LILY & ROSE

LOOKING FORWARD TO...

2012-01-28T09:11:00.000Z

... going out for lunch with James and Claire.

Don't normally do lunch - but once in a while it can't hurt, can it?

Bit on the cool side this morning - the weather, not me I hasten to add. I'd love to think I was cool, but suspect I'm well past those days now!!

WHY DANNYMATT, WHY...

2012-01-27T16:36:00.000Z

... would an ornithophobic person want to look at 'Birdwatch" - hmmm?

JAMES WILL BE HAPPY!

2012-01-27T08:52:00.000Z

But then again, so will many others, as FRIDAY rolls round again.

I still can't quite get used to Charles being home on Thursday and Friday and seem to get the days totally confused - probably just an age thing though!

Had a very late order from Kevin last night, so Charles is doing the delivery this morning and will make a point of explaining that cakes do not appear as if by magic and we need rather more notice.

I'm staying here to start replacing the stuff that's going out today and after that, who knows what we'll do?

Looking forward to seeing James and Claire tomorrow. We're going into Jesmond and then to Mimo's for lunch. Hopefully we'll get to see Christina as well.

Right - off to the kitchen where I belong...

YAY...

2012-01-26T22:18:00.000Z

... Well done dannymatt!! Good to see you today. You know you are welcome out here in the sticks any time.

Had a good time with Christina this afternoon. Lots of smiles and laughter.

Happy tonight.

SEEM TO HAVE...

2012-01-26T09:02:00.000Z

... cracked the problem of the girls getting us up at the crack of dawn. We now go to them when we hear them whinging, quietly pop them outside for a wee without going through all the usual enthusiastic morning greetings, and then tell them to go back to bed. They are quite happy to do this, giving us an additional hour of sleepy time.

Result!!

WHOOPS...

2012-01-25T14:10:00.000Z

... forgot about blogging today!!

Been rushing about like a bit of a headless chicken this morning - that's probably why the blog's been put on the back burner for a while.

It was a nice and easy drive through to Jesmond. I left home quite a bit later than usual, but managed to get to the coffee shop at the same sort of time as I usually do.

Been baking since I got back, but may have to stop shortly as the girls are giving me (and their leads) pathetic little pleading looks!!

GOOD MORNING!

2012-01-25T07:55:00.002Z

HOPE IT IS!

CAN'T SETTLE...

2012-01-24T12:09:00.000Z

... to anything today.

Have faffed about with tomorrow's order for Kevin. Haven't got too much to do because I'd got ahead at the weekend.

Have placed an order for sacks of flour and sugar from Tom Anderson who delivers to the house on a Thursday which is really helpful.

Gave in and ordered groceries from Tesco which will be delivered tomorrow.

(Racket from girls' room means someone's at the door, better go and see...

...And one rather lovely wedding cake stand has just arrived. It's fab!!)

FEELING A BIT...

2012-01-24T08:16:00.000Z

... down today to be honest.

Not sure why, although had a pretty up and down sort of week to contend with - and it looks as if that pattern will continue for some time.

The weather isn't helping this morning - it's wet and miserable - even the girls are a bit fed up with it today!

I was going to go into Morpeth to do some shopping, but am tempted to do a Tesco order instead. Lazy I know, but sooo convenient!!

YOU'VE ONLY...

2012-01-23T15:05:00.002Z

... got yourself to blame, Dannymatt. No sympathy at this end whatsoever!!

NEW WEEK!!

2012-01-23T08:12:00.000Z

Well, we got through the last one, so hopefully we'll manage this one too!!

I shouldn't need to go to Jesmond until tomorrow or maybe Wednesday, so today can be pretty quiet really as all the prep is done for the next delivery anyway.

Oh - better go and see what the girls are yapping about. They'll be waking the neighbours up...

YAWN!

2012-01-22T21:00:00.000Z

It's been a good day.

We saw Christina this morning for about an hour and a half and had a lovely chat with her.

A quiet afternoon of football and reading was followed by a smashing time with James and Claire. Lots of chat about the wedding, ordered the cake stand, had an Indian takeaway, so no cooking for me - very pleasant really.

BLUSTERY MORNING

2012-01-22T08:35:00.000Z

Charles is watching the horror show that was our match against Fulham yesterday. I can't bring myself to join him.

Hope to have a quiet day today, although we're going to Morpeth later this morning, hopefully seeing Christina and then James and Claire are coming round this afternoon/evening.

But there shouldn't be any baking to do today as I managed to fill the freezer yesterday ready for the first delivery of the week.

Feel tired actually.

CHANGE OF PLAN!

2012-01-21T13:54:00.000Z

Got to the coffee shop, met Hannah and Jake, then discovered that Kevin was going to need more supplies pretty smartish - the place was FULL! - so came home and set to making carrot cake, red velvet cupcakes, bakewells and lemon drizzle cake!

Charles is setting off to do the second delivery of the day now!!

WE'RE GOING TO ...

2012-01-21T08:19:00.000Z

... Jesmond in a while with the delivery for Kevin. Hopefully we're meeting up with Hannah and Jake who seem to have really taken to Radcliffe's since it opened. It'll be nice to have a chat with my niece! She's just started her placement at KEVI so it'll be interesting to find out how she's finding it so far.

After that, I THINK the plan is to pop into Newcastle. Neither of us really need anything, but it might do us good to do a bit of aimless mooching for a while.

HAVE JUST BEEN OUTSIDE...

2012-01-21T08:15:00.000Z

... and discovered a tiny little iris in full bloom in one of the pots at the front of the house. Beautiful!

THE BUILDERS ARE HERE!

2012-01-20T09:26:00.000Z

Remember the name - K AND S CONTRACTS - if you ever need building work doing. These guys are absolutely brilliant. We rang them yesterday afternoon about the bird problem and they were here at 9am ready to start work.

No job is ever too small.

They did our extension three years ago and were totally reliable, courteous and very reasonable.

Can't recommend them highly enough!!

HEY, WHAT'S GOING ON...

2012-01-19T08:41:00.000Z

.. with the comments pages?

You're right dannymatt - they're not showing at all.

Charles reckons it's a problem with Blogger - but we'll look into it.

Another problem that needs looking into this morning is that of the little gap in the weather boarding outside the front of the house (just above the girls' room) where we appear to have birds nesting. I've whinged on to Charles for days about suspecting there are birds in there, but only found out for sure this morning when I witnessed one of the blighters emerging from it's cosy nest right above my head.

Clearly with my phobia and the fact that they are pecking away at the UPVC (must have strong beaks) AND the fact that there will almost certainly be babies before too long that will be falling out of the nest right into the clutches of the girls...

You can see that this issue needs to be resolved ASAP. If Charles can't get it sealed up , he's promised to get the builders back to sort it out. Sooner the better!

Got a big delivery due today. It includes a number of cake dummies ready for me to practice decorating techniques prior to someone's BIG DAY. Am quite excited actually.

WELL...

2012-01-18T21:40:00.000Z

... we'll certainly be getting pizza from Papa John again - they were fab!

Mind you, Charles ordered two of what I assume are the large ones - and we left the equivalent of a whole pizza, but only because we were stuffed!

Mind you, next time I might just have to ask them to go a bit lighter on the chillies and peppers in the "Double Spicy Beef" - or just ask them to make mine a "SINGLE Spicy Beef."

WE'RE HAVING PAPA JOHN'S...

2012-01-18T17:33:00.002Z

... pizzas for dinner this evening!!

All thanks to James who recommended them. Hope they live up to expectation - I'm starving!

GOOD IDEA DANNYMATT...

2012-01-18T07:38:00.000Z

... I think I will do just that.

Off out to Jesmond with big delivery and then on to the eye hospital where Charles is having a check up following his cataract op.

I KNOW...

2012-01-17T17:31:00.001Z

... I haven't blogged much over the last couple of days, but I have to admit that my heart's just not in it right now. That's not to say I'm abandoning the blog - just that there is other stuff going on that seems to be monopolising every waking thought at the moment.

WONDERING...

2012-01-17T08:44:00.000Z

... what today will bring.

You just never know when you get up in a morning, do you?

Glad to report that Lily seems to have recovered from her bout of sickness yesterday. She's eaten all her breakfast and has been chasing around like a mad thing, so appears to be fully recovered from whatever it was.

We had a powercut yesterday afternoon. I was just relieved that there were no cakes in the oven at the time!

Not sure about plans for today to be honest. There should be a coffee shop order and at some point I really need to go to Morpeth. Might just have another coffee while I decide...

SOME THINGS...

2012-01-17T08:22:00.002Z

... just can't be blogged about. Will send you a FB message dannymatt.

LOUSY DAY

2012-01-16T16:28:00.002Z

NUFF SAID!

TERRIBLE NIGHT!

2012-01-16T08:10:00.000Z

There appeared to be a lot of activity going on next door around about midnight, including the arrival of a police car which parked close to the end of our drive and the girls were clearly disturbed by all of this. I've no idea what was happening, but we were up and down for the best part of an hour trying to get them settled and even then we were up for the day at 6.00, so I'm guessing we'll have two tired Westies today. Oh - and Lily has just been sick this morning! Great!!

We don't normally have much disturbance late at night in Fram - and whatever it was it was all subdued and relatively quiet, but just enough to alert the girls to something not being quite right.

Anyway, Charles has set off for work, I'm planning my day in the kitchen and everything appears to be calm again. Mind you, I hope everything's okay next door...

THE GIRLS BEFORE TODAY'S GAME!

2012-01-15T17:39:00.002Z

BACK FROM THE GAME!

2012-01-15T17:38:00.000Z

Peeling off the layers! Was warm and toastie all afternoon though.

Not the best game. Shola did my head in and, despite strolling around all match, still managed to looked absolutely knackered towards the end. Guthrie looked rusty in the first half, but picked up a bit later. Hope Cabaye's okay. Thought Santon looked pretty useful.

Had breakfast before the match. That was nice actually. I'm not normally one for a full English, but I enjoyed it today.

James had a go at us about our "Going Offroading" spare wheel cover. Clearly he finds it a bit embarrassing when he's out with us and has suggested we get a Newcastle one instead! Dreadful when your kids are embarrassed by you!!

WOW! -8 last night!

2012-01-15T09:17:00.000Z

Have just watched Lily shoving the outside water bowl around in disgust as the contents have frozen solid overnight. She keeps looking at it as if she's thinking, "Well, I can SEE there's water in there, so why can't I drink it?"

Had a disturbed night with the girls, who were up at 3am needing to go out for wees and a march around the bounds!! Not good. Took me a while to settle after that - AND to get warm again!

Just going through the "What do I wear for the match" performance now. I've managed four layers up top and two pairs of extra thick tights. I'm wearing the long Ugg boots I got last year and haven't worn yet. Just need a woolly coat, scarf, fur hat and gloves and I should be done.

Meeting James at 11.30, going for a light bite and then off to the ground. I think it's a 1.30 kick-off? Must remind Charles to record it.

HAVE JUST HOSED DOWN...

2012-01-14T09:09:00.000Z

... the dogs' area outside and discovered that the water was freezing immediately on contact with the ground!! Just shows how much colder it's suddenly got. Mind you, if that is the case, I don't understand how it wasn't frozen in the hosepipe.

Anyway, we now have a pretty good skating rink outside the front door!

CHARLES IS...

2012-01-14T08:51:00.000Z

... on his way to Jesmond with the second delivery in 24 hours. (Forgot to mention the other day, that when he got to the RVI, the "problem" that the optician had spotted was simply the wires that hold his new lens in place, so in fact everything was fine.) Not sure whether Kevin had a really hectic day or if he simply got his initial order wrong yesterday, but there should now easily be enough cake etc to see him through till Tuesday, I hope.

What this emergency order has meant though is that I am now back to square one as far as getting ahead is concerned and will need to bake again today if I'm going to keep to my plan of 'sell one and replace it.' I also now need to get in more supplies so we'll be going to Morpeth later and will hopefully have time for a coffee while we're there.

Okay, I'm off to check the NUFC blogs now - see if we've signed anyone while I've been asleep! Fat chance!!

JUST AS WELL...

2012-01-13T17:35:00.002Z

... I decided to have a baking session when we got back from Jesmond...

... Kevin sent a frantic message at 4pm saying they'd nearly sold out and need more stuff tomorrow as early as possible!!

JESMOND LATER

2012-01-13T08:30:00.000Z

We're both taking Kevin's order in today. Not that it's a massive one, just so that we can have a chat, a cuppa and then go to Jules B to check out their sale. I'm hoping that, with what he's ordered today, he can then wait for his next delivery until Tuesday, as I would prefer not to have to spend Sunday baking, especially as we have a match at lunchtime.

Just been outside - it's bitterly cold this morning. Brrrrr!!

CAN ANYONE IMAGINE...

2012-01-13T08:27:00.000Z

... Derek Llambias negotiating deals for potential NUFC players? Personally, I just can't see how it would work. He appears to be such a supercilious ******* I can't see any players or, more importantly their agents, taking him seriously. I only mention this in the light of a complete dearth of transfer activity so far by NUFC. Allegedly wor Dekka and his large boss have been in France this week...

... Not holding my breath!

ALL SORTED NOW!

2012-01-12T15:27:00.000Z

At least, I"M all sorted in the kitchen, whereas Charles may not be so fortunate and, I'm guessing is still waiting to be seen in Eye casualty.

So, just need to get everything crated up and ready for the delivery tomorrow, but what do you know? I only went and left the crates at the coffee shop the other day! My fault, I was in too much of a hurry to get away and completely forgot about them. Bit of a nuisance though. Now have to find alternative containers.

Looking forward to James and Claire coming round this evening. We're having a meal and then sitting down to talk about wedding cake. Well it is only five months away, you know!

NOT ENJOYING TODAY!!

2012-01-12T14:22:00.000Z

Having one disaster after another in the kitchen. Haven't got a clue why, but nothing is going as it should today. (This only applies to the stuff I'm making for the coffee shop. Everything for our meal tonight is absolutely fine, so don't worry Jim!!)

Charles had an appointment with the optician this morning and has ended up having to go to eye casualty because of something worrying that was found on his lens. He could well be in for an extremely long wait! Hope it's nothing too serious though.

Richard left at 6.45 this morning. He's got a full day of work in Durham then is heading back to Preston this evening. It was good to see him, even though he spent most of his time working.

Right, I'm going back to the kitchen to see what I can salvage!!

SPENT A...

2012-01-12T08:11:00.002Z

... lovely evening at Jesmond Dene House. Good food, excellent wine, great company, what more could you want?

WHAT A NOTHING SORT OF DAY!

2012-01-11T16:39:00.000Z

I know I could have done SOMETHING, but to be honest I just couldn't really be bothered and now I'm beating myself up for completely wasting the day.

I've read, spent some time spoiling the girls, watched telly (but had to turn SSN off because I'm sick of the sight of Harry Redknapp who seems to be putting in a daily appearance) and apart from that have done very little.

Just waiting for Charles and Richard to get back and then can start thinking about Jesmond Dene. (Feel hungry already, but table not booked till 7.30!!)

NOTHING ON THE CARDS...

2012-01-11T08:47:00.000Z

... for today, until this evening when we're going out to eat.

Always start off feeling quite happy about a potentially relaxing day, only to discover an hour into it, that's it not all it's cracked up to be.

Have a feeling I'll end up trawling all the Newcastle sites in the hope of gleaning some snippets of transfer gossip! (Hopefully we've moved on from the rumours about re-signing Andy Carroll that were doing the rounds late last night!)

HAVE JUST SPENT...

2012-01-10T22:37:00.000Z

... two hours watching episodes of "An Idiot Abroad" with Richard who has never seen the series before. I've honestly had rivers of tears streaming down my face! Having watched all of the second series and had a good chuckle before, tonight the funniest thing was listening to Richard guffawing and giggling his way through the programmes. Now have seriously strained laugh muscles!!!

THOUGHT AS MUCH...

2012-01-10T22:32:00.000Z

... DANNYMATT!!!!

JUST WONDERING...

2012-01-10T16:40:00.002Z

... if dannymatt's friend(!) managed to get his oven cleaned?!

OFF TO JESMOND...

2012-01-10T07:55:00.000Z

... in an hour or so, then stopping off in Morpeth to do a bit of shopping before returning home to start the next round of baking.

Richard's coming this evening, but Charles has suggested a takeaway for dinner this evening, so not much for me to do there. Tomorrow night we're at JDHH and I'm really looking forward to that.

Okay, better get some breakfast for the girls who are currently chewing each others ears on the rug in the livingroom. The sooner they are fed the better then!!

WAS GOING TO...

2012-01-09T19:37:00.000Z

... sit down and write this at 3.00, but I got a text from Kevin with his order for tomorrow and had to set to and get organised. Unfortunately, my prediction for what he would need turned out to be way off the mark, so I couldn't use anything from my stocks and had to start from scratch. A bit more notice would have been helpful!

Now, of course, I can't think of anything to write about!

UUUURRRGGGHHH

2012-01-09T08:01:00.000Z

What is it about Mondays?

I know I don't actually go out to work any more - but that Monday morning feeling never seems to change.

I absolutely did NOT want to get up this morning. In fact I've been really tired since everyone went home after New Year. It's probably something to do with having less work on than I did before Christmas when I hardly had time to catch breath.

However, after talking to James last night, I now have a little project to work on, in the form of drawing up plans for the wedding cake. Yes I know it's still months away, but we're having our first consultation (That should be interesting!) on Friday and, hopefully, we're all coming to the table with some ideas. After we've done that, I'm going to make a mock up that we can play around with until we get the effect James and Claire want. Exciting!

OH POOOH!

2012-01-08T16:44:00.000Z

Sunderland have only gone and scored after a totally soporific first-half.

Certainly not as exciting as the Manchester game earlier this afternoon.

COME ON POSH - get yourselves sorted out here!

GAVE UP IN THE END!!

2012-01-08T08:53:00.000Z

Couldn't stay awake and was becoming increasingly frustrated with ITV's coverage of the FA cup highlights. Got Charles to record the rest of the programme and will watch later this morning.

Just been outside and it's a calm, mild day so far. I notice that the bulbs are beginning to push through. Sure sign that Spring's on the way!!!

Haven't got much planned for today really. Might do some baking (there's a surprise!) but apart from that we haven't thought of much else we need or want, to do.

Charles's brother, Richard, is coming to stay for a couple of nights as he has business in Co Durham. We've booked a table at Jesmond Dene House for Wednesday night, and Charles is talking about getting an Indian for Tuesday (the only two nights he'll be here) so I haven't even got much preparation to do for that!!

WHY IS THERE NO...

2012-01-07T22:25:00.000Z

... footage of the amazing (so I've heard) Hatem Ben Arfa goal from this afternoon?

Going to watch ITV's coverage in the hope that they'll actually show it, but it doesn't start for a while and we'll probably be on last, so I may not make it!! (Yawns)

GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

2012-01-07T17:14:00.000Z

EXCELLENT FILM!

Wouldn't really matter if you hadn't read the book, and if you have, it follows the plot pretty well.

Very dark and quite violent, but first rate.

Can't wait for the sequel.

When we got to the car we put the radio only to find that NUFC were one down to Blackburn. By the time we got into the house the score was 2 - 1 thanks to Ben Arfa and Gutierrez. Phew!!

GRRRRRHH. BAD NIGHT!

2012-01-07T09:35:00.000Z

Up at 4.00, 4.30, 5.00, 6.00...

Out of bed, straight to the door, sniff around outside, have a wee, sniff abound the step - the girls not me you understand!

Clearly there had been something (a hedgehog?) around the house last night and the girls were all too aware of it.

In the end, Charles got up with them at the crack of dawn - actually, well before that - and I had a lie in until just before 8.00 which was something of a treat.

My turn to do the early shift tomorrow though.

'OVENMATE'...

2012-01-06T21:09:00.000Z

... the ultimate oven cleaning kit, from Lakeland.

Brilliant stuff.

Have to say, Dannymatt, that made me shudder. I can't begin to imagine the state of that cooker - nor would I want to!

BUT - if any product is going to do a job on it 'Ovenmate' is the one!

DECISION MADE!

2012-01-06T18:15:00.000Z

Off to see "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" tomorrow afternoon. Going to meet James and Claire for an early lunch then all gong to watch the film!

Haven't been to the cinema since we went to "The King's Speech" so hope it's good!

CAN'T GET USED...

2012-01-06T15:04:00.000Z

... to these relaxed days. My workload is relatively light this month as presumably people are now on the new year diet and don't want to eat cake! BUT, I'm finding that all this enforced relaxing is doing is making me feel tired. How does that work? I mean, it's 3pm and I feel like I could nod off quite happily right now.

OFF TO JESMOND...

2012-01-06T08:33:00.000Z

... in a while. At least Charles is going to do the delivery, but is dropping me off in Morpeth to do some shopping. Hopefully he'll remember to pick me up on his way back.

Think we may be going to see "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" this weekend. I'm always a little cautious about watching films based on books that have conjured up such strong mental images for me, but I'm hearing good reports, so we'll give it a go. Maybe James and Claire would like to come along too??

CHARLES IS WATCHING...

2012-01-05T10:22:00.000Z

... the match all over again!

He just can't get enough!!!

WOKE UP THIS MORNING...

2012-01-05T08:55:00.000Z

... and thought I'd been dreaming!

Actually, that initial thought quickly became a bit of a nightmare as we discovered that there'd been a powercut in the night and the boiler was refusing to power up resulting in a house that was perishing.

After a few attempts by Charles to get it going manually, it did eventually fire up and the chill is beginning to fade now.

So, back to the dream. What a result that was. Strangely, as a glass half empty sort of person, I never felt worried once the game had started. Out lads came out with the intent of causing damage to Man U - and that's what they did. Two sublime goals that Sir Alex could find no fault with. In fact he was uncharacteristically effusive in his praise of Newcastle last night.

We sat up and watched the whole game again when we got home. Not often you want to do that with NUFC, but the whole evening was an absolute joy and we were still buzzing at midnight, so it just seemed to be the thing to do.

NUFC 3 - MUFC 0

2012-01-05T00:07:00.002Z

What a game!

What a result!!

What a night!!!

I'VE GOT TWO SLEEPY LITTLE DOGS...

2012-01-04T15:09:00.000Z

... here today.

I've been doing my best to keep them awake and lively, but both seem determined to doze the day away. Little do they know that, once their beloved Dad gets home, they will be confined to their crate for the next 5 hours while we go off to the match.

I see the wind is picking up again. It was much quieter outside this morning, but after that brief respite we appear to be in for a bit of a battering again.

We never usually take anything with us to the game - but I've dug out a couple of thermos flasks so we can warm ourselves up at half time with hot chocolate (or that horrible bovril stuff if you're Charles).

G'DAY!!

2012-01-04T07:33:00.000Z

Up to early this morning. Eyes feel like they're full of grit. Thanks Rose!

Started laying out clothes to wear for the match tonight. Michelin woman strikes again!

Going to make a couple of cakes for the coffee shop today. Nothing too strenuous as I'm feeling absolutely shattered at the moment.

HAVE JUST WATCHED...

2012-01-03T17:15:00.001Z

... Charles trying to get the girls organised for a walk!

Clearly, they would have preferred to stay to home in the warm (as would HE). Although they did have a momentary bout of excitement when the "W" word was initially mentioned, this very quickly passed once they realised how cold and blustery it is out there (I know - they're West Highland White Terriers - they should be tough!!) and they used every avoidance tactic possible. Running away from Charles when he was trying to get their leads on, walking straight out of their coats, lying on their backs in their crate so we couldn't get to them...

Little monkeys!!

HE HE HE!!

2012-01-03T15:06:00.002Z

Yeah - the Rav - such a good decision on many levels!!

And, NO Dannymatt - I didn't. :-(

WELL, LAST WINTER MAY BE...

2012-01-03T08:46:00.000Z

... remembered as the year of the Big Snow, but THIS winter is certainly shaping up as the year of the Big Winds. Once again, there is a gale blowing out there.

Charles left the house at 7.30 this morning. No sign of the snow he was anticipating - I think he misheard the forecast and confused us with the north of Scotland.

As for me and the girls. We have absolutely no plans at all for the day. No cakes to make, no coffee shop stuff to do - just a day of relaxation ahead of us.

Now, while I've been looking forward to it, I have to admit to already thinking of things that I COULD be doing!

Need to give myself a god talking to, along the lines of, "Come on Sue - just take it easy, you know you can do this"...

ALL OVER...

2012-01-02T14:42:00.000Z

... bar the leftovers!

Quiet house now that the family have left. Tidy house now that all the decorations are down and the tree's gone. It always amazes me how much bigger the room looks when the decorations are put away. Not that we put much up, but it's always nice to get back to the uncluttered, streamlined look that I'm most comfortable with.

Charles has taken tomorrow's order across to Jesmond as he's convinced we're in for some bad weather by morning. I haven't heard a forecast, so I've no idea.

We've got the remains of a huge pot of beef in red wine to heat up for this evening's meal, so I don't have to set to and start cooking something from scratch. This is a very good thing!!

HAD A ...

2012-01-01T21:26:00.000Z

... really lovely day today with all the family. Admittedly a bit tardy with the blog, but that's because I started cooking at 8.00 this morning and have only just finished really. However, everyone has really appreciated their food, we've drunk some very lovely French red and had lots of laughs together. Only downside, SAFC's last minute winner against Man City. (Bill, my brother-in-law and Mackem that he is, was delighted of course!)

Just one day to get turned round before things return to normal. Tomorrow will see the back of the Christmas tree, the decorations stowed away, the house blitzed and baking done for the coffee shop. So, no relaxing just yet then.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T01:04:00.000Z

Let's hope it's a good one for everyone.

We've had a lovely day today (or yesterday actually). We haven't done anything exciting, but it's just been lovely to all be together.

Hannah and Jake came round this evening and joined us for our Chinese banquet. I know you're wondering why we were having a takeaway when I'd spent so long preparing food, but that was always the plan and all the preparations are for the big feast tomorrow (or later today).

We've just put the dogs to bed. Tex is sleeping in the girls room (he's on HIS bed and they're in their crate) so this could be interesting!!

Don't think I can stay awake much longer...

HI TERRY AND JANET!!

2011-12-31T09:49:00.000Z

Yeah - I post every day - but no one takes any notice!!

Can't reply to your comment with another comment s my laptop won't let me for some weird reason. Anyway - it's good to hear from you. We had a lovely Christmas and are looking forward to a pretty hectic new year with all the family here. I'm cooking like crazy. had the mad idea of doing a carvery lunch tomorrow and then James threw in a request for beef in red wine with dumplings - so am now up to my eyes in gammon, pork and braising beef - not a pretty sight!

Hope you had a lovely Christmas and that the New year will bring good things for you all. Take care - and keep checking in! xx

DON'T THINK...

2011-12-30T16:43:00.002Z

... it's even been light today.

Really don't like this time of the year. Too depressing by far.

PAUSE (NEARLY WROTE "PAWS"!) FOR BREATH!

2011-12-30T14:20:00.000Z

Been non-stop since early this morning. Beginning to think that the idea of a carvery PLUS beef in red wine may just have been a daft one. Trying to work out how I'm going to get a huge piece of gammon and another of pork into the oven(s) along with the beef in red wine, roast potatoes and all the other stuff that accompanies a roast. Never enough room!

Think I've got to the point today where I can relax a little. Nice!

I MAY BE ORNITHOPHOBIC...

2011-12-30T10:42:00.002Z

... but I found last night's "Earthwatch" absolutely riveting. Such amazingly clever photography! Brilliant!!

HATE TO SAY THIS BUT...

2011-12-29T15:57:00.000Z

... I'm just the tiniest bit bored this afternoon.

I can't get on with any cooking for the weekend yet. I don't want to read any more of "Edge" as I'm getting too close to the end now. I haven't got anything to do fro the coffee shop and, unlike Charles, I'm not too keen on parking myself in front of the telly to watch Star Wars during the afternoon.

There's nobody on facebook, Twitter is dead quiet...

... and I'm getting edgy.

CHILLY THIS MORNING!

2011-12-29T09:54:00.000Z

I think we've been a bit spoiled with the mild weather over Christmas as this morning's bitter temperature has come as something of a shock. May have to rethink the clothing situation before venturing out into Morpeth.

Didn't sleep very well last night. I seem to recall devising a recipe for a new cake in my sleep. I woke up at about 4am really excited and determined to make it this morning, but although I can picture it now, I can't remember what was so special about it!! Then I couldn't get back to sleep, so had to resort to reading for about an hour. Finally, after dozing for a while I was ready to be up at about 6.30. Obviously that lazy day yesterday has played havoc with my body clock!

I ALWAYS THINK...

2011-12-29T08:02:00.000Z

... that these days between Christmas and New Year are a bit strange. It's weird when some people are still on holiday and others are, reluctantly, back at work. There's loads of food to eat up and all you really want is good old cheese on toast. Telly programmes are all over the place. There's still New Year to get out of the way before the decorations can come down...

And yet I LOVED being able to do nothing of any significance yesterday. Nearly finished my book, which I'm regretting now, because I've nearly finished my book!!

I've got a cake going out today and once that's been collected Charles and I need to go and do some shopping - nothing exciting just food and provisions for the family gathering that's coming up at the weekend. Which reminds me, I still need to talk to Helen about their plans.

THERE'S A HOWLING WIND...

2011-12-28T15:34:00.000Z

... blowing outside, but I don't care because I don't have to go anywhere and am happily spending the day snuggled up with Jeffery Deaver's new thriller "Edge"! It's one of those that you just can't put down, so if you'll excuse me...

ROSE IS...

2011-12-28T09:01:00.000Z

... frantically barking at the footballing snowmen on SSN.

She HATES them!!

CASSIUS...

2011-12-28T08:59:00.000Z

... Joseph Barton, now there's a name to live up to!!!

Seriously though congratulations to Joey and his missus.

FEEL A BIT...

2011-12-27T15:55:00.000Z

... 'flat' now.

Everyone's gone. Santa's Grotto has disappeared from the spare room. There's just us and dozens of boxes of chocolates here now.

NEARLY MIDDAY!!

2011-12-27T11:41:00.000Z

Where does time go?

Could be something to do with getting up and showered and starting work straightaway I suppose. I've finished the order for tomorrow, so can now relax a little. Expecting James and Claire shortly, so I've got a big pan of chilli bubbling away on the stove just in case they're hungry. Makes a change from turkey anyway!

Need to talk to Helen later about the weekend plans. I'm really looking forward to it. It'll certainly extend Christmas having everyone together for a few days.

I HAVE TO SAY...

2011-12-26T19:20:00.000Z

... it's been a really lovely Christmas.

James and Christina have been good company, food all turned out well, we had a much needed win today...

Just settling down to watch telly now. Both kids have gone, but are returning tomorrow! I've got a morning in the kitchen getting ready for Wednesday's delivery and then after that need to start thinking about the weekend.

I HAVE, however, negotiated a lie-in for ME in the morning. Bliss!!

CHARLES AND JAMES...

2011-12-26T15:51:00.000Z

... have both got their laptops on their knees (oh, and a dog each), with streams of Bolton v NUFC.

Half time now, no score. COME ON TOON!!

BOXING DAY!!

2011-12-26T12:05:00.000Z

Traditional day of rest and relaxation.

So WHY have I been up since 6.00? Everyone else managed to have a nice lie-in, but Rose decided that my day needed to start early, so I'm starting to feel a bit jaded now.

Christina and James stayed last night. This was really lovely and the first time we've all woken up in the same house for years. Had a leisurely breakfast and settled down to watch the Route 66 episode of "An Idiot Abroad" which was hilarious.

James is staying till late this afternoon, but Christina is planning to leave shortly. It's been a lovely Christmas having everyone together again. Really special!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!

2011-12-25T17:46:00.000Z

It's nearly teatime and here I am making my first post of the day!

It's been a pretty relaxed day so far. Leisurely breakfast and presents this morning - Christmas AND birthday. A pretty good lunch, even if I say so myself. Some mind-numbing TV this afternoon. Now we're just gearing ourselves up for a birthday tea!!

Hope everyone's had a lovely day too.

(Secretly really looking forward to tomorrow, when there's no pressure to do anything at all!!)

CHTISTMAS EVE

2011-12-24T20:05:00.000Z

Magical isn't it? Even though the kids are all grown up, there's still something really special about it. I actually think it's almost as lovely as the big day itself.

We're relaxing after our huge afternoon tea with Claire and her family at Jesmond Dene House. It was such a lovely way to start Christmas. Now we're enjoying a glass or three of mulled wine.

Lovely!

HAIR DONE!

2011-12-24T11:38:00.000Z

Last bits of shopping finished.

James and Adam have turned up and are drinking cappucinos and eating chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven.

Christmas has started!

SOUNDS AS THOUGH...

2011-12-23T17:44:00.000Z

... we're having a houseful (Helen, Bill, Mum and the girls and their partners) over New Year. This is great, because I actually don't like New Years Eve at all, and if we've got family around it'll turn into a fun get together without having to resort to counting down the clock with Jools Holland's flippin Hootanany.

So, in typical fashion, I've moved on from planning the Christmas food and am now starting to think about what I'm going to serve up for the New Year weekend!

BUSY, BUSY...

2011-12-23T11:55:00.000Z

... BUSY, BUSY, BUSY...

Don't some words look weird when you stop to look at them?

Mind you - haven't got time to do that as I'm FAR too...

...BUSY!

WOKE UP ALL ANXIOUS...

2011-12-23T07:58:00.000Z

... this morning. Lay awake from about 6.00 waiting to hear stirrings from the girls, but, unusually there was no sound at all by 7.00. By this time I'd convinced myself that Rose was seriously unwell, because she's ALWAYS the first member of the household to wake up, so I went through to check on them and they were absolutely fine.

Both girls greeted me with their usual adoring enthusiasm, Rose scoffed a couple of Bonios and went out to play. She's been out for a walk with her dad and has been okay, so we'll just need to see how she copes with breakfast now.

WITH ALL THE WORRY...

2011-12-22T22:52:00.000Z

... about Rose, I forgot to mention that we had a lovely evening with James and Claire. Santa arrived early for Claire and, strangely, dropped her presents off here, so she started her Christmas a few days ahead of the rest of us!

We'll meet up with them next on Christmas Eve. James is coming up in the morning and will stay with us till Boxing Day and we'll see Claire and her family at Jesmond Dene. Can't wait.

SHE SEEMS...

2011-12-22T21:58:00.000Z

... a little bit brighter.

The ominous noises have ceased and there's been no explosion from either end.

She's had a good long drink of water and is watching telly with her dad quite happily.

I haven't tried to feed her again. She can wait till morning and we'll see how that goes.

AM REALLY WORRIED...

2011-12-22T20:58:00.000Z

... about Rose.

For the first time since we got her she has refused her food and the most disturbing, gurgling noises are coming from her nether regions.

I can't think of anything we've done differently, or anything she could have eaten that might have upset her.

She looks distinctly out or sorts.

Hope she's better in the morning, or we'll be going to the vets.

I HAVE TO SAY...

2011-12-22T16:33:00.000Z

.. that pretty much everything is done now. A few weeks ago I was panicking about the coffee shop and all the Christmas stuff, imagining that there would be an almighty collision of interests, but things have worked out really well. In fact, I quite impressed myself by turning round that very complicated birthday cake in record time. This time yesterday I was just starting to make the cake!!

We're waiting for James and Claire to come for dinner. It's going to be a mini-Christmas for Claire because we probably won't see her on the Big Day itself. I've been rushing around like a blue-arsed fly, and Charles has been asleep and snoring on the settee. Fab!

ACTUALLY...

2011-12-22T16:29:00.002Z

... Morrisons wasn't too bad. Didn't have to knock anyone out f the way, and even offered to give my place in the queue to a little old lady who only had a few items in her basket, but she graciously passed up the offer because she had lots of time before her bus came and it was warm inside. She reminded me of my Gran - all twinkly and lovely. And I felt really sad.

IN THE NIGHT GARDEN...

2011-12-22T12:45:00.000Z

... cake made and decorated. Featuring the Ninky Nonk, Macca Pacca, Upsy Daisy, Iggle Piggle and the Tumbliboos - it is a sight to behold!

(Wow - the spellcheck's just gone crazy!!)

Right - this may be a daft move, but Charles and I are going to attempt to do the last minute food shopping in Morpeth. I reckon he'll just have to keep circling the car park while I do battle inside Morrisons. We'll see...

I KNOW I HAVEN'T...

2011-12-21T18:00:00.000Z

... blogged much today, but I've been SOOOO busy!!

I won't go into all the tedious detail, but obviously I haven't left the kitchen AT ALL.

DARK AND RAINY...

2011-12-21T07:36:00.000Z

... but very mild!

I've been up for hours. Charles hasn't!

Just waiting to get the last order before Christmas from Kevin. Hope he sends it through early.

POOOOO!!

2011-12-20T17:34:00.000Z

Dad's feet...

...have knocked us out!

9.30AM...

2011-12-20T09:33:00.002Z

... the week before Christmas, loads to do, and Charles is watching films on telly. Is it unreasonable for me to be feeling just a little bit miffed?

ACTUALLY CAN'T THINK...

2011-12-20T07:55:00.000Z

... of anything to write yet!!

It's Tuesday? It's early? Dark and cold? Going to be baking?

You know it all already!!

I'll come back later when I've got something to say!

YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE...

2011-12-19T21:32:00.000Z

... the weather forecast for this week. On Thursday temperatures in the North East are going to reach the dizzy heights of 15 degrees. Positively tropical!

MUST BE PRETTY CLOSE...

2011-12-19T16:55:00.002Z

... to the shortest day. Tomorrow? Day after? Then we can start looking forward to spring. Ha ha!

NEED SLEEP!!

2011-12-19T07:22:00.000Z

Went to bed late and then the girls got me up at 6am. Grrrrrrrrrr!!

Mind you, I have plenty to be getting on with, so maybe it's not a bad thing. AND, as I've been the one to get up first today, it should be Charles's turn tomorrow, so I can look forward to a bit of a lie in then. I hope.

Not long till the big day now. I've got one more Christmas cake to do today and then that's them all finished for this year. This one's a madeira cake, so had to wait until the last week, but it's still got all the festive decoration on it.

Charles will be doing the Jesmond run this morning. I think we're expecting some deliveries, so one of us needs to be at home for those.

Bet James and Claire are getting excited. Just three days at work and then off for the hols. Yay!!