My blog!

Gosh, I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted a blog.  I sort of feel

sad about it but relieved that I haven't put you lovely people through reading my ramblings, but here I am again anyway!  I actually started typing this 3/4 weeks ago and just didn't manage to finish it, so you have some old and new to read.

So what has happened since my last blog, well there has been quite a lot actually.

The last date I posted was 18th August and we are now on the 4th October! Time really does fly and I can't say it has all been fine, which is a shame.

20th August had us taking Matthew over to his school to collect his GCSE Exam results.  You may have seen my post on FB.  We are ever so proud of what he achieved.  It just goes to show that if you do work hard throughout the year you will be rewarded.  To celebrate we went for our first in-doors meal - Matthew chose Pizza Express.  We felt fairly safe there.  We got there fairly late in the evening, so there were not many tables occupied and it wasn't on the 'eat out, to help out' evening so was much quieter, which we were really pleased about.  A lovely time had by all.

21st August was my last day at work for a week or so, as I planned to take some time off.  I haven't had a break since February, so I think it was well overdue.  I had tried to find somewhere for us to stay outside of our normal four walls, but that wasn't going to happen, either it was too expensive, the accommodation wasn't what I wanted (yes I can be a bit picky) or it wasn't where I wanted.  To be honest I was quite pleased I didn't book anywhere considering the weather we got lumbered with!

22nd August was Chris Birthday.  He never knows what he is going to be doing that day, so we tend not to organise too much.  We went to Woodbridge for a little walk in the morning after having bacon rolls for breakfast.  Whilst we were there we bumped into Teddy's sister Bessie.  They had a right old catch up (posted pics on FB) - its as if they knew who each other was.  Teddy doesn't react like that with any other dogs, it was really cute.  After a good walk, a takeaway drink and more of a walk we headed home.  In the evening we went to a local pub/restaurant, which was really nice.  Again we felt fairly safe, although we are finding that fewer places have their staff wearing any sort of facial coverings, this has changed now as that is the rule, but it wasn't back then.

Monday 24th, Chris had some jobs to do in the morning and then we headed over to Great Yarmouth for a good walk along the promenade and just to get our fill a seaside town.  It was extremely overcrowded, so we tried to keep away from the main thoroughfare of people, which was not very easy.  We had a takeaway near the beach, some doughnuts and ice cream and then made our way home.  Not sure I will be rushing back there for quite some time! 

Tuesday 25th, it rained like crazy here in the morning, so waited for it to finish and walked to the next village.  It was probably a 4 mile or so round trip.  Popped into the co-op for drinks and something sweet for our pudding, as the bakery was closed when we got there.  Our bakery never seems to stay open very late.

Wednesday 26th, we headed over to High Lodge, Thetford Forest.  The boys went on Segways for an hour.  It was funny watching them - I obviously had to look after Teddy, in the rain!  Matthew apparently fell off it twice.  The first time whilst looking at an aeroplane flying over and the second time couldn't stop it wobbling and ended up in a tree.  We then went on a long walk.  We ended up doing around 6 miles, which was quite an achievement for me.  We well and truly deserved the picnic I had packed us. It was a really nice day out in the fresh air doing something different.

Thursday 27th, we decided to drive over to Old Felixstowe.  Just in case you didn't know its next to Felixstowe.  We parked up and walked along the beach.  As the weather has been all over the show you never know quite what to wear and as usual, we had too many clothes on.  We stopped at the Ferry Boat Inn for a spot of lunch.  We sat outside in the garden and it was lovely.  This has to have been one of the safest places we have stopped for food as all the staff were wearing some kind of facial covering and they were taking precautions everywhere. So if you are that way, do pop in there.  The food is really good too.

Friday 28th was a complete washout here.  Our shopping was delivered first thing and we then popped it over to Chris parents - that was our day. 

Although we were in the same 4 walls, I did feel like I had a break, although the cherry on the cake would have been getting away for a few days.

Matthew had a football friendly on the Sunday against an adult team and they beat them, so the lads should be really proud.  Not sure the men were particularly happy about it though!  He is now playing under 18's football.  They might as well be classed as a men's team after looking at the size of some of the lads.

As we had the Bank Holiday bonus, we decided to go to Southwold for the day.  We haven't been there for quite some time.  The weather was fairly kind to us, only a little bit of rain, whilst the boys were playing on the putting green.  We had a delicious pastry for breakfast when we got there and then had a good old walk around from the pier down to the Ferry.  It was really busy, which we expected, but we didn't feel uncomfortable which was good.

Sorry, it has been a while since I blogged, I have just been so busy with going back to work, getting the boys sorted for going back to school etc.  Simon has had some football friendlies also - which had been rainy cold affairs - not sure if I have missed the football or not!!  He thought I was mad sitting my chair with my umbrella up and Teddy sitting on my lap.  Well, I didn't want him to get wet did I! :-)  As I am sure you have worked out the season has now started and it is still raining.  I think we have had 2 matches where the weather was glorious but now, it's just awful.

I have succumbed and have been to the hairdressers.  I haven't had it cut since January so was in need of something doing.  I had some little hints of colour put through it and a good cut.  She said one side on my head was longer than the other - oh I wonder how that happened? Maybe somebody who couldn't see cut my hair in the night!

Matthew has now started his Sunday league football with is first game over at Clare, which is a lovely village, although not sure about the team he played again, they were certainly not lovely.  Basically, all of the team Matthew plays in are under 17's and the opposition is mainly made up of under 18's, so as you can imagine there was a slight size difference.  I have never seen such nasty 'kids' as their manager called them, playing against either of my sons.  I found it quite hard to watch.  Matthew came up with a bruised knee and bruises down the side of his ribs and back.  The next day he got up with a sore back and neck because of it.  He got shoved in the back so much we think he must have got whiplash.  

Matthew had his 17th Birthday on the 18th September and it was a fairly quiet affair.  I did make him a cake - picture here.  This is what he wanted.  His provisional licence has only just turned up and he starts his driving lessons next Thursday.  He is a little nervous about it.  He has already said he doesn't want to go out with me as I am 'Cautious Claire' - that my name when we are travelling anywhere.  I admit I am a bit of a nervous passenger and I don't like crossing the road - where that came from who knows, we all have our weird things don't we.

We haven't really done very much since the boys went back to school, we haven't even made it to the seaside, which is Teddy's favourite place to go.  We will get back there soon.... I promise Teddy.  

So how are you all feeling?  If I am being totally honest, I am really fed up.  It just doesn't feel like this is going to end.  We are due to go up North for the half-term and just not sure if the rules will change their or here before we go, which will mean we can't go.  I just really want to get out of our 4 walls as it were, even if we only walk along the beach every day, I just want to go.  We were hoping to meet up with some people but not even sure if we can do that due to numbers!  Fingers crossed it all works out.

As I have been fed up I have decided to take up a little hobby.  I hope to be able to share it with you on my next blog.  

I have included various images of what we have been doing and seeing since I last posted a blog.

Sorry its been so long, I won't leave it so long next time!

You all take care and stay safe.

Nikki

x

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

PS excuse the layout. Blogger have changed the way you use it and now I remember why I didn't finish it last time!  Its really isn't very good.

My Weekly Blog - Day 143 to 149

So here we are and another weekly blog.

Very much like last week, we haven't got a lot to report.

As you can see Matthew has been busy baking again this week.  We have had a lovely Lemon cake Chocolate Eclairs (Simon helped with these) and some sun-dried tomato spiral bread.  He does get a bit frustrated along the way, but he gets there in the end, bless him.  He also made a delicious chilli last night for our tea as I wasn't feeling 100%.

I have started getting my headaches again, not really sure why.  I had them for a few months and then they disappeared, but have come back again.  I don't feel particularly stressed but I am getting a bit more frustrated with the situation again.  I have next week away from work, just to have a rest really, as I haven't had any proper time off since February, so it feels long overdue.  I did try looking for somewhere for us to go and stay but there isn't anywhere fairly local, which is really frustrating.  I don't want to go anywhere further than around 1hr-1 1/2 away as Chris may need to come and go, but there isn't anything at all around.  I just want to walk along the beach a few times a day, not asking for a lot honestly.  We will probably just go out for days and we have a Birthday next Saturday but he will probably be working.

So Thursday is the day we are meant to be going and collecting Matthew's GCSE results - just wondering if that will still be happening.  Not heard anything different as yet, so I assume we just need to turn up as already organised.  Sounds like they have had a bit of a nightmare organising them.  They have had since the end of March to get this organised, but maybe too many 'cooks' getting involved.  As often happens the left-hand doesn't know what the right is doing.  Its a shame this is causing so much stress to a lot of people.

The weather has certainly changed since this time last week.  We had a really big downpour yesterday - 17mm in around 30 minutes.  We have still been going on our walks, even in the rain.  Tonight was really nice and we actually saw other people out.  At the beginning of lockdown, we saw lots of people, but in the past 2-3 months, there have been hardly any.  

Teddy has been up to his usual tricks this past week.  Obviously working is extremely tiring work, so he decided to hide under my desk and have a rest on the treadmill!  That dog is just hilarious.  He hates thunder and barks at, hates birds so chases them, hates helicopters so barks at them, but what is does like is his new food.  He is now on a muesli mix and can't wait for dinner time.

So until next week, please all stay safe and keep your distance.

Day 136 to 142 of my weekly blog

Well, what a very warm week it has been.  Today has been especially warm, with a few spots of rain.

We haven't really been up to much as usual but feels like even less than normal.

On Wednesday Simon had a friendly football match.  It was a warm evening and they got on really well considering he plays in an under 16's team and they played a men's team!  As you know he has been struggling with his knees, but we have purchased some new items that he used and he got on brilliantly although he could hardly walk the next day!

Harvest has carried on steadily over the days with the boys helping Chris every day.  They are getting there so I understand and fingers crossed they finish soon and the weather holds out enough.  

Teddy has been enjoying the 'cool' time in the combine.  We have felt it was best for him to be there rather than at home as its been just too warm, even with his cool mat and cool bandana on.  He is such a lovely little fella.

My cat duty finished on Saturday morning also.  I had been looking after our neighbour's cat whilst they were on holiday in Cornwall.  She was such a good little girl coming to see me every night, she was no bother at all.

The weekend came and went - not really sure what I did.  Boys were all out working, so I got on with some general jobs, like cleaning windows, washing and didn't bother with the ironing as it was just too hot.  I even managed 2 dips in the hot tub in one day!!!  It must be hot as I really haven't felt like having my usual tipple!  

Work has been so, so the past week.  It's just gone so quiet, but it does that this time of year, but we do have some projects on the go that have been keeping me busy and I have been enjoying learning new things.

Teddy thankfully hasn't had another sting from a wasp this week, although he did have an altercation with one earlier this evening, we don't think he got strung this time.

Matthew has a football match tonight, which I was going to go to, but Chris has taken him as he in between crops at the moment.  We also didn't want to have to close all the windows as we need the airflow at the moment - what airflow??  

The picture above was taken one evening from our bedroom window - it looked amazing so had to capture it for you.

I also managed to take a picture of our friendly green woodpecker.  It stayed there for ages and didn't mind me taking its picture.

Some good news - we have booked to go up to Yorkshire in the October half term.  It's the same place we went to last year as we really liked the location, although the house we stayed in was a bit tatty.  I managed to get a privately owned place rather than going through the resort, so fingers crossed it will be much better.

I joined DogFriendly magazine this week and looking forward to being able to find more places that we can take Teddy.  It has accommodation, beaches, parks, cafes etc that are happy for our four-legged friends to go to.  

Matthew has made another lot of chocolate fondants this week.  I got him some proper pots that he needed and they turned out much better, but he put too much mixture in them so they started to go over the top.  He gets so frustrated with himself as they are not perfect the first time - he has to realise practice makes perfect!!!

So as you can tell not a lot has happened this week and hope to have more news for you next week.

You all take care and stay safe - make sure you keep your distance!

Day 129 to 135 Another Weekly Blog

So August is here already, but we have some news from the end of July and quite a few photographs to share this week.

So as you can see the harvest started on Wednesday.  Chris started on Wednesday with his little band of helpers (Matthew, Simon and obviously Teddy).  It has been a little weird as I haven't really been alone in the house since March, but they all went off and left me.  It is something I have got used to over the years, but the boys helping is only in recent years.  They do look quite sweet (if 15 & 16 year old boys can look sweet) driving around in their tractors.  All the winter wheat and some of Ixworth has now been done, but plenty more over here where we live to harvest.  The crops don't seem to be ripening the normal way this year, as there are still a few green ears in the barley, but with this weeks expected sun, lets hope they will ripen so they can get a good run at it.  

As mentioned Teddy has been on the combine - he likes to look out for wildlife that runs from the crops, although I believe he has taken to sleeping on the seat this year, rather than the floor. This dog is treated just too well.  He has had a bit of a traumatic week.  He got stung by a wasp on Sunday evening on our walk.  He started scratching his face and jumping around a bit until we realised what was happening, it seemed to get stuck in his fur, but Chris eventually managed to flick it off.  He has been a little quiet since, but I am sure he will be back to his normal cheeky monkey self.  As you can see from the photograph here, he loves watching the TV.  He was watching the Meerkats that has been on most evenings the past week. He gets very vocal too -  I will have to post a video for you.  He never ceases to make us chuckle at least once a day - wouldn't be without him.

So on Thursday the boys and the Tedmeister were busy harvesting and got home late.  Simon decided he needs a hair cut there and then!  So I cooked their tea, cut his hair and poor Teddy still hadn't been for his long walk.  Most days I leave his walk until later in the evening especially when it's warm. So we ended up leaving home around 9pm for our walk, Chris says you may have 20 mins before it gets dark - nothing like worrying me!  So we start our 'fast' walk.  Now if you know Teddy he has to stop, sniff and wee at just about every bush, which isn't helpful when we don't have time.  So what did we end up doing? - jogging!  Luckily I had running shoes on but my dress really didn't cut it! I did manage to snap a nice picture that I posted on FB for you all to see - please note this was only taken at a sniff and wee stop! 😜

So Friday was blooming hot...can you believe it!  Why does our weather do such weird things at the moment?  One day it's pleasant but not particularly warm and the next it's boiling and you can't sleep.  So or shopping delivery arrived with Ocado, who we have been trialling.  Let's just say that customer services got a call and we got some food credited to us.  What idiot tries to carry 4 bags in each hand and then shoves them down!  Gord some people really need their head examined.  He was late and just before he left apologised for being late - well that should be the very first thing you should do, out of common courtesy. Let's say I am still trialling them and if anything else happens then I won't be trialling them again!  They are not cheap, so I expect an awful lot more from them.  This weeks rant is now over!  So after this, I sorted out the in-laws shopping and took over to them.  My Dad has started to do his own shopping.  He said Tesco last week was quite empty, maybe it was the time of day or just that people aren't wanting to go into shops at the moment?

Had a lovely relax in the hot tub Friday night after our walk with Teddy.  I stood outside talking to a neighbour in the day for about an hour as we are looking after their cat this week and I cannot believe I got sunburnt, but only on one side which must have been the way I was standing. I know it was hot but I didn't realise how hot.

Oh, some news I forgot to tell you last week.... we have had a wasp nest in our roof.  One morning I woke up and thought it was raining, but it wasn't and didn't understand what it was.  A noise seemed to be coming from the wall behind our bed - very odd!  I mentioned it to Chris who looked at me as if I was crazy, but he did come around in the end.  We looked outside and noticed those pesky things flying in through the tiles.  The pest man came out on Monday and killed the nest.  So no more pesky flying things -  I am sure we will find another nest somewhere soon as its apparently the season for the next building now.

We arranged to meet my Dad in Felixstowe on Saturday morning for a walk.  We got there around 8:45am and it was relatively quiet, which was nice.  Was really warm especially for that coast.  Went for our usual walk and when we got back to where we started Dad said is that all the walking you want to do?  There are a few reasons we are usually only there for a little while.  Firstly is was getting too hot for Teddy, secondly, we didn't think our favourite place was open for breakfast (apparently it now opens at 9:30am), thirdly we don't want to be there when it gets too busy and lastly we wanted to go to McDonald's for our drive-thru breakfast!  So did the Drive-Thru and it was really nice.  Dad stayed in the pretty garden area apparently until 2pm and said it was lovely.  I am so pleased he had a nice time.

As I managed to get all my washing done, beds stripped and washed, I spent most of Sunday morning ironing everything.  I really wanted to get it all tidied up.  I even washed a bit of the Grand-Prix which was so exciting towards the end.  Hopefully, this weekend will be equally as good.

Monday was a very quiet day in more ways than one.  Work has started to die down quite a bit, it usually happens this time of year, but it is still quite scary when that happens.  But I have lots that I can dive into to keep me busy.  I have even started my book again, which is coming along.  I popped out with Chris to run some errands, but I didn't even get out of the car, but it was a nice change of scenery.  Matthew had football training, so they didn't get home until nearly 9pm, so we had a very late tea.  It was a lovely mixed Chicken and Bacon Salad with New Potatoes.  At least it wasn't too heavy for a late-night meal.  Teddy just had a little walk last night and was very naughty most of the way back - he has a habit of biting his lead on the way back from places.  We are already on our 4th lead.

Simon went to Felixstowe on the Train on Monday with his friends.  He sounds like they had a nice time along with Fish & Chips - what a life hey!  I think its good that he is trying to meet up with his friends at least once a week.  It can be a little more difficult at the moment as he has to work, but yesterday worked out perfectly.

Also as you can see we got some Certificates home this last week.  Simon got his for Food & Nutrition and Matthew in Product Design.  It was very kind of the school to send them along with a £5.00 Amazon Voucher.  Really proud of our boys and what young men they are growing into.

So as you can tell it has been a busy week and looking forward another warm week ahead.

You all take care, stay safe and keep your distance!

Day 122 - 128

Day 122 - 128.  Can you believe this 'new' way of living has been going on this long, its crazy?

I am mighty pleased that we don't book holidays in the summer especially abroad at the moment.  I do feel for people that are stuck in the middle of this, but we have all been warned that if anything happens there could be lockdowns, even holidaying in the UK could be affected if local lockdowns are put in place.  We all have to be aware of this before we start parting with our hard-earned cash and not moan when it happens.  Anyway, off my soapbox now!

Not has a particularly exciting week, but let's be honest about it, who has?    The weather hasn't been too great again has it.  Looks like we might get some nice weather over the next few days and I can't wait as our hot tub is calling!

Football training has started in a big way now..... Matthew is training on a Monday and Wednesday evening and Simon should be training on a Tuesday evening.  The reason I say Simon should be is that he is having problems with his knees again.  We went to see a specialist in Biomechanics last October.  Basically, Simon has odd feet!  He also has Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain) which is a growing pain.  He had it really bad towards the end of last year and since doing lots of exercises and having special insoles in his shoes it got better and now it has come back with a vengeance!  He has grown an awful lot in the last few months. He has done one, one-hour football training session and had to bow out of two other sessions as he is unable to cope with the pain.  It was difficult to walk without pain for a few days after, but it seems to have calmed down and he is still doing his exercises.  We have purchased some special knee straps, that he still needs to try out.

We have also received signing on forms for the boy's football teams and they hope to start playing competitive games in October, subject to everything being ok.

Simon has now finished school for the Summer.  He is still not sure if he has any work to do over the holidays.  In some ways, I want him to have a bit of a break, but in another, I don't want him to have got behind.  Matthew has finally received a letter from school about Sixth Form.  He will go back a day before Simon and an induction type of day, which sounds interesting. He has also been given some information he can start looking at online before they go back.  We have had to start buying him some clothes as he won't wear a uniform when he goes back and he doesn't have much that fits him.  He is now around 5ft 10, the same height as Chris!  It has been funny as some of the jeans I ordered for him actually fit Chris - my boys are growing up.

Dad and Lu came over for a curry on Friday night, which was really nice, followed by a walk with the Tedmeister!

We went out on Sunday evening, for dinner at some friends.  It was just so nice for a change of scenery and to actually sit and talk to people face to face.  We had a delicious meal with Lemon Meringue Pie and a Pineapple Cheesecake we took.  Their little puppy kept us all busy as he is just so cute.

As you can see above we found another deer on our walk, this one was last Friday when we were out with Dad.

You all take care and have another lovely week.

Stay safe, keep your distance and wear your mask.

Day 115 to 121

Another week has flown by and it's amazing to think its the 21st July already.  

As usual, not a lot has really happened.

Matthew has been doing his usual baking - He had a Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce and a Chocolate Cherry Tart, with chocolate pastry.  They were all absolutely delicious.

Simon made us a chicken korma on Friday night with rice and naan bread.

I have made us some cheese and onion chutney scones along with a vanilla cake traybake.  As we didn't have any sprinkles I put pink glitter on it.  As I am the only girl in the house, apart from Pippa I decided that I would like it to look pink.

I did something really stupid on Friday, as you know I am sometimes one sandwich short of a picnic. I got an email from Ocado to tell me we could now order from them for delivery - you had to register and wait for a slot to become available as they were just too busy to take on new customers.  So I went on there and found I could get delivery on Friday morning, but forgot to cancel the slot I had already got from Sainsbury's for collection on the said morning.  I got an email Friday morning from Sainsbury's to tell me all I had ordered was available - now that wasn't a shock as I had ordered, 4 very large punnets of cherries, one £40 bottle of Champagne and a very nice £10 bottle of white wine.  As not to get blacklisted with them we went over there and explained what I had done and asked if they could refund the bottle of Champagne but we would take the rest of the items.  So we now had lots of cherries.  We gave one to my dad and one to Chris Parents and kept 2 for ourselves.  This is why Matthew made the chocolate cherry tart with a cherry sauce and most of them have gone now as they are extremely moreish.  I cannot believe I did that, but like I said I am not really there most of the time!

Saturday evening we had some lovely pulled pork in brioche buns followed by Eton Mess - this was a really yummy tea I have to say.

We didn't make it to the seaside this weekend as we just wanted to laze around, which we did plenty of.  I did manage to tackle the massive ironing pile I had been putting off.

I have managed to book Ocado for the next 3 weeks for delivery, which has made me smile as I just never know if we will get the slots from one week to the next.  My dad has said he will try and start to do his shopping this week, but I have said to let me know if we wants us to continue as I don't mind doing it.

We got a delivery of some top toil the end of last week as Chris and the boys cleared an old concrete slab from the garden a while ago and it was looking a right mess.  So today Chris and Matthew filled the gap in and set it with grass seed.  The sprinkler then went on for a while to make sure it was wet.  Guess who escapes into the garden - yes you have guessed it - Teddy!!!!  We tried and tried to get him back in but he wasn't having any of it tonight.  The next things we see are massive holes in the new soil and grass seed and Teddy running around with mud all over his nose and front paws.  Matthew and I managed to chase him into a corner, after nearly doing the splits and breaking out necks.  I got him straight in the bath - he was filthy.  He then escaped again just after the bath as somebody left another door open and he wouldn't come back in again, but little did he know that Chris has been outside and put some old Chicken fencing around the patch so he couldn't dig it.  He has wandered around the fence trying to get in there - I am not sure how he would feel if we could electrify it!!  He has been a really naughty little boy today, I'm not sure what has gotten into him.

So how is everyone feeling about this Pandemic that feels like it is never going to go away?  Although I don't tend to go anywhere I do feel much happier that people are going to have to wear masks in shops now from Friday.

I have been struggling with lots of headaches over the past few weeks which have been driving me mad.  I spoke to the doctor and she thinks they are tension headaches as all the other symptoms I have pointed to that.  Basically, take paracetamol or the like and de-stress.  It's

just not that simple though is it.  I have tried doing meditation and unfortunately, my brain just won't turn off, must be all the intellectual brain cells I have in there!  I could really do with getting away - a change of scenery.  But that isn't going to happen anytime soon, with harvest probably going to start next week and the boys to be taken to football training, everyone will need feeding and Teddy looking after.  

We are thinking of going away in October half term at least.  We would like to venture back up to Yorkshire again - so I will probably start looking there.  I did look at self-catering accommodation towards the end of August in Norfolk and I cannot believe how expensive it is for something decent.  I appreciate that people have to make some money this year, but think that is taking it to the extreme.

Simon met up with some of his mates on Saturday which was really nice for him.  I cannot believe that they biked around 12 miles from Eye to Harleston, I was really proud of them.  We did offer to give them individual lifts but they wanted to bike, so they did.

Simon has now finished school as of today for the Summer.  We are still yet to find out if he has any work to do over the summer holidays.  Matthew picks his exam results up on 20th August between 9:30-10am.  We had to book a slot to go in and collect them.  

We have seen some different painted stones around but have managed to photograph any this week.  I have been on quite a few walks though, even in the rain.  I just wish the weather would decide what it is going to do.  Its playing havoc with my wardrobe!  One day its jumpers and socks the next summer dresses.

I hope you have another lovely week and please do all stay safe and keep your distance.
x

Day 108 to 114

I can't believe another week has gone by and the numbers are rising as you can see.

Got a few photos for you this week.

We did our usual shopping run on Friday and treated ourselves to a Starbucks Drive through, which was lovely and a very well earned treat.  It just feels like there is an awful lot of work, sitting around and not a lot of playing at the moment.

Matthew got his baking skills out again last week.  He made a Lemon Cake, which had lemon curd in it and although it flopped in the middle due to a large amount of curd he put in there it was absolutely delicious and even better with custard.  He also made something I have never seen before. Jammie Dodger Blondie.  We are still getting through this and we don't have to tell you how much we are enjoying it, it takes as good as it looks and probably isn't great for our waistlines, but what is these days.

We also took Teddy for a good walk on Saturday afternoon.  He was so naughty, he really was.  We hadn't got very far before he went into a field of Linseed.  He saw a couple of partridges and got them up, once they had gone he went on the hunt for more, of which he found.  I ended up walking through the field with him to keep him moving along and it wasn't particularly dry yet. When we eventually got him, he went back on the lead and hadn't been off it until tonight - he was in that much trouble!

As you can see we made it to the seaside on Sunday.  The weather was amazing even at 8:45am.  We have been going to Felixstowe for a long time and I don't think we have ever seen the sea so calm.  Teddy had his usual paddle in the sea and loved it.  There were a few people setting themselves up on the beach even that early.  We found our usual place to have breakfast on the Pier but it wasn't opening until 11am, so we decided we didn't want to wait that long, even though their Eggs Benedict and Scrambled Egg on Toast is lovely.  I know they are fairly basic breakfast items, but they are done extremely well.  Even Dad likes going there and having breakfast.  We made our way home and popped into Costa Drive-through for our breakfast instead.

As Sunday was so lovely, I decided to have a very long dip in the hot tub, mainly without the bubbles on.  It was just so nice to sit in there in the sun reading my book.  

When we out this morning to take my car for its MOT we noticed a new stone, that had been left outside our bungalow fence - this was a lovely surprise, so thank you whoever left it.  My car passed thank goodness, although it needed two new tyres.  

Matthew had his football training partly in the rain last night, but I understand it went well.  I stayed behind to sort out dinner - a yummy cottage pie.  Tonight we had baked cabanara which was even better and I went back for seconds.  

Had a fairly busy week at work and this afternoon went completely crazy, which was nice as at least we know there are still people out there!

I hope you all have had another good week and look forward to catching up again next week.

You all take care, remember your face mask when you go out and stay safe whilst keeping your distance.

Day 101 to 107. First Weekly Blog.

Well, a week has flown by and I have to be honest I really missed writing my daily blog.  I felt like there was something missing, although it has given me more time to read, which I am not sure is a good thing as I can't put my book down sometimes.

So last Tuesday was my last daily blog and here we are a week later for a catch-up.  How are you all? Have you had a good week?

There have been quite a few changes to the 'stay alert' lately, of which I feel went ahead a little too early if the images from Soho are anything to go by.  I also understand there are a few pubs that have had to close because people who attended them over the past couple of days have tested positive for Covid-19, but it doesn't stop there, as restaurants are having to be closed as someone that also works at there attended one of those pubs, so it has a very big impact not only on the person that tested positive but the wider community that attended the same place.  I do feel that everyone has to be sensible about what they do and by the looks of it the majority of people are, but it's the few that are putting the lives and businesses of the sensible ones in danger.  I shall now get off my high horse!

The weather over the past week really hasn't been very kind to us. The wind has been ridiculous where we are on the top of a hill.  We had to pin loads of things down and my poor washing looked like it was going to visit the neighbours.  I didn't want to dry it inside as it never dries the same - I know I am weird.   Also, I missed the tissue in a pocket - so at least the wind got rid of all the white bits - I thought I checked all the pockets!

We have been doing our usual walk every evening with our little tinker Teddy.  We didn't manage to visit the seaside this weekend mainly due to what we were doing, and we just didn't want to get up early both weekend mornings.

Saturday we went and collected the shopping as I couldn't get our usual Friday morning slot. Please note all the family got up early, even Teddy.  Simon was not impressed at all and slept in the back of the car - Teenagers!  We then went to Starbucks and got ourselves some takeaway breakfast.  As this was the first weekend we could go in other peoples houses we popped into Chris Parents - they sat at one end and we sat at the other.  We already had our own drinks.  It was nice to have a proper conversation with them.  We have sat outside their house talking but it's difficult to hear them properly.  I think they were pleased.

On Saturday evening my Dad came over and had a steak tea with us.  We were careful and we also went for a nice little walk together and it looked like it was going to rain yet again!  It was a lovely evening and felt so good to be back so some sort of normality.

Matthew has been busy again cooking. He made a Banoffee Pie and some fruit scones.  Simon made an Apple & Blackberry crumble with custard.  The boys have been great helping to keep us all fed, mainly naughty things.

Simon has been at school again.  He went in one day last week and has two this week.  He has a week of no school visits next week and then only has two days the following.  That will be it until September when they are saying it should get back to normal or the 'new normal', who knows.

Matthew started football training last night.  They are in groups of 5 children per coach and just did basic fitness, a little bit of dribbling and shooting.  I am still not convinced that they need to start this early; it feels a bit of unnecessary exposure to more people, although it is nice that he is seeing other children his age, they still have to socially distance themselves. 

Simon was due to start back his football training this week, but we got a message last night telling us that the football club is not opening up the youth age groups as yet and they are thinking that the season won't start back at its normal time in September either, so basically no need to rush.  I am quite happy with that.

I noticed that Teddy found it strange that Chris and Matthew were both out last night for a little while.  He is so used to us all being here together in the evenings.  It was odd for me too to be honest as I had to get their tea prepared for 8:45 instead of the normal time.  It seems so long ago that our evenings were flying here and there with the boys and all going in various directions.  I feel like we have our comfy slippers on in the evening now and don't want to get out of that, it will come as a bit of a shock when things to change.

So last Tuesday, the day I last blogged was 15 years since we lost my Mum and yesterday 15 years ago was her funeral.  I even found her Order of Service today - I keep everything. I find it hard to go back and remember as it was such a difficult time in our lives and one you try to forget for emotional reasons, but in no way do I forget the crazy lady that was my Mum.  When I say crazy I don't mean mad in the head, I'm sure if you knew her, you would understand what I am saying. I just mean she was full of life and even up to the last time I saw her wandering around the hospital she was making me laugh and more or less telling me there wasn't really anything wrong and that I was to go on my family holiday to the Lake District.  I know why she told me to do that, as she didn't want us to miss it, but I wish she hadn't.  We ended up coming home at midnight during the week as she took a turn for the worse and she wasn't really with it when I next saw her.  I would rather have spent some time with her than going on my holiday and that is a very big regret I have, but I did what she wanted me to do, that's the only way that I can look at it now... blooming woman!  Miss her loads, and have some great memories but very few photographs of her.  She was always behind the camera not the one in the actual shot!

The family are pleased that football is back on the TV - I am not sure if I am happy about it or not.  On one hand, its good to stop them from moaning and out of mischief, but on the other, the TV is always full of football at the moment and I stupidly encourage it by letting them use my laptop.  Oh, to have a family of boys where I am the only female.  They do look after me though and look down at me,  as I am the smallest apart from Teddy and Pippa.

My hairdresser is now back at work and asked if I wanted an appointment.  I have decided to keep cutting my hair myself for a little longer as I just don't feel comfortable going there at the moment.  Its nothing against my hairdresser at all, it's just the way I feel.  I also need to have it coloured and what needs doing could take around 3 hours, which is a long time to be in the company of a few people.  It is not urgent, so its best to just leave it for now.

As I mentioned I have been reading a lot and something struck a chord with me in one of the books.  What is happening at the moment with this virus and how we are living makes you realise that we are living but not 'living' if you know what I mean.  We are all just going through the motions of getting up, working, eating and then going to bed for it all to start again the next day.  With the obvious difference at the weekends.  But are we actually enjoying ourselves?  Are we doing what we want to be doing?  Are we meeting up with friends and family?  Have we booked a holiday away for a break?  I would say that the answer to most of them is 'NO'!  But at present, there is no way of changing this due to the restrictions and danger of catching Covid.  I don't know and neither does anyone else know how catching this virus would affect them, so there is no point in putting yourself at risk of getting it. Fingers crossed it doesn't carry on like this until this time next year.  I just want to get back to normal.

As you can see not an awful lot has happened in the Reeve Household since last Tuesday, but as usual I have managed to ramble on about something.

You all take care and have a lovely week..... so until next week.... keep your distance and stay safe.

Day 100 - My last Daily Blog

Day 100 - Can you quite believe I have written 100 blogs, its bonkers isn't it.  I actually feel bad for making this my last daily blog now after receiving so many lovely messages on Facebook.  I didn't realise that so many people read them and like what they read.  Its good to know that I may have helped in some small way to get some of you through what have been some very tough months.  

The situation we are in hasn't been particularly easy by any stretch.  In the beginning, it scared the shit out of me, to put it bluntly, and then this blog happened and it helped me to put how I was feeling into words and was good to know that I wasn't alone in the way that I felt.

Don't worry you haven't heard the last from me.  I will look at doing a weekly blog at the weekends so that I can still keep in touch with you all.  It will just be a round-up for the week that has passed and you all know any comments are very welcome.

I have found it difficult to find photographs to put on here every night, at least I will have a few to choose from in my weekly blogs.  I will still have to keep track of how many days its been since my blog started as it will be interesting to know how many days this will go on for.

Had a quiet day today, but sometimes that is good to let my brain have time to think of new things.  I find I need that sometimes just to keep coming up with new ideas and let the creative juices flow as it were.

I still haven't really done much with the book I started quite a while ago, but I may just have a bit more time now and I do have some more ideas coming to me all the time, so I really hope I can pull it out of the bag before the end of the year.

Thank you everyone for being so encouraging over the last 100 days and like I said this will not be my last blog, this is just the next step.

I wasn't sure which photo to put on this blog as I have so many but I love this photo so felt it was perfect for this blog.

I hope you have enjoyed some of the recipes I have shared and if there are any you would like please do let me know.  I will try to put some more recipes up on my new blogs if I can find something exciting for you.

Thanks again and please do all stay safe, stay alert and keep your distance!

Day 99 - Stay Alert

Day 99 - Monday..... and what an odd day it has been.

The weather has been a bit pants again.  It is just so windy and looks like it wants to rain all the time but doesn't.

Had a fairly busy day at work as Mondays always seem to be slow to get going.

We had Jacket Spuds with chicken for our tea, which was a lovely easy tea.  We ate some leftover pulled pork in wraps for our lunch which was just as yummy as last night.  I found the recipe in the new BBC Good Food Magazine.

The above picture is of what ships we saw coming and going from Felixstowe yesterday.  It's really interesting watching them loading and unloading the containers as the cranes work really quickly.

Simon is back at school again tomorrow for his 3-hour session.  He seems to be getting on ok with his work, so I am not too worried at the moment.

I am thinking that after tomorrow's blog I am going to start posting a blog once a week as I shall be honest I find myself getting extremely boring on here and don't have very much to talk about.  It will be my 100th tomorrow, so I thought that might be a good place to finish my daily ones.

This situation has been really odd and certainly an experience we all hope we don't have to go through ever again once things can get back to normal.  I have to say that I don't think it will get back to any sort of normality until this time next year, which seems an awfully long time away.  I am getting a bit fed up with it all now and just want our normal lives back.  It feels like we are always treading on eggshells with everything we do.  

So until tomorrow....my last daily blog....stay alert and keep your distance!

Day 98 - Stay Alert

Day 98 - What a quiet Sunday!

We got up early headed to Felixstowe for a little wander.  It was lovely and quiet, but very windy -  it was just so nice.  Teddy went in the sea again and a large wave came and knocked him over, bless him, it was funny.  He just loves going into the sea.

We saw a few container ships coming and going today so we went to investigate down at the port and there some big ships there.

I have managed to get all the ironing done today and cooked the most delicious pulled pork.  I did marinate it yesterday morning for us to have today and I have to say it was definitely worth it.  Just so yummy!

Looking forward to another busy week ahead and hopefully, the weather will improve again.  It has been on and off rain all day here.  It doesn't know what to do.

Hope you all had a fabby weekend, so until tomorrow... keep your distance!

Day 97 - Stay Alert

Day 97 and we are still staying alert.

What a weird Saturday it has been.  We didn't bother getting up too early as we didn't really have anything planned.

It has tried to rain on and off all day which has played havoc with my washing.  I thought it was going to blow off the line the way the wind was blowing today.

Chris cut the hedges today and I helped him clear up all the trimmings.  I made another Pineapple Cheesecake along with some breakfast muffins.

We really haven't done very much today as you can tell.  Had curry for tea, which was delicious and we are hoping to go for a walk soon after the footie has finished.  Hopefully, we won't get blown away.

We are thinking of getting up early tomorrow morning to pop to the seaside and not meet so many people - fingers crossed.

The image here is from a couple of nights ago but thought I would share it with you.

You all enjoy the rest of your Saturday evening and until tomorrow.... stay alert and keep your distance!

Day 96 - Stay Alert

Day 96 - Happy warm Friday!

So what started a bit wet turned into another muggy and warm day.  I thought it felt warmer than yesterday, but we did have a lovely breeze where we live which was great.

Had our usual shopping this morning.  It was pouring of rain on way so wondered how we were going to get on sorting it all out, but luckily it stopped by the time we were sorting the shopping out in the car park.   We did go to drop the shopping off at Chris parents and then find that his Dads car was ready from the garage so we went and paid the bill for them.  Then we went to the shop to get their bread, but they don't supply what they wanted so just got what they had.  Arrived back to drop off the bread and was told they then wanted some tubs of ice cream, so back off the shop Chris goes. What fun.

I eventually got to work and was inundated with emails which I still haven't got completely up to date with.  A crazy day.  I really don't know where the weeks are going at the moment, life seems to be flying by.

We had Mexican enchiladas for tea tonight which were delicious.

We haven't really got anything planned for the weekend, but might pop to the seaside for an early walk one morning. 

As you can tell not a lot has happened today.  I took the above picture last night on our walk and hadn't seen that one before.

So you all have a wonderful weekend and until tomorrow...... stay alert and keep your distance!

Day 95 - Stay Alert

Day 95 - Stay Alert

What a very warm day we have had today.  I cannot believe how warm it was.  I was holed up in my office all day with the fan on as it was just so muggy.

Sorry I am late tonight.... its shopping night so I am running a bit late.  We had out tea, courtesy of Matthew.  Chicken in breadcrumbs with some chunky chips, then waited for a little while before going on our walk as it was so warm.  So we went on our walk and saw some other people coming down our usual track, so we decided to carry on further.  I really wish we hadn't.  We ended up going along a field and then down some tram-lines through a bean field.  All I could hear was buzzing as there are lots of flies and bees.  The bees are meant to be there, but after a while the noise go to me so I ran for it.  We eventually got out of there and by the time we got home it was quite late and still had to finish off the shopping, which I have just done.  Breathe!!

I am also using our old lap top as the boys are using mine to watch footie again tonight - its keeping them out of mischief so I am not too worried.

It sounds like we might be getting some thunder storms in the next day or so which will hopefully clear the air a bit.

So until tomorrow... stay alert and still keep your distance!

Day 94 - Stay Alert

Day 94 - and what another beautiful Wednesday.

Guess where we went for our tea tonight??  Yes, you guessed it the beach.  I finished work a little earlier today and we made our way there.  We were hoping that everyone that had been there today would have left - how wrong were we?  It was completely manic.  Queues everywhere for the fish and chips.  The beach was still fairly busy too, but we did manage to walk along the promenade and then back again.  We were lucky we found some dinner a little further away from the front.  I was lovely and the rest of the family told me it was the best fish and chips they have had for years.

As you see there was only one of us that went into the sea tonight.  Teddy loved it - he was absolutely drenched but in his element.

Got home and then went in the hot tub for a relax and the boys are now wanting to watch the football via my laptop.

So until tomorrow.... stay alert and keep your distance!