35 years married!

On Saturday February 28th,we finished off some packing, tidied the house, loaded the car, and set off for a week in the Lake District. It was to be our 35th wedding anniversary the next day. We went there for our 25th, and our 30th. I did wonder whether we could afford it this year. I prayed very hard before booking, I checked the hotel website, and they had a room, so we decided we would book.
Most of our holidays and family visits are self catering, so it's nice to have a break from the cooking once in a while.
We didn't leave too early, had a fairly decent run, despite road works on the M1, and stopped for lunch at Watford Gap. We drove through quite a lot of rain, stopped at Charnock Richard, then somewhere further North for a coffee. We arrived at the hotel just before 6, and were booked in quickly, and shown to our first floor room. There was obviously building work going on at the hotel, some improvements to the entrance, the steps down from the extended car park, and an area where there had been an aviary, turned into a third ground floor bedroom.
 I contacted family to let them know we had arrived safely, then we unpacked, made ourselves a drink, and freshened up and changed for dinner. The dress code is smart casual, no trainers and no denim.
We made our way to the lounge area, and were presented with nibbles, menus, and asked for a drinks order. Soon we were on our way into the dining room, which is always pretty full on a Saturday evening. The standard of food hadn't slipped at all in the intervening 5 years, although the sorbet seems to have been dropped form the main menu.
We were presented with bread, which was brown one end, white the other, hot and freshly made. I don't usually take bread, but it was so lovely. Then we were served with a little cup full of soup, and a teaspoon. The soup was chef's compliments, leek and saffron. The pianist was at the baby grand,and we guessed most of what he was playing, although he obviously had his own arrangements, and twiddly bits. We had both chosen the same meals, ham hock and guinea fowl terrine, pickles, parsley emulsion and quail egg for starters, panfried sea bream,with saffron turned potatoes, green beans, and seaweed buerre blanc.
We had intended to try the chef's recommendation for dessert, but the Spanish waiter misheard us,and thought we said chocolate delice, so that's what we agreed to. It was so mmmmm! and chocolatey, by the time we had had our coffee, decaff for me,and petit fours in the lounge we were pretty full up.
Back in our room, which by the way was huge, we relaxed, watched tv news, and then got a reasonably good night.The bed was about 6ft, seemed to be two single mattresses on one big base,and had a thick pillow top.

Our room

Next morning after breakfast we debated what to do. It was a bit late for driving 9 mile or more to Kendal to find the evangelical church, and we wouldn't have enjoyed the services in Bowness, So we decided we would walk into Bowness, have a look around, get me some tights, as the 5 pack I'd bought and was sure I'd packed were nowhere to be found. I wouldn't normally shop on Sunday, but I couldn't go to dinner in a skirt and bare legs, or ankle socks.
Tights bought we went and had a cup of hot chocolate and a Kitkat, then set off for the ferry, and a walk, to Hilltop, Beatrix Potter's old home. The road to the ferry is on the way back to the hotel, but we walked a different way. We knew the ferry had been closed on the Saturday, there was a threat of high winds, but hadn't noticed the board as we passed on the way into Bowness. As we approached the ferry, the driver  waved his hands at us, so we took it that we wouldn't be able to cross. It began to rain and was quite unpleasant, so we walked back to the hotel, thinking that we would pick up the car, and drive round. We took our boots off, left them in the car ,and went to our room. We got a bit too cozy, and left it a bit late. I consulted the leaflet ,and said 'We need to go now last visitors admitted at 3.' As we drove to Ambleside, it seemed to take forever,and when we were nearing Hawkshead, I said we wouldn't make it, so husband decided to drive around the lake. We turned off, driving past Esthwaite. As we drove along, rain turned to sleet,and suddenly we were in a blizzard, huge snowflakes, hitting the windscreen. I was pleased to see Lakeside, and at Newby Bridge,we soon found the road back along the lake. It was much nicer being able to see the lake, through the snowfall. Husband asked, 'What shall we do now?' I said, 'Back to the hotel, and down to the lounge for a cuppa'. So that was what we did. I took the Telegraph with me, and we sat in comfort, near a log fire. A lot of guests had taken refuge in the lounge, with tea, some were having afternoon tea, as some hotel packages include it. Biscuits sufficed for us, then we went back up to our room for a snooze before dinner.
That evening,as it was our anniversary, I allowed myself a glass of white wine. It was palatable, husband chose a red. It was at this hotel, 10 years ago, that he developed a taste for red wine, and takes a glass about once a week at home. The mini soup was cream of carrot, we both had the still warm bread, I chose confit of duck leg for my starter, sea bass on a sort of risotto, for mains, husband had rump of lamb, can't remember his starter, and sticky toffee pudding, and I had whiskey parfait, with shortbread biscuits. After  coffee and petit fours, we retired to our room. Being Sunday the hotel was less full.
Monday, we drove over to Kendal, had a walk round the shops, with frequent hailstorms. I bought more tights, we still haven't located the evangelical church, but I did find a strict Baptist chapel. We met up at the chocolate house, I had rose flavoured chocolate,and one of their smallish cakes, husband had a bitter chocolate, which nicely offset the rich chocolate gateau which he chose. We found a department store and had a browse and he bought some small pudding basins for his next project in cooking. I fear he is taking over my kitchen! We walked down the road,and saw signs for the K outlet, so decided to walk there. It was quite a long walk along the river bank,and I think someone had switched the signs as we crossed the river, then back. There were not an awful lot of shops, but husband managed to find a pair of Clark's shoes reduced.

Old wash and bath house

Old Town Hall

Snow capped fell

River Kent

Blue skies

We found a quicker way back into town, did some more exploring, then found a cafe for a drink before leaving for the car park. On the way we found a toy/ puppet shop.It was quite expensive, but husband found a cheaper Grommit puppet, to help keep the Grandchildren amused. It's good to have an excuse to visit toyshops. Driving back I was oohing and aahing, at the snow covered fells. For once they had been fairly bare when we arrived. That evening, at dinner we were given a small cup of leek and potato soup. For starters I had grilled Anglesey mackerel, husband had chicken terrine, for mains I had rump of lamb, he had pressed shoulder of local lamb, then desserts were panna cotta with berries for me, chocolate delice for him. I think it was that night I didn't sleep too well, possibly having eaten too much.
On Tuesday, the weather didn't promise much, so we decided to visit Lakeland, the kitchen store. it is right at the top of Windermere village, near the station. We had a jolly good browse, bought some odds and ends, and two lovely children's caps and aprons for when Nat and Lydia help with the baking. Husband bought some more stuff for his cooking projects,and having spent far too much,we made our way up in the lift to the cafe, we had hot chocolate, I had cake, which I later regretted, then we moved the car to the pay and display by the station put on our boots, crossed over the road,and found the path which leads to Orrest head. We met many people coming down, who warned us it was blowy, but well worth the walk. We were quite wrapped up with several layers, so didn't feel the cold too much. Of course as we climbed, we got warmer, but I began to wish I'd picked up my stick out of the car, especially when we reached the summit, and the last few rocks were fairly steep. I couldn't quite make it up there. It was quite blowy, we stood for a while, enjoying the view.

Part of the view

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 Windermere is 10.5 miles long,and we could see all of it. Up towards Ambleside,we could see some sort of precipitation, and wondered if it was heading our way, so we picked our way down, and walked round the streets of the village, popping into various shops. The antiques place with all the ticking, chiming clocks is still there, but they are trying to retire. We found a little cafe under the Tourist information place,and had a drink, before heading back to the car, removing our boots and going back to the hotel. Dinner that evening was sweet potato and coconut soup, goats cheese mousse, corn fed chicken and black garlic mash, followed by chocolate terrine for me, husband's starter was smoked haddock and egg, then he had pork belly and black pudding mousse, with roasted pork cheek, then chocolate terrine.
We didn't spend a lot of time watching TV,as there seemed to be so little on when we got back from dinner. We did watch the news though

Trying to get sorted out.

We both made it to church on the Sunday of last week, we had a visiting preacher, he had a soft Welsh accent,and was very good. I slept rather deeply in the afternoon, just went out like a light before I had even drunk my coffee. The only problem was I had trouble sleeping that night.
On the Monday morning, husband asked me if I wanted him to move his chest of drawers, so that the last bit if painting could be done.
I wasn't feeling much in the mood, but didn't want to leave it, as I dislike uncompleted decorating. I popped out, and when I came back, he had moved the chest, and he was using the wallpaper steamer to remove the last few feet of woodchip. He cleaned up, then I got changed into my painting clothes, sanded and washed the last bit,and then gave it the first coat. It didn't take long,and I thought it looked so much better.
I was still catching up on the washing backlog, and using the tumble drier, as it's so much quicker,and if I get stuff out and fold it straight away, it doesn't need ironing. I got the second coat of emulsion on, did a cosmetic job on the skirting board, and told husband how soon he could put the chest back. Although when actually on the wall, the paint is only a couple of shades away from what was up before, it all looks so much better.
I didn't make the bed up with the new stuff straight away, as the old stuff hadn't been on for long. I'd booked a late appointment at the hairdressers, just for a cut, so walked down there, and popped into town and got the bus back up.
On the Tuesday, I phoned my friend C. I haven' seen her for ages,as in January I didn't want to carry germs, and wasn't really up to visiting at the beginning of Feb. It's not good to go and visit people and cough all the time. When I arrived, her husband said he had to pop out, so I said, 'Ok, I'll look after her' She has had laser treatment on her eyes, after 24 years of early onset a m d, someone decided laser could help, but she said she couldn't really see me at all. We chatted for over an hour and I think I managed to cheer her up. I usually try, and we do have a laugh about things. I left at about lunchtime, not long after her husband came back. To add to her problems, she now has to see a skin specialist for a problem with itching.
Back home I had a lunch of soup, as my weight had crept up a bit, too much comfort eating of chocolate when we had the washing machine trouble the previous week. For some reason I was having trouble sleeping. I managed a doze.
On Wednesday, we collected Lydia, and afterwards drove to the dump,as we had some empty paint cans and other stuff. The dump was closed, apparently it closes 2 days a week now. By the time we got home Lydia was fast asleep. As the front bedroom was still in disarray, husband laid her on the sofa, and she napped for about an hour. Then I gave her lunch. Afterwards she played happily singing to herself, I was hearing snatches of  'The wheels on the bus'. all too soon it was time for Grandad to collect her brother, and about half an hour later, I took her home too.Sadly I had yet another bad night. The next day, we collected her at 8 am, At least, I got her in the car after husband had left for school with Nathaniel. I tried the dump again and it was open this time.
The weather wasn't very good, and when I took her out in the buggy, we had to put the rain covers on. I met my former neighbour,and we had a chat. Then I saw someone else I knew. I was tad late getting home,and Lydia was sleepy, I'd managed to make room for the travel cot, so she had a nap, after lunch. When her brother came, he was quite happy to see her. They played together quite happily then watched some Thomas DVD. Unfortunately, Nat decided to do a huge track layout just before home time and wasn't too impressed to be told it was hometime.
Friday I spent partly trying to empty the washing basket, and catching up on some ironing. I still can't find the pictures I took of the crocuses, so it's a boring post again

Decorating and drenching.

So on the Monday of the week before last , I stripped the bed, took the bedding into the spare room, adding it to the pile of stuff already removed from cupboards, etc. We wrestled the mattress off, and into the spare room,  split the top of the bed from the bottom, piled one half on top of the other, and husband emptied his wardrobe and moved it. The paper on that wall was 'ready pasted', that wall had never had woodchip, and it came off so easily. By 12 I was applying the first coat to that wall. No shelf supports had ever been on that wall, so no protruding wallplugs, or holes to be filled.
After lunch I popped out. Husband had started emptying his huge bookcase. I went shopping for a few small items, then drove to the local lodge/hotel to book us in. I got the room key, inspected the room, not much storage space, but we didn't really need it. Just somewhere to lay our heads for a couple of nights.
Back home, at around 4, I put on the second coat of paint, it went on like a dream. Then I cleaned up, made dinner, and we departed for the hotel. The bed wasn't very comfortable, but we went to bed fairly early, for me at least,and got a reasonable night. We awoke relatively early, without an alarm, showered, dressed and went down for breakfast. It was one of those buffet style breakfasts, basically, you just choose what you want from the cereals, yoghurts, tea/coffee, muffins, croissants, fruit, brioche. There are also cooked items scrambled egg, sausage and beans. We wondered why no bacon, but I then pointed out that bacon doesn't actually improve with standing. I remember when we accompanied our Son to uni, we stayed overnight in a Ramada, and the breakfast buffet bacon had been standing,and was like cardboard. There was also a toaster, where you put in bread at one end and it does a sort of tour and comes out as toast.
I had wheat biscuits, a banana, then as I was going to be physically active, toast and marmalade. there was no decaff, so I had hot chocolate, but on enquiry, a member of staff gave me some sachets of decaff, which are available in reception for refurbishing rooms stock. Husband had quite a substantial breakfast, including egg sausage and beans.
We drove home, he put his wardrobe back against the wall, we moved the bed a bit, then he moved my wardrobe and a small chest so I could get behind it to scrape off the woodchip. He emptied his bookcase, and moved that, so that I could scrape off more. He cleared all of the scraped off paper for me. After lunch I began painting the wall behind the wardrobe, and a bit to the side which I hadn't been able to reach before. Suddenly husband called. He'd gone downstairs and found the kitchen flooded. There was water pouring out of the powder drawer. We had to stop the machine, and tried to mop up. Obviously the machine wasn't draining properly, so I flushed soda crystals through twice, but the machine still would not drain. after mopping up, I went back and finished the wall.
I suddenly remembered that an engineer had once unblocked my machine, and found a lot of tissue in it. The previous day  had forgotten to change onto  my 'painting trousers', had got paint n the ones I was wearing, so had stuffed them into the machine without checking the pockets, Sainsbury's own brand tissues tend to clump when wet, and often stay on the pocket, but I'd used so many tissues when I had my cold that I bought extra in town, They were Kleenex, which just disintegrate.
Because of all the extra hassle, we were later eating and a bit later getting to the hotel. There were no parking spaces at all. So husband dropped me off, then took the car home and walked back. feeling a bit down in the dumps, I bought us a Kitkat each. After husband came back I watched 2 things in iplayer, before going to bed, I didn't sleep too well, probably too wound up to sleep.
For breakfast the next day husband had something similar, but I had orange juice, a croissant which was hard and overcooked, toast and jam, in fact I had 2 slices. Then I found a sachet of the decaff. so just added hot water and milk. Husband went back home for the car, and we were soon checking out.
Later that day I went to Homebase for more paint, I had located where the filter should be on the washing machine. Husband had taken the top off the day before, but no sign of it. Once the machine was actually switched off, I could open the door, I'd removed the inadequately rinsed clothes, but as I was trying to drain the machine the door was shut and wouldn't open.
Husband decide to do some gardening, whilst I painted the second coat. I quickly sanded the skirting board and applied a one coat gloss. As I was pulling the masking tape off the carpet, I heard a yell, and raced downstairs. Into the kitchen and I was paddling again. this time water was running from the under sink cupboard. Husband explained he'd tried to pull the washing machine out, and water just appeared. I sent him outside to turn off the stopcock, and then as the water subsided managed to reach the switch for the cold fill. Once that was off and the water back on, no further water came out, so out with the absorbent cloths and towels again. This was beginning to be depressing! Water all cleared up, then I was back upstairs finishing off picking up the tape. the wardrobe and chest went back and husband's book case,and we were at last able to put the bed back together.
 On inspection, husband discovered that the cold fill pipe had actually split. It was quite old,older than the washing machine, as it's been easier since our kitchen was done 18 years ago, to reuse the old pipes, rather than fit new ones.
We managed to clean up the mess, but I was then left with wet soggy towels that I couldn't wash, added to the pile of badly rinsed clothes.  I ran our Daughter, who was visiting her Grandma, with husband and the children as it was half term. We have a key to her house, and she gave me permission to use her washing machine. So on Thursday, I went up there, rinsed the stuff that had been stranded in the washing machine, and then put the towels in to wash whilst I went to the Supermarket. Whilst there, I found a duvet cover which would fit in with my new colour scheme, I had bought some valanced sheets online Our old sheets were wearing a bit thin, they are about 10 years old. Then after lunch we went to B&Q, I can't recall what I went  for, but husband came with me as he wanted to buy extra long hoses for the washing machine. He found the filter, and removed 1 penny, 2 curtain hooks and various bits of paper. the filter went back the new hoses were fitted,and I tried a rinse with an empty machine and it worked. Brilliant, so my 12 year old machine is not yet for the scrapheap.
Friday was spent sorting stuff and putting it away,and I had a trip to Homebase for a second duvet cover, then Dunelm Mill for curtains, which turned out to be not wide enough, so I ordered more online,and despite the delivery date being shown as Monday, they arrived on Saturday. We had a walk nito town, then later I put the curtains up. We're getting there by degrees.
My photos are in disarray atm, so I won't upload any, hope it's not too boring.

Getting round to DIY

On the Sunday of the next week, we both made it to church in the morning. Husband wanted to leave before Communion, as he had sucked so many fisherman's Friends to stop him from coughing. He didn't make it in the evening, We'd both had a doze in the afternoon, again interspersed with coughing fits. I went alone in the evening, and a couple of people asked after him. When I rang his Mum, she sounded awful, she too had a cold, and was rather croaky. At least we didn't give it to her.
The next day, I decided to walk to our local B&Q, to check on the price of paint. I'd had to buy a new wallpaper steamer as I couldn't find the bits to the old one. They can be very useful to use, but get very hot, and I'm always a bit nervous using one, all that boiling water. However it was really getting the stubborn bits of paper off.
That day, I decided to cross the car park, up the steps, and along the road to the row of local shops, thus going on an almost circular route. I popped in at the paper shop and as I turned into the road with the 2 bridges and a hill, thought I caught sight of husband coming down the hill. however,as I approached there was no sign of him. He had said he might walk to the local Aldi. I couldn't understand why I thought I had seen him, but when he eventually came home, he said he had decided to walk along the canal bank, so that's why he had disappeared from view!
On the Tuesday, there was a funeral service for a lady, who went to our present church for many years, and then, whilst we were still at the church about 7 miles away, they joined us there. They belonged to our area fellowship group. Sadly, about 10 years ago Mollie was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I still used to see them out and about shopping, but gradually she became more housebound, and got dementia as well. She went to be with her Lord in January.
I had never been to our local crematorium, so left in good time. I didn't take my satnav, as I'd have had to hunt for it, and husband's is part of his phone. Well, you guessed it! I got lost, didn't turn off where I should have done, but the route I took enabled me to get back to where I should have been. I stopped a second time to consult the local street map, and yes, I was going in the correct direction. As I arrived, with 10 minutes to spare, the hearse was just coming the other way, so after the hearse and all the the other cars went in, I attempted to follow, only to have the gate shut in front of me. The gate closer said 'We are full', I politely asked where I could park, and he said I'd have to park in the lane. I just about managed to, it was a little narrow at that point, and hot footed it to the chapel. People were just starting to go in. I managed to find the ladies' room, and get a seat before the family came in, Phew!
It was a good service, her Son talked about her life, how she came to our town in the 50s, to train as a midwife, and how she could be seen cycling around, just as in the TV series. He spoke of how she met her husband, and how they were converted after attending a Billy Graham crusade. Her Daughter also spoke of memories of her Mum. Their third child died a few years ago, she was converted on her sickbed in the last few weeks of her life. This doesn't happen often, but better late than never. Don't leave it till later to search out the truth,as the Covenanter Girls' chorus used to say.
There were 3 good old hymns, a good gospel sermon from the pastor, then the committal, and we all filed out into uncertain weather. There had been snow on the ground as we walked in, as I stood chatting with friends from our old church, large snowflakes began to fall. Gradually people dispersed,and  I said I would go, but my friend M persuaded me to join them at the local hotel where refreshments were to be served.
I had said to husband I was unsure whether to go, so he would not worry if I wasn't home early. He had declined to come, as he would have coughed all through the service, he had opted to go for a walk instead. We had hot and cold refreshments, tea or coffee, and then I had a bit of an amazing chocolate dessert, which looked as if it should be cheesecake, but wasn't quite, and had choc chunks in it. I sat with M and her husband, and their Daughter whom I hadn't met before, she lives on the South Coast and had come up for the day.When I got home, husband had had lunch, but thought he had overdone the walking, so he spent time resting.
We had the children on Wednesday and Thursday of that week as usual, they were quite good, and Lydia took naps which helped me recover a bit as I still wasn't sleeping too well with all the coughing.
By the Friday, I had decided which paint to buy, a very delicate shade of rose. The room was a sort of lilac before. I don't like 'cold' colours in bedrooms, I had tried match pots, of violet white, pale rose, and a lavender cupcake, which was too bright. Hopefully the pale colour will make the room look bigger, and I can add a bit of depth with curtains etc later. I also bought more ceiling paint,and some storage boxes to move stuff around whilst we decorate.

Decisions, decisions

trying them out on the wall

And the winner is....

I didn't make it to church on the Sunday morning, another bad night, husband stayed put all day, coughing and coughing. he seems to have a bout of this every winter these days. My sister is the same, has had a chest x ray, and now has an inhaler, as she gets a chest infection every year.
The other sister had a bit of a health scare a couple of weeks ago, but a scan and some very minor surgery under a local, and a clear biopsy has calmed her fears of possible major surgery.
I went to church on that Sunday evening. Then on the Monday, one task was to cover everything with plastic sheeting, take curtains down, grab a roller and do half of the bedroom ceiling. Fortunately it wasn't dirty and only needed one coat, On the Tuesday I summoned up the strength to do the other half. We are managing with just an old pair of curtain linings, and sleeping quite well. I am at last free of a night time cough. I've had a bit of a re run of another health problem, but that doesn't keep me awake, and  I am self medicating for it.
The children were no real problem again, Lydia plays quite happily with the toys, singing away to herself, I was amused to hear her squeaking 'Let it go, let it go'. a couple of weeks ago. I don't know the song, but I know her parents have let them watch  'Frozen'. She declined her nap on Wednesday
but when her Grandad went to collect her brother, she curled up on his computer chair and fell asleep.
On Thursday, I managed to fit the travel cot in amongst the piles of stuff from our room, and she took a proper nap. Friday and Saturday, I opened the  paint and began painting the accessible bits of the wall. There is still a lot to be done, but the long wall behind our bed had ordinary wallpaper on, much easier to get off then woodchip, so when we can move the bed, and a wardrobe, that should be a breeze. Pressing onward, we both made it to church this morning. My head is a lot clearer, despite the painting. I chose breathe easy paint, because of my asthma. the decorating now seems an achievable goal,and as it's half term, and Daughter is taking days off..... Watch this space.

The last days of January

Well last week wasn't terribly exciting, more coughing, husband getting worse, and both of us so hoarse it was sometimes hard for each to try and tell what the other was saying. I decided I would cut my carb intake right down, to see if I could lose a couple of pounds. I was eating plenty, with the only carb being potato in the evening meal.
I began to lose weight, but the downside seemed to be that I wasn't sleeping as well, this meant that I probably wasn't on top form when we had the children to look after. We were fortunate that Lydia took a nap after lunch, in fact she slept a long time, so I had a little doze to catch up. Husband fetched Nathaniel from school and walked him home, and by the time Lydia woke up it was time to take her home.

Doll's  house we picked up in a charity shop for a fiver

Wednesday night was another poor night for me, and on Thursday I have to confess to being in 'Grumpy Granny' mode. I took Lydia out in the buggy, and in Sainsbo's we met our old neighbours, whom we haven't seen since before Christmas, so it was catch up time. They have been busy clearing the wife's father's house as he died in December, but he was about 98, and quite forgetful,and had been in hospital. We talked for so long that Lydia fell asleep. She woke up as I brought the buggy indoors, but wasn't very awake, so husband took her up to the cot,and she continued her nap there.
I managed a few minutes nap, Lydia had a very late lunch,and was still eating when her brother came home. I gave him a snack and offered him a drink, but he refused. Later as they played, things were getting a bit fraught, she wanted his trains and track which he was playing with, and there was bit of squabbling going on. Sadly things deteriorated, and by the time we took them home, Nathaniel was in complete 'no cooperation' mode and I was 'completely grumpy granny'.
When we got to their home he asked me for a drink, as I bent down, I thought his breath was a little strong, and had a 'lightbulb' moment. I remembered a conversation with another Mum, many years ago  outside the school gates, when she blamed her child's grumpiness on dehydration. As soon as Nathaniel had drunk his requested hot chocolate, he was like a different child.
So if any parents are reading this, perhaps it may enlighten you as to why your own child's behaviour sometimes deteriorates. When I offered him a drink at my home I should have made him one, and not given him the opportunity to refuse.
My grumpiness wasn't dehydration, rather lack of sleep, and being fed up with my cold. I'm trying hard to remedy it, I try to get exercise every day if possible, but we haven't been out on the bikes
recently, I fear that the cold air might be too much for my chest, there has been an arctic wind, but not too much snow. Only a light sprinkling, a couple of times. I'm back on carb twice a day, I did lose a couple of pounds, so it was probably worth it. We drove into town on Saturday, we had been going to walk, but there was heavy rain, which turned into sleet. We were not in town for long, just long enough to get fresh fruit and veg, and stock up on cheeses in M&S. We discovered they still had some of a lovely cheese bake which we'd bought before Christmas, and enjoyed a couple of weeks ago with crusty bread, on a Sunday evening, so couldn't resist buying more.
I emptied my wardrobe last week, and husband helped move it, so I could reach some of the wallpaper to peel off. I'm getting there by degrees, it's a good thing that he didn't see me perched on top of a chest of drawers, scraper in hand, and a glint of determination in my eyes.
Now January is over at last, and we can look forward to the evenings beginning to get a little lighter, I'm afraid I'm not a winter person, but I do love Spring.

This was probably our worst snowfall,despite all the forecasts.

January Jottings

A day or so after Mum in law had gone home, I started getting cold symptoms. I probably picked up something form the grandchildren. We didn't do anything much on New Year's eve, I was late to bed because of the fireworks, but even they finished earlier than usual.
On new Year's Day someone from the church organised a walk but I was in no fit state to go. Husband went on his own. I developed a real hacking cough,and was feeling really rough.
I couldn't sleep through coughing, and one night came down and did all the puzzles in the newspaper, till eventually the coughing subsided, and I returned to bed at 4 am.
The weather has been variable, very cold, then very wet, or occasionally a bit milder. We've had some lovely sunny days, a couple of brief snow showers but nothing much.
I have concentrated on walking rather than bike riding, having been out a couple of times only since Christmas. Although we have ventured further than before. Husband has been out twice without me. The first time was when  had to go up to the post office to check the size of our Son's Birthday card. It began to rain as I started the walk, then got heavier, the rain was at my back. I did toy with the idea of getting the bus back down, but then it stopped. When I eventually got home, I was greeted by a very wet husband, who had started his bike ride before the rain came. We both had to change onto dry trousers,and my shoes took 3 days to dry.

Frozen canal, on a bike ride

'heron' looking as if it has been carved from tree

heron on canal bank

Real heron on tree, the other was a decoy! Some deterrent!

Our Son spent his Birthday this year visiting his Grandma, whom he hadn't seen for a while. I had given him his present a couple of weeks before.  Grandma was enchanted with Ethan, last time she saw him he wasn't walking.
It was on our Son's Birthday that I developed a sore throat and started  explosive sneezing. I had read an article called 'Whatever happened to the sick bed', which extolled the virtues of resting rather than soldiering on. I decided to put it into practice, no one would have wanted me in church with my noisy sneezes, and nose blowing, so I stayed put. This cold, coming on the heels of the hacking cough, somewhat poleaxed me anyway. I did try to get out for short walks whilst it was at it's worst, but my legs told me when I'd had enough. The night time coughing started again, but has now abated. I'm at the stuffed up, hoarse stage, now, and out and about, but husband now is in the full blown stage, so he stayed home this last Sunday. One of the ladies at church commented that we were rather like the old fashioned weather people, when one is out the other is in!
I forgot to mention that I got a letter dated 27th December, to say that the lady we used to visit in Chester, Ruby, had gone to be with the Lord in the early hours, she was 94, had had lots of falls and used to say she thought that God had forgotten her. She has now got her wish, and has joined her husband. the funeral was to be a private family one, so I didn't have to worry about taking my germs to others.
They were very good to me when we were in the church at Chester, as I was involved with Covenanters after the morning service, they had me at their home for lunch every Sunday, unless they were away. They also had many students there too, I have many happy memories of those days.

I've had difficulty in buying 1 litre bottles of thin bleach lately, the 2 litre bottles don't fit in my cupboard, and with little people around it can be hazardous to leave them in a corner. We had a trip to Berkhamsted, as I saw that Waitrose still did them, but the shelf was empty. Last Saturday, I ventured to the St Albans store, Eureka! I bought 3 bottles, 2 of which I will store in the spare garage. Having also bought my favourite yoghurts there, I parked in a long layby, ate my sandwich,and then decided to walk across the park into St Albans. I slipped on mud twice, but then managed to get into a good stride. Across the park, popped into the cafe, too long a queue for coffee, so pressed on. However having walked round the lake, and started up the hill to the Abbey, my legs began to object. I reflected I had no money spare to spend, so who needed the shops?

 I turned around, back into the park, round the rest of the lake, then up and across back to the car. It was sunny but bitterly cold, so I blew some cobwebs away. I worked out I had been walking for an hour, so drove home. I had a cup of coffee at home.

The park

I was about to doze off after a cup of coffee, when husband arrived home from his walk into town.
Earlier this month, I was cleaning  a bit of mould from the window frame in our bedroom and I notice that abit of the woodchip paper was torn, I've always undestood it was hard to remove, so though I'd just take it off round the window, ha! Once I started I couldn't stop, so now need to remove all the paper and redecorate. The room has so much furniture that we may have to move into a B&B  whist we repaint, happy days!

Christmas capers.

The next day, after our visit to Waddeson, my husband made the journey to the South Coast to collect his Mum for Christmas.  I finished off making up the spare bed as a single, then I got the bus into town, didn't feel  too much like walking. I went to M&S, spent a small fortune, then got the bus back up the hill. I struggled a bit with 3 heavy bags. I got a casserole going later, and they arrived back just before 5 pm. Mum in law slept quite well on her first night here, which was good.
The next day being Sunday, we took her to church in the morning. Everyone fell asleep in the afternoon, later, as we were trying to get ready for the carol service, Mum in Law felt she was holding us up, so she decided not to come. She normally only goes once on a Sunday these days. It was a good service, taken by the Son of a former pastor of the church. He was very good, the church was reasonably full. In the  morning service, one of the Mums from our former parent and toddler group was there with her husband and family. It was good to have renewed contact.
When we arrived home, husband found one of Mum in Law's favourite Canadian speakers on iplayer, so she was able to listen to that.

Butterflies on my tree made from feathers, very delicate

I was really ahead of myself with the shopping and gift wrapping, I manged to pop out most days even if it was just to collect the newspaper. On the Monday afternoon we took Mum in Law to our Daughter's home where there were 2 very excited children, Nathaniel being the more excited of the 2. On the afternoon of the 23rd we had to go and collect Nathaniel's Christmas present from where we had ordered it. We had bought him a bicycle with stabilisers. We put it in our spare garage till Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve I popped into Sainsbo's for some last minute stuff, fresh veg salad and cream. It was a lot quieter than it had been.
I was so organised this year that even all the Christmas cards were hung before Christmas day.  It took forever  to burn down the last day of our advent candles. I was busy in the kitchen sorting things out, and almost forgot the Carols from Kings, which I traditionally listen too whilst making mince pies. This year however I had been asked to do a pavlova, for Christmas day tea. I heard less than half of the carols, but that service for me marks the start of Christmas.
There was a bit of a hitch when Mum in Law started pressing the buttons on my timer, as she objected to it beeping, so I wasn't sure how long the pavlova had cooked. I took it out and later as it had cooled, tried to transfer to to a metal serving tray, only to discover it was still uncooked underneath, so I had to chance putting it back in the oven on the stainless steel tray. It did eventually cook, and when filled with cream and raspberries looked rather good.

Burning the last of the advent candle, 4th from left front row

I cooked a small gammon joint as is traditional in our house on Christmas Eve, I also put a Turkey Crown in to roast, as we were going to Daughter's on Christmas Day, but would need something for Boxing day. Then after dinner I popped up the hill with a couple of stockings, and some goody bags for the grown ups. Our daughter had a church friend staying, whose parents live in Kenya, she wasn't able to fly home this year. We chatted for a while, the children had gone to bed quietly for once. I came back home chatted some more, then made up a couple more stockings for our house.
I was up relatively early on Christmas day. I didn't have any cooking to do, but we opened stockings, husband had put a couple of things in mine, including a very pretty acrylic fawn, which was designed by the lady who had designed the beautiful red glass candle sticks I had bought at Waddesdon. Church was at 10.00 am, a relatively short service, then we went home for a coffee and a biscuit.
We loaded the bike into a very large plastic bag, put it and the other gifts into the car, then the Christmas cake and pavlova, I had found a plastic box to put that in.
We arrived at Daughter's a few minutes before they did, and didn't have a key. Their church service was half an hour later than ours, and their church is about 7 miles away. Eventually we were indoors the presents, except the bike, were piled under the tree, and Nathaniel walked past the bike  several times without even noticing the strange shaped package.
We had a lovely dinner, Daughter did well.  Then there was nut free Christmas pud, with cream, clotted cream, brandy butter or ice cream, and a lovely chocolate torte. I must confess to having some of both. Lunch over, we retired to the sitting room for coffee,  chocolate mints, and present unwrapping. This took ages, as we seemed to do one at a time, and each had to be admired. Lydia loved the new doll's cot and doll, and eventually someone drew attention to the big plastic bag, and got Nathaniel to open it. he seemed very pleased with it, he'd had Buzz Lightyear and Woody from his Mum and Dad, Lydia had a coupe buggy toy from them, and when she wasn't in it Nat was. It had got too dark to take them to the park, so they went out for our usual Christmas Day walk, which involves stomping round pavements, admiring other people's Christmas lights. I stayed in for once and tried to doze.
Mum in law had a large display calculator from us and a text-a-day calendar, chocolates, and her asked for donation to the Barnabas fund from Daughter, and a  Photobox calendar from our Son and his wife. We all seemed to get what we wanted, and Daughter's friend was not forgotten.
Later we had a really good tea, with lots of nibbles, salads, pavlova, cake etc and everyone was feeling quite full. We skyped our Son and his wife,and saw Ethan waving around the contents of his stocking. He opened up the Duplo train later.

My fawn sits amongst the candles

My tree

I forgot my camera on Christmas Day, so don't have many pictures, just one or two on my phone. The children were taken to be got ready for bed, it was late, so we said our goodbyes and came home. Boxing day was much quieter, I nipped out for the paper,and couldn't believe how many people were in Sainsbury's. I think shopping must be the new religion.
We caught up on some things on iplayer, but generally had a lazy time. Boxing Day meal was cold cuts, and wedges and veg. I opened a Christmas pud I had bought which actually had a chocolate sauce.   At teatime I opened a tin of salmon for a change, there was salad, cheeses left over meat,etc On the Saturday we stocked up on fresh veg, on the Sunday church in the morning, then back to our Daughter's after lunch, (roast lamb), and another hearty tea, to finish off some of the mountains of food our Daughter had brought.
Mum in law doesn't seem to like to stay away too long these days, so husband took her back home on the Monday. At one time  would have gone with him and stayed, but I hadn't been sleeping too well, and I wouldn't have slept there. Husband  came back the same day. It's amazing how quickly Christmas passes.