Fast Food Fans

Had a bit of a lie in this morning as I didn't have my usual get up and go. Finally surfaced around 10 O'clock and sat in the conservatory for the morning with a cup of tea, radio 4 and my book. There were a few chips left over from last night's tea and I threw them out onto the patio for the birds. Much to my surprise, one of our friendly squirrels grabbed a chip and scampered up onto the fence and proceeded to tuck in - there you go, you learn something every day. Who would have thought that squirrels ate chips - MacDonald's could have a whole new market!

Peter went out to get the papers late morning and we sat watching our robbin, a few blue tits and other garden birds.

Peter and I are currently competing in a game of on-line scrabble within Facebook called 'Scrabulous' - it's great fun and the game saves your last move so you can dip in out of it at any time. It's very close at the moment so 'everything to play for' as they say!

Recently picked up two DVD's in Sainsburys for a £1 each and settling to watch them this afternoon. The first one has David Hasselhoff in it which put me off a bit but actually its not bad.

Whizzed round the house this morning doing lots of tidying up and cleaning as the Structural Engineer was coming at 10 O'clock and some friends said they might call in later after they had moved their daughter into Southampton University accommodation.

The Engineer turned up dead on time and he was a really nice chap, Peter helped him to get into the roof as our ladder doesn't really reach and held the end of his tape measure when he was measuring the load bearing walls. We don't know the results yet as he has to do lots of mathematical calculations when he gets back to his office but he did say that because we have an old house that the walls are solid. Best case scenario he will confirm that everything is ok and we will get our building certificate and worst case our roofer will need to come back and put in some more cross beam supports. He emphasised that we will not have to have scaffolding up again or have any tiles removed so thank god for that! We will have to wait another week now to know the outcome.

Peter took the car to footie today as the trains are being messed about and he has promised to bring back a chicken take-away (there's a special shop we used to visit occasionally in Bournemouth and he's going to go there). We theorised that a cool bag should also insulate hot things so we will see if our theory is correct later.

I've spent the rest of the day watching a film 'Venus', reading a few more chapters of my book and doing some work on my Facebook page.

Wendy phoned this afternoon to say they wouldn't be coming over as they were still moving Laura into her digs. Had a chat with Laura later in the afternoon on her new number and she sounded excited about this new part of her life and has already made friends with two other girls on her floor so that's good to hear.

It's a very grey day today, no sign of the sun, but I haven't minded as I'd always meant to spend today curled up indoors. I've only stepped outdoors today to put stuff in the bin and to visit the shed and no one is going to temp me any further ..........

Monkey Business

This morning I met an external trainer to check he had everything he needed prior to some training for senior managers took place. There were the usual IT problems which I managed to get sorted out and I made the chap a cup of coffee etc - it was then that I spotted the toy monkey sitting next to his handouts. I dared to ask what it was for but he wouldn't tell me - hmmm the mysteries of senior management.......

Once the managers were on their training Sue G (our ever lasting temp) joined me for a coffee and brought in some cakes as I'd bought them last time. Had a good chat about doing up houses and the un-joys of having the builders in.

As we had no work email today, as IT are merging our system with our sister college, it was a catch up on filing and phone calls sort of day and it did drag I'm afraid. Saed, one of our computer engineers, visited in the afternoon to fix my bosses laptop and refused all offers of refreshment as he's observing Ramadan (he explained that he can't eat or drink anything between dawn and dusk, not even water) and I admire his commitment but I'm not sure I could do without having a drink for that long.

Escaped work at around 4.30pm and met Peter at Lidls to do our fortnightly shop. We spent a bit more than usual as we bought a load of microwave rice which was at an amazing price and a Christmas pud (yes, they are in the shops already folks!)

This evening we chilled in front of the box although I was desolate to discover that Corrie wasn't on to make room for the Rugby (is nothing sacred!) Watched a double episode of Phoenix Nights - how we missed this comedy gem the first time around I don't know - it's hilarious.

Fairwells

Last night dashed over to my friend Wendy's house, picking up friend Julie on the way, and then headed off to the cinema at breakneck speed to see 'Atonement'. The adverts had started when we got there but we made it in time for the film. The film was good, a very morale tale really, but it had a very tragic ending so don't go and see it if you want to come out of the cinema feeling cheery. It was cold and dark when we came out and I had a snooze in the back of Wendy's car on the way back to Andover. Stayed for about half an hour at Wendy's place for a cup of coffee and a slice of quiche - having missed tea I was starving! Hated the drive home as I was so tired and was relieved to crawl straight into bed when I got home. Peter and Paul had already gone to bed when I got back as they had an early start this morning on their trip of 4.00am!!! The alarm went all too soon at 4 O'clock and I managed to summon up enough energy to say goodbye to Peter (although I didn't see Paul this morning or last night)although I know he stayed as the spare bed had definitely been slept in!

Today was my workmate's last day and thankfully we had a quieter day than yesterday and we were able to have time for a slice of cake in the morning and tea in the staff room in the afternoon. Carol's boss made a leaving speech for her and she laughed lots when it became obvious that I had been feeding him information about her future plans (I don't think for example he would have known that she planned to take up yoga for example!). She was very pleased with the leaving gifts I had selected for her too so I was mightily relieved about that. Our horticulture department had put together a fantastic bouquet that included rich reds, yellows and orange flowers mixed with shoots of green bamboo which gave it an unusual twist. The other gifts were a silver rose stretch bracelet, a book on planning an allotment (a future project she wants to take up) and a gardening set made especially for ladies with a floral design all over it. She was obviously delighted and it made me happy that she had enjoyed her last day so much. An end of an era as they say ......... and I have to get used to working opposite someone new next week (yikes! will have to be all professional until we gauge each others sense of humour and work habits I guess - ho hum).

Came home a bit later today as there were lots of last minute panics this afternoon at work but it didn't matter as Peter is not back until later. The house feels cold this evening and I'm trying to fight the urge to switch the heating on just yet (although it is nearly October so maybe I should stop being such a scrooge!).

I.T. Hell

As part of my place of work's I.T. overhaul it is currently switching servers; to do this everyone has to go back to 'webmail' which is an archaic system that is slow, cumbersome and simply not comparable with Outlook in any way - plus it has no electronic diary! We have also lost out home drives and any documents we open can't be saved with any amendments. Everywhere I go in the building, people are frustrated as they have heaps of work to do but have been unable to do it - plus for the whole of this Friday and half of Monday we will have no email access at all.

On the bright side, Sue, my colleague's replacement came in to do a job handover today and she seems really nice. I did feel sorry for her though as with all the I.T. rubbish going on she must have got the impression that the place is always this chaotic. Anyway, I don't think we scared her off as she's coming back tomorrow for more!

The drive home was a bit stressy tonight, the motorway (which I chose to drive on for some weird reason rather than the country route) was packed and rainy. So packed that I couldn't move over safely to the left lane to take my turn off so had to take the next junction and take a de-tour via the airport - drat and double drat.

This evening we're tidying the place up a bit in readiness for Peter's friend coming over tomorrow night. I bought some pizza's today so that Peter won't have to cook as I'm going to the flicks to see Atonement with my mates.

Mum and dad phoned this evening, Dad said he is now feeling totally well again after his Crohns attack last week which is good news. They have gone away in their camper for a few days which I'm sure will do them the world of good.

Trying to be nice to Peter this evening as I was a bit grumpy with him last night. I tend to go bed earlier than him and if I've fallen asleep and he then he wakes me up when he comes to bed I get a bit growly which is not good. Mind you - me trying to stay awake past 10 O'clock is a non starter and Peter's more of a night owl so not sure what the answer is!

Wild and Windy

The alarm went off at ten to six and made me jump (we must get one of those alarms that starts off quietly and builds up - that would be a much gentler start to the day). I sensed that Peter was not moving at his normal pace to get up so wasn't surprised when he asked for a lift to the station. Not that I can blame him as it was dark outside with torrential rain and high winds. It was quite nice pottering about together this morning, I got a cup of tea and my lunch time sandwich made for me too :-)

Getting into work took a bit longer than normal due to traffic volumes and general slowness due to the weather but it seems I was lucky not to get hit by a tornedo.

Chores and Chuck Outs

Didn't wake up until 8 O'clock this morning - gosh the sea air yesterday must be good for one's sleep.

Nipped out to get the papers this morning from the nearest Tesco metro and actually had an ok shopping experience in there. The overly cheerful cashier didn't serve me (hoorah - he's just too over the top for the morning) and the nice girl who did let me have 4 free David Attenborough DVD's that they hadn't managed to get rid of in the papers. Stuck £20 of fuel in the tank, care of my already exhausted cc, which should last until the end of the week when I finally get paid - can't come soon enough.

This morning we did lots of chores, Peter in the garden and me in the house. I also sorted out a huge pile of books which will either be listed on-line or sent to the charity shop. I hate getting rid of books but needs must, our main bookcase is now full and our dining room table is two rows deep with them too.

Phoned my best friend for a chat - she is totally stressed out as daughter number one is going to Uni this Saturday and won't adhere to any of her mother's pleas to pack, write lists of stuff she needs, sort out her bank account etc. Plus she is back with a boyfriend that neither parent approves of. Every time I have a conversation about children I think 'thank god I didn't have any!'. Anyway, have promised to be on standby for a cinema trip on Wednesday so my friend can have a mid week escape from the stress and chaos.

We had a healthy lunch of omelette's followed by strawberries and yogurt. I'm going to try and cut out my snack habit which has reared its head again recently and get back to eating proper meals - it's going to be tough as the comfort eating season approaches but one must try.

This afternoon we watched a film 'Breaking and Entering' with Jude Law, Juliet Binoche, Robin Pen et al. I really enjoyed it, not sure if Peter did or not - it was quite relationshipy.

Peter is now busy upstairs moving our boxes that should be in the loft from one spare room to the other as we need the room with the bed for Peter's friend who is staying on Wednesday night.

This evening we shall have tea and settle down and watch Michael Palin I'd expect. I've resumed my knitting (yes, a scarf!) to keep my hands busy so that hopefully I won't reach for the biscuit tin.

Rain is forecast overnight but it seems to have arrived early so at least Peter is left off the watering tonight.

It's been a good weekend and as we enjoyed yesterday so much we have vowed to 'get out more' and enjoy the countryside.

Twitching

Today we went to Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve. We arrived around 9.30ish and sat on the sea wall for a bit and enjoyed a cup of coffee out of our flask (we brought 3 - never let it be said that we don't come prepared!). The weather was gorgeous with the sun just burning off the mist. We watched some people learning to sail and failing on the whole as loads of them ended up in the water. We then went and paid and went across to the first lot of hides and spent the morning there. We saw the two spoonbills that had been reported there and lots of heron and little egret amongst others. We had lunch outside of the hides on a bench (the hides were so busy it would have been rude to rustle our packs of crisps I think!)

In the afternoon we went into the hides which are on the side of the reserve with the shop and tea room (we resisted the tea room). The hides this side were much less busy but then again there were fewer birds this side too - so we could see why. Anyway, it was nice to have some of the hides to ourselves so we could talk about what we were seeing (and I had a sneaky read of my current book too).

On the way out we called into the shop and Peter bought a bird feeder and a pretty mug with a blue tit on for me (what a nice fiancee he is!)

We got home around 5 O'clock and I jumped straight in the shower as sea air plays havoc with my hair and turns it into a greasy mop.

Just as it was getting dark Peter said he thought someone walking across our garden. So we both rushed out and had a good look around. It would be difficult to get in now as we have it locked like fort knox but we were rattled for a bit. Anyway, we finally realised that he must have seen my reflection from the kitchen reflected in the patio doors - phew!

This evening we are watching junk TV interspersed with the tape of Who do you think you are?

Not Going Out

God I am such a home bunny - I just love getting home after work, shutting the door and knowing I'm in for the evening. I'm even worse in the winter when the garden doesn't even beckon. I never was a party girl.

Last night we got stuck into some major sorting and delved into a few boxes we haven't looked in since we moved in 2.5 years ago. I found my long lost collection of Nicci French books, lots of programmes and tickets of places we went to when Peter and I first starting going out (gosh we went out a lot then). As Peter said, we were much more lax with our respective credit cards then and didn't have a large mortgage to worry about. Now, we have much tighter belts and are still paying off the credit on those cards years later. We also found Christmas cards we'd given each other over the years sweet) and loads of half started needlework projects - something to take up again in the winter perhaps. Anyway, we emptied 2 huges boxes and managed to store what we want to keep elsewhere and create a pile for selling on or for going to the Charity shop.

Work was long today. It was brightened by an ex colleague coming in to see me but my boss kept his door open so we couldn't really chat freely which was a shame.

Peter is home any hour later than usual this evening so I'm making the most of it and making full use of online time before he gets back and wants to have a go (well, he has been on a course all day so will be feeling internet deprived I'd expect). I'm looking forward to him getting home thought - it feels like the weekend has started then. We are going to have an 'old favourite' of Peter's for tea - Raviolli on Toast (a recipe will appear later !)

It's really autumnal again today and the sky is really grey (it's turned the colour it goes when it snows - now that would be a turn up for the books!)

Peter's home now - my time is up!

The Meanness of Management

One of my close colleagues at work is leaving shortly as she is retiring and I'm arranging the leaving card and pressies - something I rather enjoy doing as I'm quite good at choosing gifts and I'm confident she will like what I've chosen. Because of the proximity of the leaving date I have had to do a 'gestimate' of what we are likely to collect and order the pressies with my own money in the hope that the collection will roughly cover it. On checking how the collection was going yesterday I realised it wasn't going well so I went cap in hand round to see some of the senior managers this morning (including my colleagues direct line-manager). Now, shoot me down in flames for saying this, but I was frankly appalled at the total 'tightness' of people who earn in excess of £70K a year (and some of which have a gratis house). My colleague has worked like a dog for over 4 years and to put in a couple of measly pounds is terrible I think and I feel hurt on her behalf that they are unwilling to show their appreciation (thank god she will never know as I'll make up any shortfall as I couldn't bear to give her a rubbish send off). Colleagues who don't work with her much, and who are on low wage salaries, have happily contributed. I really really don't normally judge people on what they give - it's a very personal thing - but it just irks me when people earning at that level are prepared to be so ungenerous to someone who has worked so hard for them. I do hope that I'm viewed as worth more than a £1 a year for every year I have worked but I guess I might be in for a horrible surprise if the time should come - rant over! I remember my dad telling me that when he was in the building business - it was always the little old ladies on a pension who will paid his bills in full and on time - the wealthy clients would leave him waiting for his money for months and haggle the bill (topsy turvey world isn't it?).

Back on the home front, Peter is doing some more sorting out tonight of various hidden boxes we have in cupboards which haven't been disturbed since we moved in. I have the feeling that the front room is going to be turned into Steptoes yard for a bit - oh dear!

Peter has discovered another book swapping site today called www.bookmooch.com it looks quite cool.

Looking forward to watching 'Who Do You Think You Are' this evening with Griff Rhys-Jones.

Parking Wars

I phoned my parents as soon as I got into work this morning and much to my surprise my dad answered the phone and said the majority of the pain had passed but he is still very very sore and taking things very gently. He has managed to have a cup of tea and that’s it so far – he is understandably very nervous about eating in case the food gets stuck again – horrible for him but at least he sounds like he is on the mend.

Too many office politics going on at work today for my liking – things aren’t getting any better really. Everywhere you turn there are people moaning about their lot – I just keep my head down, do my work try and ignore it, but it’s not easy. To add to everyone’s angst there appears to be ‘parking wars’ going on at the moment. The staff here have 107 spaces allocated to them, and the students probably about the same, but since the start of term staff arriving from 8.30am haven’t been unable to park. As I get here at ‘sparrow’s fart’ I’m ok but I can understand how frustrating it must be to arrive and to have to drive round and around trying to find a space. There are an increased amount of staff here now and lots of visiting staff from our sister college so it was inevitable really but short of ripping out fields and putting more tarmac in I don’t know what the answer is(just as long as they don’t start charging for parking - that really would set off the fireworks big time!)

I've entered loads of magazine competitions this week - mostly for breaks away and books - let's hope postie brings some good news soon.

The traffic was horrendous driving home - don't know why, maybe there was an accident on the motorway which forced all the traffic on the B roads - don't know.

This evening I am busy listing all out video titles (the one's we want to sell) so that Peter can try and list them on his works intranet site tomorrow. I'm also going to watch the new ITV drama Torn which looks promising.

We are planning to do a bit of bird watching this weekend down at Titchfield Haven - the forecast is a bit dodgy but I don't really mind as there are plenty of Hides there and a tea shop to shelter from any showers. It will just be nice to go for a nice bracing walk and blow away the cobwebs - can't wait.

Autumn Arrives and a Poorly Dad

Gosh it was 'autumnal' on my drive in this morning – I even had to have the car heater on. I love this time of year though, changing of the colour of the leaves, the frosty mornings to come and the run up to my favourite time of year – Christmas!

Work was pretty non-descript today but we took a very aggressive call from a Call Centre. There is a sneaky lot called the ‘Parliamentary’ something or other which, because of their name, had us fooled a few times as they sounded important but they are just sales people and my colleague hung up on them – only to have the aggressive salesman call her back a minute late and give her loads of verbal. I could hear him perfectly clearly from the other side of the desk. Carol handled it really well though and just held the phone away from her ear and let him rant and said nothing – forcing him to hang up – brilliant!

This evening I won my battle with the Chicken Tonite jar – let me explain….. We have had a jar of mushroom Chicken Tonite sauce in the cupboard for a few months now and neither of us could open it – we’ve tried brute force, running the jar under a hot tap etc but have remained defeated (how old and frail people open these things is beyond me!). Anyway, this evening I had one final attempt and virtually boiled the jar before applying a firm grip and eureka it opened – oh the joy of the moment (little things folks, little things!)

As predicted the roofer phoned tonight (I am starting to dread his calls) and he has given me a number to ring of a structural engineer with a view to him coming out the tail end of next week to do a report. I am praying that a) he will be able to come out when Peter has a day's leave booked off work (as neither of us can keep taking days off willy nilly) and b) his report will say everything is ok so that we can get our inspection certificate – watch this space.

Mum also phoned this evening. Dad has had Crohns disease for many years now and despite an operation to remove part of his intestine he still gets relapses and he had one today. It really is a terrible thing, food gets blocked in his tubes and can’t work through and the pain is unbelievable – he literally rolls around the floor in agony. Mum called the doctor several times but they are so slow to come out these days – she rang at 9.00am and the doctor came after her surgery at 1.00pm – absolute crap! Even then she wouldn’t give him pain killers – why on earth not? She came back at 7.00pm, when he was a little better, and left him some strong pain killers on the strict instructions to use only if he got really bad – hello! how bad does it have to get? The double whammy is that because he has become so de-hydrated he has been getting severe cramps all over his body. Having had cramp in my thigh the other night – I can’t imagine how bad that must be on top of feeling so ill too. Mum and dad had been planning to go away that day in the camper van – so thank god they weren’t away from home at least – going to phone mum first thing tomorrow to see what sort of night he had.

During the evening we sorted out our bulging book case and ear-marked about 20 videos and a stack of books that we can get rid (by selling them hopefully but videos are pretty worthless these days so doubt we will get more than about 20p each). We watched ‘Jamie at Home’ which is a great little show, as it involves both gardening and cooking, and the show which followed about cooking from ingredients found in the wild – the male presenter's naked bottom was on show quite a bit too which I guess would attract a whole different audience!

Shopping Nightmares and Sheep

Couldn't believe it when the alarm went off this morning - it was still dark (it's all wrong you know). Discovered half way to work that my petrol gauge was on red - didn't have the time or money to buy any so had stick it on a card which I hate doing as I'm really trying not to at the moment - grhhhhh

As I drove into work my friendly favorite sheep was in his usual place poking his head through the bars of a gate on the main College road, as he is every morning when I drive in, I think the grass must be greener on the other side - ha, ha. Seeing him always brightens my day.

After work I went to Lidls and did our fortnightly shop. Although I love the prices there and the food is pretty good quality too - I hate the check-out experience. Because they only do one size of trolley 'extra large and deep' - if you have a full trolley to unload it's back breaking scrabbling to get everything out to load on the conveyor belt. My check out girl was happy to watch me unload about 80 items whilst she sat swigging a can of coke. Then at the end of the check out there is hardly any room for the items to collect so you end up just throwing stuff into the trolley the other end. I got quite ratty at some point as my bag of oranges split and one rolled across the floor and my glasses fell off too - the operator didn't help me one jot and I said 'loudly' - "it's difficult managing everything when you don't get any help isn't it?" which I was quite proud of and I hope pricked her conscience.

Got home a bit hot and bothered but managed to unload, put away, have a shower and put tea on just before Peter go back, by which time I was starving! I think Peter knew I had made myself hungry when I started using the handle of my knife to extract the last morsel of cauliflower cheese from it's carton. I caught him staring at me in amazement from the corner of my eye.

After the long day I felt no guilt in chilling out with the Soaps and Peter joined me when I stuck Nigella on. I'm sorry, but week on week she is getting more and more annoying. This week she had pans in her kitchen in a lime green colour to match the cardigan she was wearing! Please ................

Sunday Trading

Arrived at the airfield just after 9.00am and as there weren't many people about (so no early customers) Peter treated me to a coffee and we sat at the top of the field and watched the first few planes coming in. When we got back to the car we had a 'newby' parked next door who, for some reason, had put his stall down the side of his car instead of across the front. Peter tried to explain to him that he was using a lot of width by doing so and therefore some of the, yet to arrive, stall holders might not be able to fit in - a bit of an disagreement ensued - I've only seen Peter really cross a few time and this was one of them! You will be pleased to know that fisticuffs didn't ensue - we managed to muddle along next to each other. I have to say he wasn't exactly a 'hands on' stall holder as every time he had a customer he wasn't there and he was leaving the couple the other side of him to serve his customers.

The weather was dry but kept clouding over. During the morning we hardly sold a thing and then suddenly we sold loads of books in the afternoon and I guess we took about £40 in the end - not terrific but it will help our budget this month.

Peter picked up a copy of what he calls 'The book of dreams' ie. 'aircraft spotting trips abroad' from some tour operators who had a stall there today. He is 'leaving me' for 8 days in September next year to go to Austria on a trip - it will be strange him being away for that time but it's fine - I know he wouldn't complain if I want to do something on my own sometime. In fact, I think it's quite healthy to have time apart - I really don't understand marriages or partnerships where partners are not trusted or permitted to do anything independantly.

Oh I forgot to mention, there was a very chatty St John's Ambulance guy up there today. Big chap, aviator sun glasses and no top teeth so he talked with a lisp - he seemed to spend a lot of time motionless in his van (I'm sure he was asleep behind his sun glasses) - well he must have been as he totally missed the air ambulance landing in a field behind us and said "oh, I would like to have spoken to them". However, when he woke up he could chat for England and kept me amused when Peter was off on one of his wanders taking pictures of aircraft......

We left at around 4.00pm and it had just started to spit with rain - I hate the unpacking when we get home - it just seems such a chore and I just want to flop. Never mind, it was soon sorted (I just need to remind myself how bad it was when we used to have to park in the road and lug things upstairs when we lived in the flat!)

We're now watching a film called 'The Riddle' that we got free with the Mail on Sunday starring Vinny Jones - so far its a load of old bo****ks but we are sticking with it for a bit. The TV later looks much more promising, 'Jimmy's Farm' and Michael Palin's new series.

Must say I'm not looking forward to work next week - role on our break in October.

A 'Stranger' at the Door?

According to a 'what book are you?' - I am this:-

You're The Giver!

by Lois Lowry

While you grew up with a sheltered childhood, you're pretty sure
everyone around you is even more sheltered. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, you were
tapped on the shoulder and transported to the real world. This made you horrified by
your prior upbringing and now you're tormented by how to reconcile these two lives.
Ultimately, the struggle comes down to that old free will issue. Choose
wisely.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Last night we watched the John Hurt episode of 'Who do you think you are?" which was one of the most interesting I've seen. However, I would have liked to know a bit more about John's brother, the Benedictine monk, and how the two brothers came to take such different paths in life. We later watched a double bill of Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights which we missed first time around - it is soooooo funny - I would love to see Peter Kay live - he's the best.

Woke up at around 7 O''clock this morning and threw a few clothes on and went out to get the papers - there was a free Michael Palin DVD that we particularly wanted so I wanted to make sure we got a copy. My intention was to take the papers upstairs where Peter was still in bed and crawl back in and lounge in bed reading them for a bit but Peter opened the door when I got home so he was up and about earlier than I had expected. So we sat in the conservatory listening to Radio 4, eating marmite on toast,reading the papers and watching the wildlife - bliss! Now that autumn is here the birds seem to be coming back to the garden - we saw our robin, some doves, a blue-tit and one of our squirrel visitors.

Peter left to get his train at about 10.30 and I logged onto his work's laptop and starting surfing. About half an hour later the door bell rang and I thought "who the hell is that?". Some days I just don't want to see anyone, particularly if it's likely to be a double glazing salesman so I ignored it but could still see a shadow lurking on the path. After about 2 minutes I thought hmmm "it's a tall bloke, and wasnt' Peter wearing jeans and a beige coat?" - of course it was Peter (not sure why he only rang once!) - he had forgotten his footie pass. I offered him a lift back to the station but he wants to take a walk across the park so that's ok.

Basically pottered around today, cooked up the latest picking of beans, dusted off our onion crop which have now dried out nicely and caught up on some video watching and internet stuff. So nice to not 'have' to do antything, be anywhere or see anyone.

Off to collect Peter from the station shortly (just waiting for his "come and get me" text and then it will be Saturday night TV and pizza for us.

Detective Work

We think we forgot to set the alarm last night – because the first thing I was aware of was a jolt next to me and Peter trying to read the time on the clock without a light. Turns out we were running 25 minutes late, not a good start to the day. Peter therefore missed his normal train and I dropped him off at the station on my way to work.

I’ve been doing mostly ‘diary juggling’ at work today and the time went really slowly. Had to order a lunch for three at very short notice which never makes me popular with the kitchen but needs must and at least I got some left over sarnies - I was starving, as I forgot to bring any lunch again!

Later on in the day went down to the post room (the centre of all things at work) and was blanked by one of the other Secretaries, it happened the other day too, so I’m not imagining it. There is still very much an ‘atmosphere’ here as some people have had their job roles changed and had to move office. So why that means I’m not worth speaking to I’m not sure – it could of course be who I work ‘for’ ie. the decision makers – but there again, why that should be a crime I’m not sure. It pisses me off as I go out of my way to be friendly, helpful and approachable to everyone at work but having said that, you don't get second chances with me - if someone upsets me I can bear a grudge for bloody ages...........so I won't be helping that particular person any time soon.

Put the car through the car wash on the way home as it was covered in bird poo - I'm trying not to park under the trees at work but they still seem to get me! Then I picked Peter up from the station - it's not often that my car and his train pass through town at the same time but tonight was an exception. It's rather nice getting home together for a change. We pottered about a bit, Peter picking beans and watering the garden and me sorting out the washing and cooking tea - how domestic we are.

I was trying to work out if the roofer had been in to take the roof measurements or not today - we had arranged for him to have a key but there was no sign that he'd been in. Then I went into the downstairs loo and I 'knew' he had as the loo seat was up. I questioned Peter and he said he wouldn't 'dare' to leave it up so that proves it - just call me Sherlock! People always leave some sort of trail don't they? Just read this para back (when I said I'd 'questioned' Peter I didn't actually sit him in a straight backed chair and shine a light in his eyes - just in case you were wondering!)

Planning a 'chill out' day tomorrow whilst Peter is at footie. The housework is reasonably up togeter as I've been doing bits all week and mum and dad helped with the garden the other day so that's looking acceptable too. The farthest I'm going is the paper shop!

The Scandal of Paddington Bear

Today interviews were carried out for a replacement for Carol (my co-worker). They have appointed someone who currently works at Andover College (the College we have just merged with) so she will have the huge benefit of knowing one of the campuses really well already. My first impression is that she seems very nice (not the severe dressing, power crazed person I feared I could have ended up with from seeing some of the other applications forms!). Her name is Sue too, so it will be interesting having my namesake working in the office (although since working here I have allotted to being called ‘Susan’ as I realised there were too many Sue’s already so that will make things a little easier).

Rang our roofer at lunch time and he is coming out tomorrow to take the measurement he needs and we’ll go from there. I have managed to stop worrying about it for the time being as it’s totally out of our hands now. I will only start to panic again if the scaffolding needs to go up again but I’m hopeful that this won’t be necessary and things can be rectified from inside the roof.

Popped into town on my way home from work, which is ‘very’ unusual. Found a little car park which I’d not really been aware of before which is right next to one of the main shopping streets and it was dead quiet at 4.30pm. Anyway, I needed to pop in for a leaving card for Carol – you know what it’s like when you know exactly the ‘size’ ‘style’ you are looking for and you can’t find it ? Anyway, found one in the end after some searching. Most of them were too full of sarcasm – ie. Lovely front cover saying ‘sorry you are leaving’ and then inside ‘and who exactly are you?’ – not exactly the right sentiment I don’t think!

Decided to have pasta for tea. An experiment with a Lidls brand where you boil up a pan of water chuck the freeze dried flavoured pack in and then simmer and it’s done. I thought it was quite tasty (and cheap!) but Peter said ‘is that it?’ when he saw it so I guess some sort of accompaniment is called for next time (garlic bread and salad I suspect).

Peter made the dreadful mistake of telling me of a nickname that a friend’s wife once gave him and I can’t stop saying it! It just sort of pops out and I get a growly “shut it” response from Peter. He would kill me if I shared it here but it is cute!

I taped John Hurt’s ‘Who do you think you are?’ tonight and we’ll probably watch it tomorrow. Apparently John’s brother is a Benedictine Monk so it should be fascinating. I attempted to stay awake to watch the BBC2 comedies – managed ‘Mock the Week’ and part of ‘Saxondale’ but half way through Peter said ‘night night’ as I descended into a deep sleep.

And finally, is there nothing sacred in this world? The makers of Marmite (which I love incidentally) are using my childhood favourite, Paddington, in their new advertising campaign – I saw it tonight and he says ‘I think I fancy a change from Marmalade sandwich’ – tut tut, they should leave well alone!

F&M

Busy day at work today - foot and mouth has struck again so lots of things to put in place as the College is so land and animal based. Left a bit later than ususal and built up a bit of flexy time.

The builder rang when I got home and said that, despite his argument, the Building Inspector is insisting of more supports to be put in the roof. He then proceeded to ask me to go into the roof and take a measurement for him - when I phoned dad to check which measurement he thought he meant he said "hang on a minute, he's the roofer he shouldn't be expecting you or Peter to climb up ladders, crawl about in a narrow roof space and do his dirty work" which made me think "hang on a minute, he's right" so I promptly rang roofer back and relayed the message albeit to his answering machine. Quite frankly I'm willing to put myself out to move things along and get everything sorted but, as dad said, we could have an accident and then where would we be.

Our next door neighbour came round tonight to give us the unwelcome news that the factory sited over our, and all our neighbours walls, had been broken in to again last night (or rather attempted). There is an empty house down the road and they went through that garden and then climbed the wall only to get caught in the razor wire which has newly been installed by the factory (ha, bloody ha I hope they strangle themselves next time). The disturbing thing is that despite leaving a cardigan behind hanging on the fence the Police were not the slightest bit interested in a) coming out b) retrieving said cardigan as evidence! Very worrying.

That's about it for tonight - I'm off to watch the box for a while and to try and relax.

It will be alright in the end

Morning
Well this is a very early blog today, well an early start to it anyway. I’m sat typing this in draft in Word (as our internet access isn’t free until after 6.00pm). As suspected the scaffolders started early today – arrived at 7.30am on the dot. As I’m experiencing with workman at the moment they are men of few words, I went out to meet them and they grunted a bit and then started work so I’ve left them to it. I’m very glad I decided to take a day’s leave today though as they are literally throwing the scaffolding poles down and as we have two lean-tos and a conservatory attached to the side of the house I want to hear if anything comes crashing down on them. I can’t really relax whilst they are here and get on with much, hence starting the blog.

Dad rang very early, 7.00am, to offer to come down this morning to meet the Building Inspector with me as he is worried that if more work is required inside the roof that I won’t understand all the technical terms he may use (which is quite correct). Dad is also annoyed that our roofer is laying this at our door to sort out – as I know all to well the Building Inspector should have come out at the start of the work and spoken to the roofers direct so that they could rectify anything necessary – now it’s all arse about face and I’m taking days off work and involving my parents in the worry.

Afternoon
Well the scaffolders got everything down in just 2 hours (very quick considering they took 5 hours to put it up). Mum and Dad arrived towards the end and dad put some board in the roof so that we can put our stuff back in easily. Mum, bless her, decided our conservatory windows needed a clean and did those whilst I mowed the lawns front and back. The Building Inspector arrived at about 11.00am and it’s bad news – he won’t give us our certificate as he say he thinks the roof might need more support to take the weight of the heavier tiles. GREAT! To say I am not impressed is an understatement (I suspect Peter won’t be either). So now I have to contact the roofer again and get him to sort it; best case scenario he will come back and crawl up in the roof to put some more roof supports in; worse case scenario the scaffolding will have to go up and heavier supports taken through the roof – Arhhhhhhhhh

There was nothing else mum and dad could help with so they went home and I just fumed for an hour and then went out to get an item from Homebase and also a leaving card for my work colleague from Asda. When I got back I had a shower and washed my hair and felt a bit calmer about the whole thing. When I get really rattled I tend to say to myself “no-one has died and every problem has a solution” and that usually puts my mind back in some sort of order and perspective.

Evening
The roofer has just rung and is shocked that the roof hasn’t passed and he is going to speak to the Building Inspector tomorrow and has acknowledged that he will have to leave his current job to come back and rectify ours if necessary (so that’s something!) but we do have all of his money so I guess he would be co-operative. Oh well, you live and learn. I honestly wonder how people cope when they buy a derelict house and have to deal with multiple contractors on site – I now know that I couldn’t – maintaining an older style house is hard enough.

Peter was home late tonight as he had been on a ‘time management’ course. He said it was interesting but I think they digressed onto other things quite a bit. I’m sure he will blog about it later. Anyway, he brought home a KFC for him and a McFlurry for us both (99p worth of deliciousness).

I was really sad to hear that Anita Roddick had died – what a terrible shame. She was a woman with so much energy and zest for life and was a real pioneer as far as women running their own businesses are concerned and the ethics of running a business. I don’t know what sort of age she was but she was much much to young to die.

By accident, I’d taped past a programme last night and ended up taping ‘Hells Kitchen’ – Marco Pierre White is rather ugly and looks totally unwashed but he is absolutely mesmerising – I can see why women fall for him – there’s something very animal about him (although a lot of my work colleagues don’t agree).

I persuaded Peter to watch Nigella’s ‘Express’ programme last night and almost wished I hadn’t. She was so full of herself last night – being filmed on a bus with her shopping (yeah right, being married to a multi millionaire advertising tycoon I’m sure she takes the bus everywhere!) and I lost count of all the times she mentioned that she had cooked a three course dinner party for 6 in 30 minutes (don’t you just hate wonder women!). I shall probably keep watching as the food looks so gorgeous (and that’s another thing she cooks all this stuff in what looks like full make up and a party dress and doesn’t ever look hot or get a smudge of flour anywhere). Aspirational it may be – believable it isn’t.

In need of Soap

Got home tonight and it was good to see that the roofers have now finished. However, the Building Inspector still hasn't been so, to cut a long story short, I phoned the Building Inspector myself rather than going through our roofer and booked him to come tomorrow as I've booked the day off anyway to keep an eye on the scaffolders when they remove everything. Amazing that I can make one phone call and get an appointment but that hasn't been possible during the last week when the roofer phoned him - hmmmmm

Although the outside of the roof is looking very good the inside of the roof space is thick with dust so I've done my best to hoover up what I can reach with a hoover nozzle whilst standing on a step ladder (not easy I can tell you). Came down the ladder covered in grime - yuk. At least it will mean the Inspector won't get covered in dust the minute he sticks his head through the hatch which could prejudice his report I think!

I'm hoping that the scaffolders will come early tomorrow so that I can go out in the afternoon. My work colleague is leaving in a few weeks and I want to get a large leaving card - it's never easy finding time around work so tomorrow should be an ideal time.

This evening is Soap night (TV and bath wise!) and Peter is going to watch Nigella with me and drool over the wonderful food - her programmes really do make you want to rush into the kitchen and start cooking up a storm. As the evenings are 'drawing in' now I must start on one of my winter hobbies - cross stitch or something so that I feel productive - I have umpteen half started projects tucked in a drawer somewhere!

Terracotta

Today we were at Popham Airfield selling our wares - it was a very slow day in all respects, not many visitors and we only took £12.00 - I tend to get a little bored when we aren't selling much. However, it was a beutiful sunny day so it was pleasent enough just sitting there with my book and the newspapers.

At around 3.30pm we called it a day and headed into Andover to see our friends Wendy and Mick, we had a good chat about their recent holiday to Blackpool (how I remember loving the lights when I was small - pure nostalgia) and Wendy's brother's wedding which was few weeks ago. We saw lots of pics of both events which was nice. I'm going on a trip to London with Micky's firm in December and they have decided they want to go and see the Terracotta Warriors at the British Museum http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/whats_on/future_exhibitions/first_emperor.aspx
which is fine by me. Sadly Peter can't come because he's at football that day.

We dashed home and managed to unload everything just in time to see 'Jimmy's Farm' which was hilarious (not intentionally) as usual. I then set out to watch 'The Dinner Party' which I expected to be a bit like 'Abigail's Party' but it was nothing of the sort - Alison Steadman couldn't even save this sorry piece of work.

Had a bad night's sleep again as someone's house alarm, way down the road, was screeching for hours ................

Many Hands.........

Slept like a log last night despite it being very hot and sticky. Managed to get up early and shot out to pay a cheque in the cash-point which has been festering in my handbag for a week. Really annoyed that I have left it until now to bank it as I really need the money to clear. Went to Tesco Express and bought some picnic food for tomorrow's sales pitch at Popham Airfiel and picked up the papers (included one for mum and dad who are coming over later).

Dad and mum pulled up about 9 O'clock in their new car and, looking back, I think I should have made more of a fuss of it, I'm just not very focused on other people's stuff at the moment. Must try harder!

Anyway, Dad and Peter got to grips with the plumbing whilst I got the laptop out and gave mum a lesson in Word as she is doing a mail-shot of the village they live in to alert the neighbours about the proposed Showman's Guild Camp next to their property. Dad and Peter found the plumbing blockage which was actually in the drain itself so I feel vindicated that Peter and I were unable to locate it ourselves.

Before we knew it dad had climbed up on the scaffolding to inspect the roof works so far (73 years old - no hard hat - mad!) - the rest of us declined to go up there to admire the view!

After all that we all piled into some gardening - gosh it's amazing what 4 pairs of hands can do in a few hours - beds weeded, pond tidied up, trees trimmed - what wonderfully practical parents I have indeed.

I made us a lunch of stuffed crust pizza and Caesar salad and mum and brought along some stewed fruit and cream so we devoured that too - yum.

Mum and dad left around 1 O'clock and then we had the rest of the day to ourselves. I ploughed through 3 loads of washing that had been piling up and then read some of my booked and dozed off and Peter did a bit of stuff on the laptop and tuned into the footie.

Tonight we are putting our feet up in front of the X-Factor and Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Take-away - when Ant and Dec reappear you know the Autumn schedules have started. We have another early start tomorrow when we head off to Popham and then we are calling in on my pal Wendy and Family who I haven't seen for couple of weeks.

Stress and Distant Bells (Blog Part 2)

Well, I drove home thinking 'great the weekend' and was even more cheered to see that all the tiles were on the roof - excellent building progress has been made today. Sat in the garden for a bit waiting for Peter to get home and reading Good Housekeeping magazine which arrived today in the post (yes, I know, how middle class!) then made tea and all was right with the world.

This however was short lived as when I rang the builder:-

a) He advised that the building inspector hadn't been all week so in essence if the inspector says the roof needs more support then we have a problems as the tiles are on now.

b) He didn't realise we wanted the second part of his quote done ie facias, guttering etc (even though I told him we were accepting the whole quote when I spoke to him initially). Plus if we do want this done it means the job will be extended and the scaffold needs to be taken down on Tuesday as the scaffolders are going on holiday.

Excuse me whilst I scream!!!

Anyway, phoned the 'oracle', my dad, and he reckons the existing guttering etc may still be in good enough nick (he will confirm when he comes tomorrow) so hopefully that part of the problem can be resolved.

Why is life so bloomin stressful?

All evening Peter has been listening out for the ice-cream van - we kept hearing him but he seemed miles away. I think we first heard him around 7pm and at just gone 8pm Peter tracked him down so we have just had a delicious 99. What better way to ease the stress of the day..........

Camping it up

Had an email from my brother today thanking me for his birthday pressie, so glad it got there ok as I’d risked sending it without Recorded Delivery.

Anyway, my bro is selling his camper van which is a ‘van’ rather than a ‘motor-home’ and he offered us first refusal. I really do want a camper but it would be a bit basic and ‘small’ for us – plus there is the small matter of not having a spare £9K knocking around so it was an easy decline really. Nice of him to think of us though. The open-road will have to wait for us a few more years yet I think – sniff sniff!

Had a coffee and a slice of carrot cake with Sue, one of our temps, today. Sadly she didn’t get short-listed for the PA to the Principal role which is a real shame as I really like her and I think we would have worked well together and got along famously.

I did a bit of housework last night so hopefully I won’t need to do much this evening unless the builders have left a mess. My parents are coming round on Saturday morning so I always like it to be spic and span for their visit.

It’s quite hot here at work this afternoon, windows open – fans at full pelt – I must make an effort to sit out in the garden tonight (scaffolding or no scaffolding) to get the benefit whilst this sunshine lasts. Can’t wait to get home today actually but I leave half an hour later on a Friday which is a real bummer.

Wot No Progress?

One of the admin team at work, Rosie, is getting married on Saturday so all the girls clubbed together and bought her a card and a beautiful photograph album in a beautifully embroidered box as a pressie. She was very surprised to receive anything and she was telling us about the plans for the wedding and the honeymoon in Venice – sounds wonderful.

When I got home I was disappointed to not see any progress on the roof at all – the same heap of tiles were on the driveway as were there when I left in the morning. Peter couldn’t see any difference either. We debated whether the builders had been watching sport on TV all day instead as the only sign they had actually done anything was a grimy basin in the downstairs toilet which I had to clean. Let’s hope there is more progress tomorrow as the weather is due to change next week.

Had a few Christmas catalogues in the post today – the avalanche is starting to build! I enter so many competitions we get inundated with the things (I must confess I do quite like browsing some of them though).

I was dog tired ‘again’ this evening so crept up to bed at about 8.30pm and Peter joined me to watch (or should I say sleep through) ‘Mock the Week’ and ‘Saxondale’. The bits of Saxondale I did see were very funny – especially the toy pink rabbit having it’s head ripped off in an Anger Management class (sorry, but it WAS funny!). I did manage to watch ‘Coming Down the Mountain’ earlier in the evening (which I’d taped) starring Nicholas Hoult which was excellent and very moving. The two leads were terrific.

Ceremony

Slept through the alarm this morning - only woke up because I heard Peter moving....

Today was the big College day of the year 'Presentation Day in Winchester Cathedral' so I worked until 10 O'clock and then caught one of the College mini-buses down to Winchester. This year there were too many students to just do a morning ceremony so it's been an all day affair with an afternoon session too. My allotted task was to show VIP's and Governors to their seats and to hand out special prizes to students.

Winchester cathedral is beautiful and it makes it into a very colourful occasion with lots of the students, lecturers and Governors wearing full gowns. All went smoothly but it was quite a tiring day and I was glad when we were able to clear up and head back to College.

Forgot to mention that our War of the Worlds tickets arrived yesterday. They were very expensive but what got to me was that there was a £1.25 handling charge and a £7.90 service charge - what for? Sticking some tickets into an envelope! Talk about money for old rope. Anyway, I'm really really looking forward to seeing the show in December.

Dad phoned today and he is going to come over on Saturday to help us with our plumbing - don't know what we'd do without him.

Longggggggggg Day

Busy day at work today and I had a banging headache by the time I left. When I got home the roofers were still working so I had to make conversation when all I wanted to do was crawl into bed. Thankfully they left 15 minutes later so I was able to change into my slob out gear and collapse.

Peter went straight to football after work so I was alone for the evening so I read up on Slimming World which I'm going to join next week. Weight Watchers have put their weekly price up and the night the class is on isn't ideal so I've decided to switch. I've had lost 2.5 stone with WW and I've put 4lbs back on after the holiday -but it's still an achievement and a new regime might be just what I need to get me motivated to lose the next couple of stone!

Dozed on and off until it was time to collect from the Station (which was after 11pm).

Roofers and Nigella

Well the tiles for the roof tiles turned up in a big lorry just as I was about to leave for work (great timing - not!). Anyway, had to trust the bloke knew what he was doing and left him to unload.

Work's picking up speed now with the new term fast approaching, spent most of the day doing more organisation charts - I shall soon be an expert in box design I think!

Spoke to my brother at lunch time to wish him a Happy 40th Birthday. His main present was the latest generation Ipod from my mum and dad and Becky's brother. Becky got him a weekend away in the Lake District for just her and him without the kids - he sounded so excited about it, it was unreal. He was saying things like "I will be able to plan and carry out a long walk, I'll be able to read a book" - Gosh who says children don't change your life when you feel like that!

I dashed home after work and dropped David's present into the post (one day late due to Amazon's delivery times but never mind). I got him a case for his new Ipod and a £15.00 'I-Tunes' voucher.

When I got home the roofers had already left and although you can't see much progress yet, there is an area of tiles missing on one side of the house. I had been very 'builder friendly' and left them out plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits but they didn't touch them - how strange I thought builders lived on these things. Anyway, they seem to be keeping everything neat and tidy which is something to be thankful for.

I watched Nigella Lawson's new programme 'Express' tonight - talk about make your mouth water food - it looked heavenly!!! A picture of her Caramel Croissant Pudding is above.

Slumbering and Plumbing

Wasn't feeling too well this morning, horrible dragging period pains, so after initially getting up I crawled back into bed again and Peter made me a hot water bottle. I then fell back to sleep and didn't wake up until about 11.30am, feeling much better. I'd had a rough night anyway, the phone rang in the middle of the night - a flippin wrong number (twice!)so after that we couldn't get back to sleep for ages.

This afternoon we've emptied out the roof contents into the spare room in readiness for the roofing contractors tomorrow. We also spent ages removing all the pipes that surround the washing machine and dish washer to try and find the blockage that has been plaguing us for weeks. Sadly, we don't seem to have found it as the washing machine is still overflowing - drat! Nothing for it, will have to ask dad to come over as we have now reaching the end of our plumbing capabilities.

The sun has hardly shone today, very overcast, but we did manage to grab a small break and sit out in the garden when it did poke it's head through the clouds for a few minutes.

This evening we are going to watch Jimmy's Farm and maybe 'Coming Down the Moutain' which was written by the author of the 'Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time'.

It's been a strange weekend really - I haven't ventured from base at all and we've been pretty much concentrating on sorting out house stuff. I can't wait for the roof to be done and we can get things back to normal.

Money going the wrong way

Wow yesterday turned out to be a very expensive day!

Car £220, car tax disc £100, petrol £25, shopping £85, bills £50, paying for holiday accommodation in October £93 AND, now this bit wasn't 'essential, two tickets to see Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds at the Bournemouth Internationa Centre in December - it is supposed to be (excuse the pun) 'out of this world' so I'm really looking forward to it. I had suggested to Peter that we could use it as a sort of Birthday treat night out for him but he was less than impressed so I've dropped that idea. I can see his point I guess as it's my choice to go but the tickets are very expensive and I'm paying for him too so he seemed like a good idea at the time........... but, as he said, I wouldn't be impressed if he treated me to a trip to an Air Show that he wanted to see - point taken!

This morning Peter has gone to footie and I've been busy busy busy, I've sorted out a stack of paperwork, baked two huge apple pies (apples supplied courtesy of my parent's garden), hoovered, blanched a load of carrots and beans for the freezer (courtesy of parent's garden and our garden respectively), done two heaps of washing and generally tidied and cleaned around - housework is never ending!

Had a letter today confirming that we are now officially with our new mortgage company - hoorah! I always thought it must be a huge hassle to switch but it's been a breeze.

The weather here today is dry but very overcast so I don't feel guilty now for settling down to watch an airline disaster movie on the box. I think I've seen it before (the airline is running out of fuel) but it's quality chill out time so I don't mind.

Later i'm picking Peter up at the station and then we'll probably watch the X Factor and then a film I'd expect - a typical Saturday night for us (who says we don't know how to party - ha!).