Katrina and Sally for lunch

Well, not literally :)

I drove over the Cambridge today to meet up with Katrina and Sally. I haven�t seen Katrina for, I think, around 5 years, and it was great to catch-up. It�s fair to say that K has a lot going on in her life at the moment (I�m not going to spell-out the details here) � but she looked absolutely fabulous! and is well-settled in her new place in Cambridge.

Sally was in good spirits too and announced she�s in training for �a pink marathon� in May.

We walked down the road to K�s local: The Cambridge Blue � a 2 minute walk � very unassuming from the outside, but really welcoming on the inside and very cosy. The food was good too � it�s the only Pub I�ve been to where spaghetti hoops on toast is an option on the menu. Hey, they�ve even got a web-cam pointing at the bar.

The time flew and before we knew it, it was time to head home � I got back about 3ish.

See you soon girls!!

Catch up with Karen and Ralph

We'd forgotten that it was Mothering Sunday coming up (well, we hadn't actually, we did send flowers to the Mums!), but we couldn't get a seat in a pub or restaurant anywhere half-way between R+K's in Matlock and us for Sunday. So, we decided to simply bring the date forward and meet-up tonight.

Ralph found us a great pub/restaurant/hotel in Belton called The Queen's Head, and what a treat it was!

A brilliant menu, an extensive selection of wines plus very, very attentive (and happy) staff too!

Although the portions weren't particularly large, what they lacked in size they made up for in flavour - except Ann's mushroom lasagne which turned out to be just mushrooms in a cheesey sauce...hmmm disappointing, that one!

We caught up with all R and K's news - the best bit was that they've finally sold their main house in Princes Risborough - so Matlock beckons 24/7!

With the main course out of the way, the girls chose to avoid desserts, but Ralph and I dived in - Ralph went for the creme brulee (without the bee pollen - see yesterday's blog) and I chose 'the old faithful', Sticky Toffee Pudding - delicious!

It was great to catch-up as we haven't seen them since our holiday in Barbados. After exchanging hard disks and PC magazines/software, we left around 9.30 and got home around an hour later.

Meal with David and Val

It's that time again and we're off for a meal with David and Val. This time, we're going to try out the Collyweston Slater in err, Collyweston.

The table was booked for 8pm, so we left around 7.30 to give us a none-too-hurried journey there.

On arrival, the bar area was already very busy and the restaurant was half-full. Service was a bit slow, but after ordering our drinks we were shown to our table.

The menu had some attractive items on it, but all-in-all it was a bit limited and David had trouble finding a starter to his liking. Some of the main courses consisted of unusual combinations such as Beef with Cottage Pie (that's not beef IN the Cottage Pie, but beef ALONGSIDE the Pie - weird!). After a bit of a wait, our orders were taken and the food eventually arrived - the food was delicious, (the beef and the cottage pie were the best I'd ever tasted) but boy, were the portions small!! Presentation-wise, it all looked beautiful.

Size and unusualness continued into the desserts and we were intrigued by the first item on the menu: 'Tonka bean creme brulee with bee pollen and cola sherbert' - poncy or what! :) I had plum crumble!!! I think that perhaps illustrates the difference between those from Kettering and those from Collyweston - OK yah!

So, all-in-all, it was an OK atmosphere with great tasting food, although the menu in places, was too fussy for us Ketteringites. The place was well supported but it felt a little under-staffed with just one person at the bar and one serving in the restaurant. The prices were a bit expensive in our experience (even though the food was good).

It would be good to return there and try out some of the other stuff on the menu, but it's not at the top of our list.

We had a good journey back, but because of the longer distance than normal, we didn't get back until after 10.30 - we're straight to bed!

Lunch with Steve S

I popped over to Oundle to meet up with Steve. We'd previously met just before Christmas, when, amongst other things, Steve was making plans for being father-of-the-bride for his daughter, Kelly, on Easter Saturday. I've lent him some books on speeches!

We walked to The Ship, as normal, and as part of my giving-it-up-for-Lent thingy, I avoided the chips for lunch - I had the chilli instead - and avoided the side-order of cheese too!

There were roadworks on the A605 on the journey over there, resulting in 2-3 miles of tailbacks each way. I didn't want to risk whether they'd still be there on the way home, so I came via the back roads - and it seemed to take less time!

Meal with David and Val

If it's the weekend, it must be The Wheatsheaf at Titchmarsh! :)

�well, it feels like it, as we were there last Saturday too! This time, it's our regular monthly meal out with David and Val and I reckon if they don't change the menu soon, we're in danger of having tried everything on it :)

Surprisingly, the service was a bit a slow tonight and they didn't seem to be that busy � when the food did arrive though, the quality more than made up for the wait!! David had lamb, Val had the blade of beef, Ann had salmon and I tried the fish-pie. Val and I also had a dessert too � Eton Mess (Val), baked Choc Cheesecake (me).

Meal with Jane and Mick

We drove to our favourite pub/restaurant � The Wheatsheaf at Titchmarsh � to meet up with Jane and Mick. It was our usual annual get-together � in fact we saw them on the 16th last year too!

The meal I thought was great, as always - I had the 'blade of beef' whilst Ann had the steak and chips. Ann felt her hers was over-cooked.

I was the only one who ventured into pudding-land and predictably, chose the sticky toffee pudding.

We got back just before 10pm.

The Power of a Pizza - 25 today�

Yes, today's the day. Who would have thought that after a simple pizza in romantic Romford (December 14 1984), we'd be here, now, celebrating 25 years together?

We're off to The Wheatsheaf in Titchmarsh tonight to celebrate!

The place was quite quiet when we arrived and we started off with a drink from the Bar. After snuggling down on one of their sofas and finishing our drinks, we were shown through to our table. The meal was, as always, really good. I had the pate to start; Ann had goat�s cheese. We followed that with Fish and chips for Ann and duck with red cabbage for me. We just about had room for a pud � Eton mess for me, whilst Ann tucked into bread and butter pudding. Were too stuffed even for a coffee!


During the meal, I got a text from Rosi and they popped round when we got back about 9.30. They�d bought us a beautiful vase.

Thanks Rosi and David � it�s really nice and will suit the lounge perfectly.

Family Weekend

Saturday
We started the weekend heading off to Roger, Jane and Oliver's. - and popped into see Anthony, one of Ann's ex-JS colleagues on the way � he lives in Letchworth with his wife, Sue.

We got to theirs about 2.45 after a couple of trips up-and-down their road trying to find the house. What a lovely place � a 1920s building with an extensive garden. We had a long chat and tucked into tea and cake. We also saw their chickens! (brilliant beasts..they eat crumpets and mice!!!). Roger phoned to see where we were and that prompted us to get on our way. I'm sure we'll be seeing Anthony and Sue (and their chickens!) again. 

Arriving at R, J and O's around 4.45, after a short delay, the security gates opened!!! (Roger loves his gates!!). We unpacked the pressies from the car and quickly headed inside � it was freezing! They all looked well, and Oliver was as energetic as ever!

The evening meal was excellent � a beef casserole with a gorgeous sauce made from port and cranberry sauce.

Oliver was packed off to bed around 7.30 and by 9.30 we followed! We're such party animals!!!

Sunday
We both slept well, and I slept through until 7 � very unusual for me�

I grabbed a shower and on my return found that Oliver had taken my place in the bed � as lively and as noisy as ever!!!

Oliver continued to contribute to Ann getting ready by pretending to be a hairdresser and arming himself with Jane's curling tongs. I'm pretty sure Roger wouldn't be too chuffed if Oliver chose that as a serious profession!

We had a quick breakfast, sorted out the DVD player we'd given them and showed Jane how to move some documents to Roger's account on their PC..and then it was time to go � busy busy!

We'd taken the precaution of avoiding the major roadworks on the M25 near Waltham Cross and travelled via Harlow. It turned out to be a good journey and we got Mum's just before 12. A quick natter and then we drove to The Spinning Wheel at Westerham, just down the road - Mum had booked it ages ago for our Christmas get together.
Mum�s looking and sounding a lot, lot better. The �patches� that the doctor prescribed to ease her aches and pains seem to be doing the trick and it was good to see her more like her old self again.

I didn't remember The Spinning Wheel at all, but both Mum and Ann said I'd been there before (old age creeping on maybe?). We quickly chose from the menu - Mum had steak and chips; Ann had Fish and chips and I tried the sausage and mash. Being the generous sort, I helped out Mum and Ann with her chips! I guess all-in-all the food was 'OK' rather than something better. What was memorable however, was how cold the place was, and how the service deteriorated the longer we were there. By 2pm we had just got our dessert (we'd got there at 12.25) and I took the executive decision to ask for the bill at the same time. Luckily (and maybe predictably), that arrived very quickly!!

We dropped Mum back at her flat, said our good-byes and headed home. Leaving at 2.30, it was trouble-free journey until we got closer to home, where a four-mile queue near the A14 turning slowed our progress. After stopping off at Kettering station to pick up a ticket for next week, were indoors by 5.15.

It's been a full-on weekend, and it's been good fun!!

Lunch with Steve S

Steve popped round for our final get together this year - We last saw each other back in July.

We ended up at Hobson's Choice in Kettering, where we always go! � the food's good and the staff are pretty attentive. It was empty when we first arrived but soon filled up. There were a few tables laid-out for Xmas parties but it was mostly people eating 'normal' lunches. 'Two-for-a-Tenner-all-Day-every-Day' probably helped there!!

We've agreed not to leave it so long until we meet again and we've got march 2010 in mind.

The Party Season Begins...

We drove over the Leicester to pick-up Ann's 25th Anniversary present - jewellery!! However on impulse, we decided not to go back to Goldsmith's where we'd seen some nice stuff last week - instead we dropped into George Tarratt just down the road from Ann's office as they had a much better range (with some eye-watering prices to match!!!) Job done, the item is on order and should be ready for collection next Thursday.

We got back about noon and planned to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and getting into the party spirit! It wasn't to be!!! Ann contacted the Vet's to arrange a date to get the cats in for their annual injections, but apparently they come in two parts..and the deadline for 'part 1' was today..this afternoon...right now...in fact they close in 45 minutes!

So, we quickly assembled the cats and placed them in their cat-carriers (more like a battle actually) and drove to the Vet's. Wow! was it busy, full mostly of dogs and one particularly 'yappy' type whose loud 'yap' cut through the air with the ferocity of a loud yappy dog - pass the Anadin purleazze! Unluckily for our eardrums, we must have waited a good 45 minutes, but at least 'yappy' went in before us.

On being seen, the Vet got off to a brisk and well practised routine. Biscuit eventually swallowed the worming tablet after a bit of a struggle, and a bit of foaming at the mouth, but Bob-Bon was having none of it. The Vet decided (in the interest of personal safety) to give her the liquid-on-the-back-of-the-neck version. All done, phew!!! but they're back in two weeks for 'part 2'. I can't wait..!

Onto more pleasant things then. Tonight, it's Julie T's surprise 50th birthday party at the Thornhill Arms. We've only been there once before - back in May 2007 with David and Val, for a meal, so we weren't sure what the function room would be like. We picked up Rosi, David and Rhiannon and took the short drive to the pub arriving around 7pm as planned. (I realised then, that I'd for gotten the camera! Doh!!!) It was raining quite heavily and parking was pretty challenging! Jo and Eileen (Tom's parents) were already there and we all soon settled down in the room that would hold about 80 or so people. Friends gradually arrived and it soon filled up. At around 7.40 Julie and Tom arrived, and although I couldn't actually see Julie's face - I'm told she looked shocked and speechless - and the latter, was apparently, very a very unusual situation!!!!

All-in-all it was a good very good great do. There a was a brilliant party atmosphere and the band that Nick plays bass for - The Felt Tip Thieves did a good gig. Their sound has matured since we saw them last in Kettering in October 2008 at Sopranos. The food was good too!

Tom had done a great job of keeping it all quiet for this long - well done mate!

We left after the Band had finished, dropped off Rhiannon and collapsed into bed around 11.45.

Continuing in the party spirit, tomorrow, we're round to Paul R's for an afternoon of drinking and gossiping as part of the celebration for his 50th birthday!

'The Wheatsheaf' with David and Val

We took a drive over to The Wheatsheaf at Titchmarsh, near Oundle, for our monthly dining-out experience. It was only our second visit (we'd tried it out back in July on recommendation, and the food and service then was excellent). David and Val had also visited there for lunch once before. 

The small bar area was already quite busy when we got there, but we were served pretty quickly and soon snuggling down in comfy chairs by the open fire. Ann caught sight of Mick, our electrician friend and we said a quick 'hello'. The menus arrived soon after and we were all immediately impressed by the wide selection on offer.

Five minutes later, the waitress took our order, and we were shown to our table. The starters arrived soon after and we got stuck-in - we were all starving!! The good food kept on coming.
and in our opinion, the food was even better than last time - I had the spicy lamb meatballs with spaghetti for starters followed by steak and prawns in a mustard-sauce. Only Val and I managed a dessert - Val had the Eton mess, whilst I settled for 'Pudding of the Day' - a white chocolate tart with raspberry sauce and piped cream.

It was a great experience in all senses, and I think it's become our local(ish) restaurant of choice.

See the menus HERE.

Return to 'The Pheasant', Keyston

We took a return trip to our favourite restaurant, The Pheasant at Keyston to celebrate Ann's last day of unemployment before she starts her new job on Monday. At the start of her 'rest period' we'd also eaten there.
It was already busy when we arrived at 7.20�and it got busier! . After a glass of wine for Ann and a cider for me, we eventually got to our table around 7.45. We tucked into 'Devils-on-Horseback' (Ann) and 'homemade black-pudding' (me) for starters and the homemade burger (Ann) and roast lamb (me) for mains. We were too stuffed for a dessert, so we settled for a glass of Port and a Bailey's Coffee.

We got home around 9.30. A perfect evening!

�and on Monday, the serious business of work begins once more for Ann. Overall, she's made good use of the three-month (ahem) resting period � a bit of leisure; plenty of time for the garden; some long weekends; and some significant personal development. In fact, we both think it couldn't have worked out much better!

Short break: Portsmouth (Day 4)

I got up at 7 so I'd have time for a shower before heading up the road to get a ticket for the car that we couldn't park near the hotel last night.

Ooooo�I've noticed I'm a bit pink this morning after all that exposure to the good weather yesterday � they'll be no chance of that today though, it looks very grey out there.

Mission accomplished � we're parked for three hours for the reasonable sum of �3.

We hit the breakfast scene around 9 and then headed for Gunwharf Quays. We're going to catch the Gosport Ferry to meet up with Steve and Denise.

First stop though was the excellent D-Day Museum just up the road in Southsea. It was a really comprehensive museum and the most stunning (and unexpected) part was probably the 'Overlord Embroidery' � a bit like the Bayeux Tapestry� only longer � telling the story of Operation Overlord. 

After leaving the Museum,  we headed into town and jumped on-board the 11.30 Gosport Ferry, and rang Denise to let us know we were on our way. The weather by now, was deteriorating!
Denise met us at the Terminal in Gosport and after a short walk, we were on board the good ship 'Touch�'. Wow, what an impressive boat! Denise and Steve are sailing to Alderney tonight and the weather is definitely getting worse!!

After leaving Steve and Denise at the Marina, we decided to visit the Royal Marines' Museum back in Southsea. This was also an impressive place including probably the biggest collection medals we'd ever seen. We spent over an hour there and as we left the weather was worse � such a change from yesterday. We jumped straight back in the car and headed back to the Hotel.

Time for 'feet-up' and bit of TV before getting ready to see Ian and Sharon in Chichester at The Cider House Restaurant, Chichester. It's their Anniversary tomorrow and we've got them a cheese-knife set from John Lewis.

The Cider House menu is

here

  - and what a menu! The food was nothing short of excellent and the service was spot-on too! One of the owners (Julia Dent) was serving and the place was packed! We must drop her a line to compliment her on the whole experience � superb!!
We said our good-byes and had a smooth journey back to the Hotel, getting in around 10.45pm. We even got a a parking space nearby, which was an improvement on last night!

Well, it's been a GREAT break and we've been so lucky with the weather (apart from today!). We're leaving straight after breakfast tomorrow, so we should be home by lunchtime.

Short break: Portsmouth (Day 3)

I didn't get up until 8am!!

Looking out the window, the weather looks good at the moment although the forecast is cloudy. We plan to primarily use today to take photographs and try out our new camcorder.

9.00am. We got down to breakfast and found it a lot quieter than yesterday. The service was still sluggish, although the food was excellent.

10.00am. We took a short drive to the War Memorial. It looks like the original memorial was for WW1 and a a large extension had been added to accommodate WW2. The weather seemed to be getting better!

Whilst we were looking round, we saw what might be Ann's next car! (only joking).


10.30am. We then drove to the Historic Dockyard. We haven't been there for (we think) 15 years! It's been developed quite a bit and it was great looking around the improving good weather helped. HMS Victory looked stunning and so did the various modern warships.

11.00am. We then took a boat trip round the harbour. The Guide was really informative and pointed out lots of Frigates, Destroyers and a couple of aircraft carriers. We even saw some brand new warships awaiting commission. Ironically, some of the other warships were there awaiting a decision about their future. Part of the trip included stopping off at the now familiar Gunwharf Quays.

12.00. We had a final look round and then decided to take the Ferry to Gosport.

1.00pm. The ferry was busy � obviously a popular way to get to Gosport. The journey only took about 5 minutes and only cost �2.30 return.

The weather was now really hot. We took a short walk along the marina and stopped off at a small Bar/Bistro: Coburns on the Water and tucked into a burger with a cider each. We sat in the sun for about an hour before catching the ferry back.

2.45pm. We drove back to Gunwharf Quays and popped into the M and S Outlet and bought a few bits and pieces.

3.10pm. We went to see the film: Coco avant Chanel at the Vue cinema starring Audrey Tatou. The film was typically French and told the story of Coco Chanel's rise from obscure beginnings to the heights of the fashion world. It's not the sort of film that normally I go for, but it was well-filmed and quite a moving story.

5.30pm After the film, we headed back to the M and S Outlet to look round the men's department again. This time, I managed to get a new suit at around half-price � excellent!

6.15pm. We headed off to Caf� Rouge, just opposite The Spinnaker Tower. It was pretty quiet and after moving tables because the table-top was falling off! we were served pretty quickly. Ann chose the Beef Bourguignon and I had the Breton Chicken. The food tasted good, but Ann had to send hers back to heat it up! We finished the meal sharing Belgian Waffles with bananas smothered in chocolate.

7.30 We headed back to the hotel only to find that parking was a nightmare � absolutely no spaces anywhere. We eventually parked it in a parking area at the top of the road, but I'll need to fill the meter tomorrow before 8am � bang goes a lie-in!!

7.45 We're knackered!

Short break: Portsmouth (Day 1)

We're off to Portsmouth for a few days. We left around 8.30 and popped into Central Garage on the way out to have a look at their used and new car stock as part of getting a car for Ann.

After much discussion with Paul, we narrowed the selection down to possibly a new Fiesta�but we do have some more research to do.

We left the garage around 10.15 and two-and-a-half hours later we were parking in the Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth car-park � a great journey!

We had a good shopping session as there are loads of shops � Ann got a couple of coats and I picked up a few bits and pieces. We'll probably come back later this week and explore upstairs and also drop into the VUE cinema.

At around 4.30, we took the short drive to the hotel � The Florence House Hotel in Southsea, as recommended by Trip Advisor. We stayed in room 3, a very tasteful and modern design in black and white (how practical, a black carpet!) � very spacious too�and free wireless internet�perfect!

7.10. We asked at the hotel where the places to eat were. There were quite a few but for convenience, we chose The Florence Arms literally two minutes walk from where we're staying. It apparently had a wide range of ciders and the food was top-notch pub-grub!

When we arrived, it was quite busy and after ordering some local cider (yuk!), we were offered the menu, which was quite extensive. We ordered the fish and chips and after a short wait, we were invited into the restaurant.

The fish and chips was excellent and best of all, they had a proper cider available � Aspall's. The service was great too considering there was only one waitress on duty � well done for keeping us all fed and watered. The only shock was when they informed us they didn't take plastic. Luckily, we scraped together the �20...just!

8.45. We planned to take a walk, but it was p****** down, so we headed back to the room.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is good � better than today, and we plan to travel over to Devizes and catch up with Johnnie and Mel.

80th Birthday get-together for Denis

We both slept well at L and B's, although Ann reckons there was a party going on nearby with live singers � I was vaguely aware but it didn't interrupt me getting off to sleep. In fact, I slept right through to 7.30 (lazy bugger!).

I had a quick shower and tucked into brioche and preserves for breakfast. Ann followed shortly afterwards and tucked into Rice Krispies (far too noisy a cereal for a Sunday morning!).

We said our good-byes and headed for D and M's caravan. Bev and Dianna were already6 there and we chatted and tucked into nibbles (including some rather tasty home-made salsa by Bev). We then all headed by car to the pub: 'Coach and Horses' in ye olde villageeee of Dersigham to celebrate Denis' 80th.

The service was good and best of all they served Aspall cider �and even Denis had a half! Most of us had a roast of some kind, although Di had the curry and I had a bottomless pit masquerading as a deep-filled steak pie! � yummy. Bev, Denis and I rescued the family's reputation of being hearty eaters by also having dessert. Denis had the cheesecake whilst Bev and I migrained our way through a death-by-chocolate taste-alike that was more chocolaty than a lump of chocolate that has been swimming in a vat of chocolate and then force-fed with chocolate by the best chocolatier from planet chocolate! And then there was the birthday cake � a rather fruity fruit cake that was so packed with ingredients, it took all of Denis' carving skills to cut through it

The bill was the biggest surprise � six people, mains, some desserts, drinks � all for �65. Amazing!!!

We had a great time and it was a shame Roger, Jane and Oliver couldn't make it � that would have made it even more special.

We left around 2.30 � we headed for home, whilst the others headed back to the caravan.

The Wheatsheaf at Titchmarsh

We decided to act on Steve S's recommendation and try out The Wheatsheaf at Titchmarsh.

We were seated promptly and the restaurant soon filled up. It's obviously a popular place!

We went for starters, mains with a cider each. The food was especially good, although the service was slightly sluggish.

All-in-all it's definitely worth another visit.

Lunch with Steve S

I drove over to Oundle for lunch with Steve S. We normally catch-up every three months, but for one reason or another, we haven't  seen each other since January. We visited our normal haunt � The Swan Inn just on the outskirts of the town.

The service, as always was excellent, and so was the food � we settled for egg, ham and chips (my usual when I'm there) and the chef even re-did our eggs as he thought he'd over-cooked them.

Steve seems to be very busy with his gardening services business and has now formally closed-down his management consultancy. He's enjoying the change and it's much more healthy too!

We plan to catch-up towards the end of the year.

Cats in� Mum out�Jo & Janet up

Biscuit and Bon-Bon went in for their six-weekly service with Patsy today. We popped into Waitrose on the way back for a few bits for the picnic tomorrow.

We took Mum down to The Star at Geddington for lunch. Once again the portions were massive and none of us could manage dessert nor coffee!

The weather forecast for tomorrow night's picnic is crap, so Jo and Janet popped up to discuss our plans for tomorrow evening.

A Quiet Lunch for Two...

Well, not really!

As far as Ann knew, we were going 'somewhere' for lunch - just the two of us.

In reality, I'd booked The Pheasant at Keyston for 12.30 and the surprise for Ann was going to be 12 others joining us for lunch.

So, when I planned it all those weeks ago, I thought it would be extra special if it was 'girls-only'. I managed to get the majority of her closest girlie-friends there... Chris, Debbie, Denise, Gill, Jane, Janet, Jo, Karen H, Karen R, Nicki, Rosi and Val (Nicki had driven all the way from Bracknell to be there).

Girls-only made it a treat for me too!

By the time we arrived, it was raining quite hard. However, the dullness of the weather was more than made up for by the girls' cheers as we approached the Bar. The look on Ann's face when she saw everyone was priceless - talk about shocked!
 

The food was superb (fish soup, roast pork and the obligatory sticky toffee pudding for me) and everyone else seemed to enjoy theirs. The staff also worked really hard to look after us and that made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

We settled the bill, said our good-byes and headed for home.

Mission accomplished - thanks girls, for keeping the secret and making Ann's special event so memorable - we love you all!
Thanks to all the staff at The Pheasant too for working so hard.