Burgers

When you’re both having a rubbish time, burgers are good medicine. And chatting non-stop too. Anni and I headed to Zak’s tonight for a birthday / Christmas / long overdue meal.

That and they were doing 2 for 1 on burgers. Who doesn’t love a bargain burger?!

As we left, we were going to do a selfie by the Christmas tree. A lady smoker offered to take one for us. Very kind of her. Though on this occasion, it was a little bit when the kindness of strangers goes wrong. The spotlight behind her meant her shadow was projected onto us like some hidden monster. Made us both laugh when we saw it.

Another funny memory to add to the collection. And right now we both need a good laugh. Job well done lady smoker.

Gentle and patient

This really resonated with me today. I feel like a broken record, but it’s been a lot lately. My flying visit to my parents over the weekend has left me feeling rather drained.

So today I was gentle and patient with myself. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be feeling better in myself. It’s a worry right now. But my Mum is in the right place.

Musicals

So the musical theme continues. I drove back from my parents singing show tunes at the top of my voice. Pretty sure the other drivers on the M25 were grateful they couldn’t hear me belting out ‘Defying Gravity’ or ‘Into the Unknown’. I was fabulous of course! And totally nailed those high notes…

When I got back I watched Strictly. They had numbers from favourite musicals Beauty and the Beast, Wicked and Moulin Rouge. I love musicals. I mean who wouldn’t want to live in a world where people spontaneously burst into song?!

That’s got to be better than my world right now. Mum had another turn this morning. So she’s back in hospital for more tests. It’s a really worry for us all right now. The show tunes were a great distraction. Well till I got to Newmarket and I couldn’t hold the tears back any longer. Thank you to everyone who’s sent well wishes. It’s so appreciated.

Les Mis

So Mum’s been topping up her NHS frequent flyer points this week. So I’ve added more miles to the Comedy Car and headed South to see my parents for the weekend.

My parents are both fans of musical theatre and Les Miserable is a firm favourite of all of us. So we thought we’d watch it tonight. Sadly we didn’t get all the way through as Mum got tired quickly.

She’s not doing so good at the moment. So all
prayers and healing vibes gratefully received.

Stars

I love this poem. I heard it a little while ago and it struck such a chord with me. We’re often so caught up in our own stuff to see the impact we’re having on others.

When we take a moment to truly look around, it’s really quite amazing. Something as simple as chatting to a stranger. Smiling at someone. Checking in on someone. Taking time for a chat. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures. In fact, it’s often the little things that have a big impact on someone.

And I’ve also been incredibly lucky to have some wonderful people give their time to me in return. What a thing indeed.

Bitter

This was the scene I woke up to. And now it’s snowing out there. It has been so cold today. The kind of cold that is best appreciated from indoors, with a fire and a hot chocolate.

By the time I’d finished at the yard, my eyeballs were cold. At least I could come home to a fire and a hot mocha.

The kittens on the other hand have been having a whale of a time – sleeping in the warm! Not sure they’ve actually left the house today.

Water babies

So water has featured heavily in my day today. Starting with this unfortunate little boy.

Next door’s cat decided to come in for some food. Dodo was super brave and saw him off. Cue cat fight and fluff everywhere in the garden. Sadly Dodo came off worse as he fell in the pond. And I mean completely under! Then came tearing into the house.

Cue me trapping him in the bathroom, trying to dry him off and clearing up the water that was all over my carpets!

Then Anglian Water arrived to swap my meter over. Not the best start as he opened with ‘you won’t know I’m coming today’. Followed by ‘where is your water meter?’

Cue me out in my fluffy Mr Tumnus trousers in the bushes looking for it. It’s not in the easiest place to find. Poor bloke looked rather disheartened when he saw where it was. Still all sorted now.

Finally I kindly put some warm water in a bucket for Buddy to drink as the water is very cold at the moment. He knocked the bucket out of my hands and soaked my legs and feet.

Is this my payback for trying to fix my leaky roof?!

DIY-er

Now this may not look like a lot to some, but I’m rather proud of myself. It involved a ladder and a power drill!

A bit of guttering fell off a while ago. It’s been on the list but not made it to the top. Today was the day!

While the ladder was out, I checked the roof as it has started leaking in the boot room again. Looks like the flashing had split. Again. So I got some sealant out. Not the best job ever, but fingers crossed it stops the leak.

In typical fashion, the minute I started looking at things, I saw so many more jobs that need doing. So the list may have grown. But at least I get to tick a few off as well.

Full English

This is what happens when you get REALLY cold at the yard and REALLY hungry. I really fancied a Full English. So quick trip to the supermarket and voila!

Traditionally this is breakfast or brunch, so what do you call it at 4:30pm?! Too late for lunch, too early for dinner. Whatever you call it, I’m going with delicious.