31st December 2014 - NYE

It's the last day of 2014! Crikey! Where did that year go?! Feels like only yesterday we were celebrating the arrival of little Ted, or my birthday in York, or our holiday or wedding anniversary! Cripes, how time flies!

What better way to spend the last day of the year than at work! Just like pretty much every other day this year!

Once again, there were a few issues with the car when Paul went to drop me off...

Trying to capture the gorgeous feathery shapes in the ice. Can't really see it as well as I could in real life. They sure were pretty!

I got to work earlier than I had the rest of the week and still was bored. I have loads of work, don't get me wrong, but without the constant unpredictability of the phone ringing, loads of post to deal with or people to talk to, it gets very monotonous very quickly!

Today's calendar. Such a gorgeous little thing. I think the office should get a kitten! I would keep me entertained on days like this. Granted, my productivity would take a severe dive, but I'd be very loyal!

The closest I'll get to an office kitten is the local wildlife!

This is my friend the squirrel! He comes to visit fairly frequently! If I ever write a children's story, he will be one of the stars as he has a few other little friends who keep him company and the characters write themselves. I'm not going to say who they are though, so no-one can steal my story!

Once again, I was in work until about 1:30pm when BigBoss T let me go home. Paul picked me up and we headed home. I felt the need to be decidedly lazy for the rest of the afternoon. Why not spend the last day of the year the same as the rest of it?! :)

Barney agreed.

As part of our laziness, we decided to order some pizza, which is also a tribute to an early date we had on this day 7 years ago. Dominos finest whilst supping fizz? Don't mind if I do!

Check out all that unhealthy and fatty goodness! Mmmm!

We ate most of it, saving some for later when we might need it.

We decided to go out for a couple of drinks at a local pub for a while. If it took us to midnight, great, but if not, at least we got out of the house!

We got there at about 8:30pm or so and it wasn't as busy as we thought it would be.

A nice glass of red in front of an open fire was enjoyed. Perfect.

We stayed for a couple of hours but it wasn't the most excitable of crowds and we were a bit bored. So we headed home where we were able to have a few more drinks and see in the new year with a bit of Jools Holland!

At midnight the neighbours went wild and cheered in the New Year by going crazy and making a LOT of noise. There were also a few fireworks which was nice.

I think I managed to make it to about 1am before falling asleep.

2014 - you were interesting! Lots of wonderful things happened but some sad ones too.

I wonder what 2015 has to offer!

PREVIOUSLY...

2013 and 2013

19th December 2014 - Fizz Free Friday!

We had another day of rubbish internet at work. Seriously, dial up was more reliable than our broadband.

It was a long day. Really struggled to get anything done. Not good. Stupid computer.

The only redeeming factor of it was that because it was A's last day before Christmas, he brought wine!

We don't have wine glasses at the office so we had to put it in the champagne flutes!

It was nice wine! It went down a treat after the rubbish day we've had!

After work, Paul came to pick me up as we had a few jobs to do. We went via the supermarket and when we got home, it was time for some serious relaxation. I was Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two with a glass of mulled wine!

It's the end of the show tomorrow! Waaaa! No more Saturday night reality TV! What will we do on a weekend now? We already don't do anything in the week!

Maia also came for a cuddle. Which lead her to falling down the gap between my leg and the arm of the sofa!

She was very purry so clearly that's a good place to be!

We didn't stay up too late. Nice relaxing evening!

PREVIOUSLY...

2013

6th December 2014 - Attempting to make progress...and failing!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRIS! :)

A lovely little lie in was enjoyed this morning! I like those!

We decided that we should be proactive and attempt to make a start on our Christmas shopping! This never happens! What is with us?!

We headed into town and each went our separate way for a little while, having a look around. I have to be honest, I spent most of the time looking for things for Ted!

I started to get very annoyed with the amount of people in town, as it normally is on a Saturday, but I don't do well when surrounded by people. How do people love shopping?! I don't understand how you could want to be one of those hoards of people!

So once Paul and I met up and had a spot of lunch we looked for a couple of bits, then I got really claustrophobic with all the people milling around John Lewis, so we left, quit shopping and went to have a drink somewhere to discuss presents rather than actually buy them.

Paul took this attractive picture of me on the IPad. Thanks.

I enjoyed a couple of glasses of mulled wine, as it's my favourite drink of choice this year, and came up with a few ideas for gifts.

We took a seat inside this time as the courtyard was really busy. It was nice but I was getting tired and cranky and just wanted to get home!

Upon arrival at the house I plonked myself on the sofa and didn't really get up again, watching the usual Saturday night tv. Nice.

PREVIOUSLY...

2013

14th November 2014 - Baffled.

We didn't go to the gym so both of us could get into work earlier and get more done.

It was a pretty poor day. We had training which started at around 12:30pm and went on for about 3 hours. It was very much a mind boggle. All this stuff that I should know and don't and apparently should be enlightened now. I'm not. Now I have a week off work and I don't know if I'll remember it all when I go back!

Ah well! Somewhere in the mists of today I had a nice big delivery of a case of wine which Paul had ordered from us! Luckily Paul was also able to pick me up from the office so I didn't have to carry it home!

Naturally, we were all happy - wine for us and the box for the cats!

Yep - cat shaming time! :)

We sat and drank some of the wine, ordered take away curry and watched some of our TV shows, then Children in Need.

Then to bed! Start of the holidays! WHOOP! :

PREVIOUSLY...

2013

7th September 2014 - Year One = Done! :)

It's our First Wedding Anniversary today! WHOOP! We survived the first year! I think that's a pretty amazing achievement if you ask me! :)

We went for breakfast before we started our day. It was ok. Not the massive plate of breakfast that Paul is used to, but that probably just means that it was normal person portion size!

We then got ready and headed our into the countryside! Big day of fun ahead!

First (and technically only) stop: Cheddar Gorge! Beautiful countryside and lots to do! Starting with Gough's Cave, which had an audio commentary. Not like the retro old days of a cassette walkman, this was a digital phone-like prong!

We got the full story and it was very interesting! The caves themselves were visually stunning! Nature is weird!

It's weird walking through as some of it sort of looks a bit fake! Like you're walking on a movie set of a cave, as it's all shiny and looks plastic. It's just wet! So cool though!

From there, we went to meet Cheddar Man! Ok, not really, as he's just a skeleton, but it was a museum of Prehistory. It was quite interesting, although learning about cannibalism is a little icky!

These are recreations of mammoth tusks. Taller than Paul. Scary.

Then there was the bit that gave me nightmares. Or would if I hadn't been merry when I went to bed...

Sorry if this haunts you too...but seriously, is there any need?! Reading the visitors' book at the end of the museum seems to suggest that I'm not the only one who thought this!

From there we had a look in a few shops and headed down to the next cave, Cox's Cave. This was far smaller and just something to look at really.

Through the cave is a game thing, what was billed as a 'Lord of the Rings' type mission. Sounds right up my street, no?

Yeah, it sucked. Got to be honest. Just walk through a bit of cave, listen to some story line which was pretty much a direct rip-off from Lord of the Rings, just with a few tiny alterations to the name and then into a cavern with a dragon and all you had to do was touch the crystal.

I'm sure kids would enjoy it. Adults in their 30s who weren't merry...not so much!

From there we headed straight up 'Jacob's Ladder' which were 274 steps uphill through a forest. On the way up there were little signs explaining the evolution of the planet as we know it. Including the dinosaurs. We were most amused by this one in particular.

He looks a little miffed, no? "Oh drat!"

At the top of the steps there is a watchtower to give 360 degree views over Cheddar and surrounding area. Where I stood to take a few pictures amused me!

Only I would stand somewhere that reminds me of home!

Fantastic views.

We walked for a while, pausing to admire the beauty of the surrounding area...and to take an anniversary selfie!

We had a really nice walk and felt that we were walking forever but as it was pretty, we didn't mind too much...we were just a little thirsty!

Some goats. Because.

We eventually got back to the village and decided to find a good local pub in which to have a drink and a bite to eat. Cheddar is actually really pretty, not just quaint and full of tourists!

Lovely!

We had a massive ploughmans' lunch (which I didn't take a picture of as we were so famished!) and a couple of ciders while we decided what we wanted to do with the rest of the day. We also celebrated the moment (ish) that we had been married a year. We guestimated about 2:30pm but as neither of us can remember exactly how late I was, we can't be certain!

We headed out to some more shops and looked around a cheese shop, sampling loads of different cheeses, which were amazing! Naturally we had to buy some as gifts for people!

Instead of taking an open-top bus tour around the area, we decided to head back to Burnham.

Our lovely B&B had got us some prosecco so we sat out on their back patio, played some music and enjoyed some sunshine! It was lovely!

Through that glass door ahead was the indoor heated swimming pool! We could have used it but didn't have time! Maybe next time, should we go again! :)

I also logged into Facebook on Paul's iPad (my phone was charging in our room and I had forgotten it all day!) and Facebook even wished us a happy anniversary!

Ah, memories!

I had also been trying to use up one last remnant from our wedding which seem to be lasting forever!

I still had 3 of these bad boys to finish off! We've been snapping pictures for AGES on these! Still have about 12 to be developed as they weren't finished. Plus they're expensive to develop! Especially when there is no guarantee that every picture will come out.

It started to get a bit chilly, so we headed back up to our room, fizz in hand, to relax and prepare for our evening's excursion! When we got in, we discovered that the owners of the B&B had left us a little something!

Aw! so nice of them! We decided not to drink it tonight though. Don't want to waste tomorrow with a sore head!

As it's Sunday, a lot of the town was shut. The nicest restaurant we could find that was open was a curry house! It was very highly rated on Trip Advisor, so we decided to go for it! We like curry and were planning on going there tomorrow, so why not tonight?!

It was fairly quiet in the curry house. We had some poppadoms to start and then our main courses arrived.

I had the Chandni Burnham on Sea Special...which was (needs to load menu to remember exactly!) lamb tikka, chicken tikka and tandoori chicken in a 'special' sauce. So when it arrived I was a little surprised!

It hadn't mentioned an omelette on the menu! Still, it was a nice addition!

Paul had something that I can't remember the name of which was labelled hot. It wasn't hot. I could have eaten it no problem. Shame really. My boy does like his hot curry!

Food was very good though and the biggest surprise was that we both ate pretty much all of it! That never happens! I normally wimp out but it was so delicious that it all was eaten!

Paul even had room for pudding! He ordered a hazelnut bomb (I think it was called - it's not listed on any menu!) and was a little bit surprised with what he got!

Tiny bomb! Thankfully, they had given us two spoons so I could help him eat that mountain of pudding! :)

We had a quick drink before heading back to the B&B. We were both shattered! The sea air is clearly getting to us! Nothing to do with the alcohol at all. No, sir!

PREVIOUSLY...

2013 & 2013 (Aw! Memories!)

1st August 2014 - How the jeff is it August already?!

Another early start for Paul meant another laze in bed for me! I could get used to this. However when I'm fat and can't see my feet from no exercise and eating all the pies, I'm sure I'll regret it!

REALLY didn't want to go into work today. I hadn't slept well and didn't feel anywhere near 100%. I felt sick and headache-y. Ah well. I just had to man up and get on with it.

T wasn't feeling amazing either so we're probably both suffering from a little illness. Nothing terrible, however she goes on holiday tomorrow and I have to work. Actually, that's pretty bad for both of us!

We were given loads of the new things that we needed to do pretty much straight away. A bombarded us. We both looked at each other with blank looks on our faces. Then one of the associates chimed in and told A that we couldn't do any of it til Monday (great - T's away for 2 weeks) and that we need to have training first as we might say something that we shouldn't or might not say something that we have to (if that makes sense).

He was trying to set up some training for us that afternoon, so we carried on with our usual work until lunch time and waited to be told otherwise.

Sure enough, 2:30pm rolled round and we had to have a skype meeting with him to go through the training.

It lasted an hour. I was none the wiser after it all. We had been sent a 35 page training pack which highlighted the major points but I can honestly say that I'm actually more concerned by what I have to do now than I was before the training. Going to have to go through it all this weekend to see if I can get to grips with it. Not happy about that.

After work, I headed home with the intention of sitting and being grumpy for the rest of the evening. I really didn't feel happy in any way. I was hot and bothered and not feeling amazing.

Then Paul pretty much insisted that I go and meet him in town for a few drinks. So I freshened up (not that that lasted long) and went into town. He was at a local architect firm's office enjoying 'Prosecco Friday'. Sound familiar?! I really need to trademark that name and make some money off it! I went and put on my game face, even though being out in public wasn't in any way what I felt like doing, and had a few glasses of fizz with some nice people.

Paul was pretty merry, so we decided to get some food before going home. We went to the Button Street Smokehouse, which is right at the bottom of the famous Mathew Street (home of the Cavern Club). We'd been looking at going for some time but the right time had never come about until now.

Being unable to decide what to have, we ordered a sharing platter. Yeah. There was a LOT of food. I completely didn't think to take a picture of it which I regret! There was enough for a large snack for 4 people so you can imagine how much it was for 2! There were 4 chicken wings, a large rack of ribs, a big dish of pulled pork, corn on the cob, chips, barbecue beans and 'slaw. We also ordered some burnt ends, having seen them on Man Vs Food a few times. Yeah. Too much food. We came nowhere near finishing it all. Shameful. Paul really wasn't on form!

It was very good but far too...barbecue for me. With my disability, it tasted just like sweet vinegar, which I guess it is. It made it difficult to eat, which was a shame because it was good! I think Paul wants to go to have another stab at completing the challenge!

We got a taxi home, rather than wait half an hour for a train, then settled in front of the tv. We shared a bottle of vino and had peppermint tea.

I had started watching an episode of Arrow before we went out, so we finished that and watched more. Paul went to bed earlier than me so I kept watching.

You know where this is heading, don't you?

I woke up at 1:30am on the sofa.

Ooops.

PREVIOUSLY...

2013

18th July 2014 - Wayne's World! (Holiday Day 7!)

It's the last full day of our holiday today. Boo. I hate this day.

Determined for it not to just be a day of packing and misery we decided to head into Nice to do a little shopping and our last dregs of relaxation! So we beached there instead!

We've never been to the beach there before, so this is all new for us! It's a very rocky beach but we found a section which was mostly sand so set up camp there fore a few hours!

Check out the colour of that water! That's Cote d'Azur blue and I love it!

It was very breezy on this beach so we could have easily sat there for hours slowly frazzling in the hot hot sunshine! We didn't though. We only did it for a couple of hours, had some water then headed into Nice for some lunch.

Paul knew exactly where he wanted to take me for lunch so we scoured the streets until we found it.

Another. English. Pub.

He's so proud of himself!

It was quite a cool little place, to be fair. Very quirky. We ordered some lunch and waited to see what they'd come up with! Paul had Tuna Nicoise salad:

I had a chicken and bacon club sandwich...

It was totally yummy. Best sandwich I've had for a LONG time!

After lunch we wandered around the town for a little while having a look at the lovely tacky presents that were on offer and purchased a few beauties for our regular crew! We then went for a drink. Because that's what we do!

I love these lamp-posts but am confused as to why the clock is called Brian. Although I suppose if you're naming a clock, Brian is a good name. I had a fish called Brian once. The other fish ate his tail and he died. Sad times.

Anyway!

This is the place opposite where we were drinking. It's a pretty Mediterranean building. I like it!

When we were 'tat' shopping for our gifts, we also bought ourselves a gift. We usually buy it and this year is no exception.

This is the best olive oil we have ever tasted!

We enjoyed our drinky-poos and watched the world go by for a little while. There used to be street performers at this time but sadly not today. :(

You can see why Paul's drink cost more than mine!

We headed back to the apartment and started getting packed up. I hate this part. Always makes me a little sad. Plus it also makes me feel a little annoyed! We've only just unpacked!

I haven't had a 2 week holiday since I was a kid and I'm starting to think that might be a good idea! At least it makes it worth while unpacking your suitcase!

Once we were all packed up we sat on the balcony for a while and drank the posh pink champagne we had bought Paul's Mum for her birthday. It was nice! I filled up my glass and headed for the shower, then we headed down to the trusty restaurant at the bottom of the hill for our final dinner.

I had a meat platter.

There was salad underneath there, promise! It was good! Just a lot of cured meats. They used to do this sort of thing with a baked Camembert, which went down a treat between two of us. Shame they don't do it any more and haven't for many years! Bring it back!

Whilst sitting, feeling stuffed, we noticed on the wall next to me there was a buzzer. Paul kept daring me to press it and I said no.

If you think we left without him pressing it, you really haven't learnt anything about my husband, have you! ;)

We headed back up the hill and had a couple more drinks then I headed inside to finish as much of the packing as I could, only stopping to top up my glass! I'm good like that!

It was a pretty night view!

Once all the packing was satisfactorily done, it was time to head to bed before the epic day of sitting around an airport tomorrow commences. Sigh.

PREVIOUSLY...

2013