I always have the intention of keeping my blog up to date each week… but of course that doesn’t happen for various reasons. I always state I have been too busy, and I can at least say that this time and not feel I am just making an excuse. My job at BP has been particularly busy, but being a school governor has been exceptionally busy. The Head is retiring, and we have had to go through the recruitment process, as well as the Heads performance review from last year, a full GB mtg this week… all of which required significant preparation. I informed the GB in September this would be my last year as Chair of the GB, and I am glad I did. I am looking forward to taking more of a back seat, and not having my leisure time vacuumed up so completely. But that won’t be till next July.

Last week in October was half term. Ellie had to work a few days, Tricia was busy with her work… and I was flat out with mine. But on the Thursday afternoon, at around 3pm, we climbed in the car and went to Field Dalling in Norfolk for the weekend. We picked up Ellie’s friend Charlie on the way, and the four of us arrived in Norfolk around 7pm… not too bad considering the traffic. The cottage had a wood burner, so I had a great time making up a fire, and after we had eaten, sat there, glass of wine in hand, enjoying the fire. Simple pleasures :-). On the Friday we went off to Holkham Hall, where we enjoyed the walled gardens, and museum… and lunch… before going down to the coast for a walk along the beach. We came back through the woods, and stopped in some bird hides. There was a fantastic sunset, and we could see lots of migratory geese. Then it was onto Wells-next-the-sea for fish and chips, before going back to the cottage, and falling asleep in front of the fire. Saturday it was over to Holt, Ellie and Charlie wanted to go around the shops. Late afternoon we went for a splendid walk around the Holt country park. The trees were colourful, it wasn’t cold, and it was very still. Glorious. In the evening it was a pub meal at the Red Lion in Stiffkey. I enjoyed an excellent pint of Guinness with my meal :-). Then it was back to the cottage and falling asleep in front of the fire.

A slow start to Sunday, we packed, cleared up and left around 11am, and riving over to Sandringham, the Queen’s country retreat. Lovely place, we went round the house and the gardens before an excellent lunch, and the drive back home. A lovely relaxing weekend. Just what was needed.

The first week in November was back to reality. Tricia had a drive to Chatham on the Tuesday to stock herself up on jars. I was trying to get software rolled out into Hungary. We ended the week with a strange meal out on Saturday evening with Juliet and John. We went to a pub restaurant in Waddesdon… you could order something, and something slightly different would appear. A fine example being the apple crumble I ordered, which turned out to be rhubarb crumble. The food was excellent, but random… During the week Robbie and me had popped in to see my Mum and Dad. Here is my Dad playing with his trains :-)… and on his model, he has put in a shop for Tricia.

Tuesday 8th November was ‘GCSE Certificate Presentation Evening’ for Ellie. Her year group gathered at the school, and there was a formal handing out of certificates. I say ‘formal’ but it was relaxed, and there was great little speech from the Head of Year, touching on some of the funnier moments from the year.

The Friday evening was ‘Quiz’ evening, raising funds for Ellie’s world challenge trip. Ellie set most of the questions, I double checked them, added a round. Tricia prepared a mountain of chilli and rice for everyone. We had a challenge getting set up as the day nursery had not cleared the hall when it should have – but we got ready in time. Ellie did really well asking the questions. Nikki helped Tricia serve up, Matt came along with her. Rob and Amy came along and took part in the quiz. A successful evening. But worn out at the end of it. On Saturday Ellie was rehearsing all day at the school for Annie. Tricia went of to Hemel in the morning so she could do some coaching. Deb and Carlos were visiting Rob and Amy for lunch and we had been invited over, so I met Tricia there around lunchtime. We had a good catch up with Deb and Carlos, before leaving to go and pick up Ellie.

The following week brought Tricia’s first Xmas fayre of the season at the local school, and also a funeral. Hilary, who had lived next door to Tricia when she grew up in Winslow, had passed away. On the Friday evening Tricia and me went off to the theatre at MK, where we saw ‘Relatively Speaking’ an Ayckbourn comedy, very well written and well constructed, and performed well by Robert Powell and Liza Goddard. A nice evening. Saturday we had two birthday celebrations. First off in the afternoon we went to David Heffer’s 80th. Then in the evening we were off on a trip with Bob Webb for his 60th… but we didn’t know where we were going, it was going to be a surprise for us. There were 9 of us…. we were all on a mini bus about 5:45pm…. and off we went, towards London. We eventually arrived on Lancaster Gate… off the mini bus, and int a restaurant called Bel Canto… in short, the meal was served whilst people sang pieces from opera. It was very different, and brilliant.

And the first mince pies of the season…

Sunday then brought Nikki’s birthday meal. Her birthday had been during the week, but we got all the family together to celebrate. Nikki doesn’t like to be reminded that she is approaching 30…. so of course we all respect that, and remind her frequently :-). I cooked a traditional roast beef Sunday lunch, and what with the puddings, I for one felt full for days! Here is Nikki at Young Farmers do a few nights before, and one of the farm dogs.

This week I finally got on top of the software delivery to Hungary, which is a relief. And whilst it was a busy week with school governance, it was nice to reach Friday on top of things. Tricia and I went to a 70th birthday party on Friday evening for Jim Gorringe. Saturday Tricia had a stall at an artisan market in Buckingham for the switching of Christmas lights. Ellie was at work, and then in the evening she went out to the cinema with Nikki. A sisters night out. Today I had to dig my bike out, clean it up and get it over to Robbie… he had his stolen from Tring station on Friday. The world it seems has plenty of scumbags in it.

Finally a picture of Ellie…. you should never wind your Mum up when she is doing the washing up :-), and with Christmas Day being on a Sunday this year, Advent started on the 27th Nov… so the first candle alight on the advent wreath.