FEELING A BIT...

... down today. No idea why. Nothings happened to warrant feeling like this. It's been a normal Friday. Deliveries to Applebys and Radcliffes, shopping, baking, spending a bit of time with Christina... ... so I'm not altogether sure about my mood. Just have that sense of impending doom. Hate feeling like this.

OKAY , SO CHRISTINA AND JAMES...

... are all grown up now (James is a married man for goodness sake!) - and they probably done even believe in Santa any more, but none of that seemed to matter this afternoon when I was searching every nook and cranny for the Missing Santa Sacks. The sense of panic was overwhelming - even Charles got up and had a bit of a look. I was up and down the loft ladders, rummaged through every black bin liner and had just about given up when I noticed one bag, right next to the hatch that I must have passed about a dozen times... ... and there they were! Clearly I'd strategically placed them there so they'd be easy to find!! That plan didn't work then.

CRIKEY!!

How out of touch am I? I didn't even realise we were playing tonight! But according to twitter we're 1 - 0 up at Stoke thanks to Cisse. Not going to look again in case I jinx it.

RAYBANS...

... on this morning!! What a change. Cold, but very bright. Not going to explain what I've been doing today - just look back over the weeks and you'll find the Wednesday itinerary. Am feeling a bit sleepy now, having just looked across at the girls who are both spark out in the sunroom. Lily's draped over a cushion and Rose is snuggled into a throw. I've a good mind to get my Kindle and settle down with them for a little while!! (Or maybe I should wait until I've got the two banana loaves and the quiche out of the oven. Rats!)

FOLLOWING ON FROM...

... Not Much to Report on Monday - comes Even Less to Mention on Tuesday. Haven't been out of the house today. Weather's been vile anyway. But I HAVE finished the Alvis car cake and made all the bits for two birthday cakes that are coming up next week. I've wrapped and tied all the Christmas cakes, seven of which are going tomorrow, so I should get the dining table back! Haven't heard anything from Applebys since last Friday. Maybe they hated it! Mind you, considering we had an emergency request for more supplies the same day it seems a bit odd that there's been no communication since. There's no way I'm going to chase them though. If they're not keen it's absolutely no problem for me!!

NOT MUCH TO REPORT TODAY

Pretty typical Monday - delivery, shopping, replacing stock, making a model Alvis motor car. Totally depressing weather. I don't think it's stopped raining all day and we've certainly never seen daylight as such. The girls have been little monsters as well. They want to be out, then I open the door and they realise it's wet and windy so they don't want to be out, then they need a wee, so they do want to be out, then they see something skittering around in the gloom outside and they need to be out to investigate it further, only to discover it's a boring old leaf... Get the idea???

NOT AN EASY DAY

Hannah has tried really hard, but there have been times when she's seemed completely overwhelmed. We've tried to keep her busy. Went into Morpeth this morning and had coffee at Curiously Wicked (won't bother again), then did some girly shopping while Bill and Charles trailed in our wake. Then we went over to Kirkley to see Christina and Tim. That was really nice. Tim's Mum came to join us and we had (more) coffee and cakes, then Tim took everyone round the farm to check out the progress that's being made towards setting up the cycle business and coffee shop. He's doing really. I'm impressed. We came back to Fram, checked the dogs and then had a very late Sunday lunch at the Village Inn. Unfortunately we times it to coincide with the football and endured a painful first half, but left during half time and really didn't want to know anything more about it. Helen, Bill and Hannah left soon after and are now in Gosforth. Hannah knows she can come here anytime she needs a bolthole, but I'm glad she's got her Mum and Dad with her for another day (possibly longer). Now trying to watch telly, but the phone keeps ringing and we're not getting much peace!

VERY TIRED TODAY!

Not the best night. Helen, Bill and Hannah stayed and we went to bed late and then got up very early with little sleep in between. We're all just sitting round in companiable, but sleepy, tiredness now, watching MotD and some of us are dreading the match this afternoon as there's NO CHANCE that we're going to win it with the number of injuries we're carrying. The girls have just got back from a long walk with Uncle Bill and Tex. They look like little drowned rats and are not too happy about this!! Not sure what we'll be doing today. H and B aren't at school tomorrow so will be staying up here. Whether that's with us or Rachel I don't know yet. There's a lot to sort out with Hannah and it's going to take some time. We all need to be there for her right now.

LOTS OF TEARS TODAY

Helen and Bill have brought Hannah round to ours for the day. She's still raw about the break up and very tearful. We've had lots of talks and cuddles, a real case of the family gathering round to support and care. We have just got back from the Anglers Arms where we were joined by Christina and Tim for either a very late lunch or an extremely early dinner. For a short time Hannah was able to relax a little and join in with the banter, but tears have been pretty close to the surface all the time. We all know how it feels and nothing anyone says is going to make her feel better. My heart absolutely goes out for her.

STRESS LEVELS REACH...

... an all time high!! At least they did this morning as we tried to juggle two deliveries but we managed to get both to their destinations on time and in good order. We picked up Christina, went shopping and got home before midday. I sent the afternoon making scones, quiche and apple pies. Then, about an hour ago, Alice from Applebys rang up in a panic because everything ad sold and she had nothing to sell tomorrow. Well Alice, I DID tell you to stock the freezer and then this wouldn't be a problem. So, just while they find their feet, I've sent an emergency delivery down this afternoon. Charles was going through Morpeth to take Christina home, so it's not a problem, but I'll be making it clear that this is not to happen once they're established. I'm still reeling from the news last night about Hannah. In fact I had a terrible night's sleep and kept waking up thinking about her. However, I'm sure my bad night was nothing compared to hers. Helen and Bill will be arriving here later on, having stopped in Gosforth to see Han. After that I suppose the weekend will be dictated by Hannah's needs - and so it should be. Whatever else happens though, I've got to bake bakewells and scones again before Monday.

HELEN RANG...

... a few minutes ago. Jake has just been a total turd and finished with Hannah, who understandably is in bits. Obviously Helen and Bill will come up here for the weekend as she's going to need a lot of support. I'm gutted for Han. There's so much going on in her life at the moment and she really did not need this. I really feel for Helen as well. Obviously she feels totally helpless and can't understand why it's happened out of the blue. Jake - what have you done?

PAUSE FOR BREATH!!

Haven't stopped all day. Feet are so sore, back's killing me. Just got a quiche to make then I can concentrate on getting something for US to eat!!

AND TOTALLY PREDICTABLY...

... the weekend Charles and I decide to go to Yorkshire for a couple of days, Applebys decide it's time to open their coffee shop. I would have put money on it actually. So, we are still going to go, but I'm having a crazy bake-fest now and probably again tomorrow and on Sunday when we get home. I'm kind of wondering if it really is worth going away for one night.

GOING TO ...

... Fenwicks 20% off night tomorrow. That means meeting up with James and Claire and possibly Rachel and Hannah also. Looking forward to it, so long as it's not too busy. Hopefully by the end of the evening I will have done ALL of my Christmas shopping. (Smug smile!)

DIDN'T HAVE MY HAIR COLOURED...

... but DID have a trim and managed to get an appointment for Christmas Eve - YAY! Did a mega food shop, including lots of store cupboard stuff for Christmas, so had to spend about an hour finding places to stash it when I got home because the cupboards aren't exactly bare. Finished all the Christmas cakes this afternoon - YAY and YAY again!! Just waiting for a couple who are getting married on December 12th, and who's cake I'm making to turn up with the topper they want me to use on it. Got a little gammon joint in the oven and it smells fabulous. Am now convinced I'm starving!!

NUSHKI'S FOLLY...

... Will explain when I've got a little more time!! Just rushing off to Morpeth now, I'm supposed to be having my roots done, but I've just had a good look and actually they don't seem to need doing yet, so there may be a change of plan when I get to SAKs. (Maybe stopping smoking slows down the grey!!) Need to do some food shopping and then want to try and get three more Christmas cakes finished this afternoon. Right - I'm off.

THINK I NEED TO...

... sit down before I fall down. Feel a bit light headed actually. Could be just that I haven't eaten much during the day I suppose, but feel quite weird. Charles has just got home, Christina may pop round later when Tim goes up to Thrunton for a bike ride. Can't quite get my head round that to be honest - I know he's a cycling nut, but it'll be darker than dark out thee at Thrunton and I would have thought that bike lights would be pretty ineffective in that sort of terrain. Plus, we all know about Nushki's Folly don't we?

WENT TO THE BUTTERFLY CABINET...

... for breakfast this morning - us, Jim and Claire, Helen and Bill, Rachel and James and Hannah. Great to see everyone. Ate far too much. wasn't altogether impressed by the service - half of us having finished our brekkie before the others had got theirs wasn't good. But, arrangements made for meeting up mid-week to go late night 20% off shopping at Fenwicks and then for Charles and I (and the girls) to go and stay with Helen and Bill next weekend. Got home, via Waitrose and Bookers (one extreme to the other!!) only to discover that our fridge in the kitchen had exploded and spewed it's contents all over the floor. Unfortunately most of the stuff in that fridge was in glass jars and bottles, so you can imagine the level of debris we had to clear up. Glass mixed with olives, sauces, dips, jams and marmalade - oh yes it was brilliant. The poor girls must have been petrified. Charles reckons a big piece of ice dislodged and brought the shelf crashing down, so clearly it's my fault for not noticing that it needed defrosting!! However, we now have a spotlessly clean floor and the fridge has had it's pre-Christmas clear out already, so all is not doom and gloom.

DIDN'T ENJOY THAT...

... ONE LITTLE BIT. In fact the best thing about this afternoon was the decision to get a taxi into town from James's place. Why haven't we done this before. Probably costs less than getting the metro and we just whizz up the taxi/bus lane, don't have to worry about finding a parking space, don't pay huge parking fees - its great - no hassle at all. Oh the other good thing was the sort of tapas-type lunch we shared (we being Charles, James, Matthew and me) at El Loco (I THINK that's what it's called) - BUT unfortunately we won't be able to do THAT again as we LOST THE BLOODY MATCH, so as omens go it's a non-starter in future. The match itself? Least said the better, but crap would do for starters.

WONDER WHAT IT'S LIKE...

... to be Ross Noble's four year old daughter?

HAD MY MAKE UP DONE...

... at Clinique in Fenwicks. Went with Christina and had a lovely girly time. Came out feeling fab: glamorous and pampered with perfect make up ready for going out tonight to the Ross Noble gig. THEN got all upset (don't ask) and managed to cry it all off. Couldn't help myself. Kept trying to stop the flow by holding a tissue under my eyes, but it didn't work. What a waste!

HELLO BLOG!

ARE YOU MISSING ME? JUST WONDERING...

YEAH - I KNOW THAT DANNYMATT...

... but my problem with the blog is actually finding time these days. This sounds pretty pathetic I know, but it's almost become something I feel I ought to do, rather than something I am inspired to do, which is a bit of a shame really. I had only thought this morning, that I would have a break from it, stop feeling I need to blog each day and only do so when I have something of significance to impart. I think this is the way forward and I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't feel the need to write a post. Could be a while then!!!

NOT A BAD MORNING...

... quite bright and mild so far. Pity we've had yet another oil delivery. Charles won't be happy, but we've got the heating turned down and timed so I don't know how we can avoid it really. It just appears that we are having far more frequent deliveries these days. Not good. Right, I'm off to Jesmond shortly, calling in at Asda and the cake decorating shop on the way back. Then it's anther day in the kitchen... I can sense you going "Zzzzzzzzz" !!

7 CHRISTMAS CAKES...

... marzipanned, covered with sugarpaste and decorated. Not bad for a morning's work. (All the decorations had been made last week though!) I think I've got another seven to do, but they can wait for a while. Glad to have a sit down for a few minutes, although I've just sent Kevin a reminder about tomorrow's order, so it won't last long!!

HIGHLY ENJOYABLE...

... evening! Pub meal in Gosforth, followed by the hilarious Michael McIntyre. Really enjoyed it!

CHARLES'S MUM...

... gave us all a bit of a scare this morning. She'd had a nasty turn, and there was some fear that she might have had a heart attack, but it transpired later in the day that it was a muscle spasm. However, it was enough for Charles to be thinking of heading over to Preston. That's all changed now and she's back at home - thank goodness. I tried to help things by suggesting someone else had our tickets for the Michael McIntyre concert tonight, but probably only succeeded in complicating things and annoying James - again! Any way - as we were! Claire is taking Christina and I into Gosforth, where we're meeting James and going for dinner, then onto the Arena. At some point Charles (and maybe Tim) will pick us up. (This is all because I cannot drive in the dark. It's such a pain!)

I THINK I'M GOING...

... to see Michael McIntyre tonight at the Arena. I only say "I THINK" because originally Charles and I were going, and then Charles discovered he has a governor's meeting and offered the ticket to Christina, then Christina didn't come back last night and I'm not convinced she'll get here today either, so I haven't really got a clue what's going on, whether anyone will actually be going with me or whether I should just offer the tickets to someone else. Feel very down at the moment. Probably just tired and ready for a break.

CAN'T HONESTLY REMEMBER...

... the last time we had such a horrible day. The only decent thing about it was getting home from the match to be greeted with pure rapture by the girls. The rest of it has been absolutely lousy.

EVEN MORE ANNOYINGLY...

... as soon as I'd blogged the last post, I went to check my phone and there was the order from Kevin. He'd only just sent it mond, so technically I should still have told him he was too late. Did I? Of course not. #Ineedtotoughenup

ANNOYINGLY...

... I'm still waiting to hear from Kevin about tomorrow's order. It should have been placed yesterday. He had a reminder text from me two hours ago. Still no word. I really think that , as we're out at the match this afternoon, and as a matter of principle, I should stand up for myself and tell him he's actually too late this time. Will I do it???

NOT USUALLY A GREAT FAN...

... of james Bond films... ... but having just got back from watching 'Skyfall' all I can say is... ...WOW, What a brilliant film! I loved it!!

WHAT A TREAT IT WAS...

... just going shopping with my daughter this morning. We went for a relaxed coffee and then mooched around the shops for a couple of hours, ending up in Fenwicks cosmetics department, signing ourselves up to have our make up done next week. I've had a pretty manic afternoon in the kitchen as Kevin appeared to think he would need an emergency order tomorrow when we saw him this morning, but I've heard nothing more about it so have somehow managed to find freezer space for everything, and can at least relax a bit, knowing that I can't make any more because I haven't got any more room!! Time to collapse in front of the telly now... which reminds me, we've been recording the 'Hebburn' series, having watched, and enjoyed, the first programme. Last night the three of us watched three episodes on the trot and had a really good laugh. It is so lovely to be able to feel relaxed and happy with Christina!

VERY TRUE DANNYMATT!

And what a weight has lifted from her shoulders. Sad that it didn't work out, but so glad that she is strong enough to make the right decision and to walk away. Looking forward to the morning s jaunt into town. Mind you everyone (Girls included) are still in the Land of Nod, so we won't be going anywhere just yet. I, on the other hand, had to get up early to get a lasagne into the oven, ready for the Radcliffe's delivery. Maybe tomorrow I'll get a lie-in!!

LOOKS LIKE...

... Christina might be living with us again. It seems that all is not happy on the Tim front, so she's her for a break, but seems to think it may well be a permanent break. She seems exhausted and has slept most of the afternoon, although I can hear her chuckling away at something right now. We're going to take her into town tomorrow morning so we can spoil her a bit. I think she deserves it. Talking of the morning, obviously it's Friday so it's Delivery Day. Kevin's order for the morning is huge! The biggest order to date!! Got some new stuff to try as well: Red velvet cake, lemon mini-victoria sponges and two jars of biscotti: gingerbread (yum yum) and pistachio and cranberry (equally yummy). Actually, it won't be long before we start selling mince pies. Fortunately, I've now got about 75 lined up in the freezer!!

OH WOW!!!

My kitchen is filled with the fragrance of gingerbread biscotti. It's like just Christmas Eve!! Might have found a new favourite thing to make!

DON'T THINK I'VE...

... blogged at all today. The fact that I'm actually not sure about this is somewhat worrying mind you!! Mind you it's perfectly justifiable if I haven't been on the blog, because to be honest this must be the first time I've sat down today. I've tried to make double batches of everything in the hope that, once Appleby's finally opens it's coffee shop doors, I'll be up and running and won't have a panic about getting stuff done on time. That's the theory anyway. Biggest problem now is running out of freezer space - again!! Won't mention that bit to Charles. Right, I'm going to have a go at biscotti now...

NOT SURE WHAT TO SAY...

... about the meeting at Appleby's this morning. Probably least said the better really.

UP EARLY...

... working on Santas, elves, Rudolphs etc, before going to Morpeth for a meeting at Appleby's. Very impressed with Charles who seems to be sticking to his diet pretty well so far. We should be getting the Slimmer's World cookbook through the post any day now. Might even see if he wants to get involved in the preparation of meals - that would be good!! Okay - I'll get back on here later when I've got through my list of jobs...

LOOKS LIKE...

... Appleby's bookshop coffee shop will be opening sooner rather than later. I've been asked to go to a meeting tomorrow to discuss the menu. Hope this isn't all going to be too much!

COLD AND FROSTY THIS MORNING

Got the engine ticking over on the Peugeot to take the chill off it before I set off for Jesmond. Need to do a few bits of shopping before heading back to start work on sugarpaste Santas, Rudolphs, elves and sacks of toys. Still seems too soon to be doing this, but then again, every other advert on the telly was for Christmas last night, so clearly I'd better get my skates on. Talking of telly - No more Downton until Christmas day. Boo Hoo!! (7 weeks tomorrow!)

CAN'T BEAR...

... to watch! We've only been playing for 20 minutes and Charles actually sounds like he's having a coronary. Think I'll stay in the kitchen!!

GOOD NIGHT LAST NIGHT

Really enjoyed Akbars. We were booked in pretty early, but the place was absolutely heaving, even at 6.30. Despite that we had absolutely brilliant service, nothing was too much trouble, we didn't have to wait, the food was yummy and there was loads of it - all in all a very enjoyable meal. We all agreed that it was probably not a place you'd choose for a quiet dinner with your partner, but for a group it was perfect. We've had a lovely couple of days really. Sadly Helen and Bill return to Yorkshire today and everything goes back to normal tomorrow. Roll on the next holidays!!!

JUST WANT TO SAY...

... I'm STARVING. That's all.

AKBAR'S TONIGHT

Actually can't wait!! I'm starving already. Last chance to meet up with Helen etc before they head home. I think we're all going round to James and Claire's place after the meal to look at the wedding album. (Obviously we've already seen it, but nobody else has.) Looking forward to a good evening!

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING!!

Just made a couple to go in the freezer. They look fab and I was rather tempted to keep one out for us to try... ... and then I remembered the diet!

6.30PM...

... text from Kevin wanting emergency supplies for tomorrow. Told him he'll have to come and collect because we certainly weren't planning another trip to Gosforth in the morning, especially as we're all going out in town in the evening. Thought I'd got away with an easy weekend, but looks like it's another day of baking tomorrow.

HAVE JUST REALISED...

... that today I have not baked anything at all!! I honestly cannot remember the last time this happened.

BACK FROM...

... a day's shopping with my sister. What an enjoyable time we've had! Refreshment breaks x 3!! Very unhealthy but highly enjoyable. Lots of lovely purchases - I have to say I bought more things for other people than Helen did so I'm feeling less guilty about the stuff I did buy for myself. Thank you to Charles who has spent his day running me, Helen and Christina around, without complaining - much!!

ADRIANO'S WAS FAB...

... brilliant food, lovely red wine (even though I DID ask for French!!) and the BEST company... .. but now feel stuffed and uncomfortable and just want to go to sleep. #nopleasingsomepeople

NOT A GOOD AFTERNOON

Christina here - and stressed. Consequently so are we. Doesn't feel good. Bit anxious.

FAMILY MEAL TONIGHT!

Hmmm. How many texts does it take to arrange a family get together??? Clearly dozens - and that's just for tonight. We're trying to arrange something for all 12 of us on Saturday evening - and it's proving a little tricky! Anyway - tonight most of us are going to Adriano's in Gosforth - for Happy Hour! I'm a little concerned about Charles and his diet, but he assures me he'll go for the healthy options. No pud then!!