Malawi & More

We had lunch out on Saturday - really lovely Indian food and then a wander around that market near Kings Cross before heading home. Sunday morning we fell prey to the influence of a podcast that mentioned a Full English breakfast and so we headed to the local greasy spoon before a little walk and then packing up and tidying before the trip to Rugby for Christmas. A did a shift at work before her little holiday from it.  We arrived to a beautifully decorated home with loads of treats all around. As I've not been sleeping well I had a early night. We set out to see my godfather on Monday and he treated us to a lunch. It was a busy time of year for them and we didn't quite get what we originally wanted but it was good to see him and chat.  BigA picked up more cheese - we really have feasted on it. Some are the same as ones we had for our wedding cake.  M and D treated us to a very rich and delicious meal at a newish Italian place and despite the drizzling rain I enjoyed walk...

I think the best description of my Saturday with my sister and niece would be epic. We did a huge amount of walking, talking and remembering. It was lovely to spend that quality time with them, adding to my memories of London town and making new and special ones. We certainly got our steps in and got a cheeky takeaway to end the day because everywhere was so full by then. Blissful. A was able to join us in that bit with a little bit more nattering before bed. It really was lovely to see you J. The big event of the week was our Christmas Monday, and thanks to the slowness of the HR process I got to spend it prepping the meal, the table. M had requested roast gammon, I hadn't cooked that before but it was very straight forward and tasted great. Asher picked the girls up from school and along with a bottle of prosecco we set about opening presents. My mum and sister - super organised of course, had given us gifts already and we had the ones for each other too. Plus a few extras. It wa...

  The weather across the UK last Saturday was grey and grim, but I woke up at Rosie's and we set off into Tetbury for her hair cut and for us to do a little bit of shopping. It was a marvellously relaxed weekend. The freshness and all that green. Tonic to the soul. To top the weekend off I was treated to lamb roast and then off I set - hoping to get back easily but no such luck. Once home I was cooked dinner and tried to distract myself with TV and advent calendar opening. I slept fairly well and got up before the sun to get ready for my investigation interview. It was a strange one, I met my union rep before and talked through the issues. Then at the investigation interview I didn't know the lady leading it but I did know the HR rep and the minute taker. I was honest and was able to express the chaos of the place. It felt more like the actual events of the day needed to be told in the wider context of the school and the lack of real leadership. I felt at times a bit disloyal, ...

Saturday was a full on day, seeing the bits of Nottingham Trent university. It wasn't what I remember from my visits around 30 years ago but it certainly felt very studenty and the course looked good too. We then went to Mt's for a lovely evening and part of Sunday, when we went to an art gallery cafe and attempted to make traditional Yorkshire buttons. Mine was very bad. Tea and cake later and we had back. A bit of lunch and a walk and then we headed home.  Once home, M had made dinner and then we opened our chocolate advent calendars and the girls opened their Body Shop advent calendars. Next we got the Christmas trees (yes 2) and decorations up. I've taken after M and D tradition of keeping the cards from years gone by. The card from my wonderful K - hand drawn taking pride of place. Old cards from A and this year cards too from people who have died. A small layer of sadness but also deep love for all those who have at some time sent us their love and Christmas wishes, a...

On Saturday I went out with 2 fellow  PV survivors into Soho. Although quite expensive, the food was delicious and I had my first ever scallop. Not what I was expecting and nice, no taste of the sea. The weather, though not cold, has not been encouraging me outside over the weekend, a shame as the little table we have had for years is sitting on our lovely decking just about capturing any sun that sneaks into our garden before noon. The compost bin is overflowing with the bits of garden I've discarded. We harvested 3 full and very sweet apples from our tree, not a huge number I know, but there is always a slight joy to having your own produce. I should, however, give up on the squash plants ever producing any squash.  It's officially half term for me but not the girls. BigA has been all over the UK again and me, I set off for Norfolk for cuddles and walks with my mum and aunty Scrag. I was treated to a lovely icecream down by the sea. A sedate couple of days where I felt looke...