Evening everyone. Well where has the weekend gone? Blink and you've missed it. Yesterday I had quite a busy day. Up reasonably early for a saturday as I usually enjoy a lie in. Washing done, all 3 sofas stripped, washed, dried and put back on. A lovley stew with dumplings simmered all day in the slow cooker and a chocolate cake made. A trip to the local farm shop to buy vegetables for the week ( and a couple of bottles of local real ale that hubby managed to sneak in!!!!) Leaving him at home next time! I was tempted by some locally made butter but resisted as I just coudn't justify the £3.45 price tag. Yes you read that right £3.45! It was for 500g but still I felt it was a tad too expensive. Thing is I only buy butter as I refuse to eat any processed margarines or spreads. I can pick up 250g of farmhouse butter in Sainsburys for £1.19 though that is very nice so think i'll stick with that.
After tea we had to run our eldest daughter to a hen party ( complete with feather boa, pink tutu and a tiara) that was a 45 minute drive. We did volunteer to do this as it would of been an absolute fortune for her to get a taxi and she had no other way of getting there. She had a lift home from another friend so that wasn't so bad. On the way back we called into a pub that we have never been in but have meant to for years. It was hilarious, like going back in time to the 1980's. It certainly hadn't been decorated since then and in the short space of time I was in there I must of heard every Dire Straits track ever made which came out of a very ancient juke box. I asked for a baileys with ice but was told they didnt have either. I opted for half of stout in the end as unless you were a real ale drinker there really wasn't much else to choose from. I could of stayed there much longer than I did if only for the entertainment which came in the form of a table of drinkers in the corner that I suspected had been there since lunchtime. Bags of shopping under the table and the states they were in were a give away. Every now and then a cheer would go up or a round of spontanious laughter. Very entertaining for a people watcher like myself though.
So today, Mothers Day. I got up, cooked bacon for everyone then decided that the rest of the day was mine for relaxing. I had a phone call from my son in Devon who I thanked gratefully for for my lovely card and bouquet of flowers also a fabulous picture drawn by my beautiful grandaughter aged 3 of nanna complete with yellow hair ( she always says this when I ask her what colour my hair is. I like to think its blonde! ). I also had some lovely cards and gifts from my daughters including vouchers, chocolates and a Cath Kidston mug and pens. I then went to visit my own mum who was back from her travels to Wrexham. I had bought her a card but no gift as she really wants to go to visit Chatsworth House in the Peak district since watching a documentary about it on TV. So, on Saturday we are taking her and this will include a visit to the farm shop and finish with a meal in the pub belonging to the Chatsworth estate as it has an excellent reputation and uses its own produce for its meals. She has 4 children and 10 grandchildren so she had her fair share of chocolates and flowers. I thought spending time and effort would be a nicer option.
Finally tonight I chilled out at home with the girls and my mad cocker spaniel. My eldest daughter and hubby bought a takeaway which was a real treat for me as I do all the cooking. Even the washing up was done by my youngest daughter. I've felt truly blessed and spoilt today and realised just how lucky I am. Didn't go to the supermarket all weekend as we are using up the meat in the freezer and only buying fresh bread, milk and vegetables to top up. Had a great weekend with the dreaded "Bill" too although the first aid course tomorrow may be more than a bit testing. Wish me luck.
Right i'm off to try to get an early night as i'm on a first aid course in the morning. Deep Joy!
Take care everyone and good luck to Dan on his opening night in London.
Jules x