It's All Over Now!!

Well it is, Christmas Day and Boxing Day both been and gone for this year. Very enjoyable it was too, and lovely having Jane here for this year.We had a great dinner all organised by the very clever Vin, who enjoyed the benefit of the new oven recently installed.  Everybody had something they liked and nothing wasted. Beautiful brownies for our Christmas pudding too which we had muchlater in the evening. Boxing day buffet was a mix of all sorts of dippy things and again perfectly cooked by Vin. 

Jess enjoying her present from our Jane which was a cat nip mouse. She sescended on it and got quite high very quickly, became quite mad actually. really funny to watch. Funny thing the next night Jane brought her upstairs and put her on the bed and she becan to sniff where it had been on the bed, and stayed there, very unusualfor her too, she normally runs off out of the way. 

Another little present, an Emma Bridgewater bowl with " Only the Best " on it. 
A Happy Christmas had by all.

Busy Monday!

Quite a busy day for some in this house, not meaning me of course! Vin has done the bedding  in our room and also made the bed in Jane's room ready for her coming home at the end of the week. That looks lovely and tidy now. There is an electric blanket in her bed so it should be nice and warm. 
She rang up this morning having been for a wander to get some things from the shops. Then again at home after her lunch and later from Sainsbury's and B&M  she was pleased because she had done all her Christmas shopping things so did quite well. The Secret Santa things are always awkward becaus you very often don't know the person you are buying for, or their likes and dislikes  so can be difficult. Hers was a man this time so especially so, very hard buying for a man. 
Little Jessie had a bit of fun lastnight. She came up last thing to go on Vin's front last thing and stayed there for ages settling down to go to sleep. Then all of a sudden she got up and jumped off like she had been shot. Ran out of the room and off along the landing. Then I smelled an "aroma"  in the room, I looked at Vin and said "is that you?" he said it wasn't he thought it was me then the penny dropped . it was the naughty cat who had f***** and run off quick! What a puss!

Where are my presents. 

Tootsies!

Off to Podiatry in Aintree yesterday, this week was Thursday instead of Friday, but the same time. We have got into a bit of a routine with this one at three in the afternoon. we have a small coffee a bit earlier, then  light lunch meaning a yoghurt, get changed and off we go. Try to leave the house at about a quarter past two and we are there on time. Traffic is building up now, and it was certainly busier in Aintree than it was on a Friday  probably more clinics etc.,
I took the girls a tub of Celebrations, then as I was passing their office I noticed two boxes piled up on the side of the desk so I said "Oh God " I've just noticed those and gave them my contribution, Cathy said don't worry they will all go, everyone shares them out, and the Doctors come and help themselves. Mental note, maybe biscuits next year not Celebrations. 
When we got home our Jessie got up to greet us when we came in. Did she?  Guess! She stopped in her basket, radio on and nice and warm.

Today we are in catching up on things, Vin is putting lights up on the fence outside. Hope he doesn't get too cold because it was frosty last night and is quite cold now.  A normal day today really, going to do some cards later, since we are getting a flurry through.  Time to do ours. 

Busy!!

Got going today. We needed to go over to Southport Argos to collect a television that we ordered yesterday. We had a load of vouchers from the shopping monitor screening that we do so used those so effectively it is a free telly. Not bad! 
We went to Dobbies first. Our Jane had kindly given us a voucher for them for my birthday, and we used that to get some nice Christmas things. We bought some lovely shortbreads which I really like, with a touch of glitter, some cakes that everyone likes cherry and a madeira one. Also some crackers for a bit of fun, mince pies for Vin.  Did very well really and got things we all like. 
Went for our coffee then, I had a flat white and Vin had a flavoured latte. Both very nice, it was quite busy today with a lot of shoppers  but cleared up later. 
From there we went tocollect the television, Vin got his stuff ready and came back after a while because he said it took the woman an age to scan  each voucher. Didn't matter, i sat in the car listening to some boring bishop talking about what makes us human, mostly related to god and preaching religion.  We did call in at Sunnyfields nursery to see if they had a wreath for the front door but he went in and came back to say they were all too big so didn't bother.
When we were having lunch at home Vin checked our balance for the shopping monitor to date and found that we have at least another  £150 in that plus extra, so that is nice. 
Little Jessie didn't exactly greet us at the door. She was in her basket and just  about raised her head, Didn't bother getting down. Nice!

Tree in the front window. Lovely and twinkly. 

Just chilling!   

Quick Online!

A few minutes ago we sat down to look at small televisions online4 at Argos because we needed one for our bedroom. The one that is in there is our old one from downstairs which we replaced a long time ago. It is very cumbersome and has never looked right. and since we had vouchers for Argos and we are going to Dobbies tomorrow we thought we would go for it. Harder than we thought because a lot of the ones we looked at were not  in stock, but just now saw a nice Hitachi one so have reserved that one. Pick it up tomorrow. 
Poor Vin is a bit under the weather today. he says he is wilted  but I think he does too much, and he is tired. My fault, he spends too much time running round after me and jessie and needs to go slower. 
We got a nice christmas card from jessie's first mummy today, with extra special cuddles for her for Christmas. Vin put the envelope under her nose and she gave it a good sniff then went back to what  she was doing, having a good old lick! 

Happy cat in front of the fire her daddy built for her. Sadly no cream cake for tea though.  

Groundhog Day!

I was reading a novel last night about a man who lived a groundhog sort of day he said. He got up and went to work same time every day came home at the same time every day went to bed after watching some television and did the same every other day. But, he did go out and kill homeless people in a bit of time in the middle!!!
Mondays are largely bits of a groundhog day but not like that. Didn't go out today but we didn't intend to anyway. Vin did go over the way to see if they had a wreath for the front door, but he said they were all a bit straggly so he didn't bother. Then at the other garden centre he bought some good old fashioned tea lights as he calls them  they are deeper than most of the ones we buy these days so burn longer.. We are thinking of going to Dobbies on Wednesday so we can see what they have there. 
All the Christmas decorations are up except for the wreath but I must get going on a Christmas newsletter that I put in with the cards.  My writing is atrocious these days very wobbly and unreadable so I type up a few notes to include. At least it can be read. 
Got a message from Janet in Australia yesterday to say that our john has had a short stay in hospital with pneumonia which you don't expect in their weather, especially with it being their summer.  He has also been diagnosed with emphysema she thought the smoking in his early days didn't help. that came as a surprise because I never knew he smoked. It was probably in his RAF days I should think.  Our dad was a very heavy smoker he smoked about twenty a day and they were Capstan or Senior Service and all unfiltered too. He gave up when I was about thirteen but it took its toll later on in his life.  He died of bladder cancer. Terrible thing addiction to nicotine. 
Little Jessie was having a great time playing with her daddy and biting him at coffee time. Mind you he was taunting her. 

 What me taunting her? Never !  Bad news pussy. No cream cake either. 

Feet Out!

Today revolved around the appointment at Aintree for the podiatry clinic. This was for three o'clock today which is not our usual time, we have been going at round about lunch time for a few weeks. Actually it was quite a good time to go, giving us a bit of time for a mini coffee and biscuit and our daily listen to Ken Bruce's popmaster quiz.  We listen to that every day when we are in but don't get many of the answers. 
Little  lunch for us today because it was to close to our coffee time, and we both just had a yoghurt, then up to get changed.  Off to Aintree at about a quarter past two. We left in a real drizzle but that cleared up as we  drove and on our left the sky was blue and on the right a big glack cloud. Very strange. A lovely rainbow just as we were going out of the village no sign of the pot of gold though. 
Got to Aintree nice and early, the waiting room has been  done up, with rows of chairs in angular lines and a big screen up in the air that I couldn't see! The idea is that you tap in on a screen when you arrive and then your name comes up when it is your turn. However, the podiatry section isn't involved in that so that's ok. 
Cathy today and she was very quick, so we were in and out quick, and on our way home. little Jessie  greeted us at the door...Not! 
She was asleep in her basket and there she stayed, nice the way she runs to the door when we come in!!!

Sorry puss there's no cream cake today! Never mind maybe on Monday!

It's Really Looking Like Christmas!

I love this sign. We bought it from New England on one of our trip there in the fall. Was quite expensive at the time but wouldn't be now. 

It is looking a heck of a lot like  Christmas now. The last tree was finished this morning, this was the one that goes in the kitchen at the far end. It's a really pretty one with lots of silver decorations that I bought on sale from M&S years ago for about 2.99. A gift really.
This little cat doesn't seem bothered by the trees at all, most of our other ones were, they used to chase them or fiddle with the ornaments till they dropped off. Inky was terrible for doing that, she would knock the baubles off them and we would find them all over the house later because she would roll them round. Great fun for a little cat I suppose. We would come down in the morning and find one in the hall that would have been rolled around in the night. 
Jessie just sleeps peacefully in her basket, oblivious to all around her. She doesn't mind the radio, or the television the only thing that gets her attention is the doorbell still. 

Waiting for Countdown because it means the last bit of cream cake for the week! 

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree!

Vin got our Christmas trees out of the shed this morning to get them ready for decorating and putting up soon. We have three, one in the kitchen, one in the front room window, and the third in the middle room which we use all the time. They are all artificial ones but are really nice ones and look good when finished. I have collected a lot of decorations over the years, and also do a bauble swap for quite a long time now, and some of those are lovely so enjoy them.  My most prized ones are a little box of wooden ones we got from Liberty in London years and years ago when we used to go to London on day trips. They were £1.50 then which we thought was a fortune but now seems paltry.
Jane rang up at lunchtime to say she was excited because she had won £25 on her premium bonds, and asked if Vin had checked his. He hadn't but as soon as he had his lunch he went up to check and found he had won two twenty five ones. Both happy bunnies! I am going to have to buy some I'm feeling left out. 
Jessie went out this morning, Vin said she was out for about five minutes. She probably decided that it was a bit too cold and then came back in again. Not soft that one! 

Shall I go out or not? that is the question. Must make sure I'm in for my cream cake! 

What a Grey Day!

Definitely a grey day to start today, drizzly and not a day to go anywhere. Not that we do usually go anywhere on a Monday anyway, we tend to stop in especially in the winter. 
Our first Christmas card arrived today, so I shall have to get our ones going. The letter to John and Ann was finished yesterday and I just added a line or two then Vin had a go at printing it off. The trouble with our printer is that it isn't used very often these days. It used to be used a lot when I was at school but that was years ago and it is only used once in a blue moon now. After a couple of goes at cleaning the printer head he got a good result. So the package has now gone off, cards and all.
 Little Jessie was up on the bed early this morning, I felt her on my feet,  felt like she was jumping around. Vin said he ignored her for a time and turned over, and she settled down a bit, but hung around, so he got up to feed her. She always wins in the end. 

If I look at you nicely can I have some cream cake today? Please.

Bits and Bobs!

Wednesday was a problem because the puter was playing up.Nothing doing at all and we tried all afternoon so gave up n the end as a bad job 
Thursday I just coudn't be bothered to go upstairs after lunch so didn't. Vin had to go over to the surgery for his flu jab which he gets every year, he was really quick and was back in about a quarter of an hour. I was surprised to see him back so soon. We also got a delivery from Bullens of all sorts of bits most of which I don't need as we already have a good stock of them. There was a bag with five! tubes of Cavilon which I only get every three months. Enough to last for ever. The reason for that was a mistake via the surgery, normally I get one tube at a time and the script is sent over to the chemist but for some reason they had sent it straight to Bullens hence the five tubes. The one item that I really need they didn't send either, a real mix up this time, and nothing to do with us either.
Today I have a podiatry appointment at the Podiatry clinic in Aintree. We got a phone call the other day to ask if we could go at one instead of one thirty so it will be a bit of a rush but never mind. 
Our Jessie has been loving the fire, when it is lit and going she gets herself full length in front of it. Doesn't even move when Vin tops it of with more coal and a log. She is the only cat we have ever had who didn't run a mile when he has done that. 

Bit too early for cream cake, and it is Friday so unfortunately there isn't any. Sorry!!.

Wet and Windy!

Very dark this morning when we woke up, quite windy and drizzly which turned into real rain later. Vin went down for the paper and came back saying how blowy it was. 
Our Jane rang up at lunch time having come back from Tesco. The big news there was that she had driven there. Since she hasn't driven for quite a number of weeks that was good news, she had gone round the block a few times first to get the car going and then gone to the larger Tesco to give the car a bit of a run.  That seemed to be a success so should put paid to standing at bus stops for a while, that must have been so annoying when you have a perfectly good car at home. 
We also got a phone call from the podiatry centre at Aintree to ask us if we could change the appointment on Friday  from one thirty to one o'clock.No idea why but it doesn't matter. 
Jessie  has been quite quiet today so far, lastnight she was having a great old time with the culpepper mouse which has beenlying round the house for an absolute age. It was bought for Rusty and Bobby as a Christmas present such a long time ago and has been so well licked that it is black. Still drives them mad now , Jessie certainly gets enjoyment from it. 

Worn out lickin! Must save myself for the cream later!

Black Friday Dull Monday!!

The "Black Friday"  has been and gone although there are still adverts for it on the television, they seem to turn it into a week's event nowadays. Now there is a cyber Monday not sure if it is today or next week but no matter, won't be buying anything. 
Jane has had a bit of a buying spree lately, she had been saying that her phone was playing up and the battery was getting very dodgy, so  she had ordered a new one from John Lewis. She did say that when she looked online it had dropped it's price by £50 so maybe that was due to the Black Friday. Anyway it was £700 so I gave her something towards that to help out a bit. Hope it did. Enjoy your new phone our Jane.
Friday for us was the podiatry visit which was 1.30 and the same time this week. Quite a quick visit this time because there seemed to be a lot of podiatrists on duty. We came home for lunch after that , greeted by a very lazy looking Jessie who barely looked up from her basket where she had obviously been asleep.  She then waits for her daddy to feed her.

Peacefully waiting for my cream cake!

In Again!

We were going to go out today but to be honest I for one couldn't fire myself up to going off to Tesco to get a coffee which we can have perfectly well at home. One of the troubles of having a Tassimo machine is that it makes such good coffee that you begrudge going out for one really. Unless of course it is at Aintree which is better, or Dobbies so we can go shopping as well. Since we went to Dobbies last week  that was out.
In the end it was a good job because the postman delivered a parcel which may or may not be a present for someone in this house. But I'm not saying. 
Vin also did a bit of podiatry this morning! no not me but his baby, who he said had an ingrowing toenail. This nugget of information he gave me as I was about to put a spoonful of chocolate boulders to my mouth at breakfast time!! He said it was curling round into her paw pad and must have been giving her trouble. He got her still and used the cutters to get it cut. Think he checked on line first to make sure he was doing it right. He said when he had done it she was limping off  making the most of it. She seems fine now, so she must have forgotten the pain and agony of it all. 

Poorly paw!! Never mind a bit of cream cake will make it better. 

Going Dark Early!

Just come upstairs after lunch which was lateish, and it is really going dark today. Only just past four and lights going on everywhere. 
I had said we were going to go out today but this morning we overslept a bit so decided to stop in and maybe go out tomorrow. Instead we stayed in and did bits and bobs. Vin is busy doing recycling, we seem to collect loads of papers these days, the Sunday ones are huge these days, and then they have supplements also which all need getting rid of. The adverts that are put in them are quite often just thrown away as soon as the papers are opened too. Terrible waste of paper. 
Then the doorbell rang at lunchtime and it was the postman, or delivery driver with a great big box. No idea where it  had come from, or who sent it, but at the bottom of this great big box was the "Wonky Donkey " book so I'm guessing it was our Jane who has a very quirky sense of hunmour . It is actually a very clever and well done book terrific illustrations, so thank you Jane if it was you. I know it was!
Little Jessie has been quite quiet today. Asleep in her basket most of the morning, just getting up for a bit of food. Vin has just lit the fire so no doubt she will get up and go in front of that soon.

Cream cake time soon Jessie!

Monday Again!

Another Monday around again, they do come round with monotonous regularity don't they.
Quite a grey day today too, almost looks like rain but nothing showing so far. We both thought it was fairly cool today too, in fact vin did a very nice carrot and coriander soup for lunch (courtesy of Baxters) with a few croutons. lovely. 
We both got our government windfall today too £100 each for the winter heating allowance. Funny the way the money keeps rolling in.  Very welcome though it will pay for some of the coal we use.  Vin keeps a tally of all of the fires that we have during the Autumn/Winter season and it is 55 so far already this year. They mount up.
Little Jessie has been in her basket most of the morning, no doubt she will get herself up to go in front of the fire later when he lights it. 

Favourite spot, hogging the fire. Good news though, there is cream cake for tea!!

Traffic!

Just busy everywhere, suppose it is the end of the week and people finishing early for the weekend. Also it was the school turning out time and that makes a difference. 
Very misty today almost looks foggy, and the fields quite overcast. Where the pumpkins were is totally gone, razed to the ground, you would never know they were there. 
The podiatry appointment took quite a while because Rachel was dealing with the left foot which has two tiny blisters on it so she dressed them and redid the right one. New socks on and good to go.
When we got home and Vin opened the front door there was a little black and white nose pressed against the middle door. Looked really sweet. Miaowing really hard as well clearly hungry. We went upstairs and she followed a bit later still miaowing really hard. Vin said wait there and she  did halfway down the stairs! 

Just looking at him ! No cream cake today either, noneleft, what a shame. Never mind maybe Monday.

Christmas Shopping!

Yesterday we took ourselves off to Dobbies , mainly  to get our free coffees for the month, but also to look for some things for the parcel for Australia. 
Nice day for a change, it's usually blowy when we go there but wasn't yesterday. Very quiet too in there, change from  last time when it was half term and absolutely heaving with kids running round everywhere.mostly couples looking round and enjoying their food in peace and quiet. 
We had a good look round first and saw a few things that were good, we have already got their calendar but also got a nice pen for Ann, a book called time for tea, and a pack of christmassy napkins so the parcel is building up. Just need something for John and we will be sorted.  So bauble done, and their parcel nearly done and that's it.  Went for our coffees then I had a flat white and Vin had a latte with caramel flavour which he was pleased about because he got that free.  After that we got our shopping and also went back for a colar for Jessie. Her old one she has had for two years now and was looking extremely fluffy and horrible. She now looks very smart, it is a nice reflective one, not that she goes out in the dark but it is easy to spot. 

She just about raised her head up when we came home! I love the way she came running to the door to greet us...not!! She did rouse herself when it was cream cake time though!

Going Dark These Days!

Gosh the nights are drawing in fast and furious now. Poor little Jane must be feeling like a mole in a hole these days, she is on nights at the moment, so goes out to work when it is dark but at least she is coming home in the lighter morning. Hope the bus comes on time for her today, she was waiting ages yesterday. 
We haven't been out today, but might tomorrow, somewhere for a coffee. Not sure where yet. Thursday Vin is planning to go and get a haircut,it's getting a bit long now, and Friday I have a podiatry appointment at the podiatry clinic Aintree. 
Jessie is really used to the dark nights  and actually doesn't wake Vin up too early either, so her body clock must be in tune already. She spent last night in front of the fire lying full length on the carpet. Best spot in the house!

Guess who's coming for cream cake, that is cream without the cakey stuff!

Remembering!

It was big weekend this last one. It was the anniversary of the end of the first world war, so a very big service at the Cenotaph in London and indeed all over the country with each area having its own type of service. There was a small one round at the war memorial as they do every year. We watched the one on the television and I must say it is very moving  all the soldiers marching past with their wreaths and different stories. Being born just after the second world war in 1947 I have no memories of either wars but mu Mum did have a brother who served in the First one. His name was James and he fought all through that one, winning the Military medal but was killed in an accident just after while working in a barracks somewhere, electrocuted in fact. We still have the medal which his mother had made into a brooch actually.
Vin went for the papers this morning and also to buy some stamps from the post office next door. The lady asked him if he wanted Christmas ones but he declined. Wonder what they are this year. 
Little Jessie has had a nice weekend in front of the fire when it was lit. She lies full stretch  in front and only once did she get a bit too near, but when we shouted she moved back. Good girl.

Such a pretty girl I am. Waiting for my cream cake! 

Half A Costa!

Yesterday we took ourselves off to the Costa in Formby for our coffees. When we arrived it was heaving but we found a table luckily where we normally go. The reason we went was because we had a final coupon left from the paper, this one for buy one get one free. He had a latte and I had a flat white, apparently with a new roast of coffee not that I could tell! Very nice though. 
Stayed n today and played "doorbells", This morning the doorbell went so I waited for Vin to go and answer it, he didn't and I saw him in the garden so knocked on the window then it went again, and it was the postman with a parcel he had left next door, but all met at once. It was a parcel for me!! feel guilty now. 
After lunch sitting up here the doorbell went again, not sure it was answered so I got up to go to the top of the stairs just after it went again, then the door opened and Vin came in, he said it was our neighbour,who couldn't find his key and was asking if we still had one. Then it went again same person to say he had found it. Vin was a bit cross with me because he has told me loads of times not to bother with the door and definitely not to go down, mostly because by the time I got there anyone would have gone.  Sorry Vinny! 
Wonder how little Jessie reacted to the doorbells going off, she hates them. No idea why, just one thing about her I suppose. 

Getting tired waiting for my cream cake!  None today, sorry baby!

Tipping Down!

Vin was planning to shift some bulbs today and do some bits in the garden, but by the time he was ready it started tipping down, absolutely pouring so nothing doing there. He did register the oven and the hob online which took a while but he got there. He had cut  the serial numbers from the boxes that were left before he took them to the tip, fortunate because the one on the hob is under it!!! the oven one is on the door, but I wouldn't know how you would get the other one. Ah well!
Not gone out today which was fortunate given the weather, but might go somewhere tomorrow. We do have a coupon for a half price coffee which we have kept hold of, and is due up on the 11th of November so need to use it before then. Not losing the chance of getting money off a Costa!
Our lovely cat Jessie disappeared into the kitchen when we were having our lunch, and used her litter tray. To put it bluntly it stunk!!!filled two rooms so the air spray had to be used. She promptly came back through the middle room and then straight through to the front room where she has been ever since!! Very wise!

She will be back when the fire is going!

Too True!!

Guess what time it is!!

Photographs!

Thankyou Vin! He has just spent an age putting photos from his phone onto here for me, so I don't have to keep using the same ones that I have been using for eons. 
We  didn't go anywhere today, Vin had some things to do and I was online this morning just ferreting about really, checking on stuff. 
Very grey today, it has looked like rain most of the day but nothing materialised as yet. Now the clocks went back the nights are really drawing in quite quickly.It is as I type this at a quarter to five getting extremely murky and black outside. Fortunately we did not hear any fireworks out last night, so nothing to disturb the princess from her slumbers. There don't seem to be as many around lijke there used to be. None over at the hotel where they used to have a big display each year, but nothing this one. Good job really because they were always very loud and used to frighten little Rusty who would hide under the table in the corner. Bless her!

My babies! not quite all of them there is one missing, getting ready for her night shift in Manchester probably. 

Monday Again!

Gosh! they do come round with monotonous regularity, fifty two each year and always on the same day, amazing that! 
Quite overcast today, grey and very cloudy, no good for hanging out the washing.  Vin has done the bedding this morning, swapped the old mattress protector for a brand new one and replaced the top quilt for  the bigger one that we have. 
The new cooker and hob is proving to be a big success, the old one was tending to burn things, especially the edges of pastry goods. His pizza last night was perfect, done exactly right, and no burnt edges which has been a problem for a long while now. 
Little Jessie has been mainly in today and in fact all weekend, she has found the catnip mouse that used to belong to Rusty and Bobby and Tootsie had a good go at it too. Literally it must be years old,  plus it is now totally black. It was a very pretty shade of pale green when bought from Culpepper in Bath. 

Somebody's stoned!  Not too much for some cream cake though!

T'was a Friday Morning!

As the song goes "T'was on a Monday morning"  the gas man came to call, but today is Friday and so far anyway there is no sign of anyone yet. He is supposed to be ringing and in fact as I was typing this he has just rung and is on his way. That was fortunate.  We are having a new gas cooker and hob which Vin has arranged. Good job Vinny 
Little Jessie didn't wake her daddy up this morning  he of course got up early to get ready for the man coming,  and she was downstairs waiting for him. She is presently in her basket but is about to get a shock when the gas man comes to call. Don't think she will come up here with me actually, she tends to avoid me, she might if her daddy was in here because she follows him round like a little  puppy dog!

All mine! You get away!! No cream cake either, I may sulk now!

Appointments!

Yesterday we had a really busy day with a bunch of them! Started off early with one at Podiatry which was at ten. We had a bit of a wait there wee not many podiatrists  on duty. Saw the lovely Jo who did the foot required , made some more appointments then we went off to the fracture clinic to get the wires out after a long six weeks! Went for an x-ray then  just round the corridor.  The nurse took one of them out and I had forgotten just how long they are, looked about six inches and quite thick as well. Not painful at all and came out easily, the other one was a bit naughty, wouldn't move for her, so after trying two sets of pliers she went and got Mr Butcher who we weren't due to see. He is a great jovial man who came in and gave a big tug which I did feel and it came out. It was a bit bent which was why it being troublesome. I didn't bend it either.  I had also had a form to get a repeat blood test from the one I had done earlier in the month so Vin went and got some wheels because it is miles along the corridors, that in itself is is a task, the chairs are like gold dust!  Went up to the elective care building and surprised to find there was noone waiting, so pretty much went straight in. Bonus!
After all of that it was coffee time,  so after Vin had got the car back we decided it wasn't too late to go for a Costa  good choice! I had a small skinny latte but Vin had a flat white which looked really nice, wish I had that! 
Home to find little Jessie in her basket, after being out all morning she rushes to the door to greet us-Not! she barely looked up! 
When I came upstairs to do this she was on Jane's bed right in the middle. Vin said she had run off when he was doing some vacuuming. Scaredy cat! 

Where's my daddy? Hope he's got some cream cake left!   

In Today!

In today because we are out tomorrow, I have appointments at the podiatry clinic then to go and get my wires out and finally to get a repeat blood test, so a busy morning then. Therefore we have stopped in today, but Vin has been sorting out the kitchen ready for the delivery and fitting of the new gas cooker on Friday. He put the pans in the dishwasher and they have come up beautifully.Well done Vin or should I say well done dishwasher.!
It is now twenty to five and going surprisingly dull and dark already, that hour really changes things. So far it doesn't seem to have affected Jessie much except it is a bit lighter in the morning. Vin said she only came up once this morning  turned round once and went down again. That of course is enough to get him awake so he went to feed her  then went on the computer for a bit. 
The Internet is playing up a bit today actually, keeps going off every once in a while. Then comes back just a matter of being patient. 

If I snuggle up to you can I have some cream cake?

Busy Day For Vin!

Monday morning and we usually stay in but Vin has been researching gas cookers online and found what he wanted. It was a firm in Aintree who sold the make that we wanted, it is the same that we have already so he knew it would fit in the space. He had found the firm and gave them a ring on Saturday spoke to a chap from there who knew what he was talking about so decided to go there today. Off he went this morning hotfoot over there. He rang up really quickly to say he was there and was about to go in. Rang again a bit later to say he had done the trade and it would be done on Friday. That is the cooker and hob delivered, fitted all done n Friday. That is some going, well done Vin!
Top marks to the little family firm doing it!
Clocks went back on Saturday night and the nights are getting darker by the minute it seems. There was a touch of frost last night as well Vin was saying how strange it was that as soon as the clocks go back something seems to switch off and everything goes darker and clder.
Little Jessie hasn't been out much she doesn't like the colder weather either, and stayed in her basket while Vin went out this morning. Miss snooty doesn't come up to see me at all!  Might stop paying for your food then!!!

Where is he? I want my Daddy. Hope he's back for cream cake time. 

White Goods!

There seems to be a lack of white goods on the market these days, probably due to the use of black in kitchens which is the new fashion. We need a new gas cooker and Vin has been searching online but could not find anything in the white we have always had. They are all Black!! to go with the horrible black kitchens that you see on Homes under the Hammer programmes. He did find a firm today in Aintree that deal with the New World cookers  so he rang the up and got details , they deliver as wellso that is a bonus  also they fit them . We need the oven and the hob and they have what we want but no white available which we expected. Good going Vin!
We have been in today mainly because it was dark and rainy looking when we woke up this morning  so stayed in in the warm.
It is quite cool today in fact I would say it is really quite cold and a number of people online all over the place are saying the same thing. Except for the ones in Australia of course! 
Little Jessie seems to enjoy the fire too, or the heater, she seems to be a warmth loving cat. 

This is my sad face because it is no cream cake day!!

Two Day's Worth!

Yesterday we went off to Dobbies, we haven't had a coffee out this week so decided to go there and get our free ones for the month. 
It was quite busy actually mainly because it is half term week. That of course means there were loads of kids running round making their usual noise. Pity we hadn't left it tillo next week but at least the coffees were nice. I had a flat white which came in a very dinky little cup, and Vin had a flavoured latte which came in a decent sized cup at least.  Very draughty because the kids kept going outside to the climbing frames and opening the door. Still it was nice people watching.
We had a look round before our coffees so went back to get our shopping. Wanted a few cakes to keep us going, and had a look at calendars for next year. but they didn't have much choice. We actually ordered two off Amazon today and they are two pounds cheaper which saves us four! No wonder people buy online!
We got our cover for the Amazon Fire tablet that was ordered last week yesterday, quite cute with little cats faces all over it but done quite well.  Vin has been playing with the Alexa system that is on it, good fun  at least for a while. Might be useful for the crosswords on Sunday!
Little Jessie has been enjoying the warmth of the fire for the last few days, as long as she is near her Daddy she is happy. 

She likes her home comforts does our Jessie!  Last bit of cream cake today!

Cool and Blowy!

Woke up today to a completely different day from yesterday. Very breezy and blowy and grey looking. Not raining but does look very grey.
We are in today but might  go to Dobbies tomorrow we need a few things from there that we have run out of. I want to have a bit of a gander at the Christmas things also, am looking for a bauble for the swap.  I do a swap every year with the people from the Delia site and  and had them from all over the place each one a bit different. 
Jessie has been inside most of the day, I think the wind frightens her a bit she doesn't like sudden noises they make her jump. Don't know how she puts up with Vin sneezing that's very loud and makes me jump quite often. 

Stop sneezing I'm comfy here . Is it cream cake time?

Not Another Manic Monday!

Short and sweet today really because not a lot going n in our household today. Just an ordinary Monday really, and no appointments this week either so will possibly go to Dobbies on Wednesday.
Quite nice  Autumn day today, the sun is shining and the trees are still and not moving but apparently it is going to be colder by the end of the week. We are getting some nice colours on the trees now and the leaves at the front are very crispy and dry.Nice until it rains when they all go mushy. 
Jessie was out for a little while this morning in the sunshine, and then as is her usual  sat on the doorstep waiting. Vin of course jumped up  and ran to the  back door to let her in before getting back to his lunch! Wrapped around her little claws cheeky minx!

Here I am...Come and get me..NOW!

In Today!

Out yesterday so in today which is nice. Oh my mistake we were out on Wednesday not yesterday, we lead such interesting lives that I forgot!! Doesn't matter though.
It went quite cold last night so Vin lit a lovely fire, not so cold today but I notice that next door has clouds of steam coming out of their  boiler so they must be cool in there.  The quilt has washed really well so that was very worth doing, it is now over the landing to get a last airing before storing away.
Jessie had a little biting fit last night. She jumped up on Vin in the bed quite late too and sat on his front.I reached over and gave her a good stroke and she rubbed my hand, then went back to my book which is a very good one. Next thing a few minutes later Vin was going OW! She was having a real good nip at his fingers, naughty girl. Then she jumped down quickly and ran out of the bedroom. I wonder if I had annoyed her??

Working up the energy for my cream cake. Daddy will deliver it soon!!

Good Couple of Days!

Yesterday it was our morning visit to Aintree. I had to go to the dressing clinic to get the toes redressed, and I have had a letter about a blood test for a while now so thought we would go and get that done also if there was time. Vin dropped me off at the entrance and I went down to the clinic, picked up a card which said 4 and then sat down. Vin went off to park the car. Only sat there for a few minutes and someone shouted 4 so I went along to the right room. Vin joined me some minutes later. Got the foot redone and looking fine so  no need to go back till I get the wires out in  late October. Vin went and got the car and we went round to the Elective care building, he left me in the front and went and parked the car again. Went up to where they do the bloods and surprise  surprise there was nobody waiting, so went straight in. Back to the car and free parking because we were not over the half hour stage. Bonus!
On our way home we thought we were a little bit early for the Costa at Aintree so wended our way towards home and decided to go to the one in Tesco, Vin needed a couple of bits too so that suited us. We both had very nice flat whites and spent  some time people watching. A good morning. 
Today Vin took our bedspread off to the laundrette in Crosby to get washed. Our washing machine s not big enough to take it so we needed a larger one to take it with enough room to move.  He was back in  time for our coffee this morning.
Jessie greeted us when we came home yesterday at least she greeted Vin not me. 

Look cute don't I? tickle my tummy, go on I won't bite!!! 

All Change!

At the local shop down the road.  Not sure Vin likes that, he got on really well with the ladies who ran it before. They were really nice and friendly, so he will have to wait and see what the new owners are like. 
Not out today, because we are out tomorrow, no appointment time, just turn up when we arrive pick up a card and go in turn.At least we don't have to be up with the lark.
Vin and I spent a lot of time this morning trying to get on to the site for the Fire cover. We had a voucher  for a free case which is worth £30 or so they say, but we could only get to the end stage and no further. We gave up a couple of times but Vin had another go at coffee time and was successful, so he has ordered one with little cats all over it, wouldn't you knw.  He will probably call it Jessie after his little Princess !
Talking of her, she was up to get him going this morning, jumped on the bed with a little miaow and waited patiently till he got going. 

Very patient little girl. Waiting for cream cake maybe? 

Short and Sweet!

Just an ordinary Monday today. Not going out till Wednesday morning so stayed in. Jessie  woke Vin up quite early this morning, she was on his feet, and so he got up to feed her otherwise she wouldn't have left him alone. Then he came back to bed and went to sleep again. Consequently we slept in a bit and got up a bit later. Doesn't matter because we were in anyway. 
I ordered an Amazon Fire Tablet for Vin on Saturday from QVC as it was on today's special value. Surprised to see on my e-mails that it had been delivered  to the Hermes courier and was due to be delivered today!! Now that is what you call quick! Nice big tablet with a ten inch screen. Looks like it should be good fun to play with. It is presently on charge ready to get going. 
Jane rang up at coffee time, on her way to Tesco. 

Please may I have some cream cake?

What A Grey Day!

It is a grey day today. I have not long come upstairs to do the computing and Vin looked out of the window and said it looks like rain. Lo and behold no sooner had I sat down than it started and it is pouring down now all over the middle room window. Absolutely tipping down. If anyone is out in that they are welcome!
We of course didn't go out today we were out yesterday and are at Aintree tomorrow so have enjoyed a nice normal day in the house today. Very nice too. 
Jessie has had a lovely day following her daddy around. He did bring her up to me this morning and put her in front of me for a stroke, but...the minute I did she wriggled out of his arms and ran away! Nice! Mmmm maybe I will confiscate her cat food! no maybe not, Vin wouldn't be a happy bunny.  

My cat my rules. Keep off ! One man and his cat!

Here Again!

Missing in action for a couple of days, laid up with a "blip" in my digestive workings. Haven't had one since November last year so doing very well really. Haven't a clue what caused this one must have been something I ate, but no idea what. Anyway all fine now so on the mend. 
Today we had an appointment to go to the dressings clinic at Ainttree fracture clinic basically to have my stitches removed from the two toes that were done.. Vin dropped me off at the entrance and I walked to the waiting area. To my surprise there were only two people waiting and no-one else!!! Very soon a nurse came and got me to go to the treatment room. She asked me if I wanted to wait for my husband but I said he would find me. He did about ten minutes later, by which time she had my toes undressed and was getting ready to do the stitches. They came out very easily  and the wounds look good. She redressed the foot and said she would see me again probably the end of October which would be to remove the wires.And off w went.  While I was waiting in the foyer for Vin to come back with the car she brought me a letter with the appointment and Vin saw it was for nine fifteen which is really early for us,  so he went to the receptionist and got it changed for eleven thirty which is fine. 
Jane has just rung up and she had just missed a bus, so went into the Tesco garage to get some butter while she waited. After around fifteen minutes she said guess what, there are three buses coming at once! Just like the joke. 
On the way back from  Aintree  Vin called into the garden centre over the way to see if they had any hanging baskets for the front door  They didn't really but the girl did say if you bring your own basket they will fill it for you and it is cheaper, so after we had been home he decided to take it back to get refilled. Good plan son!
Jessie has been asleep most of the morning but he did let her out in the back when he went for the basket, and when he got back she had come in on her own and was sat waiting for him. What a clever girly!!

Catching the Autumn sunshine! Not long to wait for some cream cake!

Autumn Indeed!

There is indeed a touch of Autumn in the iar. When we came in yesterday there were a lot of leaves in the front garden, looking very crispy and dry.  There don't actually seem to be many coming down from the trees though just yet. To be honest as well the trees are not turning the golden brown yet either but they are dropping the sticky resin that goes all over the tops of the cars. Horrible, poor Vin's car was so lovely and clean after the service and valeting too. 
We stayed in today because we were out yesterday. We have two appointments  next week so that will do for the time being. 
Vin is out in the garden trying to burn some weeds, he tried to go out there this morning but it started to rain, but it has cleared up now. Jessie did go out for a very little while this morning but came in quickly, don't know whether she has followed her daddy out there now. 

He was trying to get her to chase a ball this morning but she just runs away! Think she is scared of them. !

Let's Go For A ...

Costa! W3e did indeed, he wanted to get some mushrooms and a carrot or two so we took ourselves off for  a trip up to Tesco's for those.  It was really busy when we got there so we went round the store first . Just got what we wanted, and through the self service checkout which behaved itself today. I gave him a nice fresh ten pound note to use and the machine practically snatched it out of his hand, and then threw the change out of the other end. Not exactly friendly are they.  Anyway by the time we had done that the coffee shop was a lot quieter so in we went. 
Vin had an Americano with the character roast, and I had a flat white with the same roast apparently although I couldn't really tell any difference to be honest. The flat white was lovely though.  We shared a pack of their wafer  biscuits which are lovely and light.  People watched then and chatted. Surprising the numbers of people who just sit playing on their phones. All ages too the older ones just as keen as the younger ones. I wonder if they are all just sending messages about being in Costa. !
When we got home little Jessie was in exactly the same place. She hadn't moved at all, taking advantage of  the fact that the house was quiet and all was peaceful. 

Did I hear cream cakes?  No not yet puss! 
She did greet us at the bottom of the stairs when we came dowwn from getting changed. Huge miaows too really insistent. 

Caught With The Foam On !

Oh dear! normal start to the day, and I went on the computer mid-morning as usual. Vin did his normal things downstairs then a bit later came up to say he was going to have a shave. He didn't have his normal one at breakfast because the water was cold.  He disappeared into the bathroom, and then... Ding Dong the doorbell went.  He ran downstairs to answer the bell and it was the postman with a parcel!!! Wasn't expecting that, it was my perfume from Origins. Only ordered it the other day too, very good delivery. He came up to me looking all cross with shaving foam all over his face! Oh Dear!Bad timing! 
Not been out today but might go out somewhere tomorrow, otherwise we won't get a coffee out anywhere . Might be a bit too early for Dobbies so it may be a Costa job, it is quite nice there too. 
Little Jessie went outside this lunchtime then sat on the doorstep waiting to be let in. He really should train that cat properly ! 

Posing nicely, waiting for her cream cake !

Winnings!

In today,, no appointments so unless we go out somewhere for a coffee there is nothing to go out for really. Jessie went out for a little bit but then came in when her daddy let her in again!
I was sitting at the computer this morning and the phone went. I was expecting a foreign one because we have had a lot of those lately, It was our Jane however, asking if Vin had checked his premium  bonds. She was very excited because she has won £25 this month. That encouraged Vin to have a look at his and found he had won £50. !  Jane has only had hers for three months and this is only the second month they were eligible for a draw. Good going that. 
Guess who is feeling left out now. Me and Jessie don't have any!! Might buy some now. It would be nice to win the million!
Weather a bit dull and overcast today, Vin was thinking of taking the bed quilt to the launderette in Crosby but it isn't sunny enough to dry on the line really. It is just too large to put in our washing machine but it will fit in the drier just about if the worst comes to the worst. Just when you want some sunshine there isn't any!.

She was having a lovely little boxing match with her daddy this lunchtime. Her claws were going and his fists were going too. Lovely to watch. The pair of them, very comical.

Typical Mondays!

A very normal Monday in our house,  meaning just a day inside really. No appointments this week at least none til next week, Vin contacted the number we were given with the original one for five past nine next Tuesday, and managed to get it changed for ten thirty, so that is great. It means we don't have to get up at the crack of dawn. 
Just done usual things today, nice morning coffee to begin with and a really lovely machine one mid-morning when we listen to the popmaster quiz from radio two.  
Little Jessie has been out for a while this morning when it was quite nice, it is clouded over now, and definitely gone colder. First day of October today, Hare's and Rabbits, we always say on the first day of every month. No idea why. Just something we have always done. 

She was miaowing in the kitchen when our Jane rang up at lunchtime. Her Daddy says what do you you want but she just looks up at him. Waits patiently then she gets what she wants anyway!

Quiet!

We did go out yesterday because of that we were in today, so hence it was a quiet day for us. Not that there is a lot going on anyway. 
Only one letter in the post which was an appointment for the fracture dressings clinic on the 10th October which isn't that long off. The only problem for us is that it is for 9.05 which is a terribly early start but never mind, at least it wasn't for seven thirty like it was last week.  Jane is off today too so doubt whether she will ring up either. 
It is nice and Autumnal today,did go a bit cloudy mid-morning but it is lovely now. Would be beautiful weather in New England. A little early maybe but I suspect that the pumpkins are out already.  They are very keen on Halloween over there, far more than we are, and it is beautiful. 
Little Jessie was in her basket this morning with the radio on low. Vin says she likes the radio and enjoys Ken Bruce! 

She did go out for a while this morning, and Vin was thrilled to bits because she came back in on her own! I said how old is she? He said she is a slow learner!. Aaah!

Nice Little Outing!

Only off to Tesco, but it was a nice Autumn day with blue skies and the sun shining and we went off to spend our free coffees. 
Had a bit of a look round the store first, and bought a few things. Vin had said the other day when he did the bedding that we needed a new mattress cover as the old one was getting frayed. Lo and behold they had them in there a double one for £9 which is very goo0d value so we got one. Also got some crispy min ts and some frothy coffee a skinny cappucinno one which looks nice. Lovely golden packaging.  We went through the self service tills which were quite busy, I hate those but Vin goes through them like wild fire. 
Went off for our free coffees then, both coupons from the papers, we weren't alone either, while we were there there was another couple who were sorting out their papers on the table to the right of us.  Quite nice in there the seating is comfortable and looks more modern. 
We had a latte for Vin and I had a flat white.  Very tasty as usual, we shared a pack of wafer biscuits, nice and light. 
Off home by one fifteen, and enjoyed that. 
Little Jessie not moved as usual and  when I came down from getting changed there she was holding court on my footstool! Typical, take the place over. Queen Jessie!

A girl has to look nice for her cream cake!