A Weekend Away

Last weekend (not the one that ended yesterday!) saw H and I off for a long weekend in Sidcup.  Now it might not immediately spring to mind when thinking of somewhere to spend a weekend, but there was method in our madness.

Do you remember last November we met these loons, friends, when they came up to visit?  The wheelchair photobombs everything!!

Well it was time to repay the visit.  I am sure the town was warned and was on high alert for our invasion!  Thankfully Mum and Dad get on with everyone so were happy to join us (& drive - thanks Dad).

The journey down was pretty uneventful, indeed we had a picnic on the way and it was lovely and warm.

H & I in the sunshine.

 Now, I could say that we had a weekend of high culture and didn't go into any pubs but I would be lying on at least one of the counts :-)

I did get up early on the Saturday and met a new friend in person.  C & I are in a carers group online and I really wanted to meet her.  Well, I couldn't go all the way there and not meet the one other person that I knew lived there.  I am so glad it worked out.  We had a real catch up and a fabulous hot choccie.

On the Saturday we went to Rochester.  Did you know that you can go into a pub and not drink alcohol???? (I sound such a lush..........), it was a cold day that day.

The only person in the group who I had not meant was D, the daughter of V & J.  Now, I have been friends with her on FB for ages but we'd not yet met.  When you see the photo below you may wonder why I was so looking forward to meeting her.  D loves SOUR sweets and I fell for the "would you like to try one?".  OMG.  The photo below is the white one - happily I don't have a photo of when I tried the green one.... you'd think I'd learn after the first time.

Still I think I've gotten my own back.

We had a lovely Greek night at P&D's on Saturday night but I was too busy to take many photos.

On Sunday we all split up and did various things.  Mum, Dad, P & I went to Chartwell, when we found it (don't ask).

Chartwell was the principal adult home of Sir Winston Churchill. Churchill and his wife Clementine bought the property, located two miles south of Westerham, Kent, England, in 1922. (taken from the web).  

P also told us that Churchill himself built a wall around the vegetable garden but never put in foundations.  The National Trust who own the building now have to decide whether to rebuild the wall for safety or keep the public away.........

I love the pumpkins hanging up in little nets. They were causing amusement and bewilderment of why they were hanging, but I just assumed that it was to stop the creepy crawlies eating them. 

I absolutely love the rose below.  I don't often go for white flowers but this one was so lovely catching the sun and any ideas what it might be called?

Churchill also ran out of money at the end of his lifetime so his friends paid for the upkeep of Chartwell so he could keep living there.  How fabulous was that?

We used the Travel Lodge in Sidcup and I couldn't have been happier.  A huge bedroom (single beds though :-( ) and our first wet room, boy did it make it easier for H.  We'll def be asking for one in future, when we travel.

Excuse the mess - I must remember to take a photo when we check in not just before we check out! Note the wheelie photobombing again............



PS The rose is called "Ice Cream"

Birthday Post

Are you nosey like I am?  I love seeing what people get for presents.  I often use it as a way to update my Amazon list - I can hardly ever think of things I need before any occasion but think of loads of things afterwards!!!!


I got cake.  Well I bought it, well I bought 2.  I went into shop 1 and found a strawberry cake which looked lovely so I bought it.  I then went into shop 2 and saw the lemon cake (below) and wanted that instead.  So I came home and presented H will both choices.  He chose 1 for my Birthday and 1 for the day before!!!!!!  He chose in the way I would have done and we both agreed that the strawberry one was nicer - Grrrrrr.

My Hubby outdid himself this year.  I have coverted something (almost anything) from Buttonsy and he did not disappoint.  I got a gorgeous necklace and a box of happy.  The box of happy is a set of the most gorgeous cards (better description here)  H was impressed with every aspect of shopping with Buttonsy and I hope that he will be spending many more happy moments shopping with them.............. :-)

My friend G made me the most fabulous owl family, in my favourite colours.

You can never beat books.  I lurve books (did you ever know that!!!)  To me, it isn't a real celebration without a pile of books.  Thankfully those who love me know that.  I can't wait to start these.

I also love stationery - hello who doesn't?????  My friend N knows me so well.  I was only looking at these earlier in the week, but there was a woman with a HUGE bag in the way and I was running late so I made a mental note to go back another time.  Thanks N!

 Sorry can't work out how to turn the next photo.  I saw this bag whilst on holiday in Menorca and my Mum offered to buy me it.  She then went snuck back to buy the matching purse (in the box).  How cute is the box.  Now that's how shopping should come, all pretty.  Also a 20p attached to the tag as you should never give a purse/bag without money in it - can't remember why, but my Mum has always done it.

 Then to top it all off the card below was from my friend S.  It actually made me cry.  I am so lucky to have my family and friends.

I was so lucky that I received this and more (but the pictures are pants and the camera needs charging) so they shall remain secrets which make me smile.

I also consider that I am lucky to not only to have made friendships on this T'internet thingy but also to receive a card from J - thank you so much.

Time to Party

I have a hen do to go to tonight.  I do not enjoy going out in a group of people for the purpose of getting drunk.  I would much prefer a meal and a bottle of wine somewhere lovely.  I have no idea how much money to take (I don't go out a lot) and no idea how expensive the taxi home will be - this makes me nervous!!!!

So as the hours tick by I find myself getting a little jumpy - though not as grumpy as the 2 brides are getting (oh the ribbing going on on facebook - at this rate I will be surprised if either of them turn up - at least we know where they live so we can go and drag them out :-))

I have prepared for tomorrow by buying the hugest loaf of bread I could find so I can emergency toast to my hearts content.  I just need to pop to the shop for emergency Mars Bars.  I am drinking water to re-hydrate before I go out :-)  I plan to drink some soft drinks tonight but whether I stick to it or not.............

Then I should just have enough time for a little snooze (not 1 full nights sleep so far this week), a long bubble bath, make D's tea, grab the handmade gifts for the brides and off we'll go.

PS What do you need if you've had a glass or 2 too much the night before?????

PPS Popped to Debenhams this week just for a look see and managed to find a dress for the wedding.  Want to see it?  my new dress

I don't often find things I like/fit me when I need something new.  Then I saw this and it fit :-).  I also got a lovely pink/red shrug to go with it.  So excited that I found something lovely without really looking.  Now that is a successful shopping trip.  Also managed to find D a new shirt and tie for the wedding which he really liked.  I suspect we'll just need to buy him shoes and I am thinking of getting him some new converse - he can find dress shoes to be really heavy and if he's having a bad day it can make things even harder for him.  If wearing a new pair of converse make it easier then I am happy for him - even if the older generation think it's a little odd with his suit!!!!!

Ladies who Lunch

I really hate that term; Ladies who Lunch.  It makes me feel that there is something wrong with it, that there is something negative about meeting a friend for lunch.


I met my friend L for an afternoon this week.  She works in Leeds and took the afternoon off so we could have a proper catch up for once and not rush.  We found a new place to try called 115 The Headrow.  If you have a taste card (I think you pay a nominal fee for one) you then get a discount at certain bars & restaurants.  You book a table, mention you have a card and enjoy yourselves.

You know you are in a nice place when the wine glasses are the size of your head!!!!  The house wine was £10.95, which in Leeds is a decent price.  I get so tired going somewhere when the house wine is nearly £20 a bottle, which I won't pay.

Heaven only knows what we were doing to get the photo below - I think I was probably moaning at her to pose for me...... but I love it anyway.

I had a burger with sweet potato fries.  I love SP fries, I mean LOVE.

For a bottle of wine and 2 meals (with discount) it cost us under £18 which I thought was very reasonable.

This week H and I also used his bus pass for the first time.  We headed to the opticians and then to Weatherspoons.  Not sure the last time we went anywhere together.  We are hoping that we will make use of the bus pass a lot this Summer. 

Being Thankful

I thought I'd change my regular Sunday post (there are only so many times that walking the dog, meeting a friend can make me happy).  I was thinking this over in my head last night and was eager to get writing, then we had a bad night and I've had a little cry and I wasn't going to bother.

BUT we all have bumps in the road and if I wasn't so tired with so much to get on with then I probably wouldn't even have had a cry, so I am trying to get back on track.

I am THANKFUL for my parents, supporting us as much as they do.  They drive me places when I need to go somewhere, they go with me if I don't want to do it by myself and they come and walk Anni with me so I get some company each week - though I suspect they'd do the latter anyway as they love Anni and love giving her back when she's all wet and muddy!!!!

I am THANKFUL that my Mum is still with us and we like spending time together.  A few years ago you would never have read that here, but times change and events change us and thankfully we came out as friends.

I am THANKFUL that I have Anni B.  She keeps me sane on a bad day and makes me laugh on a good day.  I swear she has a human brain in her head, at least she seems to when there is food about.

I am THANKFUL for my friends, they let me deal with H's MS (which can make me so unsociable), they drag me out when I'd otherwise stay home.  It doesn't matter if I see them every week, month or year.  They are still there.

I am THANKFUL that I have my crafts.  I think crochet has kept me sane.  When H is asleep at 8pm and I am sat alone with Anni curled up, I can crochet away and not feel too lonely.  Well, until she decides I've done enough and wants to put her head on my knee.............

I am THANKFUL that I love books.  I'd hate not to be able to read for any reason.  I can go to a charity shop and buy a book and I am happy.

and lastly, I am THANKFUL for my Hubby.  We may have an uncertain future with his MS (and I have to learn not to worry so much) but we have each other, a great sense of humour (and yes we need it), and love for each other.  I wouldn't swop you for the world- well I may hesitate if George Clooney arrives with a huge bag of chocolate oranges - but you'd understand that, wouldn't you?

Selfies

Do you take selfies?  I have had to try and get used to taking them as H, although he has longer arms, can't feel the button enough to press it.  It takes many goes to get the angle right, especially since he is usually sat down and I am stood up.  I am getting it down to about 3 bad ones before we get one that we are both happy with, and more importantly both are on.

Last week, I met my friend A.  We don't meet very often, but we do have a real good catch up when we do.  However, we don't think to take a photo until we've had a glass or two.  The photo below is attempt number 2 on my phone (I have no idea how many we tried on her phone first!)

and the best attempt  I have???

Well at least we are both on it!

A Grand Day Out

My friends G and C and I try and meet up fairly regularly throughout the year.  We all used to work together in Leeds and were determined not to loose touch when first G and then I left work.

Yesterday it was G's turn to do the Christmas do and what a day it was.   Although I was up early yesterday I went so wrong and felt all a dither.  Although I had loads of time before I had to catch the bus, I somehow started ironing and suddenly I had 8 minutes to get out of the house and onto the bus.  I forgot the wine for lunch, the soft drinks and my mobile phone and by the time I was sat on the bus, I wasn't even sure I was on the right timed bus.........  thankfully by the time I got to G's I was a little calmer and less rushed.

Thank you G is was lovely and I do love spending time with you and C.

Me and G

G & C

A few Advent gifts perhaps......

 Photos courtesy of C (thank you).

Making me HAPPY this week

Sunday again and time to look back on the past week to see what has been making me happy.

In no particular order;

1) D,V and N coming down last night for takeaway and a drink or two.  It was nice that Hubby could join in with us (we all went to secondary school together).  He even managed to stay awake until 11pm (unheard of lately).  Christmas jumpers were worn along with some hats.

2) Anni B suddenly fancing a cuddle - oh, go on then.   Do you think she's happy?

3) Meeting L in Leeds to celebrate her Birthday. I love catching up with friends, especially when we have something to celebrate.  The huge crowds in Leeds weren't so good!


4) Finally getting hold of a jar of this.  WOW - where have you been all my life.  Very happy to sit on the sofa tonight with a spoon.............. want to know what to buy me for Christmas??????

(or a bigger spoon!)

5) Making orange buns with a Maltesers topping, chocolate orange biscuit and a chocolate orange slice.  Do you sense we love chocolate orange?????  I love to bake and H loves to eat them :-)

Shush don't tell H - but can he get any more in his mouth?????

Not liking so much - have to frog my crochet :-(

3 hours work all gone, all because I used the wrong sized hook - Grrrrrrrrrrr

Making me HAPPY this week

Wow what a week.  I am so glad it is Sunday night and I am curled up on the sofa making something for someone special who is having an op tomorrow.  Anni is curled up on the sofa on my her blanket, snoring away gently and H is catching up on tv watching.

We've had friends up this weekend and had a blast.

Making me happy;

1) Making a new hat for a Charlton fan.  Just waiting to get a proper photo on the terraces!!!

2) A Saturday night with friends and family.  A fabulous meal in a local Turkish restaurant followed by a drink or 2 in Weatherspoons.  I may have felt a little delicate today...........

3) Meeting S and little M on Monday.  I caught the train to an out of town outlet centre and we met up for lunch and a catch up.  Little M is a real cutie and lead me on a Merry dance round some shop windows whilst Mummy was shopping - it was fab.  Then lunch in Thorntons, a lovely hot chocolate and panini.

4) I loved the expression on a piece of chocolate I had this week.........  a bag of these would cheer anyone up!!!!!

5) A photo of the one finished wall in the kitchen.  The wall is actually painted a really pale blue colour and is lovely and I love the poster that I framed.  We still have to paint/undercoat/plaster the other 3 walls :-(

Erm, the rest of the kitchen looks like this below :-(

Friends

We have been holidaying in Molyvos for many years now.  It actually feels more like home than home does.  About 3 years ago we met new friends in our favourite bar and we have talked about meeting up ever since.  Now one couple live in Kent and one in Portsmouth (we live in Yorkshire) so it has taken a while to actually meet up.

P&D came up about a month ago and we had a lovely weekend.  Today they came back with V&J.

We have had a lovely evening, fish and chips, a belated Birthday cake and too many cocktails.  It's been great!!!

I think D likes his new hat (in his football colours!)  I have an order for matching gloves.

Wine and Greek beer, what more could you ask for?

JellyBean cocktails -not too sure what was in them - Ouzo and stuff!  Very sweet but very popular in Molyvos this Summer!

Cheers.  We have another night like this to look forward to!!!!  I think I need sleep :-)