Entry for 03 June 2007 (copy)

One or two people have emailed me to ask where I have been. I haven't been anywhere, but it has been the school half term week and we have been busy.
A quick run down: Monday was catching up on chores day. Tuesday, we went to the dentist and as I am a wimp I am knocked out for the duration. What did I have done? I had my teeth cleaned and scaled. Yes, I already said I was a wimp. Unfortunately, I would never go to the dentist unless I was knocked out. It costs me a fortune for the privilege but it's the only way as I can't stand the dentist.
Wednesday, I went up to Stevenage to see my Mum. Saskia came with me and we had a fairly good visit. My Mums sister June and her husband Ron were there too. We had a very nice meal with them in the evening before coming home. Unfortunately my Aunt and Uncle were there so that they could attend my Aunt Joan's funeral on Thursday. My Mums sister Joan passed away last week. Mum doesn't know this, as she would no longer be able to understand.
Thursday, was another day spent catching up on chores while Simon got on with the garden. The sand was delivered and while Simon was busy bringing it all round to the back garden Saskia was racking it out. Once it was done and we let the dogs out they went berserk. They had watched patiently from the kitchen. Alfie and Loulou went crazy playing with each other and tearing around like loonies and play boxing. Loulou, of course had to dig! They looked like leopards when they had finished as builders sand stains yellow.

Thursday evening we had a meal out at The Paul Pry which turned out to be really nice. I had Yellow Fin Sole stuffed with haddock and spinach with seasonal veg. It was delicious. To follow I had the best Profiteroles that I have had in ages. The only thing wrong, was the service, which was slow and our table which was right next to a till and also on the main thoroughfare for the waitresses! At times they appeared to be running! This did not create a great atmosphere. Having said that, the food was so nice that we intend to go back on a less busy night.
Friday, I caught up with more jobs and also went out to buy some curtains for Verity's bedroom, which actually turned out to be the wrong size!! Simon began to lay the slabs for the new patio. I guess it is about a third done. He has been away over the weekend so it has had to be left. There is a lot of hard work to do as a lot of the slabs will need cutting. Verity came home about 9pm for a few days as she has an exam to take on Monday. In the evening Saskia and I went over to see Ellie for a little while.

Saskia with Ellie

Yesterday, I did yet more jobs and then late in the afternoon Saskia and Verity helped me do the weeks shopping. Verity cooked us a lovely meal of chicken breast stuffed with chorizo and cheese, wrapped in bacon, served with Irish Champ and veg. She is an excellent cook and often makes up her own recipes. Verity spent most of the day with Sam, Lisa and Ellie. It was the first time Verity had seen Ellie.

Verity and Ellie

Today, I have been busy with washing and ironing. This afternoon, I have made a photo collage of little Ellie. Simon is due home about 5.30pm. He has been away at a car show all weekend. I need to start thinking about dinner soon. Roast Chicken tonight.
Next week I am in school every day as the main bulk of the exams begin. Tomorrow, I am only in for the afternoon. Verity will be sitting paper one of her maths GCSE tomorrow afternoon so she has spent today revising. She needs to get a minimum grade C. Next September she has a place on the Post Graduate Certificate of Education course, but she must first pass her maths. Please wish her the very bet of luck.

Verity will be going home to Southampton on Tuesday and then will be back here again next weekend ready to sit paper two on the Monday. After that she is off to Ireland with Adam where they both have jobs as water sports instructors for the summer. Well that's my update of the week.