HAVE JUST ABOUT GOT OVER...

... Yesterday's horror show, poop and wee fest. The house is scrubbed and steamed and hopefully there's no hint of doggy smells left at all.

Just trying to decide when to take the tree down! All the other decorations ( only lights really - I don't do anything else!) have come down and are stored away, but I was going to leave the tree for another day and now I can't wait to get it done and everyone back to normal. Charles won't be happy!!

NUFC

So, Alan Pardew is off then.

if the manager of any other club upped and left, the supporters would undoubtedly be excitedly awaiting news of their managerial replacement. For us though, we can only wait with dread to find out which cruel joke Mr Ashley decides to foist upon us next.

EXHAUSTED,

And, to be honest, slightly in shock, I think.

Today has been a complete nightmare. My mother, all my family and five dogs, three of which are puppies, has just been too much for me AND most definitely for our girls. I think Lily has been traumatised by Zion the Samoyed pup. She tried so hard to defend her territory, and it just proved too much for her in the end.

I know that everyone has had a fab time, they've enjoyed the food and have been really appreciative. But I've spent my entire day either in the kitchen or cleaning up dog wee from the carpets and furniture and Charles has even had to clean up poop from our girls' crate (not from the girls though!). I'm not going to do it again. Someone else can have a go. I don't want to watch my dogs being thrown unceremoniously out of their comfort zone. I want to enjoy someone else's food. And I don't want to spend all my time cleaning up. Do you know, the washer has been on non-stop since everyone arrived with a constant load of wee-ed on dog bedding and throws.

Aaaaaaargh. Sorry, but I'm annoyed. If you take your dogs to someone's house, for goodness sake clean up after them yourself.

LAST NIGHT's...

... Very tense birthday tea proved to be too much for Christina and she left for home this morning, a day ahead of schedule, and has said she won't join us later on at the Northumberland Arms because she doesn't want to spoil another evening for us.

This makes me do sad. I spend my life trying to keep Christina on an even keel when she is with us, and sometimes it works, but often it doesn't and last night was clearly an occasion when nothing anyone could do would prevent it careering into mayhem. To be fair, she was never as aggressive as she would have been in the old days and she clearly recognised that she had gone too far, but she also has real issues with family members that need to be dealt with, preferably in family therapy sessions.

So, I'm going to go us on the good times that we had with her during the past few days - and there were many!

BIT OF TENSION...

... this evening. Probably caused by a few too many glasses of wine. To be honest, we have had a great time with Christina while she has been staying with us. She has been the perfect 'guest' and has been lovely company, but the party tea for James's birthday didn't go well at all. Fortunately, it didn't get completely out of control like it would have done at one time, but it was enough to cause a few tears!
We've got a meal booked tomorrow evening and another on Monday, do I really hope we can put this evening behind us and avoid any more friction.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

Boxing Day!

Might even enjoy it more than Christmas Day in a way, because I can think about all the lovely things that happened without having to do anything of any significance at all. Food just looks after itself, eveybody raids the fridge when they're feeling peckish. There's no need to rush around doing stuff. It's great!

Only downside is our game with MUFC is on the telly.

So I might just have to retire to the bedroom for a while with my new Kindle!!

NEARLY OVER!

Just collapsed in a heap after a lovely, busy, family day of eating, drinking and spoiling each other to bits.

What a great day it's been and what a lovely family I have!

CHRISTMAS EVE!

So much still to do!! All the last minute stuff I was wittering on about the other day...

... Plus, hair appointment at SAKs, collecting the M and S order and nipping across to Gosforth to have a festive tipple with James and Claire...

... Then it's back home to get on with stuff before Christina - and with any luck, Santa - appear later on tonight.

Happy Christmas!!!!

I'M WATCHING...

... The reports on Sky News of the incident with the bin lorry yesterday.

Surely it put everything into perspective when something as devastatingly shocking as this occurs. And, of course,there are all the comments about it being even worse because it's so close to Christmas. What difference does that really make to the people directly affected? To them, it wouldn't matter a jot when it occurred. Maybe, to the rest of us, it's an uncomfortable reminder of life's fragility that we wish hadn't happened so close to Christmas.

Rest in peace.

STILL FEELING...

... gutted after yesterday's Derby fiasco.

After last month's feelgood results, we appear to have resumed our usual position of apathy and hopelessness. Let's not bother getting our hopes up about getting any points on the board any time soon.

I feel quite strange actually. I'm in that limbo phase, having done all the preparations for Christmas that I can and not yet ready to do the last minute stuff, because that's exactly when it needs to be done, so I'm  feeling a little uneasy because I've got nothing much to do and I find that difficult!

However, I am currently an interesting shade of mahogany, having had a spray tan this morning. This was Christina's idea, not mine! I actually hate the feeling on my skin. It seems to take ages to dry and then you have to spend eight hours without getting wet! All I want to do is to get it showered off!

DERBY DAY!

Following the last three occasions that we've played Sunderland, I can't say I'm looking forward to this. Just hope and pray that we find SOMETHING today and that Jak Alnwick has a better game than last week. Not sure what time we'll be going through to town, but I need to spend a short time shopping as well and will probably do that after the match, although I suppose I could always leave during the game if we are truly rubbish! (It's been done before!)

James and Claire are going to Yorkshire for a couple of days to start the celebrations for James's 30th birthday. I'm sure they'll have a fab time and I'm quite envious that James will be spared all the Derby angst!

Okay, better get up I suppose. Hope we have something to cheer about later...

OFFICIALLY...

... on my hols now!!

Mind you, I've spent the day cooking for the freezer so that I'm organised for when the family comes round  between Christmas and New Year.

Just waiting for Charles to finish the radio show, then we've got his brother and his wife and James and Claire and Christina round for a takeaway. Really looking forward to it!

CHARLES GOT THE JOB

In Birmingham, so we'll done to him. Allegedly, just two days a week, but only one night away.  We'll see how it works out!

PHEW!

As predicted the totally unreasonable order came in from Kevin at lunchtime today. No please or thank you. No apology for late notice. A very definite criticism of ME for daring to take a holiday - the only break I've had since we had three days in Cornwall in May!

So, I have put together most of his order, not all, but most, it will be delivered on Friday and, with luck and a following wind, I might get a cheque!

Looking forward to meeting up with my old school secretary tomorrow at Heighley Gate. She's having four Christmas cakes, but, more importantly, it'll be an opportunity to have a bit of a catch up.

Charles will be in Birmingham. He's having an interview for a two term, two days a week post. Personally I think it will be too much. But we shall see!

STILL NOTHING A T ALL...

... from Radcliffes! I swear they really do believe in the Cake Fairy. Sadly, however, there is no such thing and there is a real danger that he will not be getting his Christmas delivery this year.

LOOKS LIKE I WAS RIGHT!

Despite my request this morning, Kevin still hasn't sent his order through, although he has informed me that he will need deliveries on Thursday and again on Friday, this was SO predictable and I have reminded him that he has been aware of my holiday dates for weeks. It just demonstrates a clear lack of respect and consideration and I am heartily sick of being taken for granted.

Merry Christmas!

BIT OF A RELAPSE...

... in my mood today. Back to feeling upset, tearful and a bit overwhelmed. Need to shake this off quickly!

LESS THAN A WEEK...

... until I can stop baking for a while!! Well, can stop baking for customers for a while anyway. I would happily put money on getting a totally outlandish order from Radcliffes around about Wednesday. And I not over impressed with Centurion either to be honest. They were supposed to give me final quiche numbers yesterday and, of course, I've heard nothing.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to a few relaxed days. Maybe I will manage to find a day when I don't actually have to turn the oven on at all!!!

Went to St Mary's Inn at Stannington for coffee this morning and met up with James and Claire, Christina and Sean. This is the new gastro pub run by the owners of Jesmond Dene House. Apparently it's got amazing reviews since it opened a couple. Of weeks ago and is fully booked for Christmas. The decor is lovely, very relaxed, easy on the eye, warm and cosy. However! all I can say about the food is, I hope they do better than the lukewarm coffee and doorstep sandwiches with a frugal amount of bacon in future. I was not impressed one bit and they'll need to up their game if they're going to continue to make the right impression.

SUCH SAD NEWS

This morning my sister and her family said goodbye to Tex after 17 years of loyal companionship. Chosen from a rescue centre after a horrific start to life, Tex was a gentle, affectionate dog who brought joy to everyone who knew him. He was always patient with our girls, even when they were annoying little babies and when Lily tried to dominate him. He had been poorly for a long time and was becoming increasingly frail. But he had a lovely life, with a family who adored him. Rest in peace Tex you lovely boy.

BETTER GET UP I SUPPOSE.

Although, after the night I've had I think I'm entitled to a bit of a lie in. At 3.00 I was still awake, so I got up, made a cuppa, read for another hour and must have eventually drifted off. I can't understand it. I was so tired before bedtime and I might have had about ten minutes really deep sleep before something disturbed me and, after that, there was no way I was going to be nodding off any time soon. So annoying!

SNUGGLED UP...

... onthe settee with Lily and Rose, a large cappuccino and a little Viennese mince pie that's still warm from the oven. Absolute bliss!

Sadly though, I am without my trusty Ugg sandals that I have worn around the house for the past two years, as the final nail parted company with the strap and the sole this afternoon. Now I've got to try and break in another pair of round the house shoes. They've got to be extra comfy, have a bit of a heel but not too much, be slip ons ( so I can just throw them off when I collapse in a heap on the sofa) and have good treads so that I don't measure my length every time I go out to the shed in the icy weather. To be honest the Uggs had pretty much let me down on the last one, so, from a safety perspective, it's not a bad thing they've gone to shoe heaven. Still, a sad day!

ANOTHER DAY...

... Of  crazy busy-ness!

Really do think it was a bad idea to decide that I needed a holiday! There was a point today, just after I'd got home with the bags of supplies and ingredients, when I honestly didn't know what to do first. And yet, somehow, everything got done.

Mostly, it's been cakes and tray bakes today.

Tomorrow though I'm back on quiche production big time!

SICK TO THE BACK TEETH...

... of quiche! And I'm still only about a third of the way through the order.

The plan is, that this time next week, I should be looking forward to a fortnight's holiday starting on the Friday and before then I need to make up enough baked goods to see Radcliffes and Centurion through to the New Year. At least Centurion have given me a bit of notice about the quiche, but I would bet my life that we get to the day before I'm due to finish and Kevin will suddenly remember that he needs to put in a massive order. Then I get stressed...

ALSO NEED TO SAY...

... that Christina had her rather unpleasant exploratory procedure yesterday and the outcome is that she has a little problem that can easily be cleared up, so we are all feeling so much happier and relieved!!

I JUST WANT TO SAY...

...THAT, AS CENTURION WANT 50 QUICHE (APPROX 400) BEFORE I TAKE MY HOLIDAYS, I MAY NOT GET ON HERE VERY OFTEN!

HOPE JAMES HAD...

... a fab time last night at the Comedy Club with his friends last night. It was an early 30th birthday celebration. They certainly know how to prolong a good birthday!!

Anyway, I hope they had a brilliant time and that the hangovers aren't commensurate with the amount of fun they had!

On another note, a quick Kevin update...

...despite the fact that I always respond to his texts immediately, unlike him who usually ignores mine completely or keeps me waiting until a day later before deigning to respond, I had a fairly snotty one liner at 11.30 last night, just as I settled down to sleep, wanting to know, " Where is the confirmation." This was a reference to a text he finally sent through with an order for Monday at 8.20pm, that I responded to straightaway. I honestly do not know what is going on, or if I can be bothered to continue what is rapidly becoming an unworkable relationship.

FULL OF WORRY!

THATS ME!

Not just because it's match day and we've got Chelsea, but because of Christina mostly (for a number of reasons).

The next few days will be quite stressful I think. Christina will be staying with us until Tuesday morning, by which time she should feel well enough after her exploratory procedure to return home and to be able to drive. Then, of course, we have to wait for the results.

Kevin has continued to pee me off, so that hasn't helped my mood. After all the fuss over the past couple of days and me telling him I would get stuff sorted for him to collect first thing today (and getting up early to do that!) he then texts me to say he won't bother. I swear, if he was anywhere near me right now I would punch him...

... Repeatedly!

ANOTHER DAY OF...

... HANGING ABOUT WAITING FOR KEVIN.

I actually think I've been played. Late yesterday he asked for a delivery, but it was WAY past the cut off time, so I had to tell him it wasn't going to happen because I'd made other arrangements. BUT, always wanting to be helpful, I DID say that he could collect early on Saturday morning. Didn't hear anything from him.

Then he tried again this morning. I gave the same answer. You can collect it yourself, but I need to know now because we don't usually do Saturday orders at all. No answer.

Then this afternoon I got a text that implied I hadn't been answering!  So I left texts, voicemails and tried the coffee shop directly, but that seemed to have been disconnected.

Eventually, Kevin rang back and I am now waiting till he gets back to the coffee shop from the shoot that he's on, so that I can find out what's happening. He might come up to collect tomorrow or he might wait till Monday! WHAT?

How have I gone from telling him "No" to waiting to see what he wants to do?

How have I done this?

HAVENT WRITTEN THE BLOG TODAY!

Just haven't had time.

Very worried about Christina. Not just this current scare, but her mental health is poor because she is no longer taking her meds. I know that this often happens with bipolar sufferers and I always knew she would relapse sometime, but it looks like this could be that time, and I am past myself with worry for her... and for the effect it will have on the family. Already we are feeling the stress levels rising.

JUST BACK...

... from Wansbeck Hospital where Christina has been having her preliminary assessment before her procedure on Monday morning.

She going to stay with us for a couple of days. I think that's sensible.

Obviously it won't be pleasant, send of course I'm worried about the outcome, but at least they're getting on with it. Absolutely can't complain about that!

BIT NIPPY OUTSIDE TODAY!!

Coldest day of the season so far I think.

Mind you, it's warm and toasty in my kitchen right now. I've got carrot, chocolate and coffee cakes on cooling racks and big bowls of quiche fillings ready to put in pastry cases just as soon as Charles gets back with the tins from Centurion. He's called in to see his Mum on the way home and I've asked him to get some shopping as well,  so he will be a bit later than usual.

Apparently we have a match at Burnley tonight, and pretty much no first team players to put out! Great!! That nice little run of wins could all have been for nothing then. Hope it's not on telly because I really don't think I could stand listening to Charles yelling in frustration, especially so soon after the last match.

Why are we playing again so soon anyway?

HAD A LOVELY TIME...

.. with my cousin, Anne.

I dontthink we stopped talking all the time she was here, apart from sleeping of course.

She left me with some wonderful photos of my Dad and his family, including some of my Grandfather who died when my father was two years old. She also left me a family history written by her father, my Dad's brother, my Uncle Jack. It's fascinating. Amusing and heartbreaking. And it gives me a greater picture of my ancestors than anything I've known to date.

Thank you Anne. I shall treasure them.

THIS WILL BE A FIRST!

My cousin, Anne, quite a bit older than me, is coming to stay overnight with us today. She lives in Lancashire and is the daughter of my Dad's older brother. We haven't had a huge amount to do with each other really, although we've always exchanged Christmas cards and have passed a sociable hour or two at family events, but it will be the first time she's stayed over.

James, Claire and Christina are coming to join us for dinner this evening. I thought it would be nice for them to meet her and for her to catch up with them.

The reason she's going to be over here, is that she's doing to a funeral in Alnwick tomorrow, so it really is a flying visit to us. But hopefully she will be able to shed some light on parts of the family tree that I'm stuck on!! She's already said that she'd like to see how far I've got. Could be an interesting evening...

MISERABLE AFTERNOON!

Charles is currently losing the plot over the match. I'm staying well away, with just a couple of minutes left he's yelling loudly enough for the players to hear him down at West Ham I'm sure.

Clearly it's been a bad day for Newcastle. It would appear that they couldn't really be bothered today, although Charles says that West Ham are just thugs.

So no Sissokho for the next match - brilliant. And what's up with Tim Krul all of a sudden?

Feel really disappointed, although it had to happen didn't it?

It's all over now and Charles is absolutely ranting about it. Apparently we've got Burnley on Tuesday. It may well be lucky for them then, because it looks like half our squad will either be ineligible or unfit.

And then it's Chelsea. Oh Happy Days.

UP EARLY!!

i need to get into Morpeth pretty smartish this morning. Consequently, I've been up for hours!!

Trying desperately to get on to the John Lewis website, but it's Black Friday so everything's ground to a retail halt.

Woke up to chronically low water pressure. Charles rang the water board and discovered that there had been a massive leak overnight and that was the reason. Also told to expect yucky brown water as they clear the pipes. Ugh.

Rose has been licking her rear,left paw like mad. I've checked it over and can't find anything wrong. She's not limping -yet - although she soon will if she carries on worrying at it. So I'm smearing aloe Vera gel on it every few minutes in an attempt to soothe, heal and deter her from licking.

Right - busy day ahead, need to get on.

Only problem is, it's still too dark for me to drive!!!! Will have to wait a while...

TODAY, I'VE BEEN MOSTLY MAKING...

... MACARONS.

Absolutely love these little treats, although they are a bit of a pain to make. However, the sense of satisfaction that I get when I look at two full trays of perfect little almondy, chewy macarons makes up for all the faffiness.

They are mostly for a baby shower, although I've done some for a friend who has been asking about them for ages. And the rest can go in the freezer for one of our Christmas treats!!

I've also had a go at making a chocolate loaf cake with a red heart baked all the way through it. Absolutely cannot wait to cut into it to see if it's worked, because, if it has, I'm going to have a go at all sorts of surprise cakes!!

Right, need to get on with dinner preparations. James and Claire are coming round and I still have much to do!!

COUPLE OF HOURS OFF...

... this morning, to meet up with a friend for coffee.

Okay, not earth shatteringly exciting, but it'll do me!!

CHRISTINA'S...

... Appointment has come through, or at least the preparatory appointment has, for next week. I think we'll all be relieved to get on with it, but I'm still dreading the process.

I'm talking to her on the phone while I'm typing this and she sounds lively enough and in good spirits. Hopefully, we'll catch up with her at the weekend and then we can gauge how she really is.

Right, I've baked all day, got two massive orders ready to go out tomorrow and have only had the energy to warm up a Morrison's curry for our dinner. But it smells divine, so I'm off to enjoy that now!

CAN'T...

... sleep!

Typical. I've struggled to stay awake all evening and now I'm wide awake.

AND THERE WE GO!

 Villa take the lead.

Charles has just pointed out that Villa are so far down the table they are insignificant, and it would be much better for NUFC if Southampton were to lose.

Okay, so now I don't really mind either way!

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!!

Looking forward to watching Southampton SMASH Villa to bits!!

Sadly, now that I've come out with that we all know what's going to happen!!

CAN ANYTHING...

... beat the smell of topside of beef roasting in the oven?

I'm SO hungry now, and it'll be another hour before it's ready.

Aaaargh!!

Better distract myself by writing the blog then, not that there's much of any consequence to blog about today, as I seem to have spent the entire day either at the shops or decorating Christmas cakes. I'm a little disappointed to be honest, because I've only managed to complete three today and had set myself a target of six. Never mind, I've got all the pieces made, so it should be a relatively straightforward assembly job tomorrow.

Need to just mention that while I was in M and S this morning, queueing in a ridiculously long queue because there was only ONE till open (bonkers!) the woman in front of me, turned round and offered me a voucher for 20% off because she couldn't use it for some reason. Of course I was very grateful as it did indeed make a significant difference to what I was spending and not only that, I can continue to use it until tomorrow evening!! So , I might need to go on the M and S website to see if there's anything else I need!!

( Might do that to take my mind of the roast beef!)

BACK FROM THE MATCH!

See Facebook for more about that!

Not hugely enjoyable, although there were times when the football was quite good to watch, and the result was fine.

Have come home with a sore left eye though. Not sure why, although it IS my bad eye, so I will need to keep a close check on it.

CAN'T STOP...

... thinking about Christina. Every time I woke in the night, and that was frequently, she was on my mind.

If tests need to be done I hope they will be organised quickly, so that we know what she has to deal with.

I just wish she could have a happy, settled period in her life, when nothing major is worrying her.

It's all any parent wishes for their child, of course, but I just think she has had so much to deal with over the last few years and now she has a health scare on top of all of that. Life is never fair.

WORRIED ABOUT...

... Christina. Not in a mental health way, but in a physical way. She seems to be having some strange stomach issues and has been checked out by the GP, but is being referred for further tests.

Please God, let her be alright.

GROUNDHOG DAY!

Basically, shopping, baking all day and collapsing on a heap!
I've stocked the freezer up with quiche and mince pies, marzipanned lots of Christmas cakes and got some of them covered with sugar paste.
Feet are killing me now. Just looking forward to an evening in front of the telly!

AND HERE I AM...

... at 7.15pm, having spent the entire day on my feet, collapsed on the settee, having managed to persuade the girls to budge up a bit. I have to say, I've stared at this screen for about ten minutes and almost fallen asleep already!

Apparently there's an England match tonight. Not sure that's going to keep me awake either!

DONT ACTUALLY THINK...

... that it's been properly light today at all. Really gloomy and miserable, the sort of day that makes you realise why Autumn is the most depressing month.

I'm waiting around anxiously for a parcel to be delivered. This will be a second attempt, it needs a signature and I can pretty much guarantee that, as we have to go out later, it won't arrive until we have left. Sod's Law was written for me!

On the up side though, the house is smelling wonderfully Christmassy, thanks to the Christmas tray bake that's been in the oven for the past couple of hours. AND - I'm going to spend an evening with James and Claire - Christmas shopping. And I'm really looking forward to it!!

NEEDLESS TO SAY...

... (following from last post) ...

... Kevin decided to wait until this afternoon to present me with a massive order for tomorrow, when I'd already decided to make all the quiche for Centurion, AND needed to take time out to help Charles with his Mum's expedition to the shops.

Am now collapsed on the sofa with Lily and Rose, hoping I stay awake through Strictly and War Horse.

WHEN I WAS A GIRL...

... Yes, many years, nay decades, ago...

... Sunday was a Day of Rest.

Okay, we were pretty much MADE to go to church, but apart from that it was a quiet, contemplative day - boring perhaps to a child/ teenager, but distinctive in its calm and almost soporific difference.

Those Sunday afternoon naps, following the joint of beef and my Mum's fab rice pudding, while a black and white film played on the TV - in the front room of course.

Oh for those days.

Just to let everything slow down for a while. To be different from the rest of our days. Wouldn't necessarily have to be about God and church, but it would be so lovely to be able to say, without guilt or regret, "Sorry, I'm having a Day of Rest."

WAITED...

... till midday.

No one turned up.

No explanation. Nothing.

What a waste of time.

However, we met up with James and Claire. Had an Indian tapas lunch (and a migraine!), then did a little bit of Christmas shopping in Jesmond. Nice!

Now watching the England match and looking forward to an evening in front of the telly, hopefully shaking off the remainder of this migraine.

SHAME IT'S SUCH...

... a miserable, grey day. We've got people coming to view the house in about half an hour and it certainly doesn't look at its best when it's so gloomy outside.

Not holding out any hope for this viewing. Apparently the couple who are coming are from Morpeth and haven't even got their property on the market yet, so clearly, they're doing a bit of fact finding first.

Still, at least it IS another viewing.

When they're done, we're off to Gosforth to meet up with James and Claire. Hopefully, we'll have a little trip to Jesmond and a very LIGHT lunch.

Sadly, after that, I have to return to the kitchen and need to get started on dozens of quiche.

WE'VE CERTAINLY GOT...

... a couple of fair weather Westies.

It's a thoroughly unpleasant day, I get that, whereas Lily will tolerate it and will rush outside to do what she needs to do before scampering back in, Rose is refusing to set foot outside the door and into the rain, even though she must be bursting to go for a wee!!

Really hope it dries up soon, otherwise I can see an accident happening.

FEELING ANXIOUS!

Christina has been dreading the post coming because she has convinced herself that she has been caught speeding.

I know how carefully she drives these days. I've been in the car with her and I've seen her out and about when she's been behind the wheel. Her driving has been absolutely fine.

But, like all of us I'm sure, she just happened to slip up a couple of weeks ago - and the letter that she has been dreading has arrived today.

We're going to meet her later to hand the letter over. We saw her yesterday and she was great. She looked fit, healthy, glowing and happy, she was smiley and chatty and lovely.

I only hope that today's news doesn't set her back.

That's why I'm anxious.

AND THE TROUBLE WITH COMFORT FOOD...

... is that it leaves you absolutely stuffed!

THE ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD!

Thats what this evening's meal is all bout!,

James and Claire are coming round and the menu tonight is mince and dumplings with creamy mash and veg, followed by apple crunch ( my invention comprising a Bradley apple purée, whipped cream and sticky cornflakes coated in butter and golden syrup), or gorgeously fragrant homemade rice pudding with raspberry couli - again homemade, so much nicer than jam! (I know I made one last week, but Claire loved it so much, I thought I'd have another go!)

Okay so calorific values will be through the roof, but sometimes that really doesn't matter.

And tonight is one of those occasions!

ITS BEEN ANOTHER...

.... "Too busy to blog" day.

I really know what it is to be run off my feet today! ( Quite literally actually, as I got to the checkout in Morrisons, actually bagging stuff up when I discovered I'd forgotten leeks, so left the cashier to finish packing, apologised to the lady behind and sprinted through the store to the veg section, grabbed five packs of leeks and raced back to discover that she was still bagging up, so I hadn't really kept anyone waiting very long!)

I've surprised myself with my efficiency today actually. I already had a big order to do for Centurion and woke to discover another order, from Radcliffes this time, and by 1pm was able to send Charles out with most of their stuff, even allowing for the 20 mile round trip to Morrisons. Centurion order so much that they have it delivered in two batches anyway, so I now have a couple of days to get the rest of it completed.

BUT tomorrow morning there are two priorities...

1) work on the 18 birthday cake

2) TRY to order Take That tickets!

And after that I  have an appointment at SAKs and then James and Claire are coming for tea!

Happy Days'

AM BORED NOW!

I've been out to do the shopping, feeling my way cautiously through the fog. I've been to the wholesaler to stock up on dry ingredients. I've stripped the beds, washed, ironed and replaced the bedding. I've done the cleaning - including the oven. And that is where the problem lies.

The oven is effectively out of action for the rest of the afternoon. Fortunately there's no order to be delivered tomorrow. (That's why I decided to clean it today) But, it does mean that I cannot do anything at all that requires baking today.

I hadn't realised how irritating I would actually find that. A huge part of me wants to be making more Christmas cakes and getting stocked up on tray bakes, and once I've made up my mind that I want to do something, that's it! I need to do it there and then.

So I'm feeling a little irritable and might have to have a little lie down with my Kindle for a while!!

MATCH DAY!

On TV.

Aaaaaaargh!

Won't actually ge able to watch it live. Will need to see what the outcome is and watch the recording later. Might shut myself in the bedroom for the duration. Charles will be yelling enough to let me (and the street) know what's happening.

How can it be so different from being at SJP and watching them live? I really don't understand how that works!

HOORAY FOR THE WEEKEND!!

Not sure why really, it just feels like I'm ready for a weekend, even though I don't really benefit in any way!

But, we are going to Adrianos for dinner this evening with James, so that's a reason to be happy.

I THINK I'm up to date with all the baking and have started to prepare for a big celebration cake that goes out towards the end of next week, so feel quite relaxed about that.

Don't have to get stressed about NUFC until tomorrow, so that delays the anxiety a bit.

All in all, today could be relatively chilled and pleasant then!

TODAY...

... Is my Dads birthday.

He would have been 96.

Sadly, we lost home eight years ago, although, the reality is that we lost him long before that.

I still miss him and think about him every day.

Love you Dad xx

THIS HAS TOO BE...

... the first day that has really made you think that winter is on the way. It's really nippy out there!!

Thankfully, apart from a rapid burst of Quick fire pyrotechnics next door, Bonfire passed of relatively peacefully. Mind you, those few minutes cause Rose extreme distress, and consequently caused us some discomfort too as she barked hysterically and then took ages to really calm down, whereas Lily just ignored it to start with and only really joined in with Rose to keep the side up.

Anyway, I'm glad it's over for another year.

4.30...

... and it's dark!

Just having a bit off a sit down and a cuddle with the girls, who have just gone berserk over the footage of the most adorable panda babies on SSN.

Not sure what this evening will be like. Bonfire night is usually something and nothing up here in Fram, thank goodness, but there are bound to be a few scary noises that will upset the girls.

Right, got to get an apple pie out of the oven! It was going to be for dinner tomorrow, but looks like it'll be going to Radcliffes instead!

LOOKING FORWARD...

... to an evening in front of the telly, but can pretty much guarantee I won't be awake for long!

WHY WAS I...

... so wide awake for hours last night?

I've practically read a whole crime novel, kept up to date with all that's going on in the cake decorating blog world, planned thence tacked I'm going to be doing...

In fact I now feel more tired than I did at 3.30am... And 4.30... And 5.00.  Get the picture?

I'll probably turn into a right old grump this afternoon. Either that, or the tears will return.

WHY AM I...

... wide awake at 5am? Why have a been unable to sleep since 3.45?

I'm going to be so tired later on.

TIME...

... to get up I'm afraid.

It looks very grey outside and sounds like it's raining heavily. That means our fair weather Westies will be very unhappy.

WHEN I WAS A CHILD...

... Sunday really WAS a day of rest, certainly so far as my family was concerned. Having a clergyman for a father kind of made sure of that!

I'm just sitting here for a minute, catching my breath as I juggle the trays and pans and bowls and tins, trying to work out how many quiche will actually fit in the oven together , and how long to allow for the fruit cake to bake...

... and I'm overwhelmed with sadness again, but this time so very definitely for my Dad, who I miss every day of my life and who could always help me to get things into perspective again.

We lost  him eight years ago. Had he lived, he would have been 96 this week.

What I would give to be able to talk to him once more.

I've got to stop these tears... what is the matter with me?

ANOTHER WIN!!

Can't fault the teams commitment today at all. Three well deserved points in the bag. Thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

At home now and looking forward to an evening of Strictly and MOTD!!

EARLY KICK OFF TODAY!

NUFC V LFC

Well we may not win, but I bet it's a good match. Should be a cracking atmosphere!

Almost go so far as to say, I'm looking forward to it!!

Need to set off early as the A1 is currently down to one lane in each direction between Morpeth and Seaton Burn and was an absolute nightmare yesterday when I drove through to Gosforth, so with match day traffic it'll be a total mess today, I'm guessing.

I also need to call in at the station to collect a pile of quiche tins so that I can start making up their next order ready for delivery on Monday. I almost can't make quiche fast enough!!

THEY CAME...

.... they looked and, I would imagine, pretty much dismissed it.

What a pair of stuck up snobs.

She made a huge point of saying she would be throwing our range out if they moved in because she only ever cooks on an Aga and then went into great detail anout how it's remote controlled and how it has holiday settings...blah blah blah.

Then we got the, ' we've only been on the market since Saturday, but already people from London want it...' Yak yak yak.

Wouldn't want someone like that to live here anyway.

WAITING...

... for people to come and view the house.

Not holding out any hope though, because they still have a large property to sell in Seahouses, and I can't see that happening any time soon.

Sadly, it's a grey and miserable day, so the house isn't looking it's best!

Never mind eh!!

WATCHING LAST NIGHT'S MATCH...

...  and still expecting Man City to win!

#NoFaith

WOW!

Really did not see that result coming!

SUCH A BUSY DAY!!

So it's about 6.20 and I'm just about ready to stop faffing about with cakes stuff. I've been working on the architecture graduation cake, that includes a couple of the Dubai burjes, Paul Smith stripes, Rennie Mackintosh roses and the student herself of course. Quite a challenge!

Not looking forward to this evening so much as NUFC are playing Man City and its on the telly. I suspect it won't be an easy watch. But then, is it ever?

Going out with James and Claire tomorrow evening, IF we can actually get someone at Marabini's to answer the phone so we can make a booking! We've been trying for ages now and nobody's bothering to pick up the phone. Grrrrrrr!!!!!

OIL TANK SORTED!

At last and after one or two logistical incidents we have a thoroughly clean oil tank and 900 litres of fresh oil thank you very much Pearts!

AND AS PREDICTED...

... the oil tanker has arrived and the tank still hasn't been cleaned out!!

How predictable is this?

SO, THIS AFTERNOON...

...we are expecting to have our oil tank and all the piping leading to the boiler, drained, cleaned and dried, and then we should receive an oil delivery otherwise we will have no heating this evening.

We have double checked with all the agencies involved and they have also co-ordinated their planning, so...

...what's the betting something is going to go wrong?

IT'S ONLY 4PM,

And it's dark enough to need all the lights on.

It's been a nothing sort of a day really, just lots of bitty jobs to do.

Kevin has completely messed us about and, unlike every other week, doesn't want a delivery until Wednesday, which means we're hanging about, changing plans, being inconvenienced again and just getting generally annoyed at his thoughtlessness.

I really wanted to go to Yorkshire to see the family for a day, but the week's beginning to fill up without me knowing whether or not we'll manage it. The oil tank is supposed to be cleaned out tomorrow and we have a delivery to do, then we have Kevin to sort on Wednesday, people viewing the house on Friday, Helen will be up here for the weekend and we've got the match anyway, which only seems to leave Thursday free at the moment...

CLOCKS HAVE GONE BACK...

... Oh how I hate this time of the year.

I find it truly depressing.

I think it's even worse now because of my eye condition that means I find it difficult to see well in gloomy light.

And it really IS gloomy out there today. And, in a few minutes we're setting off to go to the Quayside to meet up with a friend who's visiting the area with a group from the Eden Project. Clearly we won't be sitting outside forum coffee!!

At the same time were taking Centurion's massive delivery of quiche and cakes. Hopefully this little lot will see them through the week!!

Had a fab evening with James and Claire yesterday, with good Indian food and a chance just to lounge around watching Strictly, it was pretty much the perfect evening.

PHEW!

Just sitting down for a couple of minutes after a whole day of quiche baking. It's been a veritable quiche marathon actually and I am now thankful to be able to take the weight off my feet for a while. ( mind you, as soon as I typed that the timer on the oven went, so I'd better get up and see how the last batch is doing!

FEELING A BIT BETTER TODAY!

I had a long talk with James last night and that seems to have helped me see things more positively.

I honestly don't know what came over me yesterday, but I just felt as though I was never going to stop the tears and yet I didn't know what I was crying about!

Need to keep an eye on it I suppose.

Been steadily busy today. Shopping, hairdressers and making a start on Centurion's order for Monday. Have also made three Christmas cakes using Nigella's 'on the hob' method! What a cinch! Just hope they taste good because I never want to go back to the old way of doing it!

FEELING...

... Overwhelmingly fed up and tearful today. For no good reason.

I seem to have been on the verge of tears all the time.

It's not so bad when I'm occupied, although even then I'm finding myself with tears starting and without any apparent trigger.

There are times when I just feel pointless. That's what I feel like - pointless.

What is the point?

BOILER MAN'S BEEN...

... drained a whole load more gunk out of the fuel pipes, got it fired up and running, left for his next job and it packed up again probably before he'd even got out of the village.

So he's on his way back.

Pearts, the Oil company that is responsible for the mess we are in,  have admitted its their fault and have said they will sort it, but have still to let us know when that is likely to be, despite two phonecalls from Charles to each of which they claimed they would return his call immediately. Needless to say, we are still waiting. And the repair ills are mounting!

Susan Rutherford is also on her way now for coffee and a bit of a catch up.

I cannot begin to tell you how fed up I am with the whole boiler/oil tank saga and, as soon as Susan has left, I am going out!

AND JUST A WEEK...

... after the boiler was last repaired, it's broken down again.

I cannot begin to tell you how fed up I am.

It was perfectly obvious yesterday that it was struggling.

We're supposed to be having the tank cleaned out, but the guy who's dealing with it is on holiday, and now we're having to deal with a bitterly cold house again.

Sick!

HAVE MADE A START...

... ON THE MINCE PIES!!

Just letting Claire know really. I know she loves a good mince pie!!

FENHAM!!

We've driven round and round Fenham and have pretty much decided that this is where we want to concentrate our house search - once we are in a position to do so obviously!!

There are areas of Fenham that we are not keen on, but a lot of it is fabulous and we have already managed to narrow it down to a few streets that would be firm favourites when it comes to buying.


We took the girls with us (they get so excited about going out in the car and then as soon as we're on the move they fall asleep and don't really wake up until we get home again!) and drove around for about three hours. We also checked out some areas of Kenton, but the front runner is certainly Fenham at the moment!!

SOMEHOW...

... The passenger side wing mirror on the MX5 has fallen off!

I took it into Morpeth today, parked outside Morrisons and then moved it and parked on the street. When I got back I didn't  notice anything amiss, but just before I got to the A697 I heard an odd noise and looked across to find it dangling by a thread.

Charles says something's hit it, possibly a bird, but it must have gone with a heck of a whack to snap it off and I honestly didn't hear or notice anything.

I think it's more than like likely that someone knocked it while it was parked up in Morpeth.

Anyway, it looks a right mess, held together with tape, until I can get it sorted out properly.

I'm annoyed though, because someone knows they've done this!!

BETTER GET UP!

It's gone 9.00 and I'm still lying in bed. I should be getting up and organised as I've got a quiche and pie baking marathon to tackle today, but I'm quite content to stay here just a little longer.

Might just close my eyes again for a few minutes and then I really will get up.

MATCH DAY!

Oh hooray!

Just to make it interesting, let's predict the timing of Leicester's first goal.

I'm going with 19 minutes, although that might be overly optimistic.

NOT A LOT...

... to report today.

Hair done, shopping sorted, baking and Chritpstmas cake designs well underway.

Have to say I've had a horrid feeling of dread all day. It took a while to work out why, but then I remembered we've got a match tomorrow? Oh joy.

WOKE UP TO...

... find Charles rummaging around in the boiler housing! Apparently we now have an oil leak from the boiler. It's on and running, but leaking, so not a brilliant situation.

On another boiler related note, the team of cleaners are coming out to check the tank etc so that we can finally be rid of the contamination problem. They should be here soon.

Actually, I've had such a busy and productive morning in the kitchen I think I'll just go out for a bit of a break and hopefully all the boiler stuff will be sorted when I get back!!

GOT AN EMAIL...

... From the couple who viewed the house and seemed so keen.

They REALLY WANT IT! However, they still have to sell theirs in Burford. But they. Ade it clear that they have talked about our house non-stop since they first viewed it and are seeing themselves living here before too long.

Great news, so long as they find a buyer.

What we might do is have a look at what's on offer around Newcastle, so we have a clear picture of what we can get for our money!!

HAVENT HEARD A THING...

... after yesterday's return visit by our potential buyers, despite getting a text from Charles while I was out shopping saying that they would definitely be  along an offer of the asking price yesterday afternoon! I think he was being a little over-optimistic, but then this is the man who always thinks Newcastle are going to win...

Currently we're waiting for the boiler man to return with a new pump. Second one this year. Something of a record apparently. And, at last, someone from Peart's Oil will be coming to look at the tank tomorrow to check for contamination and, hopefully, to make some sort of offer of compensation. (Remember that years ago their driver filled our tank with diesel and our boiler guy is convinced that the gloop that's trying to work it's way through our system is the result of the tank not being thoroughly cleaned at the time.)

I'm still furious that neither the boiler guy nor Charles, took me seriously when I told them that the boiler would be packing up imminently. If they had listened to me we could have avoided this situation and had it fixed on Saturday when he came round and tried to say it was fine. At least he had the decency to look extremely sheepish when he walked in yesterday and he did manage to admit that I was right!

So, annoyingly, I'm now sitting, twiddling my thumbs, and just WAITING. and that is absolutely not something that I'm good at!!!!

THE COUPLE...

... who came to look round on Friday...

... HAVE BEEN BACK FOR A SECOND LOOK TODAY!!

Still keeping fingers and toes crossed!!

SO, AFTER ALL THE EXCITEMENT...

... of the house viewings last week, we haven't heard a single thing from the estate agent. Very disappointing and something to be chased up tomorrow I think.

Lovely day today. Quite a busy morning to be fair with a couple of cakes being picked up and an I Eder to finish off for Kevin, but we've spent a lovely couple of hours in Bar Luga with James and Claire, joined by Christina for a while as well. Had a little wander round the shops, but Morpeth hasn't really decided what it wants to do on a Sunday, so half of the shops hadn't opened, including the Chantry which is where we really wanted to go.

Back home now and just about to give in to a Sunday afternoon snooze!

HAVE HAD A LOVELY TIME...

...with Christina in town, just shopping and having coffee and lunch. Real Mum and daughter stuff. I enjoyed it so much and I think she did too

Saw James and Claire, just briefly, but hope to catch up with them tomorrow and next week. Thank you for letting me park the RAV at your house.

Back home now, just catching up with all the jobs that should have been done earlier, but have somehow been forgotten or just ignored. Hmmmm!

Now for a lovely relaxed evening, starting with Strictly...

OK, I GOT THAT WRONG!!!!!

They DID turn up!

About 15 minutes late, but as soon as they got in they LOVED it and planned out where all their furniture was going. We even discussed where his octagonal greenhouse is going!

Her name is ROSEmary LILY which she saw as an omen once she met the girls. They come from a village  near Burford in Oxfordshire, a place we know really well.

She loved it so much, she cried! She even said, 'This is MY house!'

Maybe she's just bonkers!!

Sadly, they have to sell their house, but it's just gone on the market, so who knows?

Fingers crossed again!

ALREADY...

...10 minutes late.

I'm guessing this will be a no show.

But this time, nobody has even bothered to tell us that.

Fed up!

JUST OVER AN HOUR...

... to go before we are supposed to have a viewing.

So far, Pattinsons haven't called to say they have cancelled.

So, fingers (and toes) crossed then.

SUCH A BUSY DAY!!

But...

... I'm pretty pleased with the end result. Two cakes completed since the end of Bake Off yesterday. I started one at about 11.00 last night, finished it in the small hours, then completed the second one during the day, just taking a couple of hours out to go to SAKs.

Probably the most complicated cake I've done in a while, but I'm reasonably happy with the outcome and very pleased to have finally got all the sugarpaste decorations onto a cake and off our dining table!

Now I need to start thinking about Christmas cakes!! Oh joy!

TOTALLY KNACKERED,

Haven't stopped all day, until about half an hour ago when I felt so faint I thought it was time to eat, but then couldn't actually face what I made myself!

BUT, I have hopefully got to the point where I should have a lovely,  creative day tomorrow!

and, I really hope I manage to stay awake for the Bake Off final in about twenty minutes. CANT WAIT!

TAKE IT BACK!!

What I said earlier about the lack of viewings, or the spurious potential purchasers!

We actually have a viewing this afternoon. Arranged with one hour's notice, so not really long enough to back out. Typically though, the kitchen was a total mess when we got the call, as I have so much baking going on today, but we've had a quick tidy round and I think it looks presentable enough!!

Andif what they say about the smell of home baking is right - we should do really well!!

ALSO...

... We did a massive delivery to Centurion yesterday and I woke up to find another huge order from them that they want by Friday.

Who's eating all the cakes?

I'm really going to struggle this week as I'm already pretty busy with birthday cakes for this weekend. Typical!

WE HAVE...

... someone coming to look at our house on Friday. I only mention it because Pattinsons have arrange two previous viewings (Yes! As many as that!) and on both occasions they've rung either that day before or a couple of hours before scheduled visit, t o say that the prospective purchaser has pulled out.

The viewing is scheduled for 11.30.

So, to make it a little more bearable, I'm predicting the call will come on Friday morning 10.00 and Charles reckons it'll be Thursday late afternoon.

Will let you know who the winner is in the fullness of time!

OKAY, OKAY, OKAY!!!

Requests for Christmas cakes are coming in now, so I suppose I need to start thinking about designs for this year's collection.

I've got a pretty full-on week this week, so it maybe the end of the week before I get ideas sorted and publicised.

Bear with me for must a bit longer, please!!

GOING OUT...

.. In a while to meet up with Helen and James and Claire. I think we're just going out in Gosforth,but it'll be nice to see Helen for a bit of a catch up as we hardly seem to see each other these days.

I've got most of the deliveries ready for tomorrow, so should be able to have a relaxed afternoon when we get back. Can feel an afternoon nap coming on!

SWANSEA V NEWCASTLE

Kicks off in  quarter of an hour.

The SSN pundits have had an absolute blast at the expense of  NUFC.

They can't see how we're getting out of this mess, and neither can I, but somehow it seems so much worse when you hear other people saying it.

Sick of it all now and actually font care about this afternoon. No pre-match nerves at all, because I am genuinely not bothered.

ALAN HENNING

What an absolute tragedy.

The news last night was, I suppose, expected, but nevertheless was shocking and horrifically sickening.

I cannot begin to imagine what he went through and what his family have gone through and will continue to go through. I could weep for them.

He was carrying out an act of humanity and this is the result.

Rest in Peace.

BRRRRRRR!!!!

How cold has it gone today?

Got the heating turned up high and the old cardie on.

It's already nearly dark and its only 6.30.

Oh I hate this time of year.

I'm not one of these who likes the cold weather because we can get our fab new winter wardrobe out. I'm past that stage. Just want to be warm and I don't like it at all.

I find it really depressing and sad in a way.

Or maybe it's just the thought of another NUFC loss tomorrow that's making me feel this way!

POON

Slightly surreal setting - used to be a cinema I think - and it does feel a bit cavernous. Not sure what the acoustics will be like if the place is ever full, but it was pretty empty when we went this evening and felt a little bit echo-y, if that makes sense. The food was fine but nothing special. Good old-fashioned Chinese. Plenty of it and tasty enough, but nothing special. Service was great though.

Would I go back?

Probably not. There are better Chinese restaurants close by.

However, it was really lovely to sit down to eat with the family. It's been a while since we did that, and for all that the conversation had its truly bizarre moments, it was lovely to relax and just be able to laugh about stuff!

I'VE JUST BEEN ASKED...

... To recreate a quiche that someone from Centurion had on holiday. All I've got to go on is a photo and that it contains feta cheese, sweet potato, roasted peppers, courgette and something else that I've forgotten already - and pastry.

Other than that there's no helpful recipe, nor can I find one on t'internet that contains all the ingredients.

Haven't  got a clue where to start and think it's a little unfair that I'm expected to recreate someone's delicious holiday memory without a tad more help.

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

if I'm in the kitchen baking or cooking something delicious, Charles will pop through to have a little nose around...

... Today, however, I left a pan of sugar on the heat for about twenty minutes. I didn't mean to, obviously. I just took a bag of rubbish to the bin and got talking to the man who lives across the road.

Big Mistake.

By the time I turned back to the house, I could smell the burning from halfway down the drive and had to literally battle my way through the smoke to get to the, by now, cremated, pan.

At no time did Charles move from his chair. Even when there was smoke billowing out of the kitchen he didn't move and, more importantly...

... Why did none of our three fire alarms go off.

Time to get the batteries replaced I think!

AWAKE...

...half the night and up early this morning because Charles has to take his Mum to hospital to have the arm that she fractured yesterday put into plaster. (Not altogether sure why they didn't actually do it yesterday when she went to be checked over, but there you go...)

Anyway, I think the reason for not sleeping was probably the aftermath of the horror show at Stoke. I had Twitter on constant refresh, just waiting to hear that Pardew had gone, but, of course, it didn't happen and STILL hasn't happened.

Newcastle are in one huge mess, unless they make major changes and I don't think I want to watch any more matches while he's in charge because his cluelessness is seriously messing with my stress levels. I honestly don't want to experience another evening when Charles is yelling at the TV the way he has tonight.

How can it be that the fans, the pundits and pretty much anyone associated in any way with football can see that Pardewis out of his depth, but Ashley refuses to? The expense of paying off Pardew and his team can only be a fraction of what he will lose when we are relegated. It makes no sense to me whatsoever.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!

Usually I enjoy this!

But not tonight as its Stoke V NUFC.

We never, ever perform when we're on telly, we haven't won all season anyway, we're away from home...

Aaaaargh!

It'll be one of those matches that I can't bear to watch!

Actually, how does that work? I can sit through a home game at the ground and watch everything, but can't bear the tension of it all on TV. Why is it so different?

WELL, YOU CAN TELL...

... that Andrew has left Radcliffes! New girl, Alex, is great and is doing her best, but is clearly struggling with you know who and is already checking up that he has done what he needs to do! And, predictably, he hasn't!!

So, the cut off time for Monday orders is Saturday, end of trading. Andrew was great about this and if I didn't hear from him I knew I had a clear Sunday and no delivery until Tuesday.

I got a text from Kevin this morning, with an order, but no clue as to when he wanted it. About two minutes after he sent it he wanted confirmation. I then asked when it was for and heard nothing at all until poor Alex texted to find out if the order had been placed yesterday as she had requested as they need it on Monday. She is clearly getting to know Kevin very quickly!

Obviously, he wants to be in charge of the ordering, but he's so hopeless at it, it would be so much better if he handed it over to Alex.

Of course, I should have refused to do it for tomorrow, I know that, but I didn't because I really don't want Alex to have a difficult day,especially as it wasn't her fault.

Eventually, by the way, I had a reply to my text. It arrived sometime this afternoon and just said, 'Tomorrow. Ta'

CHRISTINA...

... has been round this morning. Just for a short while, but she was lovely. Relaxed and chatty, smiley and content. Made a lovely fuss of the girls which is always a good sign. So happy to see her like this.

I'm having a quiche day today. It's all I'm making and I'll be glad when I get finished!! After that there's nothing much apart from catching up with the scores and watching Strictly later on. Might even settle down with my Kindle and see how soon I nod off!!

AND THE COUNTDOWN...

...to Christmas begins in all seriousness, this weekend, with the start of Strictly and with Downton and Xfactor already on the go, it really does feel as though it's just around the corner...

...which it IS according to the shops. Mince pies, Christmas cake, cards and crackers are all readily available right now.

And if you haven't booked up for your Christmas party night by now, you might as well forget it. It's NOT going to happen. You should have booked back in March like all the organised people do.

HAVENT BEEN ON THE BLOG TODAY.

JUST BEEN TO BUSY WITH OTHER STUFF.

Sorry, didn't mean to shout!

James and Claire have been round for dinner and have just left. Lovely to see them. Watched Bake Off  again because they'd missed it yesterday. Enjoyed it even more second time round!

Watching 'Marvellous' right now.

IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT...

...don't even think about baking for a living.

Seriously, I think I may melt. Reminds me of a book I think would be banned these days, that I used to love when I was little, where the tigers all chased themselves round a tree so fast they ended up in a pool of butter!!

Might have to stand outside in the cool for a while.

I HONESTLY BELIEVE...

... That this ipad has a life of its own.

It was telling me that a whole load of apps needed updating, which we set it away to do and now nothing is where it's supposed to be any more. It's taken ages to find this blog, down some convoluted route that I'll never remember. In fact it could be some time before I find it again.

I still have no remembered log in details either and I know that there are bigger issue in the world, but right now it is irritating me.

THIS IPAD...

.. Has lost all it's remembered log in details again, or forgotten them. It's so annoying. Most of the time it's fine and everything works smoothly and then suddenly it forgets all the stuff I've asked it to remember and for weeks I have to manually type it all on despite asking to be remembered each time.
Okay, it only takes seconds, but it's still irritating.

Charles has gone off to do the Radcliffes delivery,to see his Mum and to meet up with Christina. This will be the first meeting in a long time, so I hope it goes well and I send her my love. Hopefully it will mark the beginning of a reconciliation.

As for me, it's just a trip down to Morpeth in a while!! Very exciting.

Oh, and we've yet again reduced the asking price on our house. We did this on Friday. I fully expected the phone to be ringing this morning with viewing requests, but so far nothing has happened! If it doesn't attract attention this time we are going to have to take it off the market and just forget moving. In which case, there's some decorating I'd like to do...

SLEPT LIKE A LOG...

... last night. Mind you, it was about 2.00 before I got settled down, so I think I was just plain exhausted after all the excitement of the day.

Today has been a kitchen day - no surprises there I suppose. But I've got the order ready for tomorrow, have replaced most of the stuff that's going out and have invented a new peach Melba tray bake that looks and smells fab. Can't wait to try it. I must remember to write ideas down because I tend to come up with a new recipe and love it, but I've forgotten how I did it the next time I have a go!! Need to get better organised I think.

Nice to see Man Ure throwing the game against Leicester away! However bad our team is at the moment, it's still nice to see them having a bad day too!

TOO TIRED...

... to even think about blogging really. But we are back home after a particularly eventful day. Mostly it's been brilliant. Even the match wasn't quite so bad as we anticipated. The Lion King was wonderful. Fujiyamas was just amazing. The girls were fine at Rachel's house. All in all a pretty good day.

AM ABSOLUTELY...

... dreading the match this afternoon. Really feeling physically sick with nerves. I feel as bad as I did before a big exam, or my driving test. This cannot be what supporting your team is all about.

I can't imagine what the atmosphere is going to be like and if (when?) we go behind, God help Pardew.

SO...

... The 'no's have it!

Fine, that's the result I expected, although I thought it might be tighter.

Now let's see what the future brings for Scotland - and for Wales, Northern Ireland and really, anywhere that's not London and the Home Counties.

#dontholdyourbreath

SCOTLAND!

Yes iron?

What will it be?

Might actually get up early to see results coming in around dawn - or I might not! It won't alter anything will it.

37 YEARS AGO TODAY...

... We got married. I would like to say it seems like yesterday, but I all honesty it doesn't! Maybe more like last week!!

We didn't exactly have the day of our dreams and it was certainly taken out of our hands by our parents, but it was still a happy day.

We didn't have two pennies to rub together! Drove a clapped out, ancient Morris Oxford and lived in a stone cottage in the middle of the Oxfordshire countryside where, in the winter months, we would wake up to snow drifts actually inside the house. I'm not joking. It was primitive.

And yet we were happy...

... (Affects Yorkshire accent... You were lucky... There were 150 of in living in hole in ground...etc etc!!)

SAD TO REPORT...

... that today is the last day that Andrew Spencer is working at Radcliffes. He handed his notice in a few weeks ago, but has only just been 'given permission' by Kevin to tell people. I am pretty devastated actually, as he is the one person who knows what he's doing in the coffee shop and he certainly keeps me sane! We rushed into Jesmond earlier today to drop off award and a pressie, and there he was in floods of tears. Poor Andrew - but also poor ME!! The next few weeks will  decided whether or not I continue to supply Kevin. Having said all that, I really wish Andrew all the best for the future. He worked so hard for Kevin, for very little thanks and deserves a break.

We had another drive round parts of Gosforth that we don't know very well and discovered some fab streets, but doubt whether the houses would be in our budget and certainly wouldn't give us any scope to reduce our asking price. Looks like we're stuck here for the time being then!

WHAT HAPPENS TO TIME?

Where does it go?

How does I just use it up without even realising that that's what I'm doing?

I'm frittering time and there's not enough of it to waste.

Today may as well not have happened. Although I DID bump  into an old family friend in Morpeth. We stood in the shopping precinct and chatted and it was lovely. We should have gone for coffee and spent some quality time together, but instead I told her I was busy and would get in touch with her to arrange a proper get together.

I won't.

But I should.

CANT GET MY HEAD AROUND...

... Anything that happens at Newcastle United these days. It was interesting that, unlike most occasions when we get together, we spent about an hour with James  this morning before the matter of  last Saturday's match was mentioned. Even then, it was raised apologetically and left us feeling despondent and angry really. James commented that it is becoming a chore to go and watch us play. And he's absolutely tight. There's certainly no pleasure in it any more.

MORNING IN TOWN!

Thanks James. That was a lovely way to start the week. Breakfast at Olive and Bean and a bit of a leisurely look around the shops. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

SATURDAY'S SOLUTION!!

The girls are going to my niece's in Gosforth, where they will be able to play with Bumble the beagle and be looked after by a whole host of humans including Rachel and Hannah.

Problem solved.

I just seems so much better than leaving them in their crate all afternoon, having Claire drive up from town to let them out and feed them, only for them to have to get back into the crate again for most of the evening until we get back from Sunderland.

So, huge thanks to Rachel and James for making next Saturday a lot more bearable for us.

But then again, there's the matter of the football...

FAMILY MEETING AT ST GEORGE'S PARK...

... cancelled again by Christina. This was highly predictable, but disappointing nonetheless. I did, however, have a good conversation with the facilitator, who seems to have a pretty good grasp of the severity of Christina's illness and the impact this has on us as a family unit.

Hopefully, it will be rescheduled for a few weeks time, although this is the second time it's been cancelled, so I really hope we don't end up losing the slot and going back to the waiting list again.

We have tickets for the Lion King next weekend which we purchased months ago, when everything was much more stable. I can't imagine she will come, although she has texted today to say that she will. I have bad memories of the last Take That gig though, when she backed out at the very last minute on the day of the concert, having kept everyone waiting for hours and causing stress levels to escalate. If she doesn't come we can offer the ticket to someone else, instead of completely wasting about £70 and ending up with an unused ticket attached to a notice board which is where the TT ticket ended up - and still is to this day.

I do have major concerns about how we're going to organise this trip to the theatre, because it's next Saturday and, of course, we have a match in the afternoon. We can't leave the girls all day. We won't have time to get home from the match to feed them and let them stretch their legs, then get to Sunderland by 7.30. Claire has kindly offered to come up to see to them during the afternoon, but I don't really want to put her out, especially as she is allergic to them and, although she copes with them for short periods, they will be all over her if she comes to sort them out and I don't want her to feel uncomfortable. Part of me thinks that maybe I should go to the game and then come home and let the others go to the theatre. I would be hugely disappointed to miss it, but at least I would know that the girls were okay. Sadly, we don't know anyone in the village well enough to ask them to pop round to check on them. So, it's a problem, and I'm not sure what the answer is.

NOTHING MUCH DOING...

... today!!

Haven't done much at all really, apart from prepare some of the images I printed off on my fab new printer for a birthday cake that's going out next week.

Oh and I've made lardy cakes and that's about it really...

Had a bit of a rant to the bank because they've completely messed up this 'compromised' card business and the guy I spoke to on Friday has done the opposite of what he was supposed to do, but I've been reimbursed for my inconvenience - it's too banal to explain! - and hopefully the new card should arrive tomorrow.

Not sure what to do now. It's the middle of the afternoon and I think I might be a bit bored!

TODAY WE WENT TO...

... find out more about what Heaton is like, as part of our quest to find the ideal place to move to. I thought Heaton was just rows of terraces, occupied by students, but was pleasantly surprised to find quite a considerable mix of housing styles and some very pleasant areas.

We had coffee at Dean and Daniella's, sitting outside with Lily and Rose.  That was lovely!

When we got back I did yet another internet search for property and discovered some amazing houses that were sadly on the wrong side of the river. Pity, because they looked amazing. Just don't think we could ever live on the wrong side.

Mind you, I've just been gazing mindlessly out of the kitchen window and I'm not sure we would ever find a property with the sort of private, enclosed and spacious garden we have now!

SO EXCITED!!

The printer, edible ink and sugar sheets that I ordered last week have arrived today. Charles is busy getting it set up and I can't wait to have a play with my new toy. I'm hoping to use it to print out some rather special images for a birthday cake next week, so I hope it lives up to expectations!!

PAYING FOR...

... yesterday's day off! It's been full-on, non-stop baking today, with the only respite coming from a shopping trip for supplies and even then I think I was out of the house for an hour max, which is pretty good considering the traffic both ways between here and Morpeth was somewhat sluggish to say the least.

The upshot though, us that I've baked pretty much everything that's needed by Radcliffes and Centurion, have replaced stuff that I've taken out of the freezer with freshly made stuff and the only reasons for stopping are that I've run out of both quiche tins and freezer space!

Ihaventhoweverbeen too busy to notice the GNR this morning. As usual, amazing scenes. Just wondering how Hannah did?

LOOKING FORWARD...

... to an early birthday meal for Claire at Nadon Thai in Morpeth later today. Her birthday isn't until 11th Sept ( not a date you'd forget) but as that's midweek we decided to celebrate this evening instead. It will give her a whole week of birthday stuff to look forward to if I know anything about the rest of her family!!

We haven't been to this Thai restaurant before ( well Charles and I haven't, James and Claire have!) but it must be popular because when I tried to book on Monday they were already full for Saturday and could only offer us a table at 6.00!

Before that though I think I have quite a nice relaxed day. Going to Morpeth soon for my weekly SAKs appointment, a bit of shopping and then home to do...not very much! All the baking is up to date, so I might see today as a day off!

I'll also try very hard not to read anything at all about NUFC. Clearly there isn't going to be any good news about our club and I'm getting so tired of feeling constantly let down. Relegation beckons and, sadly, a lot of us have got to the point where we just don't care any more. Maybe because it hurts too much.

HAD A SCARY MOMENT...

... this morning when I as informed by my bank that my card has been 'compromised' and consequently I'm going to need a replacement. No idea how, although I do a lot of online shopping so probably that leaves me vulnerable. The guy who was telling me about it said it could have been a cashpoint that had been fitted with a skimming device - well that's what it sounded like anyway.

I suppose I should be thankful that someone has been vigilant.

WAITING AROUND!

The plan was that we were going to drive round some of the areas of Newcastle that we don't know so well, to check them out with a view to potential future house purchase. Then Charles got a text from his niece saying she was in Blyth, so he's gone off to see her, and his Mum, leaving me to get on with mundane stuff around the house before he gets back.

Having said that, I've started work on a model Canon camera and made a load of cupcake toppers, so I haven't exactly wasted time.

I'm just getting so sick of the lack of interest in our property. I am desperate to move and if it means looking at slightly less desirable areas and bringing our price down, then maybe that is what we need to do.

ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!!

I'm letting Charles watch the England match, which will probably be shockingly boring, instead of GBBO which we are recording to watch later! Don't spoil it for me by telling me who gets chucked out. I'm putting my money on Norman, but I want to watch it all the way through to find out for myself.

STILL FED UP!

Newcastle United is such a drain on the emotions!

And it was a typical last day of the window let down for NUFC fans - as predicted, although there is still always that tiny bit of hope, but that soon disappeared along with Hatem to Hull.

This season is going to be one long slog. Maybe, the slight hint of hope is that Pardew's position may become even more untenable than it clearly already is, but then the scary reality is that there could be someone equally clueless waiting in the wings.

Sad, sorry times.

THIS IS THE TIME...

... When I totally HATE being a Newcastle fan.

It's never easy to be honest, but transfer deadline day is pure purgatory.

Still time to sell Hatem. If we tried really hard we might be able to sell Tiote too. MYM has gone to Roma and there's clearly no replacement lined up.

Heartily sick of this joke of a club.

PRETENDING TO WATCH THE FOOTBALL!

But really just enjoying dozing off in front of the telly, snuggled up to Lily and Rose!

For some reason I'm knackered!

Maybe, because it's been a relatively relaxed weekend I've got myself into chilled mode.

Paul left for Brackley this morning. Ive done a bit of shopping and a little baking, but don't intend to do anything else for the rest if the day.

Excuse me while I close my eyes...

PRE-MATCH NERVES KICKING IN!!

Already!!

Got Paul here, which is nice. Mind you, after drinking a couple of bottles of rosé last night I must admit to a tiny bit of a hangover this morning! I'll just have to stick to red - never suffer after a good bottle of that!

Setting off to town soon. It's quite a warm day and I don't want to leave the girls on their own for too long, so we'll leave it as late as possible while still allowing time for a snack and a pre-match drink.

Had some good news this morning, which makes a change for me. Having got totally sick of all the texts advising me that I could claim £xxxxs of PPI back, I decided to have a go and this morning a little cheque (well,a couple actually) arrived in the post. Very nice, thank you!

POURING WITH RAIN!!

And I'm off to SAKs for my weekly hairdo! Great. Hope they've all forgiven me for the Ice Bucket nomination for the salon!!

Paul is coming later on today and staying over the weekend. We've got him a ticket for the match and I think he's joining Charles in the studio this afternoon. It'll be good to see him again!

MIGRAINE!

Again!

I always seem to get them in clusters. Massive aura, just beginning to fad now. Feel totally rung out though.

Can't really see to type, so not going to try any more...

COFFEE WITH...

... my friend, Maureen this morning, then a relatively quiet afternoon I think. We've got James and Claire coming round for dinner, so I need to prepare that, but that's about all there is to do today. Very odd!

One thing Charles has to do though, is to take the little RAV to the garage to find out what needs to be spent on it to get it through it's MOT. If it's a lot, then we will be getting rid of it. I hope I'm wrong, because, although it's ancient and battered, I actually love that little car. Sadly I suspect we will be saying farewell.

OKAY...

... so we're through to the next round, and yet we still haven't actually scored a goal at all this season.

Also, incredibly, MUFC are losing by 3 to MKDons. Can't wait for the post match interview!

(4  - 0 now!)

TODAY IS TUESDAY!

TODAY IS TUESDAY.

TODAY IS TUESDAY...

play on repeat!

THANK YOU...

... James and Claire, for a lovely morning. It was so nice to see you. I really enjoyed going to visit the furniture restorers and loved going to the Parlour.

Got back to a marathoner scone baking session, which is just about finished now! There are one or two 'rejects' if anyone wants some!!

Time to put feet up. Hopefully the MCFC v LFC match will be worth a watch this evening!

SPENT...

... Hours yesterday, researching the family history because my brother (bless!) sent me a text to let me know it was free to search this weekend, got me started on it and then announced he had to go to bed because he's got a busy day ahead! Well thanks to him I was still up and researching at 2am, although I have still only got as far as my Great grandparents on my Dad's Mums side!!

Thanks to Charles's brother, we were then up at 7.30 ON A SUNDAY because he needed an early start.

Can hardly keep my eyes open now.

ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE!!

Oh thank you so much Paul Moreby! Thankfully  you only mentioned generic Ellis's, so Charles is going to do it!! I'm more than happy to contribute to the cause, but if you think I'm tipping a. I key of freezing cold water all over the hair that I pay £££s for every week, you have another think coming. We may be best friends from way back, but that is going just a tad too far I think.

SO WHO THOUGHT...

... it was a good idea for my brother-in-law, (Villa fan), to come and stay with us on the day that the Toon go to Vile Park?

After what happened the last time?

FEET UP!!

Oh yes!! I've got half an hour before the cakes need to come out of the oven and two little Westies who are craving a bit of attention, so I think we'll snuggle up on the sofa together for a while and just relax a bit!

I've managed to finish two birthday cakes this morning, been shopping, started next weeks orders, so I'm feeling quite pleased with what I've achieved today. I might have a slightly calmer couple of days over the weekend and concentrate on some models I've got to make for another cake. I think I'll enjoy doing that!

MIGRAINE!!

Aaaargh! Nasty one this morning.

Fortunately it's receding now and I can get back to the things I need to do. Charles drove me to the cash and carry earlier on and helped me to read the list, so I suppose I haven't wasted too much of the morning, but it's left me with that hungover feeling that I always resent when I haven't even had the enjoyment of a drink to cause it.

Got James and Claire coming round for dinner this evening. Really looking forward to seeing them.

We should have been having a family therapy session today, but Chrisitna has cancelled. We continue to be very worried about her.

ABSOLUTELY BUZZING!!

Discovered that the strawberry-patterned Swiss-roll I made recently has become the first featured cake in the Telegraph today!!

I am overwhelmed and so thrilled. I never have any confidence in what I do, not in a falsely modest way, but I just never feel I've done very well. Anyway, this morning, I've been delighted that people have appreciated that cake and think it will do my confidence a world of good!!

BIT OF A MESSY DAY REALLY!

Nothing really settled about today. I seem to have done lots of bits of things, which I suppose is pretty good in the long run because it'll save time later, but leaves me feeling I'm not sure what I've achieved today!

DIDNT WRITE ON. THE BLOG...

... last night, because we got back and I started work on the mini car topper. Don't ask me why, because it isn't needed for ages, but I just wanted to get on with it.anyway I worked till about 9.30, then had a good look at it and scrapped the whole thing!!

What a waste of time!

Anyway, the match? I actually enjoyed it even though, as predicted, we lost. It was good to see some of the new players and I did feel that we played with rather more conviction. Still need to get everyone settled in though, but praying we get a result at Villa next week!!

MATCH. DAY!!

Nerves have already kicked in. Like 75% of Newcastle supporters, I really do not expect a win!! I'm just wondering what the other 25% had been taking when they were asked their predictions!!!

Meeting James and Matthew in town, going for pre-match burgers and beers at the Garden Kitchen (or whatever it's called).

Trying to decide, apart from the scarf, what should I be wearing today? I've lived in leggings and sandals for weeks, but it's blowing a gale out there right now, so I wonder if I need to wear something a bit warmer?

Oh, I'll just stay as I am and take a jacket. It's still August for goodness sake. (Just hope nobody stands on my feet in the crowd at the end of the game. Might rethink the sandals!)

WATCHING...

... Debuchy playing for Arsenal just doesn't feel right!

Not sure how I'm feeling about tomorrow. I thoroughly expect us to get smashed and just hope it's not too humiliating, but actually can't wait to get back to the ground. It might be a bonkers club, but it's OUR bonkers club!

GRRRR!!

Was intending to get to work on finishing the models I started yesterday, but I think they need another 24 hours drying time before I tackle the detail on them.

This wasn't my plan!!

Not sure what to do now. I've baked to capacity - the freezers are all full!!

Might pop into Morpeth (for a change) and possibly treat myself to an iced coffee. Sounds like a plan!

HAD A QUICK VISIT...

... To the little coffee shop at Kirkharle today. I've heard a lot about it and about the craft shops they have there that I thought it would be good to check it out. It was actually lovely. We had to wait a while because everything is freshly made, but it was certainly worth it.

It was nice to get out for a while because the rest of the day has been filled with baking for  Radcliffes and trying really hard to make an electric guitar out of sugarpaste to go with the drum kit I made yesterday - don't ask!!

Just got three quiche to get out of the oven and then that's me done for the day.

Tomorrow, I have a mini to build!!

QUICK HEALTH UPDATE!

Lily had a much better night. She didn't need to go out for emergence poops at all!!

She was extremely lethargic during the evening yesterday, but she did manage to keep a spoonful of chicken and rice in place and she took her medicine and kept that down too. When she woke this morning she seemed much livelier.

She ate quite a good portion of bland chicken and rice for breakfast. Still hasn't had poops though, so I'm hovering around her whenever she goes outside with the little stick and the pot!!

So happy that there is clearly a huge improvement though. I have to admit, she had me worried yesterday.

BACK FROM THE VETS

Not really any clearer about what's wrong, but that was inevitable I suppose. We've come home with the little stool kit and have to collect samples over the next three days for analysis.

She was so well behaved while we were there. She stood patiently while she was checked over, even during the nasty thermometer bit. The young vet was surprised at how noisy her tummy was! Actually that was unusual for Lily, although Rose quite often has a gurgle tummy.

Anyway, the upshot is, her temperature is okay - high end of normal, but okay, she's not dehydrated, but she needs to eat bland food (good old chicken and rice again) and take that Pro Kolin paste to, hopefully, dry up the squits.

In herself she seems okay. But if we're worried we've to go back any time.

Let's hope she's soon on the mend.

POORLY. LILY

Up most of the night with her after a good day yesterday. This morning she vomited her drink of water straight back, so we're going to take her to the vet. Appointment at 11.30. Poor little thing. I feel so worried about her.

Will update when we get back.

THIS IPAD...

... is the most annoying thing. I've had weeks when it has steadfastly refused to store any of my personal details, login stuff and that. It's not kept a track of sites I've visited which is really annoying because usually, if I'm searching for a recipe, I must rely on the fact that I've been on a site and it's highlighted - a bit random I know it it worked for me, until it clearly didn't!!

But this morning, it's decided to put things right and all my details are there again. How does that happen?

Anyway, it might seem a small thing to you, but it saves a bit of time. Well a lot of time actually, because there are some details I have forgotten about completely!! This is especially true of twitter, which Charles set up and set the password for, but which I took no notice of at the time and now neither of us know what it is!

Easy enough to reset, but just a bit annoying.

Had a bad night last night. Lily had a really squiffy tummy yesterday and was up in the night with it too. She was okay in herself, but  clearly not 100%. Anyway, she seems fine today so we're going to do the old chicken and rice thing for a while to be sure, and also to try baby food, apparently that's a good plan when dogs are under the weather.

I've had another crazy day in the kitchen. Had to stock up on ingredients first, and then managed to get a big order ready for Centurion tomorrow. I need another day of baking tomorrow and then I hope to have one day to set aside to make models for the next birthday cakes. A guitar, a set of drums and a mini with a Union flag on its roof! No worries!!!!

BLOWING A GALE

Been awake on and off all night, disturbed by the wind howling outside. I'm just lying in bed and really should get up and get the day started because I have so much to do.

Charles will be taking the delivery to Radcliffes and I need to make a start on a big order for Centurion, although I'm going to need to go shopping first.

Maybe, just another five minutes...

I'VE LOVED TODAY!

Just managed to get everything cleared up and made a cheese sandwich because I haven't managed to eat all day, but it has been a really happy, chaotic and crazily lovely day. The weather was lousy so we were all crammed into the house, the four dogs got on brilliantly, the barbecue was, allegedly, delicious and the dessert table was much appreciated .

It was fab to see so many of our family again and I really cannot wait until the next time!

JUST FINISHED...

... A marathon session in the kitchen getting stuff ready for tomorrow and looking forward to putting my feet up with a cuppa when I get a text from Radcliffes with their order for Monday. I actually could have wept!

But, I've got it done, so I don't need to get worked up about it tomorrow. I should be able to just enjoy the day - regardless of the weather -  and don't even need to think about the coffee shops until The next day!!

Right, nearly 7pm. I think I'm really ready for a cuppa now!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

... Charles!

Pretty low key today, just having the immediate family round for a meal and presents this evening. Then he has a day with his brother and the Ellis clan tomorrow and a big family barbecue on Sunday. I was going to say 'weather permitting' but we're having this barbecue whatever the weather throws at us!

BEEN VERY BUSY...

...with cakes today.

Sample cakes for a tasting session tomorrow, a gravity cake for the weekend and a patterned Swiss roll that I just had to do after watching the Bake Off last night.  Now think I might get a little bit obsessed with decorating sponges. It's a bit time consuming, but relatively easy and such fun, plus it looks incredible!! Really thrilled with the outcome.

OH YES IT DID!

...ha ha ha! This is the post I thought I couldn't save! I was right though - it is of no significance at all!


GBBO starts this evening. I actually can't wait. Don't anyone ring or call round between 8.00 and 9.00 tonight!!

Had some torrential rain during the night and this morning, although in between it's been warm and sunny. We took the Mazda into Alnwick earlier and drove back across the moor. It was fabulous! And even though it was spitting a bit, we had the hood down and didn't even feel a spot of rain, so that was good too.

Didn't find the Downton Crew sadly. Must be having a day off today.

REALLY ANNOYING!

I had written a post earlier today, but blogger was being really awkward and refused to publish it. Wouldn't even let me save it. Not impressed! Can't even remember what I wrote now! Clearly of no significance whatsoever!

FINGERS CROSSED...

... The weather is good this weekend, especially on Sunday, as we've got a BBQ planned and about 20   people  coming!

Got loads to do before then! Plus, the Ellis contingent are arriving on Saturday and we will be doing things with them, so getting sorted for the Sunday shindig, along with all the usual coffee shop stuff, oh and a celebration cake and a wedding cake tasting session, is going to make this one busy week!

Better get on then!

GOT. A CUSTOMER...

... Coming round this morning to pay for a cake IN ADVANCE!!

Wow! This never usually happens!

START OF A BUSY WEEK!

Lots to get through this week.

I have a birthday cake to complete, three tasting cakes to do fro Friday morning, the usual coffee shop stuff AND a big family get together at the weekend to prep for as well.

I might have to go against all my natural instincts and run down the freezers a bit before I start to fill them up with party food for the family. This will be so difficult because as soon as I complete a coffee shop order I automatically replace everything that's come from the freezer and I tend to have a bit of a panic of I haven't managed to do that. However, I'm pretty sure that I already have duplicates of everything, so I don't really know why I'm worrying!!

Right, time to go shopping - again!

AND AMAZINGLY...

... The boiler is already fixed.

Hooray for Coquetdale Boiler Services!

Apparently we have contaminated fuel. Looking forward to listening to the phone conversation Charles will be having with our oil supplier tomorrow!!

And talking of looking forward to things... I WAS really looking forward to yesterday's match, but it quickly became obvious that, other than a couple of changes in personnel, not else has altered since last season.

We play again today. God only know what that'll be like. At least Pardew will be good for excuses this time! #theywoztired

YET AGAIN...

... We get up to find there's no hot water because the boiler's knackered.

Good grief, if it's like this in the summer months what the hell will it be like in the winter?  It's costing hundreds in repairs...to an ancient boiler!

Fed up with it.

MISERABLE, WET MORNING!!

Can't make up my mind whether I should go out to the shops or just wait till tomorrow!

Maybe I'll just go to David's shop and do a mini-shop (at great expense sadly!) then do the rest tomorrow when it might be a tad drier.

James and Claire are coming up this afternoon. Hopefully they will stay for the football...

... they will indeed!! Just got a text to confirm exactly that!

Happy Days!!

NOT MUCH PLANNED...

... for today. At least not for me.

Charles, however, is quite the busy bee today. He was up early in order to get to James and Claire's so that he can wait in for a delivery, then he was supposed to be meeting Christina. It he's just sent a text saying she can't do it today, after that he'll be going to see his Mum, then back home for a short while before the 4 hour show later  this afternoon.

It's not even 8.40 yet and the house is cleaned, washing done and ironing sorted. I'm onto my second coffee and just trying to decide what time to go shopping!

DELIVERY DONE!

I went along with Charles this morning. It was actually really nice to catch up with some of the regulars again. Made me feel that I'd been missed!!

Then it was a quick visit to the Toon. I was supposed to be doing birthday shopping for Charles but he wasn't giving me many ideas, so I ended up buying a couple of summery tops for me. Just watch, that'll be the end of the warm weather!

Paid in a couple of cheques this morning, one of which we practically had to force from Kevin, but we got there in the end.

Then had a fifty minute extension to the journey home because we called into Ridley Park to see how Grandma was, only to discover she was well enough to be having her hair done. And that's pretty much how the conversation with her went!

Home now, apple and sultana cake and carrot cake in the oven. Might have a little nap for a few minutes while they're baking!!

FEELING SO SORRY...

... For Claire's parents today. It should have been the day the moved out of their home and temporarily moved in with James and Claire for a couple of weeks before completion on their house in Jesmond.

However, they had a call this morning to say that their buyer had backed out, so all their plans have just stopped.

Since James told me about it I have wandered around the kitchen in shock. God only knows how Bob and Margaret are feeling.

OOOH!

Missed blogging yesterday!

I know it ended up being a pretty busy day, but I don't often forget.

Anyway, the grooming update is that the girls look  amazing and were treated really well and we will certainly be taking them back Kay9Grooming. Very pleased.

Not sure where the sun has gone today. It's quite grey and cool. Typically, we were going to have a day at the beach. Never ind. there will be other opportunities I'm sure.

Instead, Charles will be going to see his Mum again. cease she's even a little under the weather for a while now. I'm staying out of the way, because one of her conditions is conjunctivitis and I only need to be in the same room as someone who has it for it to find it's way over to me and with the eye problems I already have I really do not want to take the risk. Might sound a bit harsh, but having spent one whole summer unable to cope with any light at all, even the light transmitted by the TV, I'm not taking chances.

Instead I shall go into Morpeth (whoopiedoo), get something for tonight's dinner and probably have a cuppa. Mind you, I read somewhere last night that giving up your daily latte (only one a day?) can result in a loss of 7lbs in six months. Not earth shattering dieting, but half a stone nevertheless.  Might have to think about it...


...have thought about it. I enjoy my cappuccinos and lattes far too much to give them up. I'll just have to find another way of losing that half stone.

TAKING THE GIRLS..

.. To have their hair done this afternoon. We're trying a different place in Blyth and their appointment is for 3pm today (Sunday) which, for some reason, just strikes me as really odd! They will be there till 7.00 so we'll need to kill time and that will almost certainly involve Charles's mother and food.!!

It'll be interesting to see what sort of job they do. The last place we took them to was only open for a few months, but they did a fab job and gave them a proper Westie cut. The original place that they used to go to in Shilbottle, that they hated, just tended to do a uniform length all over and anyway they were so uptight when they realised where they were going that it isn't worth taking them back there.

So, all will be revealed later...