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!

Stamford/Avatar (almost!)/Mazza's

Stamford
We took a drive over to Stamford for a few bits of shopping. Boy was it cold!!! We managed to get everything we were looking for, and Lee even picked-up a couple of 'Frank Spencer' style hats. Nice :) Lee also bought us some silver ornamental cats.



We were back by 2pm, with the plan being to catch-up with Jo and Janet at the Odeon and see Avatar in 3D. No such luck, even after all this time, there were only a few seats left � and they were right down the front � it's obviously a popular film!!!

Plan B then. Down to J and J's for 7.30 to try out Mazza's delivery service. Lee joined us, although she opted to make herself some sandwiches to bring with her. As expected, the curries were superb!!!

We stayed until around 10, then took the short walk up the hill, home. Bed by 10.15! Dirty stop-outs!!! :)

Let Them eat Cake�.

I seem to have spent the whole week eating! One of the benefits (or curses, if you're dieting) is that with Lee staying with us, I get a lunch-time meal too. Well, I managed to avoid that today because I drove down to South Mimms to meet-up with Simon H for a business catch-up and I managed to get away with just sandwiches and a couple of coffees! Phew!

On arriving home at about 3, Lee greeted me with tea, biscuits and cake � wonderful!!! I will end up being the size of a house, if I don't work out how to manage all this wonderful (and regular) food!!! Not a bad problem to have though!!


And if that wasn't enough, tonight, we're off to our fave Chinese Restaurant in Market Harborough � Han, with Janet and Jo for a blow-out meal.

Mr Porker lives!!!

Mazza's

It would seem that the best Indian restaurant round here � Mazza's - has started a delivery service!!

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.

Lunch with Sally B

My gorge-fest continues. At this rate, I'll be classified under 'excess baggage' when we (err, 'if' � see yesterday's blog) go away on holiday!!!

Oooo, a flutter of snow in the air. I drove over to Cambridge to meet up with Sally B for lunch. We haven't seen each other since June and it was great to catch-up.

Whilst waiting for Sally, I even found time to help out another driver who, in attempting to get into the parking space in front of me, outside Brown's, judged the angle badly and managed to plonk both her nearside wheels in the large gutter that plagues many of the streets in Cambridge.

Luckily the gutter was partially filled with leaves which softened the drop (and made it less deep) � in other conditions, it would have probably damaged the wheels. Anyway, after a bit of instruction and skillful driving, we freed the car.

We ate at Brown's as normal, and what a pleasure � and contrast, after yesterday's disappointing service in London at des Vins. Great food, superb waitress service and a good buzzy atmosphere � just how it should be! We both had starters; Sally had steak and chips whilst I tried the lamb in red wine sauce with mustard mash for our main course.

We skipped dessert finished with tea and coffee and left just after 1.30 � we even managed to fix our next get together next March.

Good to see you Sally � have fun tonight!!

The 5ive get together for Christmas

 

My �eat-fest� continues. I headed down to London for 12 o�clock to meet up with some of the �gang-of-5ive�, Well, actually there was only four of us this year. Antoinette, Angela, Philip and I met for coffee at �Les Pain Quotidien� before trying out �des Pain� just a few units along � a bad move as it turned out!!!

Although the food was OK, the service was worse than lousy. How difficult can it be? Although places like this are quite busy this time of year, they were actually very quiet (maybe we should have taken that as a sign!). Initially, they forgot our order, then they didn�t bring enough plates for the four of us. Then, when we came to pay, no-one knew how to use the till to split the bill four-ways. Then, if that wasn�t inefficient enough, they announced they couldn�t provide individual credit card slips for each of our payments!!!! Arghhhh!!!!

Having said all that, it was good to see everyone again and reflect on the previous twelve months for us all.



We decided to finish off at the Bar in the St Pancras Grand restaurant upstairs. It was altogether a better experience although I did have gulp down my glass of wine in  a hurry, in order to catch the 3.30 back to Kettering!

Ann picked me up and we were back home by 4.45.

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!

Meal with David and Val

We returned to our fave Chinese restaurant � Han � in Market Harborough tonight. It was quite busy when we got there, but an hour later, it seemed that everyone (apart from us) was leaving at the same time! Still, it was a great experience and
the food, as always was excellent!

We skipped dessert and headed back to D and V�s for tea. I passed on the tea and tucked into some of Val�s cherry ice-cream instead!

A late night for us � tucked-up in bed by 11pm!!!

'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.

Mazza's

We'd both had a very busy and stressful week, so we decided to take a trip to our fave Indian restaurant, 'Mazza's' - we couldn't believe we haven't been there since January! When we arrived around 7.30, the place was packed, and remained much the same throughout the time we were there � another example of  'recession, what recession?'

The service was excellent and food was, just as we remember it, superb! We kicked off with poppadums, a coke and a Tiger beer. We both skipped the starters and got stuck into the mains. Chilli-chicken for me whilst Ann had the lamb. We made up for skipping starters by maxing-out on the accompaniments � cheese & spinach; bombay potato; a mushroom thingy; mushroom rice and a peshwari naan. Yum Yum!!!

We were too stuffed for anything else, so we paid the bill and headed home.

Because I'm Worth(ing) it�

We travelled down to Worthing to see Ian and Sharon. 'Plan A' was to attend the Foster Carers' annual bash, but for some reason it had been cancelled and move to early next year. Still, we already had Edwardian Dreams B and B booked, so we thought we'd make a weekend of it anyway.

Friday
We set off almost as soon as Ann got home � around 6pm. I knew from yesterday's experience, that the M25, where it joins the M11 was going to be bad (because of long-term road-works) and the Tom Tom planning service online confirmed that! So, we headed down the M11 to the A13 heading for the Blackwall Tunnel. That wasn't much better either! In fact it was a pretty poor journey all round. We eventually stumbled into the B and B at 10.30 � that's four-and-a-half hours to cover 150 miles� bonkers! Brian greeted us as soon as we arrived, and we went straight to bed!

Saturday
Birthday Boy! 21 today!! :) I slept well (mainly through exhaustion, I think!) and got around 8 o'clock only to find that the clock in the room was an hour fast! We tucked into Edwardian Dreams legendary 'full-English and then I opened all my cards and pressies that we'd brought with us. Thanks everyone � very much appreciated!! I just realised, I forgot to pack the camera! :(

This year, I got cards from:

• Ann (obviously!)
• Bev
• Mum
• Mae and Denis
• 'Shadow' and 'Glade'
• Neil and Debbie
• Roger, Jane and Oliver
  
  
• Angela
• Antoinette
• Carol
• David and Val
• Humberto and Lee
• Ian and Ann 
• Ian and Sharon (just the envelope!)
• Jo and Janet
• John, Trish, Sean and Conor
• Margaret and Alan
• Nick and Celina
• Nicki
• Paul and Karen
• Paul and Sue
• Pete and Diana (Ian and Sharon's friend)
• Ralph and Karen
• Sally
• Stefan, Debs, Laura and Alex
• Tom, Julie, Nick, Lewis and Georgina 

Pressies

• Ann � Books: 'Lost in Translation' and 'What on Earth Happened�' Chocolate: 'Caramel' and 'Chilli' (yum!)
• Bev � CD: 'E=MC2' by Giorgio Moroder
• David and Val � Book: �I Never Knew That About England�
• Jo and Janet � Molton Brown gift set
• Mae and Denis � Books: 'World Registration Plates' and 'Do Not Adjust Your Set'
• Mum - �50 JL voucher
• Nicki � Selection of cheeses
• Paul and Karen - Bottle of Port
• Roger, Jane and Oliver: DVDs: 'Torchwood, Children of Earth' and 'The Italian Job' (the original) � both Blu-Ray

It was a gloriously hot day in Worthing and so after opening the cards and pressies we drove into Worthing town for a look round the shops and then headed for Littlehampton for lunch and a walk. As we were queuing for lunch, Ian rang to say that Sharon and Jessica had a car accident and our plan to all meet up after lunch was postponed. We therefore took our time with lunch (and so did the chef!!) and after eating, we settled on a seat on the seafront for a snooze in the sun � almost a cloudless sky and soooo warm!!!! wonderful.

Then it was back to the B and B for another snooze before Ian and Sharon picked us up for the Chinese meal at 7 tonight. Initially, there was a blip where it looked like the whole thing was off because Sharon would still in hospital, but they discharged her and we were back on!

Ian, Sharon and Julia met us outside the B and B and Ian drove us into town and to China Palace, probably the largest Chinese restaurant we've ever been in. Spread across two floors it must have seated around 400 people in total. We ate on the upper floor (confusciously called 'Far East') and settled in for a night of feasting. It was quiet when we arrived, but soon filled to capacity.

Price-wise, they charged �15.90 for all you can eat and rather than have a buffet where places like this often turn into 'pigs round the trough', this had a waiter service. We did well between the seven of us. Two rounds of starters; a duck course and then Ian and I forced down a main course. Three hours later, we were all fit to burst and ready to leave. The portable card-paying machine had other ideas though, and various waiters faffed-around trying to coax it into life after it conked-out mid-transaction. Finally the Manager resolved the problem and we duly paid-up.

It was now 10.45 when we stumbled onto the street. The whole area was packed with 'young-things' congregating on the pavement, strutting their stuff, drifting from one pub to the next before, according to Ian, hitting the Clubs. We all decided we felt very old, seeing girls who seemed to be trying out-do each other by wearing the shortest of skirts and the highest of heels. In one case, a girl's heels were so high (Switch to fetishist mode: Sharon reckoned 5 inches), she was having to hang onto a tree to stand-up � or maybe that was the alcohol! I guess some trees are just born lucky :). The ultimate insult for us was when we walked past a bar and the hostess standing outside DIDN'T offer us a drinks voucher and an invitation to go inside!

Oh to be a teenager again (he said in a Les Dawson type of voice).

Sunday
We were up about 7ish, and whether-wise, it looks like another hot day down here.and started to pack. We wanted to be away by 9am to get a good run to Mum's. We also needed some time to get through the B and B's 'big' breakfast! After a quick scoff, we were away by 8.45 and heading up the A27.

We had a good journey to Mum's (just over the hour). She was in good spirits although her back was playing-up. We left around 10.45 and headed home. The traffic was amazingly light and as a result, we were home by 12.35 � a record!

It's been a great weekend! We�ve done a lot, seen a lot and the cards and pressies are great! Thanks everyone!

Meal with Mags and Ian

I drove over to Stratford and dropped into Ian's beforehand to solve a few little niggles on the new Netbook he'd bought for (his) Ann. That went pretty well with email up-and-running and all their photographs transferred across without a hitch.

Restaurant-wise, Mags had booked the imaginatively titled: '1 Shakespeare Street' in Stratford. I think after eating there, the best thing about the place was its helpful name � it had nothing else going for it! When Ian and I arrived (after some challenges finding somewhere to park nearby), Mags was already there and the waiter then hurriedly brought knives and forks for us to eat with (always a nice touch that!) � he obviously didn't realise were were coming! This was to be an omen for the rest of the evening!

The place was almost empty, but it was a Monday, so we initially didn't pay too much attention to that. The menu was uninspiring and we settled for a burger � Ian and Mags had steak whilst I went for the cajun chicken version with some olive-oil and bread to keep us going whilst we waited. Luckily we ate the bread pretty quickly because the waiter, on collecting the plates, asked if we were now ready for the main course � surely he should have been preparing that whilst we tackled the bread.

Talk about over-attentive! It seemed like every five minutes, he was back to our table to see if everything was 'OK'. It's was a good strategy the first couple of times�but 10 visits later inside what seemed like half-an-hour, it was just too much! Then, just when we needed him most � after we'd finished the main course, he was nowhere to be found.

Initially we were all considering dessert, but we got bored waiting and settled for tea and coffee � and I had to go to the Bar (to find him serving there!) to place the order. I presented him with a discount card that Mags had acquired but he said they didn't take it. Our teas a coffees arrived and Mags challenged him about the voucher as she'd received a confirming email from the restaurant a few weeks back to say the voucher would be OK to use. Mags explained all this and when she asked him what he could do for us, he proudly confirmed 'nothing!' Mags asked him if he was the Manager � he was! Ouch!!!

He then scurried back to the Bar whilst Mags fumed! Five minutes later, he was back saying he'd thought about it, and he then gave us the 25% stated on the voucher. A result!

After that, we left pretty sharpish as Mags was driving up to Sheffield for a Course she's running tomorrow and there was no reason to hang around.

A characterless place with no atmosphere and a waiter who just got it all wrong. What a disappointing evening!

Peter J's 80th Birthday

I took a drive to Peter's � we're going out to The Chateau in Coombe Lane to celebrate his 80th (from a few weeks ago). It was Wendy's idea to do it, and Isabel, Margaret and Pauline (from The Old Croydonians) were there too. It's the first time we've got together a group like this and I think everyone had a great time.

The journey to and from Peter's was, as usual, lengthy � the widening of the M25 where it joins the M11 is a BIG problem. It took around 2 hours 15 to get there and 3 hours 30 coming home!

Dinner at 'Thai Gardens' with Paul and Sue

It was good to catch up with Paul and Sue tonight. Coincidentally, I'd also been doing some work for Sue at a clients today too!

We haven't been to Thai Gardens in Rothwell for ages. In the past, one of the disappointing things was that it was always difficult to get our table on time � even when we'd booked, because the place was so busy. Thankfully, last night, it wasn't a problem and we were seated by 7.30. 

We opted for the 'no-brainer' Imperial Banquet mainly because of its variety. I enjoyed the food, but Ann thought it was all a bit lack-lustre. The vegetable dish was about the spiciest thing I have ever eaten � and that caught me out as I gulped down a large helping � pass the fire extinguisher please! It looked so innocent, but on closer inspection, Ann pointed out the generous chunks of red and green raw chili (with their seeds in) lurking,  awaiting their prey! It didn't seem to affect Paul though, who motored-through the rest of the helping with gusto. I suspect a night of interrupted sleep for him!

As always, it was great catching up. We had loads to chat about even though I'm seeing them both (Sue mostly) much more regularly in a work capacity now that we're sharing work at a local-ish client.

We skipped dessert, but couldn't resist opening the fortune cookies before we left. Ours made interesting reading�.or perhaps they gave us someone else's! :)

We got back about 10.30pm

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 2)

6.30am. I was up with the sound of birds and the faint sound of a hovercraft! A bright blue sky outside suggests today might be a fine day weather-wise.

8.30am. Breakfast calls, so it's a short walk across the road (!) and in through the back-door to the breakfast-room. It wasn't a very big room, and it was very busy when we first got there � but we were soon seated. Michael took our order � scrambled egg and salmon on granary bread for Ann; scrambled egg, sausage and beans for me.

9.30am. After breakfast, we took the short 5 minute walk into Southsea.

Once in the town, we headed for a unique John Lewis still called 'Knight and Lee'. Unique because it was very small and it had possibly the loudest escalators we'd ever seen heard. The staff seemed to have tune-out the noise, but we found it quite irritating. Back to the mission: I bought Ann some casual shoes and a belt. We then headed for Debenhams (sorely in need of some money being spent on it) where I stocked up on socks and added to my t-shirt collection. We then walked back to the hotel.

11.10am. We headed back into Southsea, to the Post Office to drop off a package. Whilst waiting for Ann, a Hummer turned up to pick up a load of girls on some sort of celebration. The Hummer was the centre of attention, with locals taking photographs and other motorists taking note of it blocking-up the high street! 

11.30am. We set off for Devizes to meet up with Johnny H and his wife Mel. On the way there, we stopped off in Wickham, a rather quaint town. We popped into Lilly's a small tea-shoppe. It was already busy but we spotted a table for two in the corner. Ann chose a baked jacket potato with ham and cheese whilst I went for the cranberry, brie and bacon sandwich � both delicious�and the service was excellent.

12,30pm. After picking-up some flowers for Mel in the shop next door, we resumed our journey, narrowly avoiding a short down-pour of rain.

2.15pm. We had a fairly good journey to J and M's, but because I'd set the sat-nav for shortest rather than quickest, we were directed away from the motorway which added to the journey time � it took about two-hours.

It was good to see them both again especially Mel, who's recovering from a very serious operation. The time flew and we were there until 6.30.

Ann drove back, and this time we stuck to the motorway, reducing the overall journey time by about thirty minutes.

8.00pm. We stopped off at Gunwharf Quays and decided to try out Chiquitos a Mexican Bar and Grill chain. We were quite hungry by now. The service was sluggish and the food OK rather than anything better � it could have been hotter too! We weren't offered a dessert and it took an age to get the bill�.but it filled a hole!!!

8.45pm We took a short walk along the top floor of the Quays towards the harbour. The view was spectacular, especially with the sun setting against The Spinnaker Tower (the phone on my mobile doesn't really do it justice).

9.45. We arrived back at the hotel. It's been a busy but enjoyable and rewarding day. Just time for a night-cap, a bit of TV and then � zzzzzzzz�

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.