FINISHED!

All Christmas cakes are done. Hooray!! Just need to get them wrapped and they'll be ready for delivery/collection. It'll be good to get the dining room table back actually. Looking forward to James and Claire coming round tomorrow evening. We need to make the most of their freedom of movement in the next few weeks, because all that is going to change very soon!! Oh the days of taking an hour just to get out of the house!!

2 HOURS LATER...

... We decided that the weather was so atrocious we wouldn't go (hooray) but then it calmed down a bit, so Charles has gone and has left me in the warm with the girls! I REALLY hope he enjoys the evening and that other people are daft enough to go out too.

FORGIVE ME...

... for being less than enthusiastic, but on probably the worst night of the winter so far, Charles has just announced that we are going out to see some random acoustic duo somewhere I've never heard of when all I really want to do is to stay home, in the warm and out of the gale force winds, and watch Strictly I have no desire whatsoever to go outside the house.

MATCH OF THE DAY...

Should we watch? Nah!! Okay.

SNOWBALLS!!

I've made hundreds of them. No joke. Getting a tad bored with them now and still have two cakes to go. BUT - once I've done those two I will have achieved my goal for today, which was to finish the Snow Couple cakes and to do all the bases of the Wreath cakes, just leaving me with the tops to complete next week. So I'm actually quite pleased with myself, especially as we took an hour off to go into town! Newcastle are playing Palace this afternoon and I couldn't care less. It's really pleasant not to have pre-match nerves.

JUST HAD...

... a surprise visit from Ken and Fariz who used to live here. They loved what we've done with the place. It was so good to see them.

ANNOYINGLY...

... the dishwasher is past repairing, so we've had to order a new one. We could really have done without that just before Christmas. The engineer had only been out to it two weeks ago and he said it would be too costly to fix. New one should be fitted on Wednesday. I managed to cover five more Christmas cakes today. Still no decoration added, but all the hard work is done and the fun bit is to look forward to. It'll be interesting to see if the child that Charles is supposed to be tutoring actually turns up tomorrow as planned!

HALF WAY THROUGH...

... covering the Christmas cakes. Hopefully, I'll get more covered tomorrow and then I can enjoy myself doing the decorations. We've had a fairly quiet day today, although we went into town for a couple Of hours this morning. We've bought lots of outdoor lights - that's all, just LIGHTS, no 'Santa stop here' stuff - and we're going to put those in place tomorrow, before Charles goes off to Alnwick.

WELL...

... I got THREE started. That's all! But I was kind of hampered because we were expecting Charles's first tutoring session this afternoon, but the pupil didn't turn up. There was some excuse about traffic hold ups but that only occurred when Charles rang the parents. Nobody bothered to ring him! Not impressed. Anyway, I DID get three done - I've just started them, haven't added any decoration yet, but it's better than nothing. I'm going to try to get another four started tomorrow.

SO, TODAY...

... I've got Maureen coming for coffee and after that... ... I MUST make a start on marzipanning the Christmas cakes. I like to know that I have a few days with nothing else to think about before I make a start on them, and this seems to be a window of opportunity as we've very little organised over the next few days. Just watch... Something will crop up!

DITTO...

... Yesterday's weather! Mind you, we did manage to take Charles's mum shopping in Morpeth it was cold, but bearable, although I suspect M and S must have been having a problem with their heating because it felt colder in there than outside. That was the only shop we went in. I thought we were going so that Marion could do her Christmas shopping, but it turned out she only wanted to buy a new winter wardrobe!! We didn't buy anything for Christmas at all!

DARK, WET, COLD, MISERABLE...

... That's outside. Inside is a different story, warm and cosy, fragrant smells wafting from the kitchen. Love being inside when it's so horrible out!! (Charles chose to watch the Under-21s this afternoon. I fear for his sanity.)

WHAT I FORGOT TO MENTION...

... Yesterday, in the aftermath of yet another gutless show by Newcastle ( I can't say 'performance' because that would hint erroneously at a bit of effort) was that the saddest aspect about the afternoon was discovering an empty seat next to the young teacher who sits in front of us and who goes to every home game with her Dad. They share the same ritual at every game. Always having a flask of coffee and a chocolate biscuit at half time. We've got to know them well enough to have a good chat when we all arrive at the ground, and have bumped into them in Morpeth on occasions. But the seat was empty because Sarah's Dad has died since the last home game. A routine operation, carried out successfully, led to a heart attack from which he didn't recover. She was there with her brother yesterday. Other fans who sit close by were as devastated as we were when she told us the news. It puts the rest of the afternoon into some sort of perspective.

I THINK...

... That we may have reached the decision to let the season tickets go after another shambolic performance this afternoon. And, you know what, it will be a relief!

FIRST SNOW OF THE WINTER!

Okay. I don't care. I LIKE the snow when I'm warm and cosy inside so I WILL get excited about it. I loved watching it in the early hours of the morning and was surprised by how heavy it was for a couple of hours. But by morning, there was little left, despite the temperature being below freezing. Shame. It would have looked so pretty in the winter sun. We'll be getting ready for the match shortly. I'm not sure if we're walking or catching the bus, probably the latter. Whatever we do, I'm making sure I've got a few layers on AND my extra warm Gudrun tights. (If they're good enough for the folks in Norway, they should see me through an afternoon at SJP!)

WAS FEELING...

... very smug this morning because we rushed around town and pretty much finished all the Christmas shopping, but since we got home I've been floored by a migraine and am feeling awful now. I put it down to the change in temperature between the cold outdoors and the overpowering warmth inside the shops PLUS the lighting in the shops often affects me adversely. All I want to do is to sleep it off, so I might try to have a snooze.

ALL DONE!

The bedroom looks fabulous. Really stylish and sophisticated. We are so pleased with it. The decorator was all done by 10.00, so we've had plenty of time to get the room straight. Just been over to Gosforth so Charles could pick up a... ... large, red jumper With a black belt? Hmmm, the beard has a lot to answer for! Got James and Claire coming round for dinner and it is indeed Claire's favourite, roast chicken with all the trimmings. Am actually hungry already and still have two hours to wait!

DECORATING... DAY 2...

Looking good and very nearly finished. Jim, the decorator, reckons another couple of hours to finish the gloss and that'll be everything done. So we've got another early start in the morning, but that's fine, because it should all be sorted easily by lunchtime and we might be able to get the curtains up in the afternoon. I'm looking forward to an evening Christmas shopping with James. He's coming round at 7ish and Charles is going to drop us in town for the 20% night at Fenwicks and, by default, John Lewis. To be honest, once I've done the few bits on my list, I'm sorted. Even the wrapping is pretty much done. I certainly haven't gone overboard this year, but I'm happy with what I HAVE done. Next thing to think about is Christmas cakes... Oh and some sort of Christmas stuff for Centurion apparently!

DECORATOR STARTED TODAY!

We're just having the back bedroom done. There was some heavily patterned William Morris style paper on one wall and it HAD to go. But even worse was the fact the the previous owners had painted ROUND their furniture. I thought that was only a joke, but it seems it wasn't. Anyway, by this time tomorrow it should all be nearly done. The guy who's doing the decorating is lovely. Local, from the next road actually, he knows the area really well. He has really worked hard all day, but we've been able to have a few chats as well. He's great. Very informative and personable. This evening we had the builder round to look at the garage roof and it sounds like that's going ahead at the beginning of December, so we should be completely done by Christmas. Excellent stuff.

AND ANOTHER THING...

... That Kay Burley (Burleigh?) on Sky News is absolutely appalling. She just seems to revel in the misery of it all and almost can't contain her excitement when she announces that numbers of dead might rise further. She has an unnecessarily abrupt attitude and her interview technique is leading at best and offensive at times.

SO NOW...

... Those folk who have no other way of expressing sympathy for an event that is beyond their comprehension are being made to feel guilt for not making their feeling felt with regard to other atrocities carried out by terrorists. There's always someone who has to go one step too far, or demand more than people can deliver, who is never satisfied with a well meant gesture or heart felt words. We could spend all our days expressing our sadness, anger and helplessness over countless cruel acts, of course we could, but just leave people alone to express their disbelief, horror and fear without making them feel even worse because they haven't done it for every vicious, inhumane act throughout the world. Honestly, these Holier than Thou types make my blood boil.

WHAT CAN ANYONE SAY?

The day after the horror of the Paris attacks and I just think everyone is numb. It's too much to take in. I cannot begin to imagine being a Paris resident and having to go about my daily business after that. What sort of human beings plot and carry out such an atrocity? It is too much to comprehend.

CHARLES IS GOING OUT...

... With Dave from next door later on this evening. They're off to the Cluny together. I'm sure they'll have a fab time! I still can't believe how lucky we've been with our neighbours. On the other hand, I'm going nowhere and I'm quite happy about that. It's wet, windy and flippin chilly out there. I'm more than happy to be staying in, all snug and cosy.

ALL OKAY...

... At the RVI eye dept this afternoon. In fact I only waited a mere two hours, so it was brilliant. Currently drinking luxury hot chocolate (actual chocolate heated in milk and whisked until smooth - the most gorgeous drink ever), snuggled up with the girls on the sofa. Looking forward to seeing James and Claire tomorrow and an evening with the neighbours as well. Simple pleasures!

AND WITH THE WEATHER...

... Suddenly taking a turn for the pretty horrible, I've got two birthday cakes going out in about an hour. It's always awful when customers have to drive any distance with their precious cakes, but this time it's even worse because... There are two cakes...it's wet and windy outside...and slippery underfoot... one of the cakes is a toadstool and, although it's rock solid at the moment, any sudden braking and the top is going to go flying. Aaaargh, I hate it. It's absolutely the worst part of the whole process.

RAINY WEDNESDAY

But still very warm considering its November, although that's set to change apparently. Anyway, the girls and I are lovely and cosy. I'm in the kitchen about to start on a batch of frangipani mince pies and the girls are on look out in the lounge. If they're looking for their Dad, they're in for a long wait, but I'll not tell them that as it keeps them occupied and out from under my feet!

9.30PM

And Gilly from next door has just rung to say they're having late dinner and would I like to join them? I turned her down because I'm nearly ready to go to bed, but how sweet was that? Even at this late hour!!

UP EARLY...

... Charles is off to Birmingham and I've got a day of cakes and mince pies ahead! Coffee and toast first though! Right, better get a move on, these cakes won't cover themselves...

OR MAYBE NOT!

Just had a quick scout round some blog starter sites and looks a bit complicated to me. Charles set this one up and I kind of wanted to do the next one myself. Do you have to pay for a domain name? Monthly? Or is that a trick?

NOTHING MUCH TO REPORT...

... Except that Charles and I were listening to the radio when we were out and about this morning and listened to snippets about blogging... And how there's a gap in the market for the 60 and 70 year olds! To be honest, linking the two together becomes really scary. It's just about acceptably to be in your sixties, but the next bit? No thank you. Anyway, I might have a go at filling the gap. Not sure how to go about it at all, but might do a bit of research...

MISERABLE SUNDAY AFTERNOON!

Dull and damp, but strangely mild. not conducive to being outdoors. We've got the Villa v Man City match on and are urging City to up their game as it's still 0 - 0 with quarter of an hour left. COME ON!!! I've spent the early part of the day making quiche for Centurion and was supposed to be doing some of the decorations for the next birthday cakes that go out on Friday, but I think I might call it a day for now. Dinner It'sorted because it's basically leftovers from yesterday, so I think it's time for a cuppa and feet up!!

WHAT A LOVELY DAY!!

Not the weather. That was rubbish. But the company was lovely! Mum loved the house and she coped really well with being in unfamiliar surroundings. She ate well and managed to cope with conversation, although she knows she needs to go and have her hearing aids checked. Sadly, she was ready to leave by about 4.30, but she's had a good day. I bet she sleeps in the car on the way home!

LOOKING FORWARD TO...

... a day with Mum, Helen, James and Claire. I'm sad that Christina won't be joining us. And, of course, as it would have been his birthday, I keep thinking of my Dad and wishing he could be here too.

I THINK ITS FAIR TO SAY...

... That the Fairy Toadstool cake has gone to one very happy customer! Nice to hear that it's been appreciated so much. I'll be putting it on facebook in a while so you can check it out. Next cakes are another very, very different fairy toadstool cake and Iron Man - on separate cakes obviously!

MADE PARKIN TODAY

Never mad it before, but absolutely will do again. It is AMAZING! Claire Ellis - you will love it and there's only one egg in the whole cake so you'll be fine!!

MY MUM IS COMING ON SATURDAY!

Just for the day, with Helen. It'll be the first time she's seen us in Fenham. I really hope she likes it. She's quite fragile these days, so I know she will find being away from home difficult, but she really seems determined to do it. Hopefully, James and Claire will be able to see her too. I keep nonchalantly strolling into the dining room to check that the cake I made yesterday is as fab as I think it is!! How ridiculous is that?

NATIONAL ROAST DINNER DAY.

So, at 6pm I get a text from my lovely daughter-in-law informing me that today is indeed National Roast Dinner Day. Sadly, at that time there was no way I could rustle up a chicken dinner. If I'd known earlier though... Never mind, we'll put it down to poor planning, clearly caused by baby brain!!

OH! I HAVE HAD...

... SUCH FUN TODAY. I assembled the fairy cake and am thrilled with the end product. Sadly, I can never get photos to post on the blog. I don't know why but it's infuriating. Anyway. The little fairy house that I made a couple of weeks ago using Rice Krispie treats, is now sitting on a tree trunk surrounded by toadstools, fairies and hedgehogs and hedgerow fruit and foliage. I love it. I don't often feel proud of anything I do, but I am proud of myself today.

FUNNY OLD DAY!

Actually quite a bit colder today. Still not cold enough to wear a coat, but heading that way sadly. We've done lots of hits of things today. I still can't get over living so close to the centre of town and just being able to pop in for half an hour. Anyway, we did that, and had the dishwasher repaired. It didn't need much doing. Just resetting really. And a good clean. I spent the rest of the afternoon making bits for my Woodland Pixie cake that goes out later this week. I actually can't wait to start assembling it. We're now stretched out in front of the telly, feet up. Lovely!

FINALLY...

... Managed to communicate with Charles, when he walked back into the house! His battery had run out - of course. Anyway, he was not over-impressed that he had to go out again minutes after getting home. Annoyingly, now that the nights are drawing in, I'm not able to drive after about 3.00, or I should say, I'm not confident about driving in twilight. It's quite restrictive really. Anyway, he sorted it out and I was able to finish Centurion's order along with three Christmas cakes. The house certainly smells festive already!!

GETTING ****** ANNOYED!!!

Answer your flaming phone Charles! I've been trying to get hold you you for ages. I can't leave the house because I've got cakes in the oven Nd am in desperate need of ingredients for a late order. Where are you?

ITS BEEN BUSY...

... But what a lovely weekend we've had with Paul and Karen. They didn't leave until late this afternoon, so we were able to enjoy the amazing weather down at the quayside market. They loved the bridge opening just as we arrived. Perfect timing. Had lunch, enjoyed it, but made mental note to stop eating so much. I've had a frantic couple of hours getting everything straight and now I fully intend to lie on the settee watching all the TV we need to catch up on!! (Bet I fall asleep though.)