After the tennis

 Another great book, it hints at a secret 3 friends have from school, with flashbacks filling in details, the school grounds are sold for development, which is a deep worry to one of them, what should they do. Book 47 read this year.

I do like this author, he has interesting plots, you meet your ex girlfriend and have become a couple again, she has a huge secret and you are drawn in, loads of twists, a very clever written plot, I could not put it down. Book 48 read this year.

Another brilliant plot, very different, you are abducted and forced to live in a hut in the middle of a huge forest, already there is another woman, terrified of the men, how to escape and find your way home. Book 49 read this year.

Sunday we had the last slice of lemon cake, Monday we had a red velvet cupcake from Molly's batch. Midweek we had scones for a couple of days, I only have cream on one half. Hubby then made a marmalade cake, we do love home made cakes with our morning coffee.

Just 3 gladioli blooms this year, they are beautiful, sadly in this heat wave the flowers are not lasting long.

Hubby has always cooked from scratch, we eat very few process meals, I enjoy a slice of cake, it's rare we have scones and cream, I don't eat bread, we are eating salads everyday, often with my homegrown new potatoes and lettuce, the cucumbers and tomatoes are slower. 

I picked the little ones up from school on Tuesday, daughter was at Will's school, it was review day, his work as always was so good, it's a shame he's not enjoying school. Wednesday daughter and I had a day together, she wanted to thank me for helping recently, I don't need thanks, I believe it's part of being a mum, and I will help whilst I am still able. Today hubby is out all day, so I am home alone, a quick flick of the duster, as my mum would say and then reading, still too hot for much gardening, I do have a couple of small jobs I want to get done, once the temperature drops, it's almost 5 weeks without rain here, and none in the forecast next week. 

I have already received my all clear from the mammogram last week, I got an NHS text with a link to the electronic letter, such an easy way to get results, I checked my NHS portal and my blood and stool tests are no yet back, I do like being able to see my data, I don't always understand everything, a quick chat to practice nurse always fills in details. I do keep and eye on my cholesterol and pre diabetes status.

This life

We had another BBQ on Saturday, daughter and the two little ones came over, Will had a sleepover with grandma, hubby used his new smaller BBQ, it took us over two hours to put it together in the week, he is really pleased with it, this one has cast iron cooking racks and plate. It was much easier to clean after use, and lighter to wheel out each time.

I loved this book from the start, a poor student looking for a cheap room near campus, just for one term, how bad can it get, who can she rely on, I guessed the twist about half way, which did not stop me enjoying the book, there was a second twist near the end which made complete sense. Book 45 read this year.

I have been stitching on cooler days, I have finished the top lines, I am now working on the sides, I intend to move the work so I can complete both sides and then do the bottom. I will then have the space I need to fill, no plans as yet, just a rough idea of what I would like to stitch again.

Hubby made some super rhubarb flapjacks, they were wonderful, I have asked him to make more, we have plenty of rhubarb in the freezer, this week we are eating lemon cake.

I have been watching the tennis, as always enjoying the matches, so many great players this year, the first week has been less dramatic than last year, Saturday did see a few ladies fall and Sunday the number 1 seed lost her match. Some of the qualifiers and wild cards are playing great tennis, and matches are very enjoyable to watch, Djokovic again is playing silly B's, all his silly antics get on my nerves, I hope he's out soon, same for the hype over Serina Williams return to the game, both talented top quality players, but age catches up with everyone. Arthur Fery's match, over 4 hours of great tennis, hubby and I enjoyed his match, just amazing a brit into week 2. 

I've noticed loads of rat holes in the space behind our garage, they are ever present here, we have 3 very overgrown gardens all close by, we will never be rid of them, they have gotten into my composter, it's another unwanted job for this week.

Relaxing

 This stitching is still keeping me busy, I am enjoying every moment, the lower pattern has been done across to the middle, like the first side it crashes into the centre stars. I have not touched my knitted blanket in ages, it's too warm to knit blankets, maybe I should start my socks.

Whilst in town we picked up daughters pottery items, including my plaque, this has a back and a glass piece for the heart, it should be a photo frame, I kind of like it as it is, it's on my shelf in the sunroom.

A new author to me, hubby had popped it on my Kindle last month, it was a fantastic read, brilliant storyline, I'm not giving any details, I could not put it down, a proper page turner, a fascinating tale. Book 40 read this year.

Hubby relaxes in the kitchen, he cooked a brisket of beef in the slow cooker on Monday, we had homegrown new potatoes and carrots with it. Tuesday, he added veg to the shredded beef and made 5 huge pasties, and a double portion of beef and veg frozen for more pasties or shepherd's pie, loads added to the freezer. The pasties were great, we shared one for tea with a salad.

We did not stay in town long on Tuesday, there are so few shops about, recently I purchased a cheap pair of knee length shorts from Poundland, just £9, hoping they would be OK to wear in garden, the shorts are great, so I got a second pair, also got Molly a pink football shirt, both boys have football shirts, she will be so happy. Rest of day was spent in the sunroom, it was a breezy warm day.

Wednesday was a busy day, I had blood test first thing, then later my 2nd shingles jab, hubby had a hospital appointment, he went on his own, just routine, with his heart and kidney issues, they keep a good eye on his. Rest of the time was a bit of gardening, moved a couple plants filling gaps in flower bed, I rescued a sturdy tomato plant growing in the peanut bag, now planted with other two outside and then my time inside. 

Most evenings we sit and watch a hedgehog run around our garden, he/she can't get to the raised veg beds, which have nets on to keep Lilly out, hopefully it's having a good feed on any slugs or snails, it's safe in my organic garden, just another level of delight. We are not watching the football, not our sport and the matches start far too late.

Lack of

Energy, 

I've not done much sewing, the heat makes me tired in the evenings, that's when I make mistakes, I've not touched my knitting or read much, I find myself often sat watching wildlife, we are not sitting inside so much. I have been working on the left side, it's simple stitching, where I can see immediately if I have miscounted. 

I did manage to get into the kitchen and do some baking, cheese straws with tomato puree, bacon and cheese wraps using one pack of puff pastry, a no pastry quiche. I also made a few fruit scones, I had already purchased clotted cream. Hubby loves to bake so it's not often I get the chance, Will loves the cheese and bacon wraps, both daughter and I love my quiche, so everyone ate well, all savouries had cheese in so not for hubby, he got a couple of his favourite pasties.

We all love a freebie, these potatoes grew in my raised bed, I did not plant any this season, one must have been missed from last year, perfect in this hot weather. I still have 4 bags still growing, and some more sprouting potatoes to go in. 

Cute photos, scary how grown up George is now looking, Molly is not far behind.

Nothing much doing in the garden, I have planted my two tomato plants in a raised bed, along with my cucumber, my peas are soaked and in the ground. We are eating lettuce, our 1st cucumber and a strawberry, broad beans will be ready to pick soon. I have put a net up in the greenhouse, the shade does help with temperature inside.

Sunday was so very hot, the little ones spent most of their time playing on the sunroom floor ( I know it's a posh name for the garage space), they were very happy and out of the sunshine.  We vetoed a BBQ, just too hot, so the little ones had nibbles and we had salad with loads of sides, we will be eating leftovers for days to come. For us a perfect family day.

Monday daughter stayed home so children could play inside, hubby was out in afternoon, so I had a quiet day, mainly inside keeping cool. Tomorrow we are having daughter and little ones, they asked to come again, we won't do a BBQ, just too hot, we plan to have a main meal here so daughter does not need to cook later. Wednesday they are with Grandpa and Grandma, half term is a great week for them, both the little ones were tired so a restful week is perfect.

Thank you for your lovely comments on my last post, our new sunroom is being used and enjoyed daily.

Half term

 Molly has her own style, quirky comes to mind, 

much like her mum at the same age. 

These are from last weekend, 

she does love her sparkly jacket, and hats.

Hubby made the pancakes on Tuesday, I added all the good stuff, George had raspberries, bananas and ice cream on his, all 3 children had two small ones each.

Molly loves to paint, this Hello Kitty kit kept her happy for ages, I do love her independent way of using colour.

Wednesday was Will's birthday, 9 already how quickly the years fly by, hubby made his favourite red velvet cake, made with plant based ingredients so Molly and George could have some. No photo of Will, he asked me not to post any. 

Molly slept over on Tuesday, George instead of sleeping over went home really late on Wednesday, Will on Thursday, having them one at a time works better for us. It's nice to give individual attention to each child, they are happy and comfortable here. It was great having them here together for 3 days, mummy took home two each day, but we did both get tired.

We did not go out anywhere, the weather was just so dire, both little ones loved the different toys and puzzles here, Molly loves paper and crayons, George is still car mad, Will has an army game he loves playing on his tablet, not for too long, we watched a movie together, plus he started reading a new book we gave him.

Later today I will drive Will home, I'm sleeping over, daughter has a spar afternoon,  evening and Saturday morning at a local hotel,  time for her to relax, I'm  very comfortable at her home and the children are all good at bedtime, hopefully Molly won't wake up too early.

Hibernating

 I love this author, she always writes a great plot, the story has two main timelines with a 3rd added for a short while, not at all confusing. An historic disappearance, a new issue puts Dani back in a place she wants to forget, I could not put this book down. First book read this year.

I am back working on my 2024 book, just a few more post to put in, then loads of edits, I try and check everything twice, should soon be ready for printing, I am happy to wait for a good discount. I have already set up the template for 2025, this will be my last book to publish, all the grandchildren are now at school, so less photos of them. I will have 15 books covering 16 years, that's enough, plenty for me to look back on quiet times.

We are eating my Christmas cakes, it feels slightly dry, not overcooked, I think it was too near the radiator fan, whilst it was getting its brandy soaks. It still taste good, but not as moist as previous ones.

I spent most of Friday with daughter, her younger cat was found by a neighbour, he was the brother to Lily, he had no marks on him but had died in the night, needless to say she was very upset as were the children. Molly is trying to process everything, but with so many questions, George does not understand and Will is not saying much. They came to us on Saturday, it was good for them all to be away from their home, Lilly had loads of cuddles. Sunday is going to be a lazy day inside, again no snow, heavy frost and very cold.

Locally everyone is very happy the work creating the tunnel under M27 at J10 has finished a day earlier than expected, the motorway was reopened early on Saturday. The dry weather helped as the contractors were able to work non stop, watching their progress on Facebook, with loads of drone footage has been very interesting. So our little village and local town are back to normal traffic, it was busy and loads of drivers taking risk in how they drive on our roads.

I'm still full of cold, getting these bugs twice in just a few weeks has been hard, hubby's back is much better but he's still in pain. Life is getting back to our normal, laundry has all been done, house is clean, well just don't look in the corners, I have been outside in garden and greenhouse, not much to do, it's cold and frosty here but no snow.

2026 please be kind.

Finished

 This is my brothers cake, I cheated and used simple purchased decorations, along side are my individual cakes they are a bit deep, the balance works well, I have a marzipan top with a icing star, mine are without the marzipan.  They taste great, I will make smaller ones again next year. I have left the top of ours bare, same as daughters, I have no desire to create any decorations and daughter has her own reusable one.

Daughter visited on Saturday with her three to see my brother, Will is feeling much better, he has bounced back quickly. The children played in the garden for a while, it was a dry day, I had planned to do some crafting but it was just too busy, so I sent this paint yourself nativity set home with them, Sunday they visited Santa so they can paint afterwards. 

Sunday the children went to see Santa, George and Molly were very excited, Will is now making commitments about him being fake, at 8 years old the bubble has burst. Daughter asked them to sit on the snowman seat together, I loves this scene, this seat has featured in many of our Christmas photos. 

Sunday my brother spent a few hours with his daughter and grandson, we walked to our local Co-op, did not need much, I got a nice selection of cheeses and patè, we got some fresh veg as well. Once again this year hubby received a £50 voucher, its a brilliant gift from his former employer, just to those who completed 20+years service. In previous years its taken a few trips to spend the whole amount, this year we spent over half on our first visit.

It's quiet here my brother does not want to go out much, he's OK walking to the village, no stopping for coffee and cake, does not want to walk to shore or castle. Hubby does get bored staying in every day, so I'm juggling two different men to keep everyone happy. My brother does not accept compromise, even at our house he likes things on his terms, which as I become older is hard work. I love him dearly but I wish he was just a little more accepting to our ways. 

I have wrapped all the childrens presents, and was surprised how many bits we have for the grandchildren, I lost track of my purchases, should have made a list, they will be happy. I managed to find daughter a gift, it should arrive by midweek, then I am completely done.

Oh so cold

 Monday we woke up to lovely blue skies, the temperature had dropped, so whilst it looked nice, it was cold, I spent most of the day inside, I am a soft southerner.

It did not warm up throughout the day

It's a bit early but I have got the Christmas mugs out, hubby did not comment, they will be used for 6 weeks this year, its a simple but festive change, they are all years old.

The Christmas cakes have had another soak of brandy, daughters cake won't get a 3rd soak, the children loved my rich fruit cake, so I put less brandy in it. I have started thinking about the final decorations, no decisions yet.

It's been a bit of a nothing week, I did my final proof read of my book 2023, I found a couple little errors, the discount email came through on Thursday, so I've sent it for printing. I'm doing well on 2024, I will make my post from this year 2025 into another book and then stop printing them, all the grandchildren are in school, my post aren't so full of happy photos. 

Our heating failed to work on Tuesday morning, it was cold we had our first frost, we had hot water, so the boiler was working, hubby checked our hive, which would not link to the boiler on the schedule programme so we used the manual settings, he has disconnect and reconnect which seams to have sorted the issue, later we popped to Asda, mainly a stock up with bits we can't get at Lidl, it was horrible, I really dislike those huge stores, we did not buy many Christmas treats, sticking to our view to have less treats. We should now be OK and not require another visit until the new year, we both hate supermarkets in December. 

Wednesday was a day at home, hair cut in morning, she comes to my house, housework was done and a lazy afternoon. Thursday I had an eye test, new glasses have been ordered, it was expected, my eyesight has deteriorate this year, they will be ready in a couple of weeks. Today we were going out, but George is poorly and Will has a day at home, so we will stay home incase we are needed, George's oxygen levels can drop very quickly. 

I've still not done any crafting, I have truly lost my mojo, I have wool, fabrics, needle felting and cross stitch supplies, and a few different ideas, but I just can't get started, I am reading again.

Half term

 Mummy made Molly's bed longer, no longer a toddler bed, she had to change the furniture around, it's still a girly room. On Tuesday we all went to Dunelm and Molly chose a new quilt cover with unicorns on, she was very happy. Since September and starting school she has changed so much.

We had Will on a sleepover Tuesday night, he's not wanted to come for a while, we got him a new set of books, we gave him book one and two, he does love to read. We had fish and chips for tea, all treat for Will, and hot chocolate later, he stayed up to watch bake off with us, a later bedtime, its half term.

Mummy came with Molly and George on Wednesday, we stayed inside most of the day, after a late lunch hubby, mummy and Will went to Fort Nelson to see the Walking with Giants, now on show, these were created for the D Day landing celebrations. Will wore his combats, he loves everything military, and loved wondering around them at the lower levels. We had planned for all of us to go, it had rained all day, we knew there would be loads of puddles, so I elected to stay home with Molly and George, in hope we can book a spot before the end of the year, it is very popular.

Hubby made a red velvet cake, which is Will's favourite cake, he uses vegan cream cheese so Molly and George can eat some, this time he left just two layers, normally he makes four, this was better as too much of the filling becomes a bit sickly. The children had two slices each, his cakes never last too long. 

Molly had a sleepover on Wednesday, she was good as always, if slightly confused for her bedtime as the evening became dark much earlier, she sleeps in our room on a small bed, she snuffles whilst asleep, Lilly spent the night on her bed, Will now sleeps downstairs in our spare room again with Lilly for company. I took Molly home at lunchtime. I was back with the children just after teatime so mummy could have a meal with some school mums, so I did the bedtime routines, we have not had George this time, as mummy wants him to settle and be calm going back to school next week. 

We have seen loads of the children and daughter, sadly on one visit daughter came across a car on it's roof, the occupants were out and safe, but Molly saw it and has been asking loads of questions, daughter was shook up, it was just around the corner from where we live. I did drive Molly past the spot and we decided they got back into the car and drove home, because the daddy could fix the car, hopefully that will bring closure to Molly. 

The Traitors has been brilliant TV this series, I was worried because we knew so many people, normally we have no idea who anyone is, the end of the semi final has thrown up a good line of thought, Joe is on to them, and then I wonder about Nick, he said he would align himself with who he thought was traitors and he is very chummy with Joe, is there going to be a twist in the final. Alan has played a  brilliant game, only Joe noticed his behaviour at the last round table, his red face shone out. Also the final of Bake-off is next week, we don't watch much TV, but these two have both been entertaining. 

What's new

This was a brilliant book, a good story line which we all can recognise a daughter looking after her mum, then the handy man arrives and sorts everything out, a little too much, what followed was a battle of wits, each getting the upper hand on the other, so many twist even to the final couple of chapters, I could not put it down. Book 73 read this year.

I made 6 cupcakes from my second batch of Christmas cake mix, which we loved and had the idea to make small cakes, I had loads of the ingredients left over, I did not have any glace cherries or mixed peel so it's just mixed fruit, this made 14 cakes, these are slightly overfilled, so I could have made a few more. Both brother and daughter have asked for smaller cakes, so this might be a better solution, too late this year but going forward.

The metallic cupcake cases I have had for ages, and will last for years having 60 of each colour, I got the tiny edible cake decorations, just too fiddly to make, I will leave in cases and cut circular marzipan and fondant icing for the top. Much simpler and should look good, some of these will be gifted to Sharon as a thank you for her eggs.

I could not resist this little decoration for my office, it is just the head and stand, the wool (yarn) I already had, just a bit of fun and not too expensive, I think they started out as a toilet roll holder, this is much nicer, He's called Owain, pronounced Ewan. 

It's been a busy week, all 3 little ones had parents evenings, Will's good as always, he's hard working, willing to learn, well behaved in class, one new to us comment is that Will often chooses to partner another boy who has special needs, and helps him with the task, not really surprising as he is so supportive of George. Molly's as expected was good, interactive throughout the day, she is loving school, George on the other hand has issues, daughter has already had a meeting at school with teacher, 1-to-1 and his support assistant, who is steering the teacher onto a path more suitable for George. He is settling into his day, but he is frustrated and has had a few melt downs in class, which is reflected at home, he gets really upset and lashes out at mummy, he is a strong little boy. Regularly I get video calls to help calm him, I chat to him until he is calm again, these episodes only happen on school nights, he's so calm over the weekend, it is sad to see him behaving like this, he had been calm for much of the last school year.

I visited the dentist this week, I'm still NHS, but more often now any treatments are being recommended to be done privately, as the NHS solution is never now the best, every way they want your money. Hubby had another appointment at hospital, this was solely for checking other things before the cardiology specialist decides the next steps, a few solutions have already been spoken about, hopefully soon decisions can be made, including a medicine review, he takes huge amounts of tablets, me I just take a statin.

I went to my third evening at our village WI, this being my first as a full member, I am enjoying the group and find the ladies most welcoming, this time we provided gifts, which we wrapped and signed loads of Christmas cards for local nursing homes, we also had a lady in chatting about the charity she works for associated with our local hospital, it's the groups chosen charity for this year, they do great work supporting people in hospital.

Christmas cake

 I've used the same cake recipe since the late 70's, the only change I make is to leave out the almonds, thus allowing me to eat some. Here is the 3 main components, mixed fruit and peel soaked overnight in the zest and juice of three oranges, the brown looking sludge is dark brown sugar, butter and eggs, the dry ingredients are plain flour various spices and halved glacé cherries, all stirred together, the flour mixture stops the sticky cherries clumping together. 

Everything is popped into the huge bowl and mixed together ensuring there are no white flour left showing, this makes a huge cake, both hubby and I love Christmas cake. Into a double lined cake tin, with a wet tin wrap on the outside to stop it over cooking, years ago I would have wrapped newspaper around the outside of the tin. Bake for 120ºfor 3 hours. 

Once cooked I turn the cake upside down so the top is flat and start to add brandy, I do not put brandy in the dried fruit soak, I prefer the citrus flavours in the fruit. Cakes need 3 drinks of brandy before they are marzipan and iced, which I leave as late as possible, so the almond paste does not seep to far into the cake. I always trim my slice of cake never eating the edges.

Every year I get this sheet of paper with the recipe typed by me, originally it came from a magazine, I do have a copy on my computer, but it's rewarding to see my messy sheet, things have been spilt on it. I have made notes for cooking times, these have changed over the years as our ovens get better at their job.

The tip of putting the cherries into the flour was given to me by my mum, in senior school there was a baking competition we had to make cherry cake, I followed mum's instructions and won first prize, my cake was the only cake where the cherries did not sink. My prize a huge cookbook, called Colour Cooking by Good Housekeeping, which I still own, sadly it's rarely used, it's falling apart at the seams.

This is my domain, hubby bakes all through the year, but I always make the Christmas cake, infact I make 3, second for daughter and third for brother. Last year I started making mincemeat, which is easy and taste much better, I also want to make puddings, which won't be ate this year, I will do the same as my mum and store them for a year to infuse flavours.

The house smells of Christmas spices, it's warm with the oven on, I cook our big cake first and on the next day the two smaller ones. 

Now to decide how to decorate them, I make all the decorations, daughter and I did a course a few years ago, nothing too fancy. I always use fondant icing, which I purchase ready to roll.

Random bits

 Hubby make a delightful cakes each week, here he made brownies, a special treat we don't have too often, after watching bake-off he decided to make a treacle tart. I am so lucky to have a hubby who loves to bake, he does most of the cooking. He got this domed glass cake stand, replacing the plastic container, it does look much nicer.

Another great book, mother and daughter, loads of history, what would you do for your child even if they are not the same as other children, a very different tale, I switched from liking the mother and then the daughter a few times as more of the back story was revealed, I did not want it to end. Book 71 read this year.

I had loads of fun on Sunday, Molly and George being creative, this is for George's class project, Molly joined in as well, they both love crafting, felt tip pens and glue anything shiny. Molly made a plate into Goldilocks and George a bear, George is much better at wearing his glasses whilst sitting and working. They both now are happy to sit and create.

I adore my duffle coat, it's warm and very comfortable, but I have always hated the string and wooden toggles, so finally I have replaced them with nicer ones, sadly the new toggle is plastic, but they do look much better. The coat was too thick to use my sewing machine, I have hand sewn them, there is a zip closure, so these are mainly for show and do not need strength to hold the sides together.

I was using my desktop a couple days ago and the monitor turned off, after checking leads and plugs we agreed the monitor had died, easy task to get another one, but my goodness the wire mess below my desk, firstly dust (hanging my head in shame) and 3 extension leads, I now have just one with a circuit breaker which is attached to Alexa, so I can turn everything off without crawling under the desk. Most of the cables have gone, these days one lead is all that's needed.

We are not doing much at this time, the dry sunny days are just so peaceful, having Sunday at daughters house was fun, it's nice to have someone else cook a meal, I did clear the table and pack the dishwasher, both Molly and George help, it was a quick chore. The afternoon relaxing watching George play with cars, Molly dancing to her favourite tunes, a perfect few hours.

We have not put the heating on as yet, it still warm enough in the day and we have lap blankets for when it cools down, it's promised to get cooler this coming week, so turn on will be soon. We have changed our midweek alarm to 7.30am, I see no point getting up too early, when we are staying at home. We have listened to radio 2 for decades, neither of us are enjoying Scott Mills breakfast show, we have tried other stations, but nothing suits, I do like to wake up to music, so we hope we have picked times where Scott is less silly, Goodness I sound Old. We do like to have a midweek alarm it helps us have an idea what day it might be, and we both get up together, Saturday and Sunday I get a later start.

Books and boats

This is the latest and 8th book in the Strike, private detective series, a huge book, 897 pages, she writes a really good plot, they are tasked with finding if a murdered man is their clients boyfriend, its a cold case and its complicated, as there are a few people who it could be, they already know it's not who the police decided it was. These books have been made into BBC series, so I already know the two main private detectives, to keep it real they also have other cases ongoing. This was one of the best stories, I really enjoyed joyed it, book 69 read this year.

I love this author, I have read most of her titles, this popped up on my kindle, its a great plot, two stories with a fantastic twist near the end and another later in the plot, I loved it. She does plan and draws out a deception, once revealed you immediately realise it was there in plain sight. Book 70 read this year.

My autumn display is out in my kitchen, I do love this little jug with seasonal displays, the colours are typical for this time of year, I did get just one new branch, with the smaller acorns on. There are conkers hubby picked for me for this little dish, the two china pumpkins are years old, I never aluminate them, they will be packed away in November, but the foliage will stay until I pop in Christmas themed bits.

Tuesday we met daughter at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, it was another sunny bright day, she wanted to use her birthday money and used hubby's discount card to save a bit more. She helped us choose Will's Christmas gift from us, we got him new clothes, we had lunch together, a fresh baked Cornish pasty sat in a deck chair in the sunshine before we caught the bus home.

If you look past HMS Warrior, between the dockyard buildings you can see HMS Queen Elizabeth docked, its a huge aircraft carrier, the pale grey showing through. It's always fascinating being on The Hard, this is where the bus station is, so we often look out at Navy vessels along side historic and all the small private vessels. 

We are both loving these cold bright days, laundry has been dried outside, the garden task are being completed, housework has been done and time spent with our daughter, it's much easier to wrap up warm on dry days, our heating is not on yet, we have boosted a couple of times. 

Hubby has had his final results and they threw up a surprise for him, more hospital consultant appointments in the coming weeks, we will face them together, we have always had a united front on what life throws us, for now we are not saying much to our families, once the treatment is in place we will share it all.

We have both enjoyed getting out again, we never expected to get our first Christmas gift, but we did want to choose something special for Will. We did pop to the village yesterday, market day, I looked at plants and kept my purse in my bag, I really do have a full flower garden. Hubby wanted to pop to B&Q for some nice wire for the raspberries, I am banned from using chicken wire (which I already have), I'm going to wait until next spring in hope he forgets and I can use what I have.