WAITING, WAITING, WAITING...

... NOT GOOD AT THIS.

No delivery of cake stuff yet - which is a bit of a pain as I need it for two cakes URGENTLY.

Also - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN THE WAY OF NEWS COMING OUT OF NUFC.

VERY FRUSTRATING.

14 HOURS, 20 MINUTES...

... and counting down.

Love that Dannymatt is spreading wild rumours all over facebook.

Come on MIKE, get your chequebook out!

GOT IT!!

Nice little motor. Charles is really pleased with it. Took the girls out for a spin at lunchtime - and they seemed to approve as well!

Glued to SSN now. Very frustrating waiting for ANYTHING to be announced by the club. Will we be feeling relieved or gutted by close of play tomorrow I wonder. As a 'glass half empty' sort of person, I'm guessing it'll be the latter!

GOING TO...

... pick up the Rav 4 today.

You may recall that we stopped off in Easington on the way to pick up Helen and Bill at the start of our hols, and bought this little car with a view to getting through the winter without sliding off the road.

It was dead cheap and is pretty old, but if it does the job that's all that matters.

On another topic - did anyone manage to catch Ch, Ch, Ch, Ch, Charlie Ellie (You'll see him on the telly) before the Arsenal match? We watched the recording when we got home. He actually came across quite well I think.

Still no NUFC transfer news. With only two days to go, it's not looking good.

Right, I need to make another chocolate cake today (I made one yesterday) ready for making the Christening cake for Sunday. Yesterday's cake is a Chocolate Overload for a 21st on Friday. Busy, busy, busy...

GOT BACK TO...

... many cake orders!

Will need to get cracking as now have two cakes to get out by the weekend!

WE'RE BACK!!

Crikey - it seems as if we've been away for ages.

Had the most amazing holiday. Learned lots more about wine, had some fab degustation sessions, came back with a boot chock full of bottles (some of which we need to leave for a few years - BOOOO)

Had wonderful weather, although a bit too hot at times. Fortunately the pool saved us from heatstroke. Incredible thunderstorms at night. Excellent food and brilliant company.

All in all a great time was had by all.

Including Lily and Rose, who have clearly had a wonderful holiday with Uncle Chris and Aunty Wendy. Rose is already missing her Wendy cuddles - and Lily just doesn't care!!! I have to say, they were a bit miffed with us for a while last night, clearly expressing their feelings about having been left behind while we were gallivanting, but they soon settled and are now back to their normal little selves.

Thank you so much Chris and Wendy. We WILL do the same for you when you need us to.

Bonjour Mes amies!

Comment ca va?

We're fine. it's a glorious day in Rheim, which is a stunningly beautiful town. Can't believe how quiet it is. That may be in part due to it being French holiday season so any people are away, but even so there's barely any traffic on the roads, absolutely no yobbish, loutish behaviour and a general peacefulness about the place.

Had a fab meal last night in typical French style, celebrating being in Champagne territory with a bottle of bubbly (and a very nice bottle of red), a comlimentary glass of kir...meaning we were all pretty merry be the time we finished eating and went to sit on the cobbles outside the cathedral to watch the light show. Absolutely stunning.

Dannymatt - I'm really worried about Rose's poop problem. Has she done it again? She NEVER has accidents. I don't know what she's playing at. I'm SO sorry.

HAVE TO REPLY HERE DANNYMATT...

... as have only got MY laptop with us and it still doesn't allow me to publish comments.

I am SO sorry about the girls and their poopy accident. This is unheard of and can only be attributed to being in a different environment, but is still inexcusable. I am mortified.

(My money's on Lily!)

Poops (smelly or not) will usually occur first thing in the morning and after they've had tea, with occasional additional poops in the afternoon so these are the prime times to make sure they are outside.

Naughty, naughty girls.

HIYA DANNYMATT...

... and Wendy and all the Westie girls.

Just thinking about you all and hoping everything's calm!!

WHAT A DAY!!

Furious with Charles this morning - but got to Shearer's Bar where eventually we met up with the guys from ESPN (forty-five minutes late) and went across to the Strawberry only to discover that they only really wanted to talk to Charles and didn't need me at all. They had another Toon supporter there who was going to do his bit, but I escaped unscathed I'm delighted to say.

Charles did a great job though and will be worth watching before the game on Saturday.

On the way to Helen's we called in at a little garage in easington and test drove a little Toyota Rav, liked it, so put down a deposit and will pick it up when we get home.

Got to Helen's at about 5pm and are all sitting around, waiting for the Chinese banquet to be delivered and the red wine to breathe!!

Happy Days!

I SWEAR I WILL KILL CHARLES

He's only contacted ESPN THIS MORNING with a grossly exaggerated story about the Arsenal/Newcastle game - yeah, you know, the one I walked out of at half time - AND THEY'VE RUNG HIM TO ASK US TO BE AT SJP AT 1PM TODAY TO BE INTERVIEWED ABOUT IT. AND HE'S AGREED!

I cannot believe he could do this. Not only are we supposed to be going to Yorkshire in time to take my Mum out, but more importantly, he is prepared to put ME in a situation where my I'm going to be totally humiliated.

It's bad enough that I did it, but to have to be interviewed about it is just rubbing salt into the wound.

I could hear him saying, "My wife isn't happy about it, but we'll both be there..."

I HAVE NEWS CHARLES - NO I WON'T.

THIS MAY BE...

... my last blogpost for a while!

I had made up my mind that I wasn't even going to attempt to blog while we're away - but that remains to be seen. If the weather over in France is as dodgy as it is here, we may be spending a lot of time in internet cafes, so I MAY just get more of a chance to blog than I had previously anticipated!

Not really in the holiday mood, to be honest. Hopefully that will change once we're through the tunnel.

So, think about me saying farewell to my babies in a while. It won't be easy.

POSSIBLY...

... the most miserable morning so far - and that's quite something, as there have been a few contenders, but today is absolutely foul out there.

I'm wearing thick tights, Uggs and a woolly dress - just what you want to be wearing when you're off on your hols - I DON'T think!

We've just got the last bit of sorting out to do; fridges to clear out, bins to empty and the window and door check. Chris and Wendy will be here later this morning to collect my girls and to take them to Boot Camp for a fortnight. They are so far absolutely clueless about their immediate future (Lily and Rose that is; Chris and Wendy are in no doubt about what it holds for them!) and I have got that awful butterflies in the tummy feeling that I get whenever I'm really nervous about something. This is absolutely no reflection on Chris and Wendy, but more about my reluctance to leave the girls behind. I'm going to miss them so much.

RIGHT BACK AT YA...

LIL AND ROSE HERE, UNCLE CHRIS (Lil and Rose here Uncle Chris)

YOU MAY BE SURPRISED AT THIS (You may be surprised at this)

WHEN MUM AND DAD ARE NOT AROUND (When Mum and Dad are not around)

OUR BEHAVIOUR CAN BE SOUND (Our behaviour can be sound)

WE MAY NOT BE VERY GOOD (We may not be very good)

WHEN WE'RE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD (When we're in our neighbourhood)

BUT WHEN WE COME TO STAY WITH YOU (But when we come to stay with you)

WE WILL MAKE YOU LOVE US TOO (We will make you love us too)

XXXXXXX

ATTENTION DANNYMATT!!

Good to have you back.

Bet the last few days have been 'interesting' to say the least, but glad to see you've done some shopping as well as the sightseeing and theatre trip.

We really don't have a schedule for tomorrow, although we'd quite like to be on the road by 11.30ish, as apparently Helen and I are taking Mother out to Betty's in Ilkley for afternoon tea in an attempt to mollify her somewhat!

I actually think I've got past the worrying stage now. I really put myself through it for a few weeks beforehand, but have got past that point now. I know the girls will be fine in Boot Camp. I hope they don't let me down and that they behave in a manner that meets your high standards. I'm sure they will.

I do know for a fact though, that there will be excited wees when they get to yours, so would advise a few minutes outside for the Meet and Greet. It would also be a good idea to let them know that the pond is strictly out of bounds as I am pretty sure one or other (but most likely Lily) will end up in there tomorrow!

You have no idea how grateful we are about this. You really are a couple of stars and we won't forget your kindness, just so long as you don't go into graphic detail about any of the punishments you mete out!

GETTING READY TO GO...

... for the pre-holiday hairdo...

... and, of course, it's teeming with rain, so need to make sure I take the umbrella. (I hate umbrellas actually. Can be lethal weapons if not used with extreme caution.)

Charles is going into Newcastle while I'm at SAKs, so the girls are going to, hopefully, have a quiet morning in bed.

Everything's ready for the hols. James is coming round this evening, as usual on a Wednesday. Chris is picking the girls up in the morning (I'm okay about it, really I am!) and then we're going to Helen's overnight before leaving for France on Friday. We stay in Rheims for a night and then mosey on down to the gite on Saturday.

Oh yes....!!

DON'T REALLY KNOW...

... what to write about this afternoon.

The news is still totally focused on the rioting last night. Really, really hope things quieten down now. (I'm sure having David and Boris back will put the fear of God into the idiots!)

Good news on the NUFC front - Tiote's back!! AND we've signed Obertan. Just need a proven striker now...

HEY DANNYMATT...

... look what happens when you go to London!

Seriously, hope you are safe and keeping well away from all this lunacy - you have enough of your own!!

On another topic - I've not made ANY helpful hints and tips about the girls. I reckon that when they are with you, they should just adapt to your routines. It'll do them good!

I'll send bedding, bowls, food and toys with them. Unfortunately, I don't think their crate will be big enough for them both to sleep in all night, but I do have another one which we could send if you think it necessary - we'll decide that on Thursday. Looking forward to seeing you - and dreading it at the same time!! (Know you understand!)

LONDON RIOTS

We watched the footage unfolding last night in complete disbelief.

Complete and utter thuggish anarchy.

What a joke this country is. Theresa May - you haven't a clue what you're talking about. Get the army in, use water cannon, declare a curfew - but get on top of it quickly, because as long as they think they can get away with it, this will continue and escalate. Community, softly softly policing is NOT working.

LILY AND ROSE...

... are looking incredibly gorgeous...

... and smell even better!

Where does the dog groomer get that baby powder scent from? I keep forgetting to ask her when we pick the girls up.

Rose really did NOT want to go in there today, and actually slipped her collar on the way up the drive. Fortunately we'd closed their gate, so she didn't get far, but she was not at all happy about the prospect of being washed, cut and blowdried. She had a little trembling fit and made herself look totally sad and pathetic, but we just turned on our heels and left her - and she survived with no ill-effects!!

I think Charles has enjoyed his day. The food was lovely as always at Cafe 21, the company was good and we enjoyed a very relaxed meal.

WAS HOPING THAT...

... by the time we got back from Cafe 21 there would be SSN coverage showing Obertan wearing a Newcastle top and waving the black and white scarf over his head.

No such luck.

How is it that other clubs get medicals done in a day - and we take forever?

OKAY...

... so now Charles knows what the day has in store.

Had an elaborate plan worked out with James, who has taken the day off work, as has Claire, so that they can celebrate with the birthday boy over lunch at Cafe 21.

The plan was that we were going to drop Jim's freshly laundered football kit off at their apartment and the two of them would then jump out, singing Happy Birthday and wielding gifts.

However, because Charles was being awkward and wanted to take the kit to Jim's place of work (where clearly we wouldn't have found him) we've had to let him in on the plan.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLES!

Hope Charles has a good day today. Nothing much planned (!) apart from taking the girls to have their hair done.

Oh,its cold, damp and grey today - whoop i doo!!

(Don't know what it's like in London though. You still there Dannymatt?)

EXPECTING JAMES...

... to arrive any time now. He's calling in between a football tournament and an evening wedding reception, so I'm guessing it'll be food, shower and change, then off!

ANOTHER WET MORNING!

This is getting a bit depressing and, worryingly, the weather in France isn't a whole lot better at the moment.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

Have decided that, while we're away, the blog will be put on hold for a fortnight. It MAY be possible to get on line, but there will be four of us, fighting over one laptop, so it's probably easier for me to make up my mind not even to try to blog and that way I don't end up getting anxious about getting my share of internet access!

We've got all the pre-holiday stuff to do this week. Prescriptions to pick up, euros to get, hair to be done and books to be stacked up. Mind you, Helen and I both have Kindles, so the number of good, old-fashioned paperbacks is going to be limited.

Helen went this morning, quite early, in an attempt to beat the rain. Since she left, Charles and I have been on a bit of a cleaning spree (Not, I hasten to add, because of Helen, just because I've let things slide while she's been here!), have changed all the beds and started to sort out our clothes for the hols. I am going to need a very large bag!!!

PRACTICALLY...

... had to swim around Morpeth this afternoon.

In danger of aquaplaning in the car on the way home.

What sort of weather is this for August??

MRS FIZZYKNICKERS!

That's Helen's new nickname for Rose after she turned herself inside out this morning!!

Thankfully, having had a good sleep while we were out at Heighley Gate, the girls seem to have calmed down and are in a much better frame of mind now, although Helen DOES suspect Rose of having ADHD.

I've explained that they're going to be attending the equivalent of Dotheboys Hall/Boot Camp/Borstal for the next fortnight - and we both think this is probably a good thing. You have to be cruel to be kind apparently - and I find it impossible to be cruel, so am quite happy for someone else to do it for me!

Okay - we're soaked to the skin now. I had to buy an oversized jumper to prevent hypothermia setting in, but am still quite concerned about the frostbite in my toes which set in while plodging through the puddles in my sandals.

The rain is teeming and has caused both Helen and I to review our holiday packing so that we now include waterproofs, umbrellas, thick sweaters, Uggs and wellies. Great!!

PLANS FOR TODAY??

Hmmm, largely dependent on the weather I would think, which is forecast to be pretty lousy for most of the day unfortunately.

Charles should be home from Preston by lunchtime, Helen is staying on for another day, we are meeting James and Claire this afternoon in Morpeth. Other than that we have no real plans!

Starting to think about the hols though and beginning to get quite excited. Helen and I had a chat about the girls this morning and decided that they really wouldn't be wondering where their Mum and dad had gone as dogs don't think like that and only live in the present, and are very forgiving and associate Chris's house with completely different routines...

... Obviously all this came from Helen as part of her attempt to placate me and ease my conscience!

I did, however, have a horrible dream about Lily and a garden pond the other night!

Aaargh - Stop It Sue!

AUNTIE HELEN'S...

... sole purpose in life is clearly to entertain and amuse my girls.

We have had such a fuss this morning as they could HEAR her moving around the house, but couldn't actually SEE her and during the interminable wait, Rose whimpered and trembled into a real state - not noisily, but very persistently - and this only ceased when Helen appeared and they were able to steer her to the chair where all three collapsed in a contented heap. (Helen probably wasn't contented mind you, she had little choice in the matter - and is, in fact, the only person that the girls will do this to. We think it's because she was the one who was always there to cuddle them when they were babies and clearly they associate her very presence with comfort and attention!)

HOW IS IT...

... that with all the TV channels we have at our disposal...

... there is absolutely nothing worth watching tonight?

BACK FROM TOWN

Met Jim, had lunch, mooched around, didn't spend THAT much.

Lovely weather for a trip in Helen's MX5 - getting suntanned whilst traveling has got to be good!

Don't know what we're going to have to eat this evening, probably not a lot as we're still getting over lunch.

THIS TIME NEXT WEEK...

... we'll be on our way to France. Looking at the forecast over there for the next few days, I hope it bucks up by the time we get there otherwise we're going to be needing our festival capes!

Lily and Rose have had a lovely morning with Auntie Helen, who they have steered into position for maximum hugs and cuddles. We're just hanging about at the moment, waiting for the post to arrive as Charles is expecting his new specs - AND THEN WE'RE OFF TO TOWN.

SHOPPING - YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

EXCEPT...

... Helen will be here later on today, so we've got a girly couple of days to look forward to!

CHARLES HAS GONE...

... to Preston, Dannymatt's away in London...

... may as well just talk to myself then!

HAVE EATEN TOO MUCH!

I've been eating really sensibly for the last few weeks. Not dieting as such, but cutting down on portions and eating less sweet stuff and carbs. I have to say I feel much better for it, but this evening have over done it with a huge portion of chilli and fajitas and am now very uncomfortable!

It is, of course, James's fault, as he was the one who requested the chilli. However, that may be a bit unfair, as he didn't actually load my plate up.

Nothing on TV, nothing on the blogs, nowt on twitter or facebook - might just have an early night with my book. I've got to that critical stage in "The Girl Who Played With Fire" where I have about 50 pages left and have just made sense of the title and really want to finish it BUT absolutely do not want it to come to an end. It's brilliant!

GOOD TO SEE...

Chris...

... and to meet Wendy at last!!

Hope you took my advice and stopped at David's shop on the way out of the village. It truly IS the heart of our community and carries a ridiculous number of lines (10,000, I think) which I honestly don't think can be surpassed in a small shop anywhere else. David himself is the life and soul of our village. He waves us all out in the morning and welcomes everyone home again at the end of the day, yelling endearments "Hello there Petal" or friendly abuse in equal measure. Our village would be a much poorer place without him.

Living in Fram is a joy. We've been here for 23 years now and I never tire of the view when I'm driving along the A697 and reach the brow of the hill down to Weldon Bank. What a panorama!

Right, we need to get out again, off to Morpeth for shopping and hospital visit.

Back soon...

OFF TO AMBLE...

... this morning, to pick up the merc after it's service, then on to Morpeth to stock up on goodies for tomorrow when my sister comes to stay for a couple of days.

The days before our hols are beginning to fill up with 'stuff' - so much to do, just so we can have a fortnight's break! Most important though, is the girls hair appointment on Monday - they look like shaggy little sheep at the moment, so it'll be nice to see them restored to smart, stylish Westies again.

Mustn't forget that I also have an appointment at the hairdressers next Wednesday as I am also resembling a shaggy little sheep - a case of dogs resembling owners or vice versa?

DAVID RIDDELL!!

Was also Charles's dentist!

What a coincidence.

He had to sign up with another practice yesterday, still in Ashington though.

(Can't put this in the 'comment' box as am on MY laptop!)

Have just realised there's only just over a week until I have to leave my girls. I will not be worth talking to when you come for them Chris - and this is no reflection on you as you are well aware, I'm sure. I just feel so guilty!

CURLED UP WITH...

... a good book, dark outside, torrential rain - feels more like November than August!!

Charles is off to the dentist for an emergency repair. His car is still in the garage for servicing, so obviously he's away in mine, meaning I couldn't go anywhere even if I wanted to.

Never mind - Stieg Larrson has my full attention! (Makes a good change from the NUFC circus!)

SINKING FEELING!!

Wish I lived somewhere else! It's just too hard supporting Newcastle. What a complete shambles the club is.

Anyone know where Tiote is, by the way? Last I heard he had a visa issue and wasn't back in the country.

Sick of putting SSN on and hearing the words 'Newcastle United' and 'massive mistake' in the same sentence!

DEPRESSING TIMES FOR NEWCASTLE FANS

Not just this week - God, it's only Monday - but for the duration of the time MA has owned US.

This Barton business has fans divided again. I have loved his attitude on the pitch and always looked out for him before the game as he would go round each member of the squad, put his arm on their shoulder and have a quiet word. (Could have been along the lines of, "You'd better play out of your skin today, or I'll lamp you..." but somehow I doubt it.)

However, Joey and Twitter were a recipe for disaster as far as NUFC is concerned. I saw your comments yesterday dannymatt, and have to agree - wrong time, wrong place, wrong audience, wrong - just all wrong.

I cannot see where things go from here, apart from further downhill. If anyone thinks Ashley is going to sanction a spending spree, which is what is most definitely needed now, they are going to be seriously disappointed.

And that's the overwhelming emotion for me as a Newcastle fan these days. Sad and disappointed.

BEEN TO SUNNY AMBLE THIS MORNING!

Only because we had to take Charles' car in for servicing, before the long drive to the Bourgogne.

Called into Morpeth on the way home, had coffee and bought yet another birthday present before heading back to our very sleepy girls who are still recovering from the shenanigans of yesterday!

Not much else planned for today!