Happy happy happy

Loving life at the moment. Everyone is happy, always a bonus! The house is calm and all is quiet, not even a murmur from a certain persons bedroom. We even had a stress free,after tea,maths lesson.  (Think that was a clause!)
Unfortunately R has been sick today and is now curled up in the back room in her onesie, under the duvet. Mr M is curled up in his normal position on the sofa in his fetching PJs.

Now signing off as Nigella is tickling the taste buds.

Fiftieth birthdays

Tonight's topic of conversation was fiftieth (took five goes to spell that correctly) birthdays. Not a welcome thought that's it's only two years and a month away. Mind you Mr M will reach that momentous target six months before me. I have a trip to New York to look forward to with some lovely friends who reach that time in life in the same year. But what to do foe Mr Ms?

On the other hand as life passes us all by why wait for these special landmarks to celebrate? Maybe we should make the most of every day and not wait. Who knows what's round the corner as so many of us have come to realise these days?
Life is too short.

Mum's taxi

I am sure I am not alone in being taxi for my children. Today's trips were daughter no. one to work at 9.45am, daughter No. two to work at 1pm, collect No. one at 3.30pm collect No. two at 6pm. Now I have to admit daughter No. one can drive and will collect No. two at 6pm for me whilst I do tea. Later No. two wants taking for a sleepover at a friends and therefore will need collecting tomorrow morning and taken to work. It will all start again. In my younger days I would have to cycle to and from my summer job. Are us mums going soft doing all this running around for our lovely children?

Long time no blog!

What a week! This week has been a roller coaster of emotions. The beginning of the week started with a trip to Alymerton,North Norfolk,with forty three excited ten and eleven year olds and five equally excited adults. We were rained and shined on, no different to all the other residentials so far. I had expected to of topped up my tan in the last week of term, how wrong I was. Mind you I did manage a short power nap in the middle of Tuesdays six and a half mile walk. It was all in the line of duty! A colleague of mine had a close encounter with the marram grass more than once, by choice of course! What fun we had, all be it returning to base shattered on Thursday. Friday was very emotional. Goodbye to so many lovely characters, more than I can ever remember in one class. The tears flowed at the end of the day, it was like a domino effect, one started then they all did.Even some of the hardened boys were leaking tears and were asking for a comforting cuddle. Mr L asked the children not to cry because they were leaving but to cry because they had been at Hillside. What a lovely thing to say and so true. A new chapter for all next year, including me. Let's see what it brings,

Second time lucky

Well it kept dry today for sports day. Second time lucky and all went well, only a few moaners. The look on the children's faces was enough to see that they were enjoying themselves and the amount of photos and comments on a certain social network are testament to the fact. I also have one happy child who came home with a bronze medal even though she is convinced she came second! This evening the allotment has been raided of it's produce,Spinach,strawberries,raspberries and broad beans. I feel another jam making session coming on tomorrow, might make raspberry and strawberry this time. The runner and French beans are now racing up the canes and the leeks are ready to be transplanted. Will be down there again tomorrow to do all the jobs we were unable to do tonight, weather permitting!

Olympics

Olympic fever is heightening in our household. R was gutted not to be able to see the Torch go through Northampton today, but on the upside it only left ten pupils in her class today whilst being observed, as the rest were out watching the Torch. Bonus. E made her own Torch at church yesterday in the best Blue Peter tradition, before she wrecked a floral display! Mum is of to Filby at the crack of dawn on Thursday to see the Torch go past little bro's house. Then all well and good B and I will be cheering it along the market place in Great Yarmouth with the Year sixes. Then only twenty seven days till we will be at the Riverside Arena watching the Olympic hockey.

Strawberries

Well it's been a long time since my last blog. Seem to of been really busy, it's that time of year. My days seem to of been filled with strawberries at the moment, strawberry jam (that wouldn't set),coulis, smoothie and champangne and strawberries. Not forgetting the mystery of the missing strawberries at school! More jam making tomorrow, will try a different recipe I think. More jars needed as well, I will fill any that are donated empty. Any takers? Must have more strawberries than Wimbledon!

Swimming but not getting wet!

Swimming seems to have taken up a lot of time today.Well thinking about and sorting out problems, so not getting wet.Don't think I have the energy or stamina for that. Nearly sorted teams for the Hillside Swimming Gala; a real challenge to get approximately one hundred and fifty children in at least one race. Then to GY High School for Swimming Club to sort problems and be an ear to bend. The joys of volunteering! Love it really, just wish some would engage mouth or brain before doing!

Never a dull moment!

Been really busy over the last week,so haven't had time to blog. During that time I have broken the bank at Great Yarmouth races, slept in student digs,trailed round North Norfolk in the rain,been wined and dined,read about Mr Grey and weeded. What a life I lead! Back to work today. I never know what to expect day to day, and today was no exception. Talking parrots,double sided toilet paper,smelly water,broken chairs,mouldy rolls and ripening strawberries. Never a dull moment. Here's to tomorrow.

Jubliee

Had a great day yesterday at Hillside's street party. Can't remember if it was plan A,B or C but all seemed to go well despite the early morning rain. Three hundred buns were iced and sprinkled, whilst sandwiches were spread, marshmallows were spiked and crudities cut. A visit from the Queen and Country dancing were rounded off with a rousing performance of Rule Brittania, Land of Hope and Glory and God Save the Queen. A moment I personally found very moving, I'm a softy at heart. Then as soon as it began it seemed to be over and the bunting was coming down; a bit like working in a shop at Christmas and having to take the decorations down on Christmas Eve before you go home. It's all over before it's started! One end of our street had a party today; needless to say we were not invited,which was gate crashed by a police car and van with blues and twos, to a domestic( according to a third party). Happy days!

Had a great day today. Weather has been briliant and I was outside with my sidekicks, Mrs P,F and T soaking up the sun. Think it was the best lessons all year for PPA.Monday is the new Friday! Red, white and blue seems to be a recurring theme at the moment; bunting,cakes,plants,placemats and leggings. Think I will be dreaming it, or will I be dreaming about Mr Grey! Don't think I dare start to read it!Hope the weather holds good for the Hillside Jubliee Street Party later in the week.

B...... marvellous. Can upload on the computer. Had a lovely day today in the sun, stopping off at some lovely spots around the Broads in Norfolk. First stop Rollesby Broad where E fed the Egyptian ducks. "How did they get here, Egypt is a long way away? She asked( don't say said!).

False alarm still struggling to upload.Was going to put on a lovely photo of Rollesby Broad. Never mind, maybe will have it sorted tomorrow.

Anyway, then on to Hickling Broad and the Pleasureboat, where a shandy refreshed the parts. Then homeward bound dodging some of the 4,000 cyclists pedaling round Norfolk raising money for the British Heart Foundation. Wish they didn't cycle three abreast on those windy Norfolk lanes. Overtaking was a mouth in hands job.

Look out for photos tomorrow!

No photos

So frustrated not able to upload photos to my blogs. Followed the steps advised by my IT expert Mr L and I still cannot do it. Upload is greyed out on the upload box. Are my settings wrong on the IPad? Will try on the computer.Will have to get Mr L to look at it tomorrow and see if he can sus it. On the plus side looking forward to Quadblogging this week.

Shoots of growth

Been to the allotment tonight and the fruits of all the hard work are beginning to show. Runner beans are raising their heads from the bone dry earth, looks like the slugs have started to nibble though. Climbing French beans seem to be in deep slumber, the canes are ready and waiting to bear the finger like pods. Broad beans are doing just fine. Carrots were slow to peep out;but can now be seen between the weeds! Talking of weeds, hoeing in this dry weather is ideal as they just shrivel and die when attacked with the hoe. Not good for the water supply as the waterbutts are getting low. On the plus side there looks like we will have a bumper crop of strawberries. Roll on the jam making. May need to tweet Nigella for a recipe,she messaged me one for the rhubarb!

Pet hate

Swearing. Why do teenagers feel they have to do it? Are they not intelligent enough to articulate without the use of the F word? Do they feel they have to do it to be one of the crowd? Or maybe to be the leader. So shocked when following someone on Twitter and every post has to contain a vile word. Unfollow I say.One of these days the penny will drop that it is not big and it is not clever. Am I alone in this opinion? Is it that I am out of touch with today's society? I hope not. What do you think?

Assembly

Got to plan an assembly tonight on Respect for others. Is respect a thing of the past? Not sure there is enough respect around these days. When I was younger we would respect people in authority such as policemen and referees. Now-a-days they are sworn at and have things thrown at them. Tomorrow night I am going to show my respect to Adam Dury at his Testimonial match against Celtic at Carrow Rosd. Eleven years service at one club is unheard of these days. A random fact;did you know respect is one of the Olympic values?

Jubliee overload

Am thinking that by time the Queens Jubliee comes round I will be Jublieed out! It's starting early, invitations, baking, making, decorating and the rest. I seem to be dreaming in red, white and blue. Outfit sorted, but not sure I dare wear it. May keep for my trip to the Olympics,not sure the girls will approve. Ex HPS pupil in Olympic trials, competing against Jessica Ennis, may see if she can give us a look.

Ruddy good!

Great news for John Ruddy on selection for the England squad. He joins another ex Norwich keeper in the squad, Rob Green, they keep rolling off the production line.Pity Holty couldn't join them for the trip. Let's hope the strikers do the job in the tournament, so Hodgson does not rue leaving him out. The only bonus is that he will have a restful summer break, ready to prove the doubters wrong again next season. Not bad for a tyre fitter. Just goes to show dreams can become a reality if you work hard enough.Heres hoping Paul Lambert is not dreaming of becoming Villa manager!

Decisions, decisions

Finally booked a stay over Jubliee weekend. North Norfolk here we come. Now to decide on where to eat; The Pigs,Wivieton Bell,The Lifeboat Inn,Byfords, The Crown, too much choice! Can't believe how cold it is tonight. Got frozen picking rhubarb at the allotment; now defrosting by the gas fire. Can't remember the last time we had it on!

Child free

As Mr M and I seem to be child free over the Jubliee weekend,I thought it would be great to get away from it all and treat ourselves to a night away. Well not too far away! You wouldn't believe how hard it is to book a hotel room in North Norfolk over the Jubliee weekend. Most want you to book two nights or the prices are mega money. Maybe we will have to settle for a quiet weekend in!

Final day of season

Travelling to Northampton today encountered coach loads of Villa fans at Cambridge Services. They were dressed in various so called fancy dress outfits,X Men,Batman,Robin,and Batwoman (tragic as my daughter said.) Also bumped into a chapter of Harley Davidson enthuasists, sadly all over forty.Come kick off time this afternoon was sat in student accommodation with a Spurs,Liverpool,Man U,closet Man C and three Norwich fans,watching Sky Sports News.Then two laptops went on with two separate games on. Crazy times especially as there seemed to be a goal going in all round the country every minute, for the first ten. Time to leave,so had to be content to listening to the radio commentary. How gripping! Joey Barton, I think your time is up, a long ban and hopefully the sack from QPR. You have had too many chances. Finally enjoyed watching the coach loads of Villa fans on the long road home after defeat by City. Looking forward to watching all the highlights later.

New York,New York

Great evening last night with friends. Looks like it's full steam ahead for special trip in May 2014. Got Mrs P on the case for the forward planning. Seems that I need more than £500 saved as I think there is going to be some serious shopping,eating and drinking.I am also looking forward to reading Mrs S's book and attending the premier!Have to pay for this years holiday this week, which means it must be only 10 weeks away. Can't wait. Mind you so much happening before then; daughter number one will be twenty( surely I look too young);Olympic torch coming through Yarmouth; Year six trip(not sure if going though);Jubliee weekend away(child free, fingers crossed);meal and night at The Swan; hockey at the Olympics.However s....y the week has been there is always something to look forward to and someone to share it with. Don't hesitate live life to the full, you never know what's round the corner or what road life is going to take.

10.5.12

The Also Rans swept into second place, due to Mrs W being closest to Woolworths opening in 1870 something,at the quiz last night. Mrs H and L came in a close third. I feel a popadom coming on! Tonight I am out with my other glamorous friends, for a meal. It's the 40 something club. Hoping we will talk about our trip,to help us celebrate our next special birthday.

9.5.12

Wonder how many sad people auditioned for the X Factor, outside the Forum in Norwich, today.How many competitive parents took days off work,to take little Jonny, to try their luck! Bet Norfolk schools attendance figures took a hammering! Better start planting trees. Think I may of used several today, whilst preparing for next week.Still have more to do. Also helped to fill the shredding bin, due to my inability to program our Hi tec photocopier! Off to pit my witts,against Manbys finest quiz teams later. Hope AW has read up on the latest news.

7.5.12

Been back to 1216 today. King John arrived at Framlingham,demanding the surrender of the castle.Watched the Men at Arms and Archers defend the castle by firing the catapult and giant arrows over the battlements. Listened to some dodgy medieval singing, watched the stew cooking in the pots over an open fire and watched hand to hand combat. A thoroughly good day all round.

6.5.12

Great result for the Canaries yesterday, disappointed there was no Match of the Day last night to hear Lawros thoughtson the game. Will have to watch tonight, wonder how far down the programme we will be? Have really enjoyed watching the Olympic hockey test event, culminating in a GB women win against the top team Argentina, or Afganistan as E kept saying. Now watching Newcastle v Man City, what a miss by Toure.N is in his usual position on the sofa, asleep. Might flick onto the snooker in a bit, then E has swimming later. Looking forward to cracking open the Cloudy Bay later. Memories of a special time and family no longer here.

4.5.12

How did that Argentinian hockey captain sneak onto the Falklands to film that Olympic video?On the Olympic theme, I'm hoping all that military hardwear, sailing up the Thames or stationed on the roofs of flats, is not needed this Summer.Don't know if I should feel nervous about attending the Olympic or excited!

2.5.12

No rain today! Today's Sun has show itself up with its headline about Roy Hodgson. They should be getting the country behind him not ridiculing him because of the way he talks.What chance has he? Whilst on football, why can't spectators spectate and not get involved, let managers, coaches and officials get on with the job in hand, instead of interfering?Just enjoy what you have gone to watch.Without these people there would be no games.End of rant for today.

1.5.12

Doing my bit, 'digging for victory' tonight.Runner bean frame erected and seeds planted. Broad beans;parsnips;spinach;lettuce all peeping through the soil.Rhubarb picked for mum and Tina.Happy days.No need to look for the 'black market!'

30.4.12

Listened to a first hand account of a child in Norwich during the bombings in WW11.Humbling. On lighter note found out that little brother Jonathan has been meeting with Jamie Oliver in Australia.Markwell Foods are marketing Jamie's foods in Aus. He had dinner and breakfast with him.

29.8.12

A day of two halves.Torrential rain this morning,seafront a washout,couldn't even get a coffee and cake from fav tearooms. Had to settle for lunch out instead, what a hardship.Now glorious outside, sun beating down!

28.4.12

Football,football today.Great to see Southampton back in the Premiership.Shame Cody McDonald couldn't get on the score sheet for Coventry though.Hope the Bradwell FC dads are not too stiff after their charity game today, and they managed to raise plenty of money.Can't bear to check on the Norwich City score, as they are already 2-0 down.Good job we got lots of points earlier in the season.

Super casino bid

Great news that the Casino licence has been awarded to the Pleasure Beach company in Great Yarmouth,well done Albert and all involved. Great new investment for GY.

27.8.12

Doing my bit, 'digging for victory' tonight.Runner bean frame erected and seeds planted. Broad beans;parsnips;spinach;lettuce all peeping through the soil.Rhubarb picked for mum and Tina.Happy days.No need to look for the 'black market!'

26.8.12

New tenants in house today. Hope they are going to stay long term. Loving Gino and Antonio in Italy, taste buds are flowing. Another place to add to the holiday list.€50 for olive oil!

48years old

Missing my friend Leigh whose birthday it is today. 48 years old,sorry, Leigh, but you have got there before me, only by a few months. Have spoken to her and hope to meet up again soon.