BRAZIL!

That's who we're going to see tomorrow afternoon. Not sure who they're playing, but I'm looking forward to this one. Hope it's not the let-down that the other two games were. Then we have a break of a few days before going to the quarter-final on Saturday. Hear we've actually signed a player today - Good!!!

PHEW!

It's very warm in the kitchen today!! The sort of day when it would be rather nice to be sitting in the garden, except Chris is here cutting all the hedges and it's just a trifle noisy! The girls are languishing in the heat at the moment, which undoubtedly means we'll pay for it later when it cools down and they need to let of a load of unspent energy. Actually, we seem to be having a few problems in the evening, especially with Lily, as we have a baby hedgehog who does the rounds of the grounds and causes mayhem between the girls who go into territorial mode and find it difficult to relax. As a result we've had a few very disturbed nights recently - not good!

RADCLIFFES!!!

What IS going on there? One emergency order this morning, then a text to say they'd be okay until Wednesday, followed about an hour later (5.30pm actually) to say they'd had a bit of a late rush and could they have some more stuff in the morning. Madness!

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT...

... by the team GB's men's gymnastics team. A bronze medal after a century of never being anywhere near the medal places. Brilliant!

NO TIME FOR BLOGGING TODAY!!!

Just got an emergency order from Radcliffes. Thought they didn't need anything today, but clearly they've had a change of heart, so scones and quiche will be winging their way over their for lunchtime. Had an order for a sunflower cake yesterday, so I want to start on the flowers for that, plus my models of Matthew and Sarah need to be completed. I'm running Christina down to the station in about an hour and will get some supplies in while I'm in Morpeth. Busy, busy, busy!!

BACK FROM SJP!

Shouldn't have got so excited really. It was fab to be back inside the ground, seats were brilliant, but sadly the football didn't live up to expectation. There was little atmosphere, especially during the first match - Japan v Morocco and I have to confess to almost nodding off at times. The second match was livelier and somewhat bad tempered, but it was such a disappointment to see Spain beaten by Honduras, as I had expected to witness a footballing masterclass and it really wasn't. The main problem was that we weren't watching Newcastle I suppose. Obviously we felt no emotional attachment to any of the teams, so the sense of excitement that I had before we went was completely unfounded.

WAY HEY!!!

OFF TO THE OLYMPICS THIS AFTERNOON. TWO FOOTBALL MATCHES AT SJP! EXCITED!!!

AND THE OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL FOR...

... making chocolate roses goes to... ...ME!!! 50 beautifully realistic chocolate blooms made today. Started at 10am and finished about an hour ago, with only a half hour break for a meal this evening, fortunately made by Christina so no interruption to my production line. Now I'm knackered and am going to spend the next couple of hours watching a pretty nearly full strength Newcastle team. HWTL!!

DIDN'T GET...

... much sleep last night. Went to bed buzzing after the Opening Ceremony and consequently couldn't sleep, so read until about 2.00. Girls were awake three times, necessitating our attention and finally got up when I remembered everything I need to achieve today. Pity there isn't an Olympic Baking Event!!

AND IT WAS...

... fabulous. Bonkers but brilliant. I loved it, well until Macca turned up, could have done without him, but that aside, it was one incredible opening ceremony.

SITTING COMFORTABLY...

... waiting for the show to begin. Why do I suddenly feel quite emotional?!

SO HERE IT IS!!

The day the nation could be either inordinately proud or cringingly embarrassed! Really hope the opening ceremony is a fabulous spectacle, but the spoiler of Tiger Feet has done little to reassure me. However, we'll be taking up our seats on the sofa in plenty of time waiting in nervous anticipation for the festivities to begin. Mind you, before that there is baking and shopping to be done. I'm having just the tiniest panic about how I'm going to cope with the increased workload of a second coffee shop. Broached the subject of yet another freezer with Charles last night, but we're no nearer finding a solution to the problem of where exactly it would go. The shed would seem the obvious place, but I know that freezers can struggle in extremes of temperature, so maybe this isn't possible. Pity though as that would be the answer to all my storage and organisational problems.

DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON...

... at Radcliffes this week. No sooner had Charles got back from this morning's delivery than another big order for tomorrow comes in! If it carries on like this I'm not sure that I'll cope with Appleby's! And yes - they have asked me to supply them!! Opening in 3 - 4 weeks!!!! Aaaarrrgggggh!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

... Christina, Happy Birthday to you! Wishing you a very happy birthday. Hope we have a lovely time together. xxx

ANOTHER ORDER...

... from the coffee shop for tomorrow. I thought we were expecting things to go quiet on Clayton Road during the school holiday, but it seems this is not going to be the case. Bit of a messy day today. Had to get my car to Amble first thing this morning for it's first MOT, then we went into Morpeth to stock up on BBQ stuff just in case it happens to be nice enough to have one tomorrow as it's Christina's birthday. Threw together a birthday cake whilst Christina was out of the kitchen - no mean achievement as she's in and out making cups of tea every five minutes - so it really IS thrown together and is only saved by the rather gorgeous chocolate Louboutin shoe on top which will hopefully divert her attention from the rest of it. Did MORE baking, picked up car (it passed), then it was back home to finish off a batch of apple pies. Still haven't heard from Applebys since I sent them my price list! Beginning to think it might be too much to take on anyway...

TWO THINGS...

... struck me this morning, as I did my early morning reconnaisance round the house. One: Why does it SMELL like a September morning and 2: How come, in July, are the leaves on our cherry tree changing colour already and making an Autumn carpet on the grass? WHAT HAPPENED TO SUMMER?

OKAY...HANDS UP...

... it's the first time I've blogged today... ... Not that I forgot, simply the first time I've been anywhere near the laptop! The day began with baking before anyone else was up. Then an early dash to the shops and back home for more baking. An extra order was required by Kevin, so that was thrown together quickly and dropped off on the way to town. Got a phone call on the way from Kevin, to tell me he was eating one of the summer puddings and it was amazingly good!! (Thanks Kevin, no need to sound surprised! Apparently he's going to take photos of the next delivery - about time too!) Dropped the stuff off, went into town and picked up some bits for Christina's birthday, grabbed a quick iced coffee at Starbucks then finished up at the RVI for my optician's appointment. Apparently my eye is "Gorgeous" or maybe he just meant the contact lens!! Back home, quick hoover, chocolate cake in the oven, big pan of bolognese on the hob... ...Knackered!!

CHARLES WAS...

... finished at the RVI by 10.00 this morning and got a taxi to Clayton Road where I'd spent a very pleasant couple of hours at Radcliffes, consuming buckets of coffee and chatting to the customers. Actually his eye looks very sore and I don't think he feels as comfortable with it as he did the first time. Just as well it wasn't done during the wedding week as was originally planned! I really enjoyed this morning! It was lovely to listen to so many positive comments about the cakes and stuff. Kevin loved the new lines - tiny banana loaves and mini-apple pies - oh and his "up-market" corned beef pies of course!!

JUST HAD AN EMAIL...

from Appleby's Bookshop. Apparently the samples went down a storm and they even involved customers in the taste test! Now it get serious - it's time to talk about prices...

BRADLEY WIGGINS!!

What an achievement! Just watching the final stage now. Bet he feels so proud - and knackered!

HAD ANOTHER...

... migraine this afternoon. This isn't fair! A bit of brilliant sunshine and I'm left reeling. Actually feel lousy now. It was definitely a migraine because I had the aura at the start, but it's left me feeling really cold and shivery AND headachy. I've taken four painkillers in the space of a couple of hours and nothing seems to be touching it. Not happy!

STILL FEELING...

... a little fragile after yesterday's migraine. Mind you it wasn't helped by not being able to sleep, probably the result of having a few little naps during the afternoon yesterday. So I've been up for hours, tiptoeing around trying my best not to wake everyone else. We're going off to town in a while, with Christina to do some birthday shopping for her. No doubt we'll meet up with James and Claire while we're there. And then I HOPE we might get some gardening done as we have SERIOUS weeds taking over the flower beds!

MEGA-MIGRAINE - URGHHH

Just getting over this. Haven't had a migraine for ages, but this was a goodie. Fortunately I've got to the stage where I can pretty much stop it in it's tracks with painkillers as soon as the aura sets in. I now feel as if I've got the world's worst hangover, which is a bit mean considering I haven't even had a drink. BUT apart from a brief lie down in a darkened room, I've managed to keep going and stay on track with all the baking I needed to do today. The visit to Applebys went okay I think. They seemed impressed with the samples. Now I just need to wait for them to contact me for further discussions.

OFF TO...

... Applebys Bookshop this morning, with a bagful of samples for them to try. I actually thought Applebys was closing down. Certainly during the disruptive roadworks earlier this tear they were interviewed by the local press and said they couldn't continue trading. However, I notice they're giving the whole place a complete facelift as well as adding the coffee shop, so clearly there's been a change of heart. I have a soft spot for the shop - it was the place that my Mum got her first part-time job when we were kids. She loved it there, but I suspect most of her wage went on books!! Mind you she then went on to work at the jewellers a few doors down - and that got pretty serious!!

AM KNACKERED!!

THAT'S ALL!

BIT TARDY THIS MORNING.

Clearly the first day of the school hols has affected me too!! Just getting going now, making quiche for Kevin plus a couple for customer orders. Then I'm off to Morpeth for coffee with a friend, before shopping and returning home to bake. Nowt new there then!

NOT WORTH COMMENTING...

... on the weather today. I nearly did yesterday as the sun appeared, but it had gone before I sat down to type! Starting to think the summer wardrobe might as well go back in to storage. Had a pleasant meal last night with Christina and her friend Ian. It was lovely to see her looking so relaxed and smiley. I'm off to do the Wednesday delivery in a little while, then the usual pattern of shopping and restocking the freezer. I think I have to take Christina for a doctor's appointment in Alnwick this afternoon. James is coming round for Parents Evening later on, although his Dad won't get in till late, but will hopefully be bearing a celebratory end of term Indian when he does arrive!

GOING OUT...

... for a Chinese meal tonight. Charles has a voucher!

APPLEBYS BOOKSHOP

Had an email last night asking me to go in for a chat!! As they would no doubt say on facebook... "Eeeeeeek" !!!

HAVEN'T BLOGGED...

... or sat down or relaxed at all today because the person who ordered 80 cupcakes for Wednesday (it's been in the diary for weeks) clearly meant that actually she wanted them on Tuesday!!! I only found this out on returning from Jesmond, so it's been all hands on deck for the afternoon and the kitchen (and me) is now covered in clouds of icing sugar, but, apart from adding fresh strawberries and raspberries in the morning, they are all done and boxed up, ready to go. Feel really guilty that I've taken no notice whatsoever of the girls today. But they're all grown up now. They must understand these things.

FLAT BATTERY...

... in the RAV this morning. This was unfortunate as it was the last vehicle on the drive so nobody was going anywhere until it was sorted. Fortunately Craig (the Mouse Man) is the person to call on in times like this as he possesses jump leads. So Charles is on his way to Blyth, accompanied by the jump leads just in case and I can now get off the drive to do my delivery, which is exactly what I'm about to do. Just want to check on the NUFC news before I go. Have to say I think the bid for Andy Carroll is absolutely hilarious. Talk about rubbing salt into a wound!!!!!

ESPRESSO FRAPPE!

My fave drink at the moment. Must be a million calories in a glass, but I really don't care. It's fab!! Just back from Morpeth with Christina, hence the reference to chilled coffee as we went to Central Bean for a treat after we'd finished food shopping - and yes, we did have caramel shortcake too, but we shared it so that wasn't too bad! I think I've got all the baking done ready for tomorrow so am looking forward to an afternoon with a good book. Busy week ahead, with massive cupcake order to go out on Wednesday, so gearing myself up for that!!

COMMENT FROM CHRISTINA DURING DINNER TONIGHT...

... "It's been a good week. I've felt like my normal self instead of the Bipolar Christina." I smiled inside!

BOUGHT NEW JEANS!!

I know, it's not earth-shattering, but I really like them. They're quite funky in a flowery sort of way, but fairly subdued and subtle, so shouldn't look too ridiculous on a person of my age!! Had a lovely time with James and Claire this morning, although getting to Heaton for 9am on a Saturday morning was pushing it a bit. Worth it though for a very good (and filling) breakfast. Charles and I had a quick look round the shops (as did James and Claire, but we went separate ways). Charles bought a new suit, and obviously I got jeans. Been back home for a while, finished the Golden Wedding cake and made a couple of cakes ready for radcliffes, so feeling quite happy with myself today!

WE'RE OFF TO...

... Heaton in a few minutes, to meet up with James and Claire at the Butterfly Cabinet. Don't normally eat breakfast, but occasionally it's a nice treat and I'm looking forward to it. We may go into town as we're so close. Not that I need anything, but apparently the sales are on so it may be worth a mooch. Actually ended up doing most of the work on the Golden Wedding cake last night as I soon discovered there was very little worth watching on telly. Shouldn't take too long to complete it when we get back, so we may be in for a more relaxing day than I had anticipated.

TIME TO PUT MY FEET UP!

Been on them all day and now they're killing me! I think I've achieved a lot really. Lots of coffee shop preparation done (brownies, bakewells, lemon cake, chocolate cake, shortbread, fruit scones, cheese scones all done quiche cases and apple pie base baked and in the fridge ready to fill. Had a bit of a blip when the electricity went off this morning, just as I'd filled the oven, but fortunately it was a relatively brief cut and I think there was enough residual heat to continue cooking, s hopefully nothing was lost. Big madeira settling nicely ready for decorating tomorrow. Went to the wholesalers to stock up on stuff. Grabbed a quick coffee in Morpeth so did sit down then, then it was back home to cover a cake board and start on our evening meal. Now I intend to park myself on the sofa in front of the telly and I will not be moving for the rest of the evening. Wonder what's on?

IT'S FRIDAY!!

Not that it makes much difference to me these days!! Big madeira cake in the oven. It'll be ready for covering tomorrow when it's cooled and settled. Charles has gone to do the Jesmond delivery. Christina's still in bed!! The girls are barking frantically at a van that's been parked at the end of our drive. Nothing new there then! I've written a list of all the baking I need to get through this weekend and it's a little daunting to say the least. I'm starting to think that I may need yet another freezer just to help me get myself better organised, although where it would go is another matter. Oh, here comes Christina - still sleepy it would appear!

BACK TO MY ROOTS!!

Well, that's not actually strictly true as my roots are now undeniably grey, but I've gone much darker brown this afternoon - a sort of ash brown if you know what I mean. Actually really like it. What a difference it makes when your hair feels good!! Got home about an hour ago. Christina's cooking tea, so I'm a little redundant at the moment. (In a nice way!) I've started assembling all the bits and pieces for next week's cake orders. I've got 80 cupcakes going out on Wednesday and a Golden Wedding cake as well, so it'll be pretty full on for a few days. Tentatively approached Applebys bookshop in Morpeth today with a view to possibly supplying their new coffee shop. I thought they were closing, but I noticed the sign apologising to customers for the disruption caused by the coffee shop renovation and called in for a little chat. Going to take in some samples over the next few days.

SEARCHING FOR...

... signs of the promised sunshine and so far coming up with a big fat zero. This is supposed to be the day when summer happens. Just one day before a return to the gloom. Is it too much to ask? It's also the day that I'm supposed to meet a friend for coffee and go to have my hair done, but as I'm expecting a delivery of dry goods sometime during the day and Charles has announced that he has to go to a case conference this morning and so can't be at home to receive it, I may have to change my plans accordingly. Not impressed!

AND THERE'S NOT EVEN...

... any NUFC news to get excited about.

WET OLD WENESDAY!

Ha, there's a surprise! Heartily fed up with this now. Nothing earth-shattering on the cards today - Jesmond, Morpeth, baking and then James is coming round this evening after he's played football. I've got a few deliveries coming today and tomorrow. Again, nothing exciting, but all cake stuff. Other than that life is very dull (like the weather)!

I SAT UP LATE...

... last night and watched a harrowing and heartbreaking piece of TV "I took my baby's life" which has left me reeling if I'm honest. Essentially a young mother went through a series of crises in her life just after her son was born, resulting in a breakdown or the onset of a serious mental condition which tragically culminated in her taking her baby's life thinking that she was keeping him safe. Having been discharged from hospital despite her family pleading for her to be sectioned and having been told she wasn't severe enough, she went to stay with her brother for the night and that is where this awful incident happened. The family were clearly aware that she was a danger to herself, but never thought she would harm the child she clearly adored. If only the health authorities had listened to their concerns the outcome could have been so different. The whole mental health thing makes me furious. "Give them a tablet and it'll be alright" - well I'm sorry but that is just containment not treatment... ... and we're caught up in the thick of it.

HAVE JUST BEEN LISTENING...

... to Christina having a little conversation with the girls in her room. Lily had buried herself in amongst the pillows and Rose was lounging around on the duvet. It WAS a conversation because, as Christina was talking to them, they were responding with little Westie noises!

JUST TWO WEEKS TO GO...

... to the start of the school holidays and still absolutely no sign whatsoever of anything that resembles summer. I actually feel thoroughly miserable this morning, and I think it is because of waking up to yet another damp, chilly and grey day. My prediction is that the rest of this month and probably August too will be pretty crappy, but it will be glorious in September - you just watch!! So, another week starts. Off to Jesmond in a while, then Morpeth and back for a big baking session. It'll actually be rather comforting to have the oven on and some warmth in the kitchen!

GUTTED FOR...

... Murray actually. Really thought that this might have been his year. I knew it would be a struggle against a player like Federer, but he had me believing in the first set. Difficult to play against a talent like that, who just moves into cruise-control and plays fabulous tennis. There's always next year Andy!

OKAY, SO IT'S...

... shopping, baking, ironing and then sitting in front of the telly watching the tennis. Sounds good to me!! Hope James and Claire have had a good weekend in Cambridge and that the wedding was lovely yesterday. Can't wait to see them both!!

BACK HOME!!

What a lovely time we've had. All my worries about Christina were unfounded. She has been delightful company while we've been away. Wimbledon was amazing. What an experience. I loved the live play, but I think I enjoyed being in with the crowd on Henman Hill even more. We did the whole Pimms and strawberries and cream tea thing. It was a long day as we left the hotel before 9am and didn't get back until around 10.00, but we enjoyed every minute. Glad to be home now though!!

NEARLY TIME TO LEAVE...

... Well, in an hour or so!! Fingers crossed we have a good time. Christina is still struggling a bit, so I only hope it's not too much for her. I'll make sure I take photos! (What's the betting something exciting happens at Newcastle while I'm not hanging around the Toon sites!!)

STILL HERE!!

Forgot flight isn't until 20.15 hrs!! We're all going off to meet James from work at lunchtime. I think the Ponteland deli is the venue of choice for lunch. It'll be good to catch up before we all go our separate ways later. James and Claire are going to Cambridge for a wedding tomorrow. Keeping a close eye on the weather forecast. Looks like we'll be dodging heavy showers at Wimbledon, while Charles may be baling out the shed again up here!!

TWO DAY MINI-BREAK COMING UP!

Fingers crossed Christina is okay. She seems a little better this evening, following a tough day. If all goes well we should have a good time. Wimbledon on Friday - very excited about that. Have given Charles the instructions for looking after the girls. They won't miss me one bit!! Charles is their go-to human, basically because they know that once he's sitting down, he's not going to be moving for a good while and is therefore good for a cuddle!! May not be able to blog till we get back on Saturday evening.

MENTAL HEALTH TEAM!

So, when we were told by the Mental Health Team that therapy would begin as a matter of urgency and was seen as a priority in the recovery process, I hadn't realised that t could begin as quickly as UP TO A YEAR AWAY! How good is that for someone who is recovering from a serious mental 'episode'? And if I don't like it I was charmingly told to 'refer it to the government' !!!!! WHAT? If this was known when Christina was discharged WHY WERE WE NOT INFORMED? WHY WEE WE MISLED INTO THINKING IT WOULD JUST BE A MATTER OF WEEKS? Oh, I suppose it IS a matter of weeks - at least 52 of them! The mental health nurse who came to visit this afternoon admitted that all they can do is CONTAIN the condition through medication at present because of lack of resources. So, who do we hold responsible? Eh?

'IT'S LIKE GOING TO HARRODS!'

That was the comment from one customer in Radcliffes this morning. He described how he felt about Harrods thus, "The windows entice you, you go in and find that it's even better than your expectations." And so apparently is our little coffee shop!! Hey hey! Another comment from a different customer that I THINK was complimentary went along the lines of, "If I'm lying on the beach in the South of France and all those gorgeous men are skinnier than me, I shall blame YOU!" - said whilst pointing at ME!!

WELL, THAT DIDN'T...

... last long! It's now overcast, grey and humid. Lovely! I'm twiddling my thumbs a bit this morning as I've got to take Christina down to the station in Morpeth in a while and it wasn't worth starting any serious baking until I get back from that little jaunt. Better give my Mum a ring. She's beginning to find it all a bit of a struggle I think and, just as we're finding with Christina's care plan, Helen is also hitting a brick wall with Mum's. Back soon...

GOOD GRIEF!!

I've just been outside and it's actually WARM AND SUNNY!! You could almost imagine it was summer! Oh, wait a minute...

I KNEW...

... you would understand dannymatt! I DID make the call this morning, not because of any further deterioration, but because I just needed to register my (our) dissatisfaction and concerns so that if things DO go downhill at least I can say I've made them aware. Of course I got the usual crap about being understaffed, to which my response was that they shouldn't promise a level of care they are unable to deliver. It's so easy for them to send a prescription for increased meds and anti-depression tablets (which they have done without even seeing her) but the point I was trying to make was that this only controls the symptoms and as yet nothing is being done to address the root of the problem by LISTENING to her. Feeling very disillusioned at the moment.

REALLY DON'T...

... want to be awake this morning. Just want to go back to bed. Not going to happen though. I'm worried about Christina. She's beginning to show signs of depression in my opinion and, as I think I wrote yesterday, I don't think she's getting anything like the support she needs. I'm going to see how she is this morning and then will make a decision as to whether I contact the mental health team or wait until the scheduled visit from the stand-in CPN on Wednesday.

WEDDING CAKE...

... consultation at 6pm, with Matthew and Sarah. Crikey - that wedding's coming round quickly. It was months ago that we first started talking about the cake and now it's only a few weeks away. Should just be a case of finalising details now as we've done most of the initial planning a while ago. Then it'll no doubt be watching the footie final. Charles and Christina have taken the girls over to Alnmouth to get some fresh air. Christina has been struggling a bit for the pat couple of days and seems to be suffering from "cooped-up syndrome" although it sounds from Charles's phone call a little while ago, as if things haven't exactly gone smoothly. We're all beginning to feel pretty let down by the mental health team that are supposed to be helping Christina's recovery. Let's just say that none of the promised actions have yet been implemented and that's three month after discharge and SIX months wince she was first admitted to hospital. On the while she's doing well, but there have certainly been signs this week that she is struggling and maybe suffering from depression. I hope she's going to be able to cope with our little trip to London next week.

WHATEVER HAPPENED...

... to lazy Sunday mornings? Eh?? Can't actually remember a Lionel Ritchie type 'easy' Sunday. Instead it was a case of get up at 7.30, put the oven on, bake cakes for tomorrow, decorate them, make French apple tart, quiche and then make a start on the Sunday lunch. Throw in cleaning the house and doing the ironing and you've got a pretty good idea of my morning so far. Come to think of it - it's just the same as any other morning really. It would be nice though to sit down with a coffee, Danish and the Sunday papers. Sigh!!