2023 Diary - Page 37

31 October

After the busy-ness of the last few days it was good to have a normal day. Gym, work and home.

Harry, Raworths, phoned to let me know the purchaser's solicitors had come back to him with a couple of questions but nothing major. I sent a code through so they could check Dad's POA on-line.

Carole and Pauline are going to see Harry and sign the docs next Wednesday by which time we hope the local searches have come through and we can exchange and complete.

1 November

I naively thought I'd test out an earlier train today (I need to be in the office earlier on Tuesday and wanted to make sure the timing worked). Unfortunately, having left the gym early and arrived at the station on time, the trains were all delayed or cancelled thanks to a trespasser on the line at Elmstead Woods (Grrr!). I still got to the office for my normal start time but that wasn't quite the plan.

It was a Bank Holiday in Germany (All Saints' Day) so Andreas (German colleague who's in London for 4 weeks) and I went for a walk at lunchtime. He's not been to London before so I was his unofficial tour guide (Monument, Thames, Tower, St. Katharine's, Bierkeller (in case he gets homesick), Leadenhall Market). We got a bit damp but he said rain was what he expected in London so it was OK!

Jonathon and I went to see Choir of Man (again) in the evening. It was brilliant as always - I'm sure we'll go yet again at some point.

2 November

It's Gilda's birthday today so she and Alison came over and we went to Masala Dabbas for lunch. I haven't see Alison for years so it was good to see her again.

Got very wet going to the gym first thing (Storm Ciaran) but managed circuits and treadmill. This month's challenge is to hit my active calories target 12 days in a row. Our holiday in a week and a bit isn't going to help that but I'm sure I'll do it one way or another!

The printed photos of Mum and Dad arrived (the frames arrived a couple of days ago) so I made them up and got them ready to wrap for their Christmas presents. I'll send them to Carole who's kindly agreed to act as "Santa" because we won't be north again until January (unless there's a crisis).

3 November

I had a bad case of DOMS today - good to tell I'd missed 2 weeks of circuits! Just about managed yoga (but it was hard work) then did most of my steps in the gym because the weather forecast wasn't great. As it turned out, the day wasn't too wet (most of the time).

I had a wander around the garden to admire the autumn colours - it's looking very pretty.

We went to Xi'an for dinner - yummy as always - then I headed off to the station to make my way over to Shirley to see John and Margaret. I got to their area quite early so had a walk round South Norwood Country Park. It's a lovely place and the autumn sunshine made it sparkle.

J&M were on pretty good form. Margaret looked quite tired - taking care of John 24/7 is wearing her out a bit but she wouldn't have it any other way.

By the time I got home (in the rain!), Jonathon had headed out for the evening.

4 November

A bit of a damp day today so did my steps at the gym in case I didn't get out in the afternoon. I had a bit of a sleep in and caught up with bits before I even got to the gym. Covid has left me feeling a bit tired (Judy says it's the same with her) so I'm trying to make sure I have enough sleep rather than getting up before the crack of dawn and racing around all day!

Hilary's Blinds were supposed to come this afternoon but Enoch was running late so we've rescheduled for later in the week. He offered 4 p.m. today but that's Skype time so wouldn't do!

Once he'd postoned, I got outside (between showers) to make a start on the annual pruning of the grapevine. I got quite a bit of it done before the rain started again so the last bits and the sweeping up will have to wait until tomorrow.

Mum didn't have much news on Skype. She'd introduced her friend Barbara to Denise on Wednesday and they'd chatted quite happily so she hopes they'll be company for each other.

Oli dashed in through his flap while I was sitting in the den. I wondered what was going on because I thought he was up to mischief. the mouse was duly caught and popped back outside!

5 November

Gym first (as normal) then I led the Knoll Active Group on a walk round Crystal Palace Park to admire the autumn sunshine and see the dinosaurs. They looked really good against the autumn colours.

When I set off for the walk I was only expecting 6 of us but two who weren't sure turned up and then another two who hadn't told me they were coming joined us so we had a good crowd in the end.

Last week Christine was telling me how good she found her Ninja Air Fryer so Jonathon ordered one and it arrived today. We will try it out on Thursday which will give J lots of time to read the user guide!

I finished cutting back the grapevine so that's done for another year.

Had a chat with Christine - very wet up there with quite a lot of flooding but they've had sun today for a change.

It's bonfire night and the fireworks sound louder than ever but, thankfully, Oli doesn't seem bothered by them at all.

6 November

Started today with Ela's class. As Gilda and I were going for a walk I didn't bother with the treadmill but came home instead and caught up with a load of chores.

The main job for today was getting the big garden umbrella inside. After a bit of huffing and puffing we managed it (it's very heavy and awkward) so that's done for this year.

Gilda, Jonathon and I went to A Mano for lunch then Gilda and I went for our walk - streets, woods, alleyways etc. There was some really interesting fungi along the way - the mild, damp weather must suit it.

We (G & I) booked the next batch of tickets for Sadlers Wells then went to see "Quiz" at the Churchill in the evening. It was based on the TV programme "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and a contestand who allegedly cheated to win the £1m.

It was really good fun with some audience participation but difficult to decide at the end whether the Major cheated or not (but I woudn't trust his wife as far as I could throw her!).

7 November

The sunrise lit up our back garden very nicely this morning.

Only a short stint at the gym today because I had to be at work early for a training Webex call. Despite a bad line I think I got the gist of it and have done some testing since then so I hope I know what I'm doing with the new system (or at least that bit of it).

Mum went to see Dad but he wasn't in very good form today. Mum thinks it might be because the home was too hot for him.

I met Mark for dinner at Thai Square (yum!). Jonathon went to see John's silver exhibition (he has an amazing collection of post-war silver) then went on to a photo shoot.

8 November

It was raining when I went to the gym. Our drive looked lovely in the wet - the colours were shining so you could definitely tell we'd had it spring cleaned this year!

Work was work but only for half a day because I took the afternoon as holiday to catch up with various jobs at home and start pulling my stuff together for packing. I also had a first look at the sheet music for the big carol service at church because I'll miss the first two rehearsals.

9 November

Today was a "bits of" day - bits of this and bits of that.

Ela's class and gym first then home. Enoch from Hillary's Blinds came and we chose the new blinds for the two windows in the hall. We are going for roller blinds this time (less likely to go wonky than Roman blinds).

We used the air fryer for dinner - great success!

Had my hair cut ready for holidays then swept up 2.5 bags of leaves to make the patio and drive look tidier.

Teresa came for the last time - it will seem strange her not coming every week after so long.

A few of us went to Sadlers in the evening to see BalleyBoyz "England on Fire". There were some small good parts in it but generally it was awful. We were glad there wasn't a second half.

10 November

Yoga to start then had a good session in the gym.

Jean (neighbour) came and collected the George Foreman Grill that we were getting rid of to make room for the air fryer.

The main job for today was packing ready for an early start tomorrow. It's a long time since we've packed to go on a plane so weighing was needed. the main bags are well within the limit but Jonathon will need to leave his big lenses at home because they are too heavy to take in his hand luggage and there's no way we'd trust them to the hold.

Mum phoned. She'd been to hospital for a follow up chest Xray. Something had shown up while she was in hospital and the doctors wanted to check it out. Better safe than sorry.

Lesley sent recordings for this year's carol service (her playing the alto part on the piano for us to follow) so I can practice that while we're away.

Jonathon went to shoot a rehearsal at Toulouse Lautrec but had an early finish so not too bad.

The Times' review of last night's show agreed with our assessment (2 stars).

11 November

We were up very early this morning because the taxi collected us at 5.30 a.m. Oli was not impressed at all but he's got Jenny and Peter looking after him so he'll be spoilt rotten for a whole week! It's taken us 3.5 years to get back on a plane. The flight was on time and reasonably comfortable and we arrived at our hotel without incident.

I went for a stroll to get some milk, see what was about and admire the dunes. It was lovely to be able to walk around in shorts and t-shirt in warm, sunny weather.

12 November

Woke up not too early but early enough to catch the sunrise so went for a lovely walk along the seafront. The colours were amazing.

Had my first walk on the beach, albeit with trainers on then headed back to the gym to do some exercise before breakfast (more brunch really). The selection for breakfast was excellent, loads of choice for both of us.

The afternoon was all about sun, sea and sand - this time without my shoes on. I had my first paddle (the water was OK when shallow but I'm not sure I'd want to swim in the Atlantic - the current was quite strong).

While I was prowling up and down the beach, Jonathon was taking photos of surfers, the sea and anything else that took his fancy..

We were supposed to go to a restaurant called Time for dinner but they cancelled our booking so we went to Maximillian's instead - it was very nice.

We enjoyed the sunset on the way there and the lighthouse looked lovely on the way back.

13 November

Jonathon said he'd like to photograph the sunrise so I got him up when I got up so he could. Once the sun had come up I left him to it and had a stroll round the hotel grounds and garden then had a quick session in the gym. We met Petra, our Tui rep, to book a couple of tours (one for tomorrow and one for Wednesday) - he was very helpful. We didn't book the one we originally fancied because we thought we'd be too squashed in the 4x4 jeep.

I popped to the supermarket for a few bits and pieces and found some postcards (no stamps so that's a challenge for Jonathon). We spent a bit of time in and around one of the pools late afternoon then Jonathon went to capture the sunset while Icaught up on some admin bits and pieces and practised my singing.

There were a lot of little egrets and herons flying around but the egrets' bright white colours were hidden in the dark to start with!

Jonathon went to the beach to photograph the sunset while I caught up with some admin and practised my singing.

We had dinner in the hotel buffet - loads of choice and particularly yummy puddings!

14 November

A quick session in the gym for me while Jonathon photographed the sunrise then breakfast before we were collected by minibus and taken to a nearby harbour called Puerto Rico to join a catamaran trip. It was very relaxing for us and we were quite happy watching the other guests paddle boarding, para-sailing, swimming and generally getting wet. We were just happy being out at sea after such a long time.

The island is volcanic and looked really rocky along the south west coast.

We had lunch on board - very tasty.

Once we got back to Maspalomas we had coffee and cake at Cafe de Paris. It was as good as I'd hoped when I walked past it the other day.

Jonathon went to photograph the sunset while I got some bits from the supermarket then we settled down for the evening.

15 November

Today's activity was a tour of the island after a short gym session (me), a sunrise photo shoot (JC) and an early breakfast.

For more photos of our tour, please check out our holiday page.

Antonio picked us (and four others) up at 9 a.m. in his very comfy minibus and off we went. The other guests in our bus were from Ireland (2), Northern Ireland (1) and Brooklyn (1) so all English speakers (in a fashion).

We met up with four other buses and Steve, the leader, did the commentary over walkie talkie radio which was an interesting way of learning what we were seeing.

Second stop was Tejeda. Petra had recommended that we get ice cream here at Dulceria Nublo. I'm so pleased she did but I wished my Spanish was better so I could understand all the flavours! We had vanilla and caramel - really yummy.

Our final destination for the day (after Jonathon had taken his sunset photos) was coffee and a drink for tea at Pinguino Soul.

16 November

We had nothing pre-booked for today but had pencilled in a trip to Puerto Mogan on public transport (only after sunrise, gym, breakfast etc.). The bus station was only about a 10 minute walk away and the bus journey was very easy (and, thankfully, air-conditioned). We had a drink and got our bearings then wandered round the old town - really pretty with flowers everywhere.

It was another very warm day so we enjoyed the cool of our balcony and did puzzles, played with photos etc. when we got home.

The big news of the afternoon was a message from Alice to say Mr. Rennie was ready to exchange and complete on his purchase of the field. I immediately phoned Harry at Raworths but he'd not heard anything from Mr. Rennie's solicitors so I'm not sure what is going on. Harry will follow up with Hague and Dixon tomorrow and let me know.

I had a sunset walk to the shop to get more juice for tomorrow.

We had dinner at Time - the best meal of the holiday. A proper, family Italian restaurant where the waiters were good fun and really knew their stuff. The pasta was homemade, as was all the bread, pizzas and puddings. I'm really not sure why the waitress brought two spoons for Jonathon's panna cotta!

17 November

Our last full day on holiday so a day to take it easy but we wre still up early - Jonathon for his sunrise photos and me for the gym (after a walk around our floor of the hotel to look at the art work). The sunrise wasn't as spectacular as other days this week but J was very happy to spot this Whimbrel - very well camouflaged.

I spent the morning on a sunbed in the shade near one of the pools and finished the book I was reading. I did pop into the pool for a short swim when the sun very rudely came round to shine on my bed. I didn't bother finding a new bed because it was right in the middle of the day by then so I hid on our balcony for a while.

Jonathon was busy with his photos and IT stuff so no swimming for him.

The land sale didn't complete today - no news from the purchaser's side at all. Once I knew that, and the heat had gone out of the sun, I went for a nice walk along the beach and a final paddle. I felt a bit over-dressed in my shorts and t-shirt (although my hat would probably have been OK) when I inadvertently went into a nudist area on the beach - a quick exit was in order!

Jonathon went to do one final evening photoshoot (focus was on birds this time) while I practised my music before we headed into the hotel's buffet restaurant for dinner.

18 November

Time to go home but we managed to do a morning photoshoot (Jonathon) and gym session (me). I was earlier than normal s had the gym to myself for most of the time I was there.

The bus arrived to take us to the airport after breakfast as scheduled and we got through check in, security etc. relatively smoothly. There was a rock n roll band playing in the airport (I think for charity) so that was a nice surprise.

The flight was uneventful and the taxi driver was at Gatwick as planned so all good and we got home safe and sound.

I suspect Oli was more pleased that he had free run of the house than the fact we were back but it was good to snuggle him again!

19 November

Back to earth today - gym then church with feeding birds and foxes in between. A couple more loads of washing done so I'm getting there!

Spent a good hour in the afternoon sweeping up leaves - it's surprising how many leaves can fit in our drive in a week. Shreena, Mike and Amelie walked past while I was leaf sweeping (on their way to the fair / lighting of Christmas lights in the High Street) so chatted with them for a few minutes.

Had a Skype call with Mum - she didn't have any real news. The doctor seemed quite pleased with her breathing but she's still losing weight, possibly because of her reducing bone density rather than anything else.

Caught up with Christine. They'd been out with Sue (we were at school together) and Mick so she was up to date with Whixley gossip and news.

We could see the fireworks from the High Street festivities really well from our front door step so we didn't need to go down and join the crowds.

20 November

Back to normal properly today with gym first for Ela's early circuits class. I was debating whether to go for a walk in the fresh air or use the treadmill but it was raining when the class finished so that made my decision for me. It was lovely and sunny by the time I came out (but was showery on and off all day).

Swept up a whole load more leaves (Jonathon's now got me some more sacks from Dyas's sale).

Alma, our new cleaner, started with us today. She seems quite thorough so hopefully we'll get used to each other and she'll stay for a while.

Gilda and Pat came over in the evening and we went to see The Mousetrap at The Churchill theatre - very good production.

21 November

Gym then work today. Stephanie asked me to stay for another six months so I've signed up to the end of June next year. Unfortunately that meands I have to go to Munich next week but I'm sure it won't be as bad as I'm expecting (I don't like offsite / team building stuff at all!).

One of our kitchen sinks has sprung a leak so Jonathon dealt with that as best he could pending either Terry or a plumber sorting it out.

Choir practice in the evening - my first for this year even though it's the third in the series. Thankfully I was no worse than the other altos!

22 November

Gym and work and I still couldn't get into the new system so a very frustrating day.

I saw this new sculpture on my way into work.

Met Mark for dinner at Zizzi. On the way therea load of police bikes came whizzing past me with the blue lights on, followed by a convoy of posh cars, including one with the South Korean flag on (the President is visiting the UK at the moment). As Mark and I left the restaurant, the whole lot came whizzing past in the opposing direction, heading back west.

23 November

Ela's class to start the day then a session on the treadmill to get some steps done.

J and I met Derek and Maureen at Granary Square Brasserie for lunch. The blue sky was reflecting in the Regent Canal beautifully but the temperature has started to drop (hardlysurprising for the end of November!). I had the butternut squash with mixed grains, feta cheese, pomegranite etc.; the others all had goose and turkey shepherd's pie. I think J enjoyed his chocolate bombe pudding more than his main course!

24 November

Yoga first then a bit of different stuff in the gym (no treadmill) before going home.

I tested out the walk for Sunday (and added a bit because I thought it would be too short). Came in at 6.3 km so about right. It was quite chilly but the autumn sun was lovely and really brightened the colours up.

25 November

Didn't get up quite as early today and spent a bit of time at the gym. That was pretty much the morning gone.

We had dinner a bit earlier than normal because I had to be at Tesco by 12.50 to do my shift at the Marie Curie collection. I didn't realise I'd be collecting with Kerry until I got there so that was a lovely surprise. John is one of the Marie Curie regulars and was intending to be there all day - rather him than me. He was full of stories so the time passed quite quickly but I don't think we collected very much in the two hours we were there. We were upstairs on the shopping floor, near the trolleys - it was warmer than downstairs but not as visible.

Jonathon left to shoot a concert soon after I got home - something he'd been specifially asked to cover by the artist even if it might not be his kind of music!

Had a Skype call with Mum. She didn't have a lot of news. Her hairdresser still isn't answering her calls (she was supposed to come and cut Mum's hair on Thursday but didn't turn up so nobody knows what's going on). Mum will try her again on Monday and, if no answer, go to a different hairdresser instead.

I did a trial pack for Munich - the luggage allowance on Lufthansa is miniscule at 8 kg. I'm not sure I'll be abel to take everything I want but i'd rather leave something behind than have to wait for my luggage on the carousel ay 9 p.m. on Friday.

26 November

It was very frosty when I went to the gym this morning.

The church service was led by one of the house groups and went well until the last hymn when no words were put on the screen. Music Group were not on duty and it was nice to sit in the congregation for a change.

Carole's Christmas present arrived so I got that wrapped up. I also wrapped Mum and Dad's presents up and got them, and the famiily Christmas cards, safely put into a box ready to be dropped off for DHL to deliver.

Christine phoned. She seems to be very busy at the moment, catching up with her various friends before Christmas.

27 November

Gym first then Terry arrived to do a whole load of jobs around the house. He'll be here for the rest of the week because it's a long list!

Gilda came and we did another coal post walk. This time it was more local and nowhere near as hilly. We found and photographed five of the seven posts on our list (as well as lots of pretty berries!). We could see one in someone's garden but they'd put a couple of black bags full of rubbish in front of it so no photo and we didn't find the other one but it was, apparently, at the back of a house on railway land. The instructions said it was visible from the street but we couldn't see it. We met up with Jonathon at Masala Dabbas for lunch.

Terry disappeared to go pick up some replacement parts needed for the kitchen sinks then Alma came to do the cleaning.

In the meantime, Alice heard from Mr. Rennie that they had signed the docs and his solicitors had his money so, as far as he is aware, they are ready to exchange and complete on the land sale.

Choir practice was my final activity of the day while Jonathon was up in Camden photographing a concert. He only stayed for the sound check (the lighting was awful and he didn't like the singer!). Thankfully, choir practice was a bit more successful.

To 2023 Diary (Page 38)