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!