Good morning.
It's too dark to tell the weather at the moment but BBC says 'Light cloud and a gentle breeze' which is OK by me! I thought yesterday was lovely with more sun than expected but some others said they felt it was quite humid. Maybe it was but it didn't really register with me.
It felt like a busy day yesterday. Beth and I went to the Writtle village fair and I came home with half a dozen eggs, some green beans and two hand made cards which I will take to France for Suzanne and Viviane (her cousin, at whose estate we are staying). I've also bought some nice fudge which Suzanne says Viviane loves.
After that we went into town and it brough home to me how little I have used the car to get into town recently. The car park has become a pay and display at some point which, I have to say, is a decided improvement. There used to be hold ups to get in, holdups to pay at the end and holdups, sometimes, to get out again. On the other hand, to get in there had to be a space for you, somewhere.
Loads of spaces yesterday however.
Beth did her banking stuff first which is why she needed to go. Then we located the row of phone shops, took a deep breath, chose one and went in.
They really were extremely helpful, spent over an hour going through everything for an ignorant beginner and getting the thing set up and ready to use. Full marks!
Interestingly, it was part of a 'bundle' that included a tablet. Nothing like an iPad but I've been musing on getting one for absolutely ages (since before I retired) so I went for it and need to pop into town on Monday to pick it up. They will spend time talking me through that as well, so I know how to use it.
I was expecting it to cost an awful lot more than it did. I'm not saying how much it is but, to my ignorant and inexperienced mind, it seems remarkably little really.
Then we went home, I dropped Beth off first and then settled down to work it all out, remember what I had been told and download some apps (is that the right phrase?). I've now got the fitbit app and it has reset to the right date and time which is nice. I've got Google, Blogger and Facebook on it, alerted all my old phone contacts of the change of number and entered the details into the new phone, sending a few messages as I did so!
By then my brain was hurting!
At SW group, I was delighted to have lost six pounds. Now, as I have said on t'other blog, I haven't really; last week's reading was definitely distorted by fluid retention in the extreme heat, but it was a huge relief and I was so happy!
Today there's nothing in the diary until I set off to Dad's. I have to tidy up for the cleaners, pack for the weekend, pick some runner beans to take with me and carry on with packing for France. It feels like I have piles of clothes all over my bedroom. I don't really but, compared to how it was, it's cluttered. So, really, an easy day. I don't even have to cook dinner for Dad - we're going to the Millstream this evening.
I also have to work out how to take a scheen shot on the phone and how to move a photo into here from the phone. Also, can I upload phone photos onto my PC. I bet I can, I just have to learn how.
My brain may ache again! :-)
Have a great day. xx
Friday, 2 August 2019
Thursday, 1 August 2019
Thursday again
Just seeing what I have to do to create an entry using my new phone. Fingers crossed.
Thursday
Good morning, everyone and a Pinch and a Punch for the First of the Month! Can you believe that it is now August? Time really does fly and, being such an early waker, it is very obvious that the nights are gradually getting longer again as dusk comes sooner and dawn delays for a few minutes each day.
Five days before I set off on my adventure (an adventure for me anyway)! Yesterday I looked up the weather in Figeac (the nearest town to where I'm staying) and it was just like here - temps in the 20s, a bit of rain, some sun, some cloud. I can cope with that and I was relieved as it can be very hot round there (I was told).
It was supposed to be quite a full morning yesterday but it ended up not. Jeff came and sorted a few garden things out for me and then I pootled off for a very enjoyable tuition session.
Sadly, I got a message from C that she would have to cancel the coffee and chat due to a family 'thing' and I totally agreed. Family comes first every time.
The lovely Sharon appeared bang on time and got my holiday hair ready. She didn't cut it much, she just thinned it and reshaped it at the bottom and it looked really nice, I think.
The big garden news is that I picked four runner beans!! I want to share them with Dad and there will be a few more to pick before I set off tomorrow so I prepped these and popped them in the freezer. We will have them on Saturday as we're eating at the Millstream on Friday evening.
It's been a bit worrying this week (well, very, really) as my Son was admitted to hospital at the beginning of the week with bad gastro-enteritis of some kind. I've been banned from visiting!! test results back yesterday show that he has salmonella which is nasty but not 'dangerous' as such and they won't be letting him out until he shows more improvement so I know he's well looked after. No idea where he picked that up though.
Today is a busy morning again.
I'm picking Beth up at nine and we're going to look at a weekly 'village fair' in Writtle. I had no idea they did this each week so we're going to see what it's all about.
Then we are off into town. Beth has some financial stuff to do and then we're going on a phone hunt and we're going to catch a big one!
Wish me luck! Then it's home again and I will do some clothes sorting and generally potter around tidying up and keeping myself occupied and away from food until SW group this evening.
It should be a good day and I hope yours is too. xx
Five days before I set off on my adventure (an adventure for me anyway)! Yesterday I looked up the weather in Figeac (the nearest town to where I'm staying) and it was just like here - temps in the 20s, a bit of rain, some sun, some cloud. I can cope with that and I was relieved as it can be very hot round there (I was told).
It was supposed to be quite a full morning yesterday but it ended up not. Jeff came and sorted a few garden things out for me and then I pootled off for a very enjoyable tuition session.
Sadly, I got a message from C that she would have to cancel the coffee and chat due to a family 'thing' and I totally agreed. Family comes first every time.
The lovely Sharon appeared bang on time and got my holiday hair ready. She didn't cut it much, she just thinned it and reshaped it at the bottom and it looked really nice, I think.
The big garden news is that I picked four runner beans!! I want to share them with Dad and there will be a few more to pick before I set off tomorrow so I prepped these and popped them in the freezer. We will have them on Saturday as we're eating at the Millstream on Friday evening.
It's been a bit worrying this week (well, very, really) as my Son was admitted to hospital at the beginning of the week with bad gastro-enteritis of some kind. I've been banned from visiting!! test results back yesterday show that he has salmonella which is nasty but not 'dangerous' as such and they won't be letting him out until he shows more improvement so I know he's well looked after. No idea where he picked that up though.
Today is a busy morning again.
I'm picking Beth up at nine and we're going to look at a weekly 'village fair' in Writtle. I had no idea they did this each week so we're going to see what it's all about.
Then we are off into town. Beth has some financial stuff to do and then we're going on a phone hunt and we're going to catch a big one!
Wish me luck! Then it's home again and I will do some clothes sorting and generally potter around tidying up and keeping myself occupied and away from food until SW group this evening.
It should be a good day and I hope yours is too. xx
Wednesday, 31 July 2019
Wednesday
Morning, everyone. Well, yesterday's weather started off beautifully - bright and sunny - but bu the time I had finished tuition, the clouds had rolled in and there was dampness in the air. By midday the heavens had opened and we had a number of good downpours through the afternoon which, I am sure, rejoiced my garden's heart. Today, BBC thinks it will be a dull but dry day with none of the expected rain further north.
Yesterday was pleasant, despite the weather. I had a good time at tuition before coming home to get all the copying of important documents done. I bless my printer; it is so useful to have a copy/scan function and I use both regularly. As CrystalWitch suggested, I made copies to keep here too and Beth knows where they are - that was so helpful, thanks. I also took copies of my driving licence as I am named as a second driver for France. Not that I will, I have no idea of driving in France and would be most unsafe but, in the direst emergency, I would be legal!
Just before midday, Alex turned up. He came over by bike and was so, so lucky. He dropped his bike in my shed and then came round to the front door as he has a key. Just as he arrived under the porch, the heavens opened. Even twenty seconds later and he would have been soaked through!
We went off to the Flyer by car and he insisted that it was his treat which was lovely. We had a really nice time and did lots of talking. He's now just about to start his third year (out of four) at Uni and was telling me about the six modules he has chasen for this coming year. Incomprehensible things such as Mathematical Topography, Mathematical Cryptography and Mathematical Biology. I Googled a few of them afterwards and was none the wiser but he's really looking forward to starting them!
It takes all sorts . . .
As it was still raining later, I dropped Alex off home and he will pop over today or tomorrow to pick up his bike.
This morning is just one thing after another. At seven thirty, Jeff is here to make my garden nice and shiny. Straight after that I am off to tuition (the last this week). Once that's finished, I am popping over the cul de sac to have coffee and a chat with Chris and I shall take her one of the three cucumbers I picked yesterday. then, over lunch time, it's the lovely Sharon here to work her usual magic with my hair before my holiday.
After that, things calm down a bit, thankfully. I want to get a load of washing done and to start laying stuff for packing out in the spare room. I really don't want loads of washing after the weekend at Dad's - there will be a bit - but, until then, if I can wear things I don't want to take to France, it would be good.
Thinking ahead, tomorrow, Beth and I are off into town to get me a smart phone. Now, I have never had a smart phone and am a bit ignorant so I'm asking for help - if you have any hints, tips and advice about what to ask for/get, I'd be super-grateful. Thanks.
So that's today - a frantic morning and a much more relaxed afternoon. Nice.
Have a good one too, whatever your plans and commitments. xx
Yesterday was pleasant, despite the weather. I had a good time at tuition before coming home to get all the copying of important documents done. I bless my printer; it is so useful to have a copy/scan function and I use both regularly. As CrystalWitch suggested, I made copies to keep here too and Beth knows where they are - that was so helpful, thanks. I also took copies of my driving licence as I am named as a second driver for France. Not that I will, I have no idea of driving in France and would be most unsafe but, in the direst emergency, I would be legal!
Just before midday, Alex turned up. He came over by bike and was so, so lucky. He dropped his bike in my shed and then came round to the front door as he has a key. Just as he arrived under the porch, the heavens opened. Even twenty seconds later and he would have been soaked through!
We went off to the Flyer by car and he insisted that it was his treat which was lovely. We had a really nice time and did lots of talking. He's now just about to start his third year (out of four) at Uni and was telling me about the six modules he has chasen for this coming year. Incomprehensible things such as Mathematical Topography, Mathematical Cryptography and Mathematical Biology. I Googled a few of them afterwards and was none the wiser but he's really looking forward to starting them!
It takes all sorts . . .
As it was still raining later, I dropped Alex off home and he will pop over today or tomorrow to pick up his bike.
This morning is just one thing after another. At seven thirty, Jeff is here to make my garden nice and shiny. Straight after that I am off to tuition (the last this week). Once that's finished, I am popping over the cul de sac to have coffee and a chat with Chris and I shall take her one of the three cucumbers I picked yesterday. then, over lunch time, it's the lovely Sharon here to work her usual magic with my hair before my holiday.
After that, things calm down a bit, thankfully. I want to get a load of washing done and to start laying stuff for packing out in the spare room. I really don't want loads of washing after the weekend at Dad's - there will be a bit - but, until then, if I can wear things I don't want to take to France, it would be good.
Thinking ahead, tomorrow, Beth and I are off into town to get me a smart phone. Now, I have never had a smart phone and am a bit ignorant so I'm asking for help - if you have any hints, tips and advice about what to ask for/get, I'd be super-grateful. Thanks.
So that's today - a frantic morning and a much more relaxed afternoon. Nice.
Have a good one too, whatever your plans and commitments. xx
Tuesday, 30 July 2019
Tuesday
Good morning, everyone. Yesterday was gorgeous and today seems to be going the same way although the forecast is for light rain later on. A shame but good for the garden. Sun and showers is perfect for growing.
I've been on a stroll around the estate! There are now three baby peppers, all looking very happy. There are three cucumbers ready to cut plus another one to take to Dad's at the weekend. I have just picked six tomatoes - four sungolds and two gardeners delights - and, for the first time ever, one truss of tomatoes is threatening to break off because it is so heavily loaded with fruit. I need to concoct some sort of support for it. And there are three runner beans nearly ready as well. If I can, I will save them for the weekend because Dad's might also have a few to pick and we can have our first mouthfuls together.
I do love this time of year in the garden!
Yesterday ended up not quite as nothing a day as I thought it might be. After tuition, I meandered to the bus stop and took the bus into town. One arrived, just as I got to the stop, which was great. Once in town, I sorted out the euro cash first and checked with my bank that I didn't have to do any notifying that I would be using my debit card overseas next week (no, I don't, just take details of the card in case it is stolen).
I then popped into WH Smith and bought two A5 plastic wallets. One for my passport, medical card, etc, and the other for scans of the same to be kept elsewhere in case the former gets nicked or lost. This was a useful tip Jackie gave me, being a bit of a globetrotter herself.
After that it was into M&S for some bras. I knew what I wanted but the M&S at Biggleswade where I looked last time I was at Dad's didn't have the appropriate size. Yesterday I went up to the rack and there they were - colour, size and cup size, both hanging there and no need to search. It must have been 'meant'! (!).
I also bought another watch which sounds more extravagant than it really was as they are not all that costly. My current one is looking increasingly scruffy now.
Then I set off back to the bus but detoured off into H&M and found just the shirt I had been looking for; long, light and blue and white striped, it will be perfect over jeggings and great for what will probably be very hot weather in France.
When I got to the bus stop, lo and behold, along came the right bus. I really was very lucky with buses yesterday.
Once home, I washed the shirt and bras alongside some other 'lights' and it all dried very quickly in the warm sunshine.
Then I had a parcel. I am afraid I have been very bad and bought Nadiya's book to go with her TV series which I am thoroughly enjoying (I really want to make that beetroot sauce for pasta and the egg roll and . . .) plus Phil Vickery's Save Money: Good Diet which show I am also enjoying a lot. Ooops!
So I sat down and dived in!
That was yesterday. Today starts off with a tuition session. Just to clarify, I offer tuition through the holidays when possible but no problem if it's not taken up. This holiday, I an continuing with my eleven plusser as the test itself is the third week in September and also there's one family that always takes me up on the offer.
After that, it's housework and dealing with those weeds that have the nerve to spring up whenever it rains before Alex comes over and we're going out for lunch. It's nice that Al wants to eat with his old Nan.
The other thing I want to do is to take copies of the relevant pages of my passport, medical card and debit card and start putting a few things together for next week so Monday isn't too much of a panic.
So - not too busy a day but there's enough to keep me going. And I have a couple of books to carry on reading too!
I think it will be a lovely day and I hope yours is too. xx
I've been on a stroll around the estate! There are now three baby peppers, all looking very happy. There are three cucumbers ready to cut plus another one to take to Dad's at the weekend. I have just picked six tomatoes - four sungolds and two gardeners delights - and, for the first time ever, one truss of tomatoes is threatening to break off because it is so heavily loaded with fruit. I need to concoct some sort of support for it. And there are three runner beans nearly ready as well. If I can, I will save them for the weekend because Dad's might also have a few to pick and we can have our first mouthfuls together.
I do love this time of year in the garden!
Yesterday ended up not quite as nothing a day as I thought it might be. After tuition, I meandered to the bus stop and took the bus into town. One arrived, just as I got to the stop, which was great. Once in town, I sorted out the euro cash first and checked with my bank that I didn't have to do any notifying that I would be using my debit card overseas next week (no, I don't, just take details of the card in case it is stolen).
I then popped into WH Smith and bought two A5 plastic wallets. One for my passport, medical card, etc, and the other for scans of the same to be kept elsewhere in case the former gets nicked or lost. This was a useful tip Jackie gave me, being a bit of a globetrotter herself.
After that it was into M&S for some bras. I knew what I wanted but the M&S at Biggleswade where I looked last time I was at Dad's didn't have the appropriate size. Yesterday I went up to the rack and there they were - colour, size and cup size, both hanging there and no need to search. It must have been 'meant'! (!).
I also bought another watch which sounds more extravagant than it really was as they are not all that costly. My current one is looking increasingly scruffy now.
Then I set off back to the bus but detoured off into H&M and found just the shirt I had been looking for; long, light and blue and white striped, it will be perfect over jeggings and great for what will probably be very hot weather in France.
When I got to the bus stop, lo and behold, along came the right bus. I really was very lucky with buses yesterday.
Once home, I washed the shirt and bras alongside some other 'lights' and it all dried very quickly in the warm sunshine.
Then I had a parcel. I am afraid I have been very bad and bought Nadiya's book to go with her TV series which I am thoroughly enjoying (I really want to make that beetroot sauce for pasta and the egg roll and . . .) plus Phil Vickery's Save Money: Good Diet which show I am also enjoying a lot. Ooops!
So I sat down and dived in!
That was yesterday. Today starts off with a tuition session. Just to clarify, I offer tuition through the holidays when possible but no problem if it's not taken up. This holiday, I an continuing with my eleven plusser as the test itself is the third week in September and also there's one family that always takes me up on the offer.
After that, it's housework and dealing with those weeds that have the nerve to spring up whenever it rains before Alex comes over and we're going out for lunch. It's nice that Al wants to eat with his old Nan.
The other thing I want to do is to take copies of the relevant pages of my passport, medical card and debit card and start putting a few things together for next week so Monday isn't too much of a panic.
So - not too busy a day but there's enough to keep me going. And I have a couple of books to carry on reading too!
I think it will be a lovely day and I hope yours is too. xx
Monday, 29 July 2019
Monday
Good morning, everyone. After quite a miserable start to the day, by late afternoon it had all cheered up and the sun was shining. According to the Beeb, today is going to be lovely - reasonably warm and sunny. No complaints from me.
At the moment, the sun is just emerging and I'm noticing that it is getting just a wee bit later. We are in the second half of the year, after all.
It was a lazy old day. I did a bit of stuff but not all that much really. I cut a cucumber for Beth to take home (such an effort!!!) and in the evening I sorted out my travel insurance and finished the planning for the little bit of tuition I have today.
Tuition is first thing and then I will be going into town to get some cash and do some bits and bobs before coming home and chilling. A bit of a nothing day really . . . I can be so lazy sometimes, can't I? My rather poor excuse is that it is the school holidays!
I've just popped out to view the veg and the pepper plant must have read my blog the other day because, lo and behold, today there are two little baby peppers.
Apologies for the poor photos but aren't they cute?
So that's it really. Have a good day, everyone. xx
At the moment, the sun is just emerging and I'm noticing that it is getting just a wee bit later. We are in the second half of the year, after all.
It was a lazy old day. I did a bit of stuff but not all that much really. I cut a cucumber for Beth to take home (such an effort!!!) and in the evening I sorted out my travel insurance and finished the planning for the little bit of tuition I have today.
Tuition is first thing and then I will be going into town to get some cash and do some bits and bobs before coming home and chilling. A bit of a nothing day really . . . I can be so lazy sometimes, can't I? My rather poor excuse is that it is the school holidays!
I've just popped out to view the veg and the pepper plant must have read my blog the other day because, lo and behold, today there are two little baby peppers.
Apologies for the poor photos but aren't they cute?
So that's it really. Have a good day, everyone. xx
Sunday, 28 July 2019
Sunday
Good morning, everyone! It's still wet out there, still rather dull and the clouds are low. It's cool too, a real dressing-gown-and-slippers sort of morning which is absolutely fine by me, no complaints whatsoever!
Yesterday was a funny old day. It started off OK, I got some housework done, sorted out a bit of mess and finished off the ironing. After lunch, I sat down with my kindle and the telly (lazy me) and started to feel very uncomfortable. I suppose you'd call it 'trapped wind' so I won't go into details but I was pretty anto-social for ages. It's just as well Beth didn't come round really.
It was still a bit of a nuisance when I went to bed but, after restless nights for nearly a week, the house had finally cooled down properly, I was able to snuggle under the cover and had a good night's sleep for the first time in over a week.
I feel great this morning!
Today there's nothing in the diary. Beth should be round to work at some point. I've already picked four sungold tomatoes which I will have with salad for lunch. My computer desk needs a good old tidy up as it is in a dreadful state, so that will be my main task for the day and I will remake the guest room bed which will take all of five minutes!
I don't know about going for a walk today. The forecast is for more rain so we will see. I ought to get out really so perhaps I will dodge the raindrops at some point. I need motivation!
It may be damp but have a great Sunday anyway. xx
Yesterday was a funny old day. It started off OK, I got some housework done, sorted out a bit of mess and finished off the ironing. After lunch, I sat down with my kindle and the telly (lazy me) and started to feel very uncomfortable. I suppose you'd call it 'trapped wind' so I won't go into details but I was pretty anto-social for ages. It's just as well Beth didn't come round really.
It was still a bit of a nuisance when I went to bed but, after restless nights for nearly a week, the house had finally cooled down properly, I was able to snuggle under the cover and had a good night's sleep for the first time in over a week.
I feel great this morning!
Today there's nothing in the diary. Beth should be round to work at some point. I've already picked four sungold tomatoes which I will have with salad for lunch. My computer desk needs a good old tidy up as it is in a dreadful state, so that will be my main task for the day and I will remake the guest room bed which will take all of five minutes!
I don't know about going for a walk today. The forecast is for more rain so we will see. I ought to get out really so perhaps I will dodge the raindrops at some point. I need motivation!
It may be damp but have a great Sunday anyway. xx
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