit more relaxing. Mind you, when I think about it, whenever I've talked to any retired people they all say they're busier than ever and don't know how they ever had time to go to work. I'm beginning to understand that now!

I suppose the best thing about it is that I get to choose what I do, when I do it and with whom! The fact that I am shattered this week is all down to me wanting to make a go of the cake business. I'm delighted that I'm inundated with orders this week, but am certainly aware of the amount of time and energy involved in getting everything done. But it's my choice after all.

HURRAY!

DONE IT!

120 pansies, made, drying and ready for finishing off with a dab of paint.

That's been a bit of a marathon and has put other plans on hold for a couple of days, but not to worry, it's done now and I can catch up with other stuff tomorrow.

Just taken the girls out. What a miserable day it is - grey, damp and foggy. Yuk!

WONDER WHY...

... Dannymatt can't post any more. I know he's still around cos he talks to me on facebook, but he seems to be having real problems in the posting department.

Wish he'd get it sorted out though.

I actually miss him!

FAO PRAMJUGGLER

Delighted to see you are still around and reading. Makes me feel much less lonely now that I've been deserted by Dannymatt!!
Can't reply to your comment in the usual way because this laptop won't let me publish via that route for some reason!

HAVE SPENT ALL DAY...

... making pansies for the 13 cakes ordered yesterday...

... only for Charles to ring a few minutes ago to add another 7 to the list, just as I'd packed up for the day.

So, I'll set to on the other flowers tomorrow morning, cut out all the leaves (may add some trailing ivy) and then get on with the painting in the afternoon.

Busy times!

THAT'LL BE A 'NO' THEN!!

Oh well - just have to talk to myself again!

Having a break from making dozens of pansies this morning. Charles came back from school yesterday with an order for 13 pansy plantpots. As each one has 6 flowers, that's quite a lot to make, so I'm getting a bit of a head start on them. Fortunately they keep indefinitely so will come to no harm.

The girls are having a very relaxed morning so far. In fact one of them is rivalling Charles in the snoring department right now!!

IS...

... ANYBODY THERE?

STILL CAN'T...

... take in all this stuff that's happened in Japan. Can't begin to imagine what people are going through or even how anyone begins to start sorting it out. Where on earth would they begin?

I've got Sky News on and, no matter how much footage they show, it still barely seems believable. All those lives lost and others changed forever. It's just too big to deal with.

GORGEOUS MORNING!

It may have been a bit chilly first thing, but it's warm and sunny now. Perfectly lovely.

I've been working on a three tier chocolate cake this morning - two dark layer drenched in a Tia Maria sugar syrup and a middle layer of white chocolate mud cake soaked in vanilla syrup all held together by a milk chocolate ganache and coated with sugarpaste and a simple design of fondant flowers.

In a while I'm going to take one of the Pansy Plantpots down to David's, as he has agreed to display some of my cakes in the shop. I'll only take tiny ones because he has hardly any room to spare as it is. It's very kind of him!

I think the girls deserve a good long walk today. Not only are they incredibly patient while I'm working, but because it's so glorious out there it'll be good to get them out for a longer walk than usual.

IT'S EARLY...

... TOO early!

Rose clearly doesn't understand that weekend mornings can begin a little later than weekdays. She's been up and niggling since 6.20, much to the disgust of Lily (and me) who really didn't want to be awake at that time.

As a result, all the jobs round the house are done, the girls have had their first walk, everything is organised for the cake I'm baking today (apart from the chocolate which I need to buy from David's shop - but he doesn't open till 9.00 on a Sunday, so I'll have to wait a bit. See, even David gets to have a lie in on a Sunday.)

It may sound a little strange to talk about 'David's shop' - but I suppose it's a mark of how important the guy is to our village that everyone refers to his shop by his name. I would be surprised to find any village shop to match ours to be honest. It's a tiny area, probably smaller than our living room, without the extension bit and yet it's crammed with over 10,000 lines of really high quality products. David himself is a legend! He has a wicked sense of humour, knows everyone by name, waves everyone out of the village in a morning and back again in the evening. In short he is a total star and our village would be a lesser place without him.

ABSOLUTELY STUFFED!!

Still! And that's from lunchtime! We went to Loch Fyne for the first time in years and had an absolutely lovely lunch. Mind you, three glasses of red wine in the middle of the day certainly had a soporific effect, and I slept all the way home!!!

Before lunch we picked James up, went for coffee and did lots of shopping (Charles bought a new spring wardrobe!!) - all in all a very pleasant day.

Oh and since we've been home I've placed an order for some more cake decorating equipment and Charles has completed the census form on-line. (It wasn't nearly as daunting as it first appeared actually.)

Just going to have a day at home tomorrow I think.

WHY CAN I NEVER...

... RELAX! EH?

We've got a bit of time to kill before we go to Newcastle.

Charles is in his element, playing with his new TV/toy whereas I, on the other hand, have done all my jobs and am now pacing around, thinking of things I COULD be doing and would actually LIKE to be doing, except there's no point starting any of them because we're going to be leaving the house in a while.

I don't think I EVER just sit and chill during the day and only do so in the evening because I've got to the point where my legs are about to give up on me so I have no option!

GOING SHOPPING TODAY!!

Quite excited actually. Not that I need anything really, but will be nice to get out of the house for a while.

Meeting James and all going together for lunch as a little post-Ofsted celebration for Charles.

Miserable day, but not the amount of snow we were expecting. Very wet and slushy - just enough to get the girls well-soaked.

Am also excited about my Swan Cake design. Yesterday, I just did a small practice cake, but I've decided to work up a three-tier dummy using the swan theme because I think it could look stunning. It'll take a while, but I think it'll be worth it. Watch this space!

CAN'T WAIT...

... for the latest cake experiment to cool down!

I've coloured the sponge mix different colours and piped it into the tin in circles hoping that when cut each slice will resemble a rainbow! Well, that's the idea anyway!

Just short little posts today I'm afraid. I've been quite busy in a faffing about sort of way. I've designed a swan lake cake and tried it out on a tiny dummy. Looks great I think and would make a fab wedding cake as a) swans mate for life and b) if you position them really carefully the gap between their beaks forms a perfect heart-shape!!

I've made a prototype skier, albeit rather an accident prone one who has had a nasty fall and ended up rolling down the slope, turning himself into a human snowball.

And I've made a couple of fruit cakes, so the house has that gorgeous 'Christmassy' smell.

Charles got home reasonably early,not surprising really: I expect everyone wanted a quick getaway today!

NOW FEEL ASHAMED...

.... about moaning about the possibility of snow. Have just turned TV on to find coverage of the earthquake in Japan. What's a few flakes of snow compared to that?

LOOKS LIKE...

... we're going to have more snow later today! Brilliant. Just what we don't want.

FIRST CHANCE...

... to get on the blog today - and also first opportunity to sit down for a minute!

Had to crack on with the Croftway cake this morning. It's a bit cobbled together due to lack of time to be honest. It's a mixture of smiley faces and stars I suppose. If I'd had longer to think about it I'm sure I could have thought of something better, but when you've just got 24 hours notice compromises have to be made.

Our new TV arrived earlier and is waiting patiently in its box for Charles to return and get it set up. Perfect timing really as he can hopefully relax in front of the telly this evening as he'll have waved a fond farewell to Ofsted this afternoon.

Hmm 3pm - I imagine another hour or so and feedback should start in earnest.

SO FAR...

... SO GOOD then at Croftway!

So good in fact, that Charles announced he'd like me to make a two tier cake to take to school on Friday. That's on top of about 100 cupcakes today and tomorrow. What's he trying to do to his staff? I bet they won't be queuing up for the Friday weigh in this week!

What he doesn't realise is that making a cake like that takes time, so I've had to make the actual sponges this evening in order for them to cool and settle before assembling them tomorrow.

Haven't got a clue how I'm going to decorate this one!

Still - we like a challenge!!

MIDDAY...

... and this morning seems to have lasted forever.

I've cut the dowels for a two tier stacked cake which is now assembled and just waiting for the decorations to be added, rustled up four dozen lemon cupcakes waiting to be frosted and topped with blueberries, blackberries and rasps to send to Croftway tomorrow, made lasagne for this evenings dinner and taken the girls out for a rather blustery walk.

I've cleaned the house, done the ironing and messed around on Facebook - and STILL the morning's dragging.

I'm pretty sure though, that Charles' morning will be whizzing past in a blur of questioning, probing and evidence collecting. Oh happy days - NOT!

Now whose morning would I truly prefer?

EARLY START TODAY...

... obviously I suppose.

I think Charles has been awake since 4.30!

He left home at about 6.30, armed with two crates of cupcakes to provide a little bit of comfort and sweetness in what is going to be a pretty stressful day at Croftway.

I feel nervous myself, to be honest - although I have no doubt that the outcome will be absolutely fine.

As for me - I'm working on a prototype Mother's Day cake today, probably a two tier stacked effort to give it added impact. Then I'm going to start thinking about modelling skiers out of sugarpaste, providing Andrew doesn't change his mind about what he wants for his wife's cake.

And the girls? Well, they didn't really want to be up before 6.00 this morning, and are currently grabbing a few extra zzzzs before their day really gets going.

RIGHT...

... cupcakes made and frosted ready for Croftway tomorrow. Just had a text from Charles saying he won't be home till after 8.00 this evening - must be a bit frantic over there right now.

Got an order for a birthday cake today, from James' boss. When he spoke to me he hadn't decided on a theme - but according to James it could be a skiing cake. Hmmm, this'll be interesting! In fact, to make it really impressive it really needs to have two stacked cakes, with the top one carved into a rough mountain shape. As I've quoted him the price for a standard round cake, he may want to reconsider when I give him the bad news!

DAN SMITH

How amazing was it that Dan Smith managed to find my post from JULY in which I commented on his novel?

I wouldn't imagine that he's an avid reader of this blog, so presumably it's come up randomly in a search somehow.

Anyway, if anyone is at a loose end and needs a good book, I still highly recommend 'Dry Season' so why not give it a try?

TIPTOEING AROUND...

... this morning, trying not to wake Sophie, our niece, who arrived at 10pm last night for an overnight stay before her interview in Newcastle later today. Trying very hard to keep the girls quiet too!!

Charles left the house at 7.00 this morning for a final day of Ofsted preparation. I'm sure everything will go really well at Croftway - and he certainly appears calm enough at the moment. As with everything, what will be will be I suppose.

AND THE NEWS TODAY IS...

... that Croftway have the delights of Ofsted this week.

Oh how I sympathise with Charles. There is nothing quite like the dreaded phonecall, especially when you're in a Heads meeting in Morpeth and you get called back to school to have a friendly little chat with some administrator at Nord Anglia (?), prior to getting down to the nitty-gritty with your lovely lead inspector!

I know it's a pain, I know it's stressful - but the school will come out fine - and by Friday morning it'll all be behind them, so next weekend will be blissful for everyone!

I can see that cakes will be needed this week!

WOW!!!

Just had a comment from Dan Smith - author of the amazing "Dry Season".

Apparently he's just read my review from yonks ago and he just dropped in to say thanks and glad I enjoyed it.

Listen Dan - if you're reading this, you need to get that book marketed more effectively. Your publicity people aren't doing you any favours at all. It's an amazing book and people need to know about it, but they won't when it's tucked away on the shelves and even the Waterstones staff struggle to find it. You should have a huge campaign in the local area as you're from these parts. get your team onto it!!

YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE IT!

I got the tape measure out last night. James will vouch for this!

Not for me, but for the girls as I have noticed recently that Lily appears to be getting to be a bit of a chubster. (Not do we nickname her 'Chunk' for nothing!)

To my immense surprise, ROSE actually measure 1cm more than Lily around the waist and Lily is only wider than her sister around the chest, and even that is only 1cm again. So, all in all, they are pretty much the same. I was amazed.

It must be an optical illusion, due to Lily's thicker coat.

Won't need a diet after all Lil!

HAD A LOVELY TIME...

... with James and Claire this afternoon, but I foolishly spoiled things by getting upset over some trivial stuff that was said and ended up sobbing all the way home.

Fortunately my son would not leave things as they were and rushed up to Fram this evening to get it sorted. All it took was one word "Sorry" and a huge cuddle and everything was good again.

I think I can count on the fingers of one hand (and maybe not all of those) the occasions when James and I have ever argued. I hate it when it happens, but fortunately know that there won't be a recurrence for a long, long time.

Love you Son!

IT NEEDS TO BE SAID...

... that there has been a marked improvement in Rose's neurotic barking at the TV since Helen and Bill dog-sat for us a fortnight ago. I think their policy of zero tolerance has really paid off.

Not to say that she doesn't still become a little agitated, but we now anticipate her reaction and stop her in her tracks before she gets to full on barking. Consequently, she is now beginning to cope with images that would previously have caused great consternation. Occasionally she will lie and whimper a bit, but more often than not, after a sharp "No bark" and a cuddle, she will settle down quickly and quietly.

This is great progress!

DIDN'T REALLY MEAN IT

When I was whinging about the blog this morning. Mind you, it's hardly a blog is it as, apart from Dannymatt, nobody else contributes much in the way of comments. It's more like a sort of waffly diary really, which is okay I suppose and will be interesting to look back on at some point.

Been a mixed sort of day today. Obviously the match result was a big disappointment. I thought we started pretty brightly, but got sloppy after our goal. Hope Enrique's injury isn't too serious and really want to see Joey Barton back ASAP. We're a different team when he's playing. Quite impressed with Shola actually. It must have been a bit daunting to play while recovering from his cheek injury, but I thought he did okay. Don't get me started on Steven Taylor and as for Lovenkrands, he may as well have stayed at home.

Lunch was good. James and I always do the Spice Cube before the match, although he and Charles tend to go to Landmark. But today, as we were all going we decided to go with the Indian.

Managed to sort out a new TV, 40 inch screen, internet, LCD (LED? LBD? BFG?) or something. Anyway - it's BIG!

I've made a selection of cupcakes for tomorrow as we're going to James and Claire's for a family celebration of their engagement which will be a rather nice thing to do on a Sunday afternoon.

Right I'll go and check out Newcastle United Mad and see whose blood their after!

LOSING THE WILL TO BLERRGG!

It's no fun any more now that dannymatt isn't around.

Feel very lonely.

STILL NO DANNYMATT!

I look every morning expectantly, hoping to find one of his usual witticisms, but to no avail. I know he's having problems getting his posts to publish - but this is no fun any more. It's been nearly a week now since his last comment which was simply "YES!"
Come on Dannymatt - get it sorted - I feel as if I'm in solitary here. Be talking to the dogs next...

...Oh wait a minute, I already do.

Actually, talking about conversing with the dogs, have I told you that they have a vast comprehension of the English language? They seem to understand everything I say and sit cocking their heads in synchronised movement as they listen for little snippets that may be of interest to them. I noticed yesterday that the word 'time', used in any context and not necessarily directed at the girls (ie,"What time are you getting home tomorrow Charles?") will trigger great excitement because they associate the word 'time' with breakfast time, tea time, time for a walk, telly time, all very nice activities if you're a dog!

MOTHER'S DAY...

...is coming up in a few weeks (that's NOT a hint Jim!) so I've started to think about cake designs for the occasion.

Had a go this morning at making tiny cakes that sort of resemble a bunch of tied flowers. I THINK it works,so that's one idea, but I want to get some more sorted out during the next few days so people can get their orders in.

Not liking Dannymatt being unable to post comments. Hope he sorts it out soon.

IT'S 8AM...

... AND SOME OF US HAVE BEEN UP FOR TWO HOURS ALREADY, THANKS TO ONE OF US HAVING TO GO TO THE BATHROOM AT SOME GODLESS HOUR...

...AND FORGETTING TO TIPTOE DOWN THE HALL, INSTEAD IMITATING A HERD OF ELEPHANTS, THUS WAKING THE GIRLS - ALL OF US - AND STARTING THE DAY LONG BEFORE STRICTLY NECESSARY OD INDEED DESIRABLE.

AND YES - I AM SHOUTING!

GOOD GRIEF!

have just looked at clock - it's FIVE O'CLOCK ALREADY - and I haven't even thought about a meal for this evening!

(Well, we've got bread, so that's a start!)

Never have I known a day go so quickly.

ENDED UP...

... being quite a busy day actually.

I couldn't resist having a go with the cake dummies that arrived yesterday, so have spent the morning making (well, decorating) a three tier wedding cake! It's quite funky and certainly not the traditional type, but I've had fun, taken lots of photos and the great thing is, if I don't want to keep it I just peel the sugarpaste off and start again with another design.

Made bread this afternoon - not from scratch, but from a Wrights mix as recommended by Paul at the weekend. I did make some yesterday, but it's gone already, seriously it's that good. I've got the garlic and rosemary and cheese and onion. All I've added to the mix, apart from water, is a little extra garlic, onion and cheese (which you don't HAVE to do at all, but I think it makes it even better) and we've got wonderful fresh bread for dinner tonight.

FREEZING THIS MORNING...

... but still brilliantly sunny.

(What is this - am I reduced to writing about the weather? Is this an indication of how quiet my week is? Well - yes, it probably is!)

Oh hang on - bit of excitement - the girls are barking, I'd better go and see what that's all about...

GOT PROBLEMS WITH...

... the PC again!

It seems to be attacked by a virus every few weeks now, despite Charles's efforts to clean it up.

This isn't such a problem as we have two laptops we can use, but mine won't let me reply to comments on the blog for some reason - not that there are many of those these days!

STAYED UP TOO LATE LAST NIGHT!

Watching 'Ace of Cakes' on the Food Channel.

It always used to be on during the day, but now they're running about three shows late at night - and I cannot resist them! Typical American rubbish, but the cakes are fabulous and so inspiring.

I'm just regretting it a bit now and think I'll probably record the programmes in future.

Looks like we may be in for a beautiful day today. There was a clear blue sky at 7am, so chilly but a pleasant change from the gloom of the last few months.