Another year older.

Thankfully the weather has begun to improve this week, we have had some really sunny days, in fact two really warm unseasonal days. On Tuesday I visited my old friends C&C, and we caught up on all the news. Daughter could not come with me as she was in St Albans, having taken her car for its MOT. She had mislaid the certificate so returned to the garage where she had the last one done.She decided to go to a ladies' open house in St Albans at their church. She rang me from the bus coming back asking if she could come here, as I was to take her to pick her car up. So I didn't get much work done, but had some fun with Grandson.  We had a struggle to fit the baby seat in my 2 door car, but I knew it was possible, as I had taken someone home with one from Parent and toddlers. I got back after husband had got home.
On Wednesday morning I went to get some milk out of the small fridge, and discovered that 2 bottles in the door were frozen solid, with an inch or two of ice poking out of the top and the lids sitting on top.We often saw this when brought in the milk from the doorstep when  we had harsh winters years ago. I've been meaning to defrost that fridge for ages, the ice box was thick with ice. I checked the thermostat control and discovered that it had been moved, probably accidentally to no 7, the maximum. I cut a couple of slices of milk for my second cup, then emptied the fridge and set about defrosting it. It took all day, despite keeping a bowl of hot water in there.
That done, I managed to get out earlier to Sainsbury's and had time to call in on Daughter to return a changing bag which she had left behind. She was preparing to go to Milton Keynes to buy a new baby car seat. Theirs was on loan, and the lenders are expecting another baby, so will need it back.
I had swapped with someone at parent and toddlers, so could not go with her, as I was doing refreshments. There were not as many there as the previous week, so it was not quite as chaotic. I still felt tired when I got home though.
On Thursday, we had a book/bible study at women's hour. I agreed to give a lift home to our German lady, and went to collect my car. As I approached it. I could see something edged in black and yellow attached to the car. It was a penalty notice. I had paid for 2 hours, but somehow my ticket had flipped over. I was really cross. I took our friend home, and then went straight back into town to the parking office, ironically having to spend another 70 pence to park.
By the time I got there I had steam coming out of my ears. The young man who dealt with me was quite calm, and said as it was so recent they did not have the photographic 'evidence'. I was allowed to fill in an appeal from, but if my appeal fails I will have to pay £25, and if I don't pay within the stated time £50. There is nothing sticky on the tickets to stick them anywhere, so in future I am going to keep a bit of blutack in the car.
One thing that has pleased me this week, is that I have discovered that despite putting a few pounds on, I can still get into last year's summer cotton trousers.
Friday was my Birthday. I had lots of cards, some cheques, some chocolate, a folding shopping bag, and lots of  Facebook greetings.
I went to the physio for what turned out to be my final visit. We are not making much progress, so she is to write to my GP, and suggest a referral to a shoulder specialist for a proper diagnosis. I will have to try to find the details of the private scheme that husband gets through work, just in case the waiting time is long. I panicked a bit as I realised that I had no cheque book, but remembered I had cash as Daughter and I were going out. Phew! Then I had to go to a cash machine again.
Daughter, baby and I set off for Brent Cross. We had a wander around the shops, trying  on a couple of dresses each, but buying none. We marvelled at the number of people prepared to queue for the latest Apple gizmo which was not being released till 5 pm. By lunchtime the queue stretched halfway down the mall. We  were unimpressed by the John Lewis lunch menu, so decided to go to Fenwicks. Baby sat in a high chair and daintily ate   played around with half a cheese sandwich. Needless to say most of it went on the floor. He also sucked on a bit of chicken from my salad, which also went South, and sucked on a slice of strawberry from my fruit salad. that actually disappeared from view, so we reckon he liked strawberry. However when we went into the Ladies room the noise of the dryers terrified him, he cried and shook, so Daughter had to wait outside for me.
Footsore, we decided to head for Brent Park and Lakeland, which was the main reason for me choosing Brent Cross. I needed new inkpads for my HIdeID. We were quite restrained there, very sad to see that their cafe has closed. All that remains now is for me to find out where I have put the HideID, however you spell it.
We also went into Mamas and Papas for a look round.
Dinner for husband and me was a selection of ready to cook stuff, with chocolate bombes for dessert. I served raspberries with these but they could have done with a touch of cream or ice cream. I was so tired that all I could do towards Saturday's preparation was make pastry and put it in the fridge overnight.
I started work early yesterday, and by lunchtime had produced a nice golden topped lemon meringue pie, walked to Sainsbury's  and done some shopping, and made a large plate of salmon sandwiches.
I did a jacket potato lunch, glanced at the paper, then closed my eyes for about 25 minutes, not really dozing off, then we got changed, packed the food and went off to one of our church fellowship days. The afternoon meeting was on Salvation, which was good as a large number of the non church family Sunday School children were there, and so was one mother. Dr Arthur Fraser was the speaker, he is Scottish
We then went through for tea, as usual with church teas the tables were groaning. Sadly there were not many people there from other churches, but we had a good time chatting over tea. There were some lovely desserts including. pavlova. I got almost the last bit of that. Someone had made profiteroles, they were huge, but I was so full I couldn't manage one.
The evening talk was on 'Rabbi' John Duncan, so named because of his evangelism to the Jews. He was bit scatterbrained, and on his wedding day, when  he did not reappear after going upstairs to dress, was found asleep in bed with a Hebrew book. There were quite a few amusing anecdotes.
The same chap is preaching today. Our pastor is elsewhere, and we had a good morning sermon on Romans 8. We look forward to more this evening.
We remembered the clocks, and I woke at first at 7am, but then rolled over and went back to sleep, finally surfacing at 8.25.am,which yesterday would have been 7.25. I always take a while to adjust. Now all we have to do is remember to fill in the census. I have copies of the census forms my Grandfather filled in. They are only 1 page, not 32. I never knew Dad's Dad, he died long before I was born so it's fascinating to find him on the  internet. Nearly time for a cuppa, so had better sign off.